WWE Payback PPV results
June 16, 2013
Chicago, Ill.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Pre-PPV Results

The pre-show started right off with Damien Sandow coming to the ring for the Kick-Off match against Sheamus. WWE cut to the NBA on TNT Studio Booth, where Big Show was towering over Josh Mathews. Also on the panel were R-Truth, Cody Rhodes, and Rhodes's mustache.

Ringside, Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler, and JBL were already ringside to call the pre-show match. WWE accidentally cut back to Mathews collecting his papers and Show having a good laugh before returning to a live shot of Sheamus hitting the ring to face Sandow.

A -- SHEAMUS vs. DAMIEN SANDOW

The crowd asserted themselves early on by booing the babyface, Sheamus, and cheering the heel, Sandow. Cole noted it's an "electric crowd already." The match moved to the floor, where Sandow posted Sheamus, then big-booted him in the face. Back in the ring, Sandow scored a one count. "Let's Go Sandow" chant as Sandow slowed things down with a headlock. Suddenly, WWE cut to a mid-match "commercial," which was a Payback PPV hype video.

["Commercial" Break]

Back from "break," Sheamus countered a power move attempt into an electric chair, but Sheamus kicked out of a pin. Meanwhile, the announcers discussed Gotch vs. Hackenschmidt. Sheamus then drew heavy boos setting up for and delivering ten big forearms to the chest. Sheamus decided to climb to the top turnbuckle, but Sandow crotched him. Sandow followed with a hanging neckbreaker for a close two count.

Sandow followed with a neck-tie drop, but Sheamus kicked out of a pin. Sandow got the bug-eyed look, then tried to calm down and follow up, but Sheamus nailed three consecutive Irish Curse backbreakers. Sheamus got a look in his eyes, almost egging on the anti-Sheamus boos from the crowd. Sheamus then warmed up for the Brogue Kick, and he connected center-ring. The pro-Sandow crowd was heard for the first time as Sheamus connected, and it was good for the pin.

WINNER: Sheamus at 10:25. The outcome was expected, but they gave Sandow enough time to have a good showing. Usually these pre-show matches go five minutes, in and out, but they allowed Sandow some time to look strong in defeat. (**1/4)

Back in the arena studio, Cody Rhodes covered for his "best friend" tasting defeat, then Big Show and R-Truth had a laugh at Rhodes's expense. Mathews then transitioned to a break down of the Three Stages of Hell WWE Title match between John Cena and Ryback in the PPV main event.

After a video aired on Cena vs. Ryback, WWE cut back to the studios for comments from Truth, Show, and Rhodes. Truth noted he will be one of the lumberjacks surrounding the ring. Show, playing a babyface tonight, questioned Truth for picking Ryback tonight. Show said he's picking Cena because of his experience and overcoming the odds throughout his career.

Mathews transitioned to a look at Dolph Ziggler vs. Alberto Del Rio for the World Title, with Ziggler returning to singles action for the first time in over one month. Show noted concussions are a very serious deal, so he's not sure how Ziggler will handle this tough spot tonight. Cody said he thinks Ziggler did the right thing taking his time getting backing in the ring.

Mathews then shifted gears to C.M. Punk returning to WWE and returning to his hometown of Chicago. The Punk Hype Video was interrupted by Chris Jericho's soundbytes over the past month building to their PPV match tonight.

Back in the studio, Mathews built anticipation for the PPV and thanked Show, Truth, and Rhodes for their expertise. Mathews said they will be part of the actual PPV offering thoughts on matches as they happen.

Ringside, Cole, Lawler, and JBL gave a final sales pitch for Payback starting in five minutes.

PAYBACK PPV COVERAGE CONTINUES AT PWTORCH.COM . ...

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