When does WWE Payback 2023 start? Who will win the matches and why? Find out right here.
WWE Payback is one of the more aptly named events. Most of the matches on here involve the participants wanting some kind of retribution.
For example, Austin Theory wants his title back after an impromptu match with Rey Mysterio cost him the WWE United States Championship. Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus have gone at each other for months. Now, they’ll settle it in a steel cage match. This is supposed to keep Zoey Stark from interfering. If you’re a WWE fan, you know it won’t.
As of now, there are six matches scheduled for tonight. However, real life and Kayfabe shenanigans can change and add matches up to and during WWE Payback. First things first, John Cena is hosting. It’s quite possible that he could have a match, though. It would probably be a quick match with a side slam, the “You can’t see me” fist drop, and an Attitude Adjustment. Second, six matches is short for a WWE PPV. Something will be added. Lastly, Cody Rhodes will be on the “The Grayson Waller Effect.” It’ll be shocking if Grayson Waller doesn’t challenge Cody Rhodes. At the very least there will be a fight.
Coming up are the six matches scheduled for WWE Payback, who could win the match, the time the PPV begins, and how to watch it.
WWE Payback 2023 start time
WWE Payback 2023 kicks off at 8:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 2 2023. If you’re watching on the West Coast, it will begin at 5:00 p.m. PT.
If you’re watching in the UK, the event will begin at 1:00 a.m. BST.
WWE Payback 2023 match card and predictions
Rey Mysterio vs. Austin Theory
Match: WWE United States Championship title match
Predicted Winner: Austin Theory
Rey Mysterio beating Austin Thoery was a one-time thing. Rey got a chance to beat the odds and became the WWE United States Champion. Now, it’s time for him to drop the title. Rey doesn’t need the title to be over. For now, Austin Theory does. He’s still on the rise and becoming a two-time WWE United States Champion is something he can brag about. Plus, he can also say he’s beaten a WWE Hall of Famer.
Don’t be shocked if the LWO costs Rey Mysterio the match.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn vs. Finn Bálor and Damian Priest of The Judgment Day
Match: Steel City Street Fight for the WWE tag team titles title match
Predicted Winner: Judgment Day
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn always get a response from the crowd. Like Rey Mysterio, they don’t need a title to be hated or loved. Although, neither do Finn Balor and Damian Preist. Both competitors always put on a good show. The main reason this writer is predicting a Judgment Day win is because of Rhea “Mami” Ripley. She’s hands down the leader of the Judgment Day and her ultimatum will be the motivation they need.
That being said, I would love to see what she’d do if they lost.
Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Match: Women’s World Championship title match
Predicted Winner: Raquel Rodriguez
If you’ve been on the WWE’s social media, then you’ve seen the before and after of Rhea Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez. They’ve gone from friends to competitors to enemies. It makes for a good story. As much as this writer wants to say Rhea will win this match, Raquel Rodriguez is going to win.
Raquel Rodriguez is going to start her time as the Women’s World Champion. The WWE seems to be high on her. She’s been NXT Women’s Champion, NXT Women’s Tag-Team Champion, and a two-time Women’s Tag-Team Champion. This will just add to her growing list of accomplishments. How long her reign will be remains to be seen.
If and when Rhea loses, the other three title holders will have something to say about her loss.
LA Knight vs. The Miz
Match: Singles match
Predicted Winner: LA Knight (YEAH!)
Short and to the point, The Miz is going to lose this match. LA Knight (YEAH!) is on a roll. The crowd loves him and he usually puts on a good show. The Miz has solidified himself as one of the greats. Putting LA Knight over will be nothing for him. This is going to be the match that begins LA Knight’s momentum to potentially win one of the world titles at WrestleMania.
Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus
Match: Steel cage match
Predicted Winner: Becky Lynch
Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus have taken their feud from the United States to Saudi Arabia back to the United States and to a WWE vendor stand at an arena. A steel cage match was bound to happen.
As this writer mentioned, this match is designed to keep Zoey Stark from getting involved. Nevertheless, a steel cage isn’t going to keep her out. While this writer is picking Becky Lynch to win, there is a chance Trish could have another woman waiting to help her out. Maybe someone like Shayna Baszler could be waiting in the wind. Although, maybe she gets involved just to attack Becky Lynch.
Seth “Freakin'”Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Match: World Heavyweight Championship title match
Predicted Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Seth Rollins has defended World Heavyweight Title since May 2023. In that time, he’s been a fighting champion. Now he’s going up against his hungriest competitor to date. At WWE Payback, Seth “Freakin'”Rollins takes on The King of Strong Style, Shinsuke Nakamura. Seth Rollins may be the hottest thing on Monday Night Raw, but it’s Nakamura’s time to shine.
Shinsuke Nakamura debuted in NXT in 2016. He joined the main roster in 2017 after WrestleMania. Nakamura may have been the NXT World Champion, but he’s never held a world title on the main roster. He’s taken on the best, but hasn’t gotten over the hurdle. Tonight, Shinsuke Nakamura leaps over and becomes World Champion on the WWE main roster for the first time.
Tonight — @peacock pic.twitter.com/OQfifWpDC9
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) September 2, 2023
How to watch WWE Payback 2023
WWE Payback 2023 can be streamed live on Peacock in the US. If you’re watching outside of the US, you can watch on the WWE Network.
Full details on how to watch WWE Payback can be found below, including start time, TV info, live stream, and more:
Date: Saturday, September 2, 2023
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Peacock.com, WWE Network (outside of US)
What do you think? Will you be watching live or waiting until the next day? Who do you predict will win the matches during WWE Payback?