WWE Payback 2017: Predictions, Match Card For First ‘Monday Night Raw’ PPV After WrestleMania

WWE’s first pay-per-view since WrestleMania 33 is set for Sunday night in San Jose, California. Payback 2017 will feature mostly members of the “Monday Night Raw,” roster, though a couple of “SmackDown Live” wrestlers are on the card.

WWE Champion Randy Orton is still with the blue brand after the Superstar Shake-up, but he’s concluding his feud with Bray Wyatt at Payback. Kevin Owens has appeared on “SmackDown Live” twice since WrestleMania 33, and he’ll put his United States Championship on the line against Chris Jericho.

Living up to its name, Payback features several rematches. Four of the five champions on Sunday’s card will take on competitors that they faced at WrestleMania 33. Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns are expected to fight in the Payback main event, and they squared off at the final PPV before WrestleMania 33.

Finn Balor will be at Payback, though he doesn't have a match scheduled. He'll be a guest on “Miz TV.”

Eight matches are on the Payback card, including the pre-show.

Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns

Reigns has a good chance to win every match he’s in. He’s the new John Cena, constantly overcoming odds and always a step away from being a world champion. But it would make little sense for Strowman to lose at Payback. He’s the hottest thing in WWE at the moment, and he should soon get a WWE Universal Championship shot against Brock Lesnar. Reigns already beat Strowman at WWE Fastlane on March 5, and no one should pin Strowman in the foreseeable future.

Prediction: Braun Strowman

Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt (House of Horrors Match)

There isn’t much about this match that is known or makes sense. Bray left “SmackDown Live” while still feuding with Orton for the WWE Championship, and it appears that the title is no longer on the line Sunday night. Orton definitely won’t lose the belt since “Monday Night Raw” isn’t getting two world championships, though it’s possible that WWE made this a non-title match in order to give Bray the win. Bray, however, is constantly losing big matches, and that trend should continue at the upcoming PPV.

Prediction: Randy Orton

Seth Rollins vs. Samoa Joe

It’s a shame that somebody has to lose this match. Joe’s had just one PPV match since being called up to the main roster, and he has what it takes to be the top heel on “Monday Night Raw.” Rollins has just one PPV win in 2017 after dealing with a knee injury. He should get the victory as WWE tries to elevate him as a top babyface, though Joe will put up a fight in defeat.

Prediction: Seth Rollins

Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss (Raw Women’s Championship Match)

Bayley is probably going to hold onto the title for the next few months. WWE has been setting the stage for Sasha Banks to turn heel, and her eventual feud with Bayley should culminate with a championship match at SummerSlam. In the meantime, however, Bliss deserves to be in the title picture, considering how good her work on the mic and in the ring have been. She’s been the best female performer in WWE over the last six months, and she’ll continue to have major feuds on “Monday Night Raw.”

Prediction: Bayley

The Hardy Boyz vs. Sheamus & Cesaro (Raw Tag Team Championship Match)

WWE seems to be teasing a heel turn from one of these teams, though it isn’t exactly clear which one will make the switch. It could be Matt and Jeff Hardy, who will likely portray their “broken” characters from TNA sooner rather than later. Either way, it’s probably too early for the Hardyz to drop their belts, having won them less than a month ago at WrestleMania 33.

Prediction: The Hardy Boyz

Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho (United States Championship Match)

The winner of this match will become a permanent member of “SmackDown Live,” and it’s pretty clear that man is going to be Owens. He hasn’t appeared on “Monday Night Raw” since the Superstar Shake-up, and “SmackDown Live” needs a top heel after losing the likes of The Miz and Bray Wyatt.

Prediction: Kevin Owens

Neville vs. Austin Aries (Cruiserweight Championship Match)

Neville has been really good as a heel since winning the belt, and Austin Aries is easily the most popular wrestler in the 205-pound division. If WWE is smart, they’ll stretch this feud out even longer. Aries can feud with T.J. Perkins, who could find a way to interfere in the match, allowing him to chase the title before eventually winning it in the summer.

Prediction: Neville

Enzo and Cass vs. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (Kickoff Match)

Babyfaces usually go over on the pre-show, and this shouldn’t be an exception. Enzo and Cass were probably on their way to becoming the next Raw Tag Team Champions before the Hardyz returned, and they should win to regain some of their momentum.

Prediction: Enzo and Cass