By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Payback PPV news & notes

- WWE champion John Cena retained the WWE Title over Ryback in a Three Stages of Hell match. The match, which was positioned as the main event, saw Ryback win Stage 1 in a Lumberjack match, Cena win Stage 2 in a Tables match, and Cena win Stage 3 in an Ambulance match.

The finish was Cena giving Ryback the Attitude Adjustment through the roof of the ambulance, sending Ryback inside the ambulance. It was an unspectacular conclusion to the match, so WWE replayed the finish several times from a variety of camera angles to try to make it seem spectacular.

- C.M. Punk returned from a two-month hiatus to defeat Chris Jericho in Punk's hometown of Chicago. The match, which was positioned fifth out of seven matches on the card, concluded with Punk delivering consecutive GTSs to Jericho for a pinfall.

Punk returned with a new look similar to Hugh Jackman's "Wolverine" character, but there were no shenanigans with Paul Heyman ringside. Heyman nearly got involved half-way through, but he eventually did not factor into the outcome. Punk sold being disinterested in Heyman's presence after the match, though, potentially hinting at the follow-up to Punk's return.

- Mid-way through the PPV, WWE announced that Rob Van Dam will return to WWE at the Money in the Bank PPV in July in Philadelphia. The Chicago crowd then chanted "RVD" at select times in matches that followed.

- Alberto Del Rio captured the World Title from Dolph Ziggler as part of a double turn. Del Rio played the role of Mickie James taking advantage of Ziggler's concussion injury, drawing heavier boos from the crowd. Meanwhile, Ziggler got sympathy for fighting through his injury and kicking out of multiple kick-strikes to the head during the match.

After the match, Del Rio cut a disingenuous babyface promo, which prompted heavier boos from the crowd. WWE acknowledged the anti-Del Rio sentiment by focusing on fans booing Del Rio throughout the promo.

- There were two other title matches: Curtis Axel captured the Intercontinental Title from Wade Barrett in a three-way match also involving The Miz and A.J. Lee captured the Divas Title from Kaitlyn.

In the other title matches, Dean Ambrose retained the U.S. Title against Kane and The Shield retained the Tag Titles over Daniel Bryan & Randy Orton.

- After Axel captured the IC Title, Vince McMahon and Triple H made their only appearance of the night by having a chat with Axel. McMahon wanted to book Hunter vs. Axel on Monday's Raw, but Hunter balked at the idea, continuing their disagreement from last week's Raw.

[Torch art credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]

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