Payback is an appropriate title for the upcoming WWE pay-per-view event. Many of the top stars in the promotion are heading into the event seeking revenge. The card features a variety of matches including a steel cage match, a street fight, and several title matches.
One of the featured matches at Payback is a steel cage match between Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus. Stratus has been using shortcuts to gain an upper hand over Lynch, but now Lynch will have the advantage inside the steel cage.
Another notable match at Payback is the world heavyweight championship match between Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura turned on Rollins and has revealed that Rollins has been dealing with a back injury, which has left him in constant pain. Rollins will be seeking payback in this match.
These are just a couple of the exciting matches on the Payback card. Let’s take a look at the full card and see the predictions from the CBS Sports experts.
2023 WWE Payback viewing information
Date: Saturday, Sept. 2
Location: PPG Paints Arena — Pittsburgh
Start time: 8 p.m. ET (kickoff show starts at 7 p.m.)
Watch live: Peacock
2023 WWE Payback predictions
World Heavyweight Championship — Seth Rollins (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Nakamura has revitalized his character as a heel in this feud. He has been able to communicate more effectively in his native language, Japanese. However, it is unlikely that Nakamura will dethrone Rollins and become the champion. Nakamura is a flexible member of the roster who can be inserted into various storylines. While his in-ring skills may have diminished slightly, he can still deliver in big matches. Rollins will most likely retain the title, possibly until Damian Priest cashes in his Money in the Bank contract, which is a possibility on Saturday night. Pick: Seth Rollins retains the title — Brent Brookhouse (also Shakiel Mahjouri)
Women’s World Championship — Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Ripley has done well as the champion and is more prepared for this title reign than her previous one. She has gained more confidence in herself and has improved on the microphone. Rodriguez presents a compelling challenge as one of the few women on the roster who can match Ripley’s power. However, Rodriguez hasn’t been built up enough to be a believable top champion. That may change in the future. The next step for this group could be Ripley and Dominik Mysterio as a title-holding couple, along with Priest as Mr. Money in the Bank, and a jealous Finn Balor. Pick: Rhea Ripley retains the title — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship — Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn (c) vs. Damian Priest & Finn Balor (Steel City Street Fight)
It is likely that Balor will be the only member of Judgment Day without a title soon. This could lead to a partnership between Balor and JD McDonagh taking precedence over their loyalty to Judgment Day. However, this won’t work if Balor and Priest win the tag titles. It is a common wrestling story for tag champions to have an uneasy alliance. Owens and Zayn will probably retain the belts and continue their title reign as the tag division gains momentum, especially if miscommunication costs Priest and Balor the match. Pick: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn retain the titles — Brookhouse
The outcomes of the matches at Payback may seem predictable, but there has to be some surprises. I’m predicting an upset in the tag team title match. WWE sees Judgement Day as an important focus on Raw. Despite their conflicts, it doesn’t seem likely that the group is on the verge of splitting up. They need to win enough to offset their losses. Balor has recently lost back-to-back world title matches and is in desperate need of a win, especially after Ripley’s threats about shaking up the faction. Owens and Zayn winning at WrestleMania was a memorable moment, but injuries and a lack of direction have hindered their title reign. A loss would open up more interesting storylines for the champions and give Judgement Day a much-needed boost. It’s time for a switch. Pick: Judgment Day wins the titles — Mahjouri
United States Championship — Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Austin Theory
It was surprising to see WWE give the U.S. title to Mysterio instead of Santos Escobar. However, Mysterio is a safe choice as a midcard champion and it’s great to see him compete at this level at the age of 48. Theory received a significant push and even defeated John Cena at WrestleMania 39. Unfortunately, his U.S. title reign was forgettable, and he would benefit from stepping away from the title picture. Mysterio should retain the title to allow for fresh matchups on SmackDown. Pick: Rey Mysterio retains the title — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus (Steel Cage Match)
Stratus’ return has been somewhat inconsistent in terms of her in-ring performance. Including Zoey Stark as her protege was a smart move that lightened the load for Stratus. WWE often presents cage matches as a way to prevent interference, but the more they emphasize that, the more likely it is that interference will play a role. Stark is expected to involve herself in the match. If this was the beginning of the feud, it would be tempting to pick Stratus to win with interference fueling Lynch’s desire for revenge. However, the feud between Lynch and Stratus has run its course, and now Lynch, who is a full-time roster member, needs to win and move on to the next phase of her career. Pick: Becky Lynch wins — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
LA Knight vs. The Miz
The fans have embraced Knight as a legitimate superstar, and it’s time for WWE to do the same. Winning a sponsor-affiliated battle royal at SummerSlam was a confidence boost, but not significant enough. His feud with The Miz has been entertaining, but a loss to “The A-Lister” would be deflating. This feud doesn’t need to continue for a long time, and even if WWE wants to extend it, Knight should not suffer a loss. This should be the beginning of Knight’s slow ascent to a world title. Pick: LA Knight wins — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
