WWE Payback Review: Analyzing 5 Biggest Talking Points

4. The PG Double-Turn

This wasn't the last we saw of AJ Lee, as she would accompany her beau Dolph Ziggler to the ring along with Langston for his World Heavyweight title defense against Alberto Del Rio. Whilst everybody had their own opinions about what this match was going to add to the PPV, I don't think anybody was expecting what actually unfolded. From the outset Del Rio looked to work of the recently injured head of Ziggler, showing an acceptable amount of aggression, whilst Ziggler covered up and hit a few moves of his own to counter. Pretty standard beginning. However, after a few minutes the mood of the match appeared to take a very different turn, as Del Rio's shots to the face of Ziggler appeared constant and unrelenting, as if he was enjoying handing out this degree of punishment to an increasingly helpless Ziggler. As time wore on further the referee and medical personnel tried to intervene to help Ziggler, who wanted to continue to fight, and Del Rio would brush them aside and continue to punch and kick exclusively at Ziggler's head. In the end, the crowd completely turned against the Mexican and showed support for the Show-Off's fighting spirit. Nevertheless, that was all for nothing as despite hitting the Zig-Zag, Ziggler couldn't capitalise and was defeated following a brutal straight kick to the face, as Alberto Del Rio became a two-time World Heavyweight Champion. The crowd, and I imagine most watching at home were in shock as to what had just taken place. Ziggler, in his first title defense following his Money in the Bank cash-in had fallen to Del Rio after a merciless beating. However, for all those internet fans berating the WWE for their decision, this could have significant long-term benefits for Ziggler, as this may very well be the PG Era's own take on a double-turn. The callousness displayed by Del Rio throughout the contest was about as violent as it could get in this era without the use of weapons, and Ziggler's determination to carry on despite his noticeable injuries were endearing him to the audience. Put simply, this match immediately turned Del Rio heel and Ziggler face. The Del Rio promo following Ziggler's emotional exit from the ring with a tearful AJ, supported by referees and soaking in the adulation of the Chicago crowd, was perfectly set for ensuring that Del Rio's turn would be gradual, as he continued to believe that he was a "People's Champion", and this bodes well for a feud in the future. Ziggler will be champion again, and because of this moment he may become a better champion than he ever could have been before.