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Payback 2023 Highlights : WWE
The WWE 2023 Payback event has concluded, marking it as one of the most impressive premium live events in recent memory. This show boasted exceptional matches, a title change, the return of a Bloodline member, and much more. Here is a comprehensive summary of the event, including match results and ratings.
Steel Cage Match- Becky Lynch vs Trish Stratus
In the highly anticipated Steel Cage Showdown between Trish and Becky, the action was intense from the opening bell. Trish attempted to escape the cage early, but Becky thwarted her plans. Becky displayed incredible energy, executing three BeckXploders on Trish.
Trish retaliated by sending Becky face-first into the steel cage, further punishing her between the ropes and the cage. Trish utilized a Clothesline to gain an advantage and forcefully drove Becky’s face into the cage. Despite Becky’s determination, Trish managed to counter the Dis-Armer submission. Trish showcased her flexibility with a bridge, but Becky countered with a Leg drop to the midsection.
The battle continued with both competitors climbing the cage, resulting in a dramatic moment where Trish’s face met the steel. Becky capitalized on this by delivering a leg drop to the back of Trish’s head.
As the match reached its climax, both wrestlers fought atop the cage, exchanging blows. Trish momentarily sent Becky down, but Becky quickly climbed up and caught her. Trish found herself hanging upside down between the cage, and Becky capitalized by delivering a Superplex from the top rope.
Becky eventually made her way to the cage door, but just as victory seemed within reach, Zoey intervened, creating a tug-of-war situation. Zoey used the cage door as a weapon, striking Becky before entering the cage. Trish attempted a cover, but Becky managed to kick out.
Becky made a triumphant comeback, delivering a Manhandle Slam to Trish and going for the cover. Zoey intervened once more, preventing the pin. A fierce exchange of blows between Becky and Zoey ensued. Meanwhile, Trish climbed the cage. Becky managed to hit Zoey with a Manhandle Slam and followed it up with another one to Trish from the top rope, securing the victory.
Following the match, Zoey attempted to assist Trish, but Trish rebuffed her, blaming her for the loss. Zoey retaliated by locking the cage door and delivering a Z360 to Trish before exiting.
Winner: Becky Lynch
Ratings: 5/5
LA Knight vs The Miz
In the showdown between LA Knight and The Miz, the match gained an unexpected twist as John Cena emerged as the special referee. Despite The Miz’s initial reluctance and dislike for the venue and stipulation, the contest proceeded with LA Knight chasing down Miz and dragging him into the ring.
Both competitors exchanged blows, with LA Knight gaining the upper hand. Knight executed an over-the-body throw and sent The Miz crashing headfirst into the commentary table. Miz retaliated by driving Knight’s face into the barricade. The match experienced interruptions in the referee’s count due to this action.
As tensions escalated, Cena had confrontations with both The Miz and LA Knight. The Miz launched a barrage of rapid Yes kicks and delivered a spine-first throwdown, attempting to secure a pinfall using the ropes. However, Cena refused to count and kicked Miz’s hand away from the ropes.
Miz and Cena engaged in a heated argument, allowing Knight to attempt an attack on Miz. Knight came close to accidentally hitting Cena but refrained from doing so. Miz attempted another cover, but LA Knight countered, unleashing his signature Elbow Drop and finishing move, the BFT, for the win.
Winner: LA Knight
Ratings: 4/5
United States Championship Match
The United States Championship match featured Rey Mysterio defending his title against Austin Theory. The match began with Theory aggressively targeting Rey, taking control and unleashing a series of moves.
Theory showcased his dominance by delivering a Splash, Fisherman Suplexes, and a swinging maneuver. Rey managed to counter with a Sliding DDT and a Senton from the top rope. However, Theory executed a Spinning Powerbomb, posing a significant threat.
Rey rebounded by hitting a 619, but Theory countered Rey’s Splash with his knees. Rey seized the opportunity to roll Theory up for the victory.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
Ratings: 2.5/5
Street Fight for the Undisputed Tag Team Championship
The Steel City Street Fight for the Undisputed Tag Team Championship pitted Zayn-Balor against Owens-Priest. The champions initially had the upper hand, introducing multiple chairs into the ring. Sami Zayn hurled these chairs at Balor but was met with a surprise Kendo Stick attack from Balor.
Kevin Owens attacked Balor from behind, and Damian Priest targeted Owens with a trash can to the face. The chaos continued as Priest attempted to hit Owens with a steel chair, but Owens countered and used the chair as a weapon. Balor struck Owens with another chair before being sent out of the ring.
Balor and Priest led Owens and Zayn to the audience area, where the champions ambushed their opponents. Dominik intervened, attacking Owens and Zayn. The trio then used hockey jerseys and sticks to assault Owens and Zayn.
As the action returned to the ring, Zayn measured Balor for a Helluva Kick, but Priest intervened by throwing a trash can at Zayn’s face. Balor and Priest joined forces to deliver a Razor bomb and Stomp combination to Zayn, leading to their victory.
Winners: The Judgment Day
Ratings: 5/5
Grayson Waller Effect
Grayson Waller conducted an interview with Cody Rhodes, but things took an unexpected turn when Waller interrupted Cody and made fun of him. Cody expressed his desire to face Waller in the ring, and the crowd showed support for this idea. However, Waller appeared to regret his earlier actions.
Cody then introduced Jey Uso as the newest member of Raw. Jey Uso received a warm welcome from the audience, but Waller stopped him from celebrating by interrupting. In response, Jey Uso delivered a Superkick to Waller.
Ratings: 3/5
The Women’s World Championship match featured Rhea Ripley defending her title against Raquel Rodriguez. The match saw Rhea maintaining control, dominating Raquel throughout the contest.
Rhea hit Raquel with multiple Clotheslines, but Raquel refused to stay down. Raquel delivered a Clothesline of her own and attempted a slam. However, Rhea quickly regained momentum, executing a dropkick and targeting Raquel’s injured knee. Raquel retaliated by focusing on Rhea’s back.
In the final moments, Dominik attempted to assist Mami, but Raquel caught Dominik with a running slam. Rhea capitalized on the distraction, targeting Raquel’s injured leg and securing the victory with a Rip Tide.
Winner: Rhea Ripley
Ratings: 3/5
The World Heavyweight Championship match featured Seth Rollins defending his title against Shinsuke Nakamura. Rollins initially held the upper hand, using a face lock to control Nakamura. Nakamura taunted Rollins’ back injury and targeted his lower back with kicks.
Rollins fought back with a Suicide Dive but struggled due to his back injury. Nakamura applied a Sleeper hold, but Rollins managed to escape. Nakamura delivered a flying knee to Rollins’ face, slamming him with an overhead suplex.
Rollins attempted a Pedigree, but Nakamura countered and locked in an Arm bar, later transitioning into a Triangle. Despite his back injury, Rollins lifted Nakamura and executed a powerbomb.
Towards the end, Nakamura delivered a Landslide from the middle rope and hit Rollins with a Kinshasa to the back of the neck. Rollins countered Nakamura’s Kinshasa attempt with a Superkick, followed by a Stomp for the win.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Ratings: 3.5/5
Results:
- Becky Lynch defeated Trish Stratus by Pinfall.
- LA Knight defeated The Miz by Pinfall.
- Rey Mysterio defeated Austin Theory to retain the United States Championship.
- The Judgment Day defeated Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens to win the Undisputed Tag Team Championship.
- Rhea Ripley Retains Women’s World Championship Against Raquel Rodriguez.
- Seth Rollins Successfully Defends World Heavyweight Championship Against Shinsuke Nakamura.
