10 New Directions For WWE After Payback 2023
Could one of the most unlikely WWE returns ever actually happen soon?!
Payback was one of those PLEs that breezes past and few remember in-depth by the time Raw airs on Monday night. In many ways, it was more akin to a souped up Saturday Night's Main Event than a must-see supershow, but enough happened to make the card worth watching.
Now, what's next?
You couldn't have failed to notice who's featured in the banner image. Friendly Phil has had his contract torn to shreds by AEW boss Tony Khan, and is now free to do as he pleases going forward. WWE head honchos like Triple H might ultimately decide against it (he doesn't exactly get on with CM Punk), but you just know the conversation will be had backstage at least once.
Prospective unlikely returns isn't all that's lingering in the near future though. Other, more concrete plans include breakout female stars turning babyface, tag-team partners turning on one another heading into WrestleMania, WWE creative pretending they care about the brand extension again, and John Cena getting physical.
In short, here's everything the writers will probably plot over the next month or two. "Look in my eyes, what do you see"...?
10. Trish Stratus Taking Time Off
Thank you, Trish.
The iconic female star offered Stratusfaction by the bucketload during her renaissance run in WWE. She's been a real breathe of fresh air as a heel, and capped things off with a stunning cage effort vs. Becky Lynch at Payback. Now, post-defeat and split from protege Zoey Stark, Trish can take a breather.
Fingers crossed this isn't the last fans see of her though - the legend is still in tremendous shape, and she proved that by showing off her athleticism tenfold inside the cage. Being honest, this was one of Stratus' best matches ever, and she should be very proud of it.
Will it be her swan song? Perhaps, but it's obvious Trish still has something to offer this roster. Matches against other, younger stars could be make or break for some careers, and they'd be a real treat at tentpole events like Survivor Series, Royal Rumble or WrestleMania.
Don't stay gone for long, Stratus!