40-year-old Superstar to make huge mistake in title match, Steel Cage swerve? - 3 biggest betrayals that could happen at WWE Payback 2023
We are all set for WWE Payback 2023, where top superstars from RAW and SmackDown will try to pick up huge victories, win championships, and settle scores. However, one of the most significant talking points from the upcoming premium live event would be potential betrayals on the show.
There are several storylines heading into the night where unsuspecting superstars have solid reasons to betray their friends. Whether the motivation lies in title aspirations or is driven by pure vengeance, a deceptive turn is bound to make jaws drop.
Here, we look at the three biggest betrayals that could transpire at WWE Payback 2023. So, without further ado, let's begin.
#1. Damian Priest turns on Finn Balor
The Judgment Day has been in a feud with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn for months. However, the tension between Finn Balor and Damian Priest has cost the faction their recent bouts against the reigning Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. They will challenge KO and Zayn for the gold at Payback tonight, where the villainous stable could make a horrible mistake.
Priest has a shot at winning the tag team gold and the World Heavyweight Championship later in the night if he decides to cash in his MITB. However, he might choose to turn on Balor in the tag team title match and ruin their championship opportunity. This will pave the way for his exit from the group and a potential babyface run.
The RAW stable has finally hit the right stride, and it would be hasty to break up the faction. But there is a replacement in JD McDonagh, which could let Damian Priest betray Finn Balor at Payback and leave The Judgment Day.
#2. Zoey Stark betrays Trish Stratus
Trish Straus will compete in her first-ever Steel Cage match when she squares off against Becky Lynch. While initially compelling, their feud has run beyond its course, and fans hope to see it end with their final match tonight.
Straus has had an added advantage over Lynch, thanks to her protege Zoey Stark. The Man is the top favorite to win the match and might get help from a surprising source.
Stark lost her singles match against Lynch on RAW before Payback but left fans impressed. WWE briefly teased tension between Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark, and the latter could be keen to make her name at the expense of her mentor.
A betrayal angle would protect Stratus despite losing and allow Stark to seek new opportunities on RAW.
#3. Santos Escobar attacks Rey Mysterio at WWE Payback 2023
Rey Mysterio will put his United States Championship on the line against Austin Theory on tonight's premium live event. It is worth noting that Santos Escobar was originally supposed to challenge Theory for the title but was attacked by the former champion right before the match. The Hall of Famer challenged the 26-year-old as a last-minute replacement and won the US Championship.
Although Escobar seemingly shares a great bond with Rey Mysterio, whom he considers his mentor, there is a chance that he would potentially betray the masked legend at Payback. The LWO member could either interfere in the match and cause a title change to set up his championship bout or attack Mysterio post-match to kickstart a surprising title feud.