WWE Payback 2017: Assessing The Potential Quality Of All 8 Matches
3. Seth Rollins Vs. Samoa Joe
Seth Rollins Vs. Samoa Joe can only be considered a major disappointment if it doesn't bring home Match of the Night honours.
Rollins was (constructively) criticised by Steve Austin on a recent edition of his podcast. Austin suggested that Rollins was not "all the way over," and that he has leaned too heavily on his sequences and athleticism. Rollins according to Austin needs to develop his character before firmly establishing himself as a main event presence.
His match with Samoa Joe has the potential to put him over the top because it has everything going for it. Both men on their day are world class workers; even a throwaway RAW exhibition would promise much, given that they are as well versed as anybody in the stiff and athletic modern style. The physical contrast between them suits the story-heavy WWE environment, and the serendipitous meta slant of Joe's literal destroyer act lends it a certain credibility and organic dramatic heft. The match is also very difficult to predict. Both men desperately need the win, but Rollins arguably needs to deliver a killer babyface performance even more. The stage is set, the players capable. The show should - should - be a classic.
Rollins has promised and must deliver a personal, brutal war if he is to compete with Finn Bálor as the brand's no. 2 babyface.