WWE Payback 2013 : Rumors ...

 While the Payback pay-per-view is a secondary show for the WWE, the rumors and news surrounding the event have the WWE Universe genuinely looking forward to what could be the most underrated cards of 2013.

 This PPV will feature bona fide superstars like John Cena, Chris Jericho and the return of CM Punk in his first match since WrestleMania 29.Add in the fact that the Money in the Bank PPV is the following month (July 14), and WWE will be posturing for that event by booking the outcomes from Payback to set the ground work for the next month of programming. 

This card and build will make Payback an event worth watching.

Triple H vs. Curtis Axel Happening at Payback?

Photo via WWE.com

While Triple H has sworn that he will fight Curtis Axel on Monday’s edition of Raw, according to F4WOnline via Wrestling Inc., there are reports that the match will be featured on the Payback pay-per-view:

The Triple H concussion storyline was reportedly pushed up from this year's SummerSlam pay-per-view. This could mean that the Triple H vs. Curtis Axel match was planned for SummerSlam but is being done at Payback now.

Triple H vs. Curtis Axel would be a huge addition to the Payback card if it comes to fruition, but there still should be some doubts that this match will actually happen.
The WWE has gone all-in on this concussion storyline by using both Stephanie and Vince McMahon, and allowing a PPV match to happen despite the warnings from the family that he shouldn't compete is something the company wouldn’t do.
If the WWE teases this PPV match on Raw Monday, there is a chance it may not happen on Sunday due to the long-term plans for the concussion storyline.

 

Brock Lesnar Originally Booked for Payback?

 

While Triple H and Brock Lesnar ended their feud at Extreme Rules, a report from F4WOnline via Wrestling Inc. claims that the former UFC champion was originally booked to perform at Payback:

At one point, Brock Lesnar was scheduled for WWE's Payback pay-per-view, likely to do the match with Triple H that ended up taking place at Extreme Rules. Lesnar is even featured on some of the promotional material for Payback but is not expected to appear on WWE TV any time soon.

Lesnar would have been a great addition to the Payback card, but with the return of CM Punk and the Three Stages of Hell match for the WWE Championship, company officials were smart to save Lesnar’s limited dates for a more important event.
SummerSlam is approaching fast, and the WWE will likely be looking to use Lesnar once again around the company’s No. 2 PPV. Ensuring that there are more than enough dates on the contract by not booking him in June is smart long-term booking by the WWE.
Lesnar is valuable but more valuable on a marquee show.

 

WWE Already Looking Past Payback to Money in the Bank

 While the excitement surrounding WWE’s Payback is growing exponentially by the day, the company is already looking ahead to July’s pay-per-view.
According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter via Wrestling Inc., WWE champion John Cena may already be booked to defend the title against Daniel Bryan in the main event of Money in the Bank:

WWE officials have very big plans for Daniel Bryan this summer. Right now, Bryan vs. WWE Champion John Cena is the penciled in main event for the July 14th Money in the Bank pay-per-view from Philadelphia.
Word is that it will be a babyface vs. babyface match. WWE officials are fully aware that Bryan will be heavily cheered in Philadelphia. The feeling is that officials won't try to turn Bryan heel but that may change.

This is great news for Bryan, who has been picking up steam for the last two years, but this is horrible news for Ryback or the fans of the muscle-bound superstar, as it likely mean another PPV loss.
Cena would have to beat Ryback clean or at least in a convincing enough fashion to end the feud in order to move onto Bryan, and another PPV loss for Ryback is terrible for his character.
After yet another possible defeat, Ryback’s credibility would be destroyed.

 

Pre-Raw Payback Card

While there are many speculated matches that could be added to the card, the only bouts confirmed for Payback thus far are as follows:

WWE Champion John Cena vs. Ryback (Three Stages of Hell Match)
Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk
Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett vs. Fandango vs. The Miz (Triple Threat Match)

There will undoubtedly be several matches added to the card—The Shield will likely defend their titles and Team Hell No will have a role—but the card thus far should have wrestling fans excited already.
Since the WWE lost King of the Ring, June PPVs have been nothing. This card and the way the rest of the event could shake out should give fans optimism.
Even if you aren’t a fan of Ryback vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship, the return of CM Punk is great for the company. After Monday’s Raw, this show’s card should be flat-out amazing.

 

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