WWE Payback 2016: Reactions & Review

Here’s our final review of WWE Payback 2016!

Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin

Reactions: This opener was a bit too slow for our tastes. Corbin’s intimidating look and impressive presence in the ring is nothing to scoff at. But his in-ring skills leave a lot to be desired. While he was in control of the match, everything moved at a very methodical pace (but far from an intriguing one, however). Once Ziggler made his comeback, we woke up from our slumber. Corbin got us interested again when he punished Ziggler on the outside of the ring. The finish came quick as soon as Corbin made his return to the ring and got shocked by a surprise roll-up. This was nothing special, to be quite honest with you all. This feud is obviously going to continue. We just hope their next match is a lot better than this one.

Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars

Kalisto (c) vs. Ryback (WWE United States Championship)

Reactions: This was so, so, so much better than their previous ‘Mania 32 bout. We cared so much more for Ryback this time around thanks to his blatant disrespect for Chicago’s own CM Punk. Once the match got underway, Kalisto made us care due to his wild offensive start. Ryback got in control but this time, his mistreatment of the small title holder was actually fun to watch. It was nice to see and hear the crowd actually give a damn this time. Kalisto pulled some more amazing moves out of his arsenal and Ryback pulled off an insane Gorilla Press Slam off the top rope. The back and forth struggle between both Superstars was a vast improvement over their last encounter. Kalisto winning was quite the shock, too. This was pretty decent.

Rating: 2 & a Half out of 5 Stars

Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch) (Tag Team Match to Determine the #1 Contender for the WWE Tag Team Championship)

Reactions: Everything got off a great start with the pre-match mic work from The New Day and Enzo & Cass. But sadly, the match came to an early and disappointing close after Enzo got injured after being thrown face first into the middle rope. We hope Enzo’s okay…

Rating: No Stars

Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens

Reactions: We’ve witnessed these guys tear it up on the Indy scene. And we’re happy we got see them push each other to the limit on WWE’s main stage. Zayn and Owens put on a great matchup that went back and forth. Zayn clearly had the crowd behind him, but Owens’ heelish ways got him some crowd appreciation as well. Zayn pulled out his best moves and so did Owens. The biggest moments had to be Zayn backdropping Owens onto the ring apron, Owens hitting two Cannonball Splashes on Zayn and Zayn spiking Owens on the outside with his Tornado DDT through the ring apron. These Superstars looked impressive during their ongoing war. When Owens Superkicked Zayn and laid him out with his Pop Up Powerbomb, we were sad that this match was finally over. We want more and hopefully we get just that. This was a good bout between two rivals who always put on great performances. Owens’ post-match commentary was hilarious as always.

Rating: 3 & a Half out of 5 Stars

The Miz (c) (with Maryse) vs. Cesaro (WWE Intercontinental Championship)

Reactions: Owens’ ringside commentary is incredible. He needs to take over Byron Saxton’s spot ASAP. Now onto this match. Miz and Cesaro looked very good during this IC Championship contest. Cesaro got the majority of the offense here with his powerful European Uppercuts and slick suplexes. Miz did get in a few moves of his own, including his Skull Crushing Finale. This was a solid back and forth encounter that was made all the more better due to Cesaro’s crowd adoration and impressive offense. Things got hectic as Zayn and Owens kept brawling on the outside. Their fight played a part during the outcome of this match, which was a nice bit of storytelling. This match was fun while it lasted, but now we’re looking more forward to all four of these men fighting over the IC Title in the future.

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho

Reactions: We’re guessing this match got even more time to develop due to the 1st match coming to an early close. While we’re sad to see Enzo injured, we’re glad that Ambrose and Jericho got more time to put on such a great match. Jericho’s a proven commodity when it comes to talent who can put on great matches with anyone. That’s exactly what he did here with Ambrose. Ambrose provided Jericho with the perfect dancing partner during this grudge match. We were on the edge of our seats when Y2J launched Ambrose right over him into the ring carrier’s section. Afterwards, Jericho and Ambrose continued to put on an entertaining matchup. Ambrose did everything in his power to land Dirty Deeds on Y2J, which finally occurred after some intense struggling. Ambrose got a worthy PPV win (FINALLY!) and had a great match to cap it off with.

Rating: 3 & a Half out of 5 Stars

Charlotte (c) (with Ric Flair) vs. Natalya (with Bret Hart) (WWE Women’s Championship)

Reactions: This was a fun Women’s match, but it truly paled in comparison to their NXT TakeOver match. Anyways, this was filled with some nice strike and submission exchanges between Charlotte and Natalya. Charlotte looked as impressive as she usually is here, as she worked over Natalya’s leg with some smart leg work and even a sweet Moonsault. Natalya looked great as well here as she pulled off a nice German Suplex. The match seemed to be getting even better, but then the disappoint and super lackluster screwjob ending ruined it. This whole “bring up the Montreal Screwjob every chance we get” WWE routine is old and it annoyed us here. This finish sucked, plus Bret and Ric really didn’t play much of a part until after the match. This could have been so much better…

Rating: 2 & a Half out of 5 Stars

Roman Reigns (c) vs. AJ Styles (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)

Reactions: Not only was the action inside and outside the ring during this match awesome, but the match stipulation changes made it even more of an insane event. AJ and Reigns fought tooth and nail during this entire main event. AJ used his agility and unique moveset to keep the champ off balance. Reigns reached into his powerful offense and continually put AJ on his back. There were moments where the match seemingly ended, but Shane and Steph saw fit to restart it on two occasions. The crowd (including us) came unglued when AJ hit his Phenomenal Forearm to Reigns through the announce table. We equally lost it when Reigns hit a Superman Punch on AJ while he took to the air. Once Anderson & Gallows and The Usos got to fighting, the action intensified. AJ and Reigns both took to the air to cut off their respective allies. The finish came during a cool moment where AJ went for a springboard maneuver, but he flew over Reigns and got finished with a Spear. Reigns retains after a pretty crazy encounter.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Match of the Night

Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles!

Final Verdict

WWE Payback 2016 was a decent effort after such a great WrestleMania. The start of this event started on a somber note with Enzo’s injury, but the show came back around with a war of a match between Zayn and Owens. The Miz vs. Cesaro, the continuation of the Zayn/Owens storyline and its inclusion within the IC Title match was fun to witness. While Corbin vs. Ziggler was just OK and the ending of the Women’s Championship match were letdowns, the main event more than delivered. AJ and Reigns battled through two stipulation alterations and the inclusion of their tag team allies. This year’s WWE Payback should be seen primarily for the main event, Ambrose/Y2J and Zayn/Owens. The storyline continuations that occurred during this event has is looking forward to what’s next on the WWE landscape.

Final Score: 3 out of 5 Stars

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