WWE Payback 2023 will take over the wrestling world on Saturday, September 2nd, at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The action-packed event will begin at 8 p.m. ET and will be shown live on Peacock in the United States and on the WWE Network worldwide.
In WWE’s premium live pay-per-view events for 2023, WWE Payback 2023 may appear less star-studded on paper. Notable names like part-time WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, and even the unconventional YouTuber Logan Paul are absent from the card.
Surprisingly, WWE couldn’t find a suitable opponent for Cody Rhodes, so they opted to feature him on a talk show instead.
Prominent figures like Bianca Belair, Asuka, Drew McIntyre, AJ Styles, Sheamus, Shanky, and Charlotte Flair are also notably missing from the lineup. The Usos and other members of The Bloodline are conspicuous by their absence as well. Even GUNTHER’s next Intercontinental Championship defense has been scheduled for Raw rather than Payback.
However, just when Payback seemed to be lacking that special spark to make it stand out, WWE made an exciting announcement during SmackDown.
John Cena, one of the most iconic figures in WWE history, will be hosting the event. Cena’s return to WWE in September and October is already making waves, as he delivered an electrifying attitude adjustment to Jimmy Uso during his comeback.
With Cena at the helm, the hosting role holds the promise of a variety of exciting possibilities, adding an element of anticipation to the event. Cena’s mere presence is enough to elevate this show into a must-watch spectacle on a bustling wrestling weekend.
BREAKING: @JohnCena is the host of #WWEPayback tomorrow night!@peacock
— WWE (@WWE) September 2, 2023
🦚 https://t.co/xRBTNzqw23
🌎 https://t.co/aEwGYUp0uE pic.twitter.com/whoMWgDdVg
Here’s a glimpse of the seven exciting segments that are currently advertised for WWE Payback 2023:
- Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, World Heavyweight Championship Showdown
Intrigue surrounds this World Heavyweight Championship match as Seth Rollins defends his title against the determined Shinsuke Nakamura.
Nakamura’s journey to this opportunity involved teaming up with The Visionary for a victory in a six-man tag team match on the August 7th episode of Raw, followed by a Kinshasa attack on Rollins.
He revealed that Rollins is nursing a back injury, and he intends to exploit this opportunity during their encounter. As tensions rise, Damian Priest and his Money in the Bank contract loom large in the background.
- Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. Damian Priest and Finn Balor: Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship in a Steel City Street Fight
The undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship is up for grabs in a thrilling Steel City Street Fight. Kevin Owens returns after an injury sidelined him for a month, teaming up with Sami Zayn.
On the other side, Damian Priest and Finn Balor form a formidable alliance. With no disqualifications in this street fight, the match promises chaos and unpredictability.
Rhea Ripley has hinted at changes to The Judgment Day if Balor and Priest can’t secure victory, but the real challenge might be their ability to work together with Priest’s Money in the Bank briefcase, creating tension.
- Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus: Steel Cage Showdown
A long-standing feud between Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus comes to a head inside a steel cage. The animosity between these two began nearly five months ago when Trish turned on Becky after losing the WWE women’s tag team championship.
Becky has repeatedly triumphed over Trish’s ally, Zoey Stark, en route to earning this rematch. Revenge is on Becky’s mind, and Payback is the perfect stage for her to settle the score.
- Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez: Women’s World Championship Clash
Rhea Ripley defends her Women’s World Championship against Raquel Rodriguez, who has recently returned from injury. Rodriguez is eager to avenge the pain inflicted upon her by Ripley, and the stage is set for a fierce showdown.
- LA Knight vs. The Miz: Verbal Warfare Transforms into an In-Ring Battle
LA Knight and The Miz have engaged in a war of words, with verbal sparring becoming a central theme. The time for talk is over as these two rivals step into the ring to settle their differences. LA Knight claims to be the hottest star in WWE, and now he must back up his words with actions.
- Rey Mysterio vs. Austin Theory: United States Championship Showdown
Rey Mysterio, the current United States Champion, faces off against Austin Theory in a rematch. Mysterio stepped in for Santos Escobar and captured the title last month. This rematch feels like a precursor to Escobar’s eventual challenge for the gold, making it a crucial match to watch.
The anticipation for WWE Payback 2023 is intense. This event promises to bring an incredible night of wrestling action, with a mix of title matches and personal rivalries. Don’t miss out on Saturday night’s drama, athleticism, and shocks in the squared circle.