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

First Hour Results

The PPV opened with a mobster-style video package - since they're in Chicago - focusing on the Payback theme. Specifically, John Cena seeking "payback" on Ryback and Alberto Del Rio seeking "payback" on Dolph Ziggler following Ziggler's Money in the Bank cash-in, which seems like a distant memory.

Live from Chicago, Michael Cole introduced the show before Lilian Garcia introduced the Intercontinental Title match to start the show. Out first was The Miz. The other challenger, Curtis Axel, was out next with Paul Heyman. WWE went for a dramatic ring introduction for Axel, who marched to the ring looking confident in his abilities tonight. IC champion Wade Barrett was out next.

1 -- IC champion WADE BARRETT vs. CURTIS AXEL (w/Paul Heyman) vs. THE MIZ -- three-way Intercontinental Title match

As the bell sounded, Cole noted that the meaning of Father's Day is not lost on Axel, whose father was "Mr. Perfect" Curt Hennig. On cue, Axel tried to bail from the ring to let the other two duke it out. JBL offered a pop-culture reference that English golfer Justin Rose won the U.S. Open just before the PPV, so maybe it's Barrett's night. The match eventually slowed down with Axel taking a page from the Triple H Playbook methodically working on Miz while Barrett sold on the floor. Cole filled time noting the crowd is ready to explode for Heyman's other client, C.M. Punk, later tonight.

Barrett re-entered at 6:00, clearing Axel to the corner. Miz then made a comeback by knocking around both heels. They set up a good sequence with Axel delivering the PerfectPlex to Barrett, but Miz came out of nowhere to smash Axel in the gut to break up the pin just before three. Axel then walked into a Skullcrushing Finale, but Barrett stole the pin, only to have Miz yank Barrett out of the ring, then score a close nearfall on Axel. Another good sequence.

At 10:00, Miz wanted the figure-four leglock on Barrett, but Axel blocked. Miz then re-applied the figure-four as the crowd flipped out. Ringside, Heyman screamed at Axel to get back in the ring, so Axel slipped into the ring and covered a prone Barrett for a three count just before Barrett tapped out to Miz's figure-four.

Post-match, Axel jumped out of the ring to celebrate with Heyman as Miz freaked out in the ring, seconds away from winning. The crowd roared for the title change, then Axel and Heyman celebrated in the ring. After a replay of the finish, they cut to a shot of Axel saluting his father by looking toward the ceiling, then showing a fire in his eyes that hasn't been seen before.

WINNER: Axel at 10:36 to capture the IC Title. Amazing final three minutes after a slow start. Some really innovative sequences at the end and a memorable title change. Well-done by all three men. (**3/4)

A video package documented Mark Henry returning to WWE tomorrow night on Raw. Back live, the announcers reviewed the finish of the IC Title match and showed Axel celebrating.

Backstage: Paul Heyman told Axel that his title victory was perfect. Suddenly, Triple H stopped Axel in the hallway. Axel wanted to walk by, but Hunter kept him in front of him. Vince McMahon then walked into the discussion and shook hands with Axel, then shook hands with Heyman. McMahon sent Axel and Heyman away, then had a chat with Hunter. McMahon booked Hunter vs. Axel this Monday on Raw, but Hunter replied, "Nope," and walked off.

2 -- Divas champion KAITLYN vs. A.J. LEE (w/Big E. Langston) -- Divas Title match

Divas champion Kaitlyn was introduced to the ring first. After a video package on A.J. Lee making Kaitlyn crazy as of late, including Kaitlyn getting hit with a $10,000 fine for striking a referee on Smackdown, Lee made her way to the ring flanked by Big E. Langston.

Cole quickly pulled a Mike Tenay by noting "everyone was fooled" by Big E. claiming to be Kaitlyn's secret admirer on Raw. The battle between former friends turned into roughhousing with the fight frequently spilling out of the ring. Back in the ring, Kaitlyn tried to inflict additional punishment instead of taking the win, which cost her. A.J. slapped on the Black Widow, Kaitlyn fought the hold, tried to power out, but fell to the mat, and A.J. scored a submission win. New champ.

Post-match, Kaitlyn was left alone in the ring to survey the damage after A.J. used mind-games to take the Divas Title from her. The camera stayed with Kaitlyn as she dejectedly left the ring, then broke down and cried on the entranceramp. Layla then resurfaced by coming down to ringside to console Kaitlyn.

WINNER: A.J. via submission at 9:56 to capture the Divas Title. Strong battle and good story between former friends. (**1/2)

Backstage: More Divas emerged to try to console an inconsolable Kaitlyn after losing her title and losing to her former best friend.

Video Package: Money in the Bank is next month.

Announcers: Cole and Co. reacted to two title changes to start the show. Lawler played the card of whether the title changes means John Cena's WWE Title is in jeopardy later tonight.

NBA on TNT Studio: Big Show, R-Truth, and Cody Rhodes reacted to the two title changes starting the PPV. Show congratulated Axel on capturing the IC Title, then Josh Mathews fed to a video package on the Wyatt Family. They're coming.

In-ring: Justin Roberts announced the U.S. Title match up next. As Kane came out to challenge for the title, Cole wondered if there will be three title changes to start the show. The Shield's music played to bring out U.S. champion Dean Ambrose through the crowd and to the ring.

3 -- U.S. champion DEAN AMBROSE vs. KANE -- United States Title match

As the bell sounded, the announcers discussed whether The Shield will be affected by their first-ever pinfall/submission loss in a six-man tag match just 48 hours ago on Smackdown. The match started with Ambrose trying to pull Kane's fake hair to anger the big-man, but Kane shook him off and delivered a sidewalk slam. The match slowed to a crawl as Kane began working on Ambrose. Ambrose fought back with a double-foot kick to the chest that knocked Kane into the ropes, then Kane fell to the mat, but escaped a pin attempt.

Ambrose tried to walk the ropes a la Undertaker, but Kane blocked and knocked Ambrose out of the ring to the outside. On the floor, Ambrose smacked Kane across the face, then laughed about it, so Kane slapped him. Kane, needing some anger management help, started clearing the Spanish announce table, which allowed Ambrose to recover and spike DDT Kane into the floor. Ambrose re-entered the ring at seven, the ref hit ten, and Ambrose retained via count-out.

WINNER: Ambrose via count-out at 9:34 to retain the U.S. Title. An off-match. They just didn't get out of first-gear and didn't seem to mesh well in the ring. (*1/2)

Suddenly, Rob Van Dam was on the video screen. WWE ran a highlight video package from RVD's WWE career set to his classic theme music, then the graphic concluded with an announcement that RVD will return to WWE at Money in the Bank PPV next month. Back live in the arena, the crowd popped big for a nostalgic look at RVD on the video screen. Cole hyped his return at the next PPV after acknowledging the reaction.

Video Replay: Sheamus beat Damien Sandow on the PPV Kick-Off Show.

SECOND HOUR COVERAGE CONTINUES AT PWTORCH.COM . ...

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