WWE Payback review: What we learned, takeaways, future projections

WWE RAW Tag Team Championship Match

The Hardy Boyz (c) vs. Cesaro & Sheamus

What we learned: While we learned that the Hardy Boyz still know how to steal a show, Jeff Hardy learned that Sheamus can kick really hard. Seriously, how stiff was that boot to the face? Sheamus has always been known to be a little stiff but that was brutal. Honestly, I thought Corey Graves was just doing what announcers do when he said he saw some Chiclets fly out of Brother Nero’s mouth. Jeff’s busted tooth aside, this was arguably the best match of the night as the show continued to exceed expectations.

This had all the elements of a classic tag team match as Cesaro and Sheamus used quick tags to keep Jeff isolated (did you ever think you’d see the day where Matt was the one the crowd wanted to see?) before the hot tag came and the Hardys emerged victorious, even if the ref had to help Jeff know where he needed to be at one point. And I think one more thing we’re going to learn is that heel Cesaro is amazing.

What’s next: Much like Neville and Aries, this program isn’t over. While there are a couple of other teams that will be looking for a title shot, the heel turn from Cesaro and Sheamus, which was done quite well, makes them the biggest story in the division. Enzo and Cass got their win on the Kickoff Show and The Golden Truth asked to fight the winner, but with the brutality of Sunday night, these four are primed for a match at Extreme Rules in early June, which again would likely steal the show.

Whether it’s been the singles matches or the tag matches, I’ve really been enjoying watching these four go at it so another month or so wouldn’t bother me and then creative could move on to something else for the summer.