WWE Payback 2015: Match Card, Predictions, Preview For PPV

WWE Payback 2015 is just a few days away, as it’s set to take place on Sunday night in Baltimore. While multiple titles will be on the line, there’s a good chance no championships will change hands.

Seth Rollins is expected to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a Fatal 4-Way match. The match will pit the three former members of The Shield against each other for the first time in WWE. The Shield had their last match together a year ago at Payback 2014 when they defeated Evolution in the main event of the pay-per-view.

The Intercontinental Championship won’t be defended because no WWE superstar currently holds it. Daniel Bryan vacated the belt on the May 11 edition of “Monday Night Raw,” explaining that he doesn’t know when or if he’ll be able to wrestle again.

Seven matches are scheduled for the PPV, including the pre-show, but there is no Divas match on the card. Naomi is likely to get another shot at Nikki Bella’s title soon, and the match could be added later in the week.

Below is the official match card, as well as predictions, for Payback 2015.

Fatal 4-Way (WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match)

It doesn’t seem likely that Seth Rollins will drop the belt until at least SummerSlam, and putting him in a match with three other wrestlers allows him to keep the title while keeping his opponents looking strong. With Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Randy Orton also fighting for the title, there’s been speculation that there could be a Shield reunion of sorts, but that wouldn’t make much sense. Ambrose has ended the last two episodes of “Raw" looking the strongest, so he’s the most likely candidate to take the pinfall.

Prediction: Seth Rollins.

John Cena vs Rusev (United States Championship “I Quit” Match)

Cena’s open challenge for the U.S. Title has consistently been one of the best parts of “Raw,” each week, and he could keep the belt for an extended period of time. Rusev and Lana have had their issues in recent weeks, with the challenger even sending her away from ringside. Look for Lana to cause Rusev to lose, possibly throwing in the white towel and forcing him to quit, ultimately ending their relationship.

Prediction: John Cena

Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus

Sheamus lost to Ziggler at Extreme Rules, though he didn’t hold up his part of the “Kiss Me Arse’ stipulation. If WWE hopes to build Sheamus as one of the company’s top heels, he’s going to need a PPV win soon.

Prediction: Sheamus

King Barrett vs. Neville

The most recent call-up from NXT defeated Barrett in an impromptu match at Extreme Rules when it was ruled that Bryan wasn’t cleared to defend the IC Title. Neville has had some incredible matches in his short time in WWE, and he nearly beat Cena before Rusev interfered on Monday. Neville doesn’t need the win, and Barrett shouldn’t lose two straight PPV matches to a rookie.

Prediction: King Barrett

Bray Wyatt vs. Ryback

The match is a late addition to card, and neither wrestler had a match at Extreme Rules. Coming off his loss to The Undertaker at WrestleMania 31, Wyatt is more likely to get the win. He could be headed for big things this summer, especially because it seems like the Wyatt Family might be getting back together.

Prediction: Bray Wyatt

The New Day vs. Cesaro & Tyson Kidd (2-Out-Of-3 Falls Tag Team Championship Match)

The two tag teams had one of the best matches at Extreme Rules, and they could have an entertaining feud lasting over the next few months. In order to keep the feud going, Cesaro & Tyson Kidd won’t win the title just yet.

Prediction: The New Day

Axel & Mandow vs. The Ascension (Kickoff Match)

The Ascension might not have much of a future in the tag team division, and WWE could give Axel & Mandow the win to see if they can turn them into a viable tag team.

Prediction: Axel & Mandow