7 Questions We're Asking After WWE Payback 2017
A solid show that left us puzzled.
As the first post-WrestleMania pay-per-view, the Raw-only Payback was a card facing some distinct challenges. For one, the show not only lacked a Universal title defense but the champion didn't even appear on the show. That does nothing but add fuel to all the criticism directed at WWE for putting the belt around the waist of part-timers.
The main event featured Roman Reigns, the man WWE envisions as their new top babyface, getting booed out of the building against Braun Strowman, a giant that's done everything short of commit actual homicide in an attempt to get jeered against Reigns.
There was also the problem of matches featuring talent that are no longer members of the Raw roster. Both Bray Wyatt and Kevin Owens have switched shows, and in the case of KO the result of his bout would presumably affect his destination. Wyatt faced Randy Orton in a "House of Horrors" match that turned out to feature horrors of the unintended kind.
None of this is meant to pan the event. Payback was actually one of the more enjoyable B-shows we've had in a while. But when it went off the air we were left with a few questions that definitely need answering...
7. How Amazing Are Jericho & Owens?
Those considered to be true greats of the wrestling industry possess a mastery of all aspects of the craft - ring work, promos, a firm grasp of their character and a keen eye for details.
The nature of the presentation doesn't allow for a tremendous amount of emphasis to be placed on continuity. After all, when a person can instantly be accepted as a hero after years of heinous behavior there isn't a lot of freedom to rely on past beats to tell your stories.
That being said, when it's done and done well, it's incredibly effective.
The match between Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens is a prime example of two men who have perfected the art of doing all the small things well. Tiny minutiae that most wrestlers overlook can make a ton of difference when used properly.
In their Payback rematch, what was a seemingly an unimportant throwaway spot from their WrestleMania encounter became the story of the showdown. When the champ used the same tactic of placing his fingertip on the ropes to escape Jericho's submission, Y2J dedicated his offense to ensuring that "The Face of America" would not be able to use that finger - already on Jericho's List - to avoid tapping out.
After focusing his attack on his former best friend's fingers, Chris was able to reapply the Walls, and with Owens unable to extend his badly-aching digits he was forced to submit using his fist rather than an open palm to avoid the pain of hitting the mat.
It was a display of brilliance that would be shocking if it wasn't solely credited to the two men in the ring rather than any creative team or agent's decision.
This bout was yet another example of why these two are such outstanding performers. It does present us with a bit of a problem, however...