Seth Rollins and Rhea Ripley defend their titles in intensely personal matches at WWE Payback.
For Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion was blindsided by Shinsuke Nakamura to make it clear The Artist was next in line for a title shot.
For Ripley, she was the one doing the blindsiding, putting Liv Morgan on the shelf and motivating Raquel Rodriguez to come after the Women’s World Championship.
Who will leave with the all-important wins and even-more-important world titles? Join the NZPWI Roundtable as we break down the card for WWE Payback 2023.
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World Heavyweight Championship:
Seth Rollins (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Grady Hooker (80% accurate in 2023):
Nakamura is a really strong opponent who should give a good fight to Seth Rollins, but there is a reason Seth is the number two guy in the WWE and I think he will show us it all at Payback.
Winner: Seth Rollins
AJ Murtagh (71% accurate in 2023):
I have believed in Nakamura as a world champion in WWE for quite some time, and now it seems he believes in himself in a way he hasn’t for quite some time. I think Seth’s back will be the decider here, and I think Shinsuke pulls off the upset.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
David Dunn (67% accurate in 2023):
Seth Rollins isn’t just looking to defend his title, but to avenge a physical attack by Shinsuke Nakamura. That’s some powerful motivation for an already very capable champion.
Winner: Seth Rollins
Women’s World Championship:
Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Grady:
I’m really anticipating this match. I want to see what Raquel Rodriguez can bring to the table against Ripley, but even with all her strength I don’t think she will out-power Rhea.
Winner: Rhea Ripley
AJ:
This match still be the epitome of physicality. Both women have a lot to prove and I think it will be a close contest. Ultimately I think Rhea retains and takes her place as head of The Judgment Day.
Winner: Rhea Ripley
David:
Raquel Rodriguez isn’t just looking to win a title, but to avenge a physical attack by Rhea Ripley. That’s some powerful motivation for an already very capable challenger. But it’s Rhea Ripley we’re talking about!
Winner: Rhea Ripley
Staff Picks Summary
World Heavyweight Championship:
Seth Rollins: Grady, David (67%)
Shinsuke Nakamura: AJ (34%)
Women’s World Championship:
Raquel Rodriguez: – (0%)
Rhea Ripley: Grady, AJ, David (100%)
Steel Cage Match:
Becky Lynch: Grady, AJ, David (100%)
Trish Stratus: – (0%)
Steel City Street Fight:
Damian Priest & Finn Balor: – (0%)
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn: Grady, AJ, David (100%)
LA Knight: Grady, AJ, David (100%)
The Miz: – (0%)
United States Championship:
Austin Theory: AJ (33%)
Rey Mysterio: Grady, David (67%)
WWE Payback
Sunday, September 3
12pm NZST (Payback Kickoff from 11am)
WWE Network
