WWE: Payback – Superstar ratings

With Payback in the record books, the show was received very well by the fans and critics alike! Not only did it see the return of the hometown hero CM Punk, but it also had one of the best matches of the year between Punk and Jericho. In this article, we give our ratings to each of the superstar who performed on the card.

Sheamus

Sheamus won his match against Damien Sandow, which was a pre–show match. Sheamus has won all of his encounters against Sandow, and there was no reason for WWE to book this bout, as we’ve seen it time and again on Smackdown. Anyway, it was a decent match that warmed up the crowd.

Rating: **

Damien Sandow

Will Sandow ever win a match against Sheamus? Apparently not. They faced each other once more on the pre–show which Sheamus once again won. It was a good back and forth match, but Sandow needs to get a few wins under his belt.

Rating: * ½

The Miz

Miz was involved in the triple threat match for the WWE Intercontinental title which opened the main show. Miz dominated for the bulk of the match, and trapped Wade Barrett in the figure four in the middle of the ring before Axel took advantage of it.

Rating: **

Wade Barrett

As I predicted, Barrett lost the title, and was made to look vulnerable once again. I don’t know why the WWE didn’t push Wade, but it’s sad to see him end up down the barrel.

Rating: * ¾

Curtis Axel

Axel won the WWE Intercontinental title this Sunday, and looked up to the heavens after the match as the crowd popped. A perfect gift on father’s day by Axel, although he was made to look like a fluke once again. I’m very opposed to how he’s being booked, and I hope it’ll change at least now. I’m happy for Curtis, and this can be the beginning of a ‘perfect’ career.

Rating: ** ¼

AJ Lee

AJ finally defeated Kaitlyn this past Sunday to win the WWE Divas title, and the Chicago crowd applauded her victory. The match received about 10 minutes, which generally doesn’t happen for a Divas match. Both performed well, and put on a decent match.

Rating: **

Kaitlyn

Kaitlyn lost her Divas title to AJ in what was a decent bout. Kaitlyn got caught up in the moment which resulted in her losing the title. Post match, she broke down and had to be helped to the back by Layla. It’ll be interesting to see where she goes from now.

Rating: **

Alberto Del Rio

Alberto took on Ziggler for the World Heavyweight title, and mid way, Ziggler started showing the effects of his concussion. Alberto took advantage of it and started working on Ziggler’s head. The end came when Alberto delivered a brutal standing side – kick to Ziggler for the pin and to win the World Heavyweight title! Del Rio then cut a promo and was booed by the Chicago crowd.

Rating: ** ½