WWE Payback 2016: In-depth analysis of booking decisions
Well, Payback is over and it is time to review the booking of various matches and their impact in the upcoming months. Payback was touted to be the first PPV in a new era (don’t ask me , WWE has always considered things in eras) and it had high expectations heading into the PPV. Did it deliver in the eyes of fans? Absolutely, but it also had its bad patches (that is what we here to do, aren’t we?)
Payback had an explosive main event, some surreal moments, invigorating matches, unexpected surprises and a nasty remembrance of the past. All things considered, Payback could be touted as a good first attempt in building something new. The emotions were high heading into Payback, but when we came out it was just volatile.
But, let’s keep the excitement aside for a few minutes and analyze what went down at Payback with an unbiased eye. The bookings of major stars and what would be their impact on WWE in the upcoming months are always a fun to analyze and speculate.
Also read: Analysis of WrestleMania booking decisions here.
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Let’s get the obvious one out first. Enzo Amore’s unexpected injury at Payback was huge setback, both to him and the whole division. It was rumoured that the plan was for the Dudley Boyz to interrupt the match and cause Enzo and Cass the match. That would set up a feud between the two.
Meanwhile, we have New Day, who are the hottest act in the company, going against The Vaudevillains, the coldest act in the company, who have freshly defeated a fan favorite team in a cowardly manner. This makes a good heel vs face dynamic and this feud will provide the opportunity for The Vaudevillains to establish themselves, something they desperately need to do.
If the rumours are true then it would have been a good decision, but Enzo’s injury ruled it out. WWE has used Enzo’s injury as an excuse to book The Vaudevillains vs The New Day for the Extreme Rules PPV. But this has disrupted the plans WWE had. Now Dudley Boyz don’t have an opponent to participate against in Extreme Rules where they would obviously thrive and also Cass is on his own.
Verdict: –