Top 10 Best WWE Payback Matches of all-time

“WWE Payback” is an annual professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by WWE. It typically takes place in the late spring or early summer and features matches involving WWE Superstars from both the Raw and Smackdown brands. The event has showcased a variety of match types and storylines over the years.

After WrestleMania 34 in 2018, WWE decided to remove Payback from its annual PPV schedule due to the discontinuation of brand-exclusive PPVs. However, Payback made a return to the schedule in 2020, with its timing shifted to late August, immediately following SummerSlam. Subsequently, the event was once again removed, but it was brought back in 2023, scheduled for early September to coincide with the Labor Day weekend.

Today, our discussion will focus on the ten BEST WWE Payback matches in history.

10. Neville vs. Austin Aries (WWE Payback 2017)

Neville, known as “The King of the Cruiserweights,” had dominated the Cruiserweight division since his return in 2016. He held the WWE Cruiserweight Championship for a significant period and established himself as a dominant and ruthless champion. Austin Aries, on the other hand, was a charismatic and skilled performer who had recently joined the Cruiserweight division. He quickly became a top contender for Neville’s championship due to his impressive in-ring abilities and outspoken personality.

At WWE Payback 2017, Neville defended his WWE Cruiserweight Championship against Austin Aries in a highly anticipated match. The bout itself was a showcase of technical wrestling, high-flying maneuvers, and hard-hitting strikes. Both wrestlers demonstrated their agility, resilience, and determination throughout the match.

The match reached its climax with near falls and dramatic moments as both Neville and Austin Aries came close to securing victory. Ultimately, Neville managed to secure a hard-fought victory, retaining his Cruiserweight Championship.

Overall, the Neville vs. Austin Aries match at WWE Payback 2017 stands out as one of the best matches in Payback history due to its captivating storytelling, exceptional in-ring action, and the intensity of the rivalry between the two competitors.

9. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman (WWE Payback 2017)

Braun Strowman had emerged as a force to be reckoned with, displaying incredible strength and a relentless desire to decimate his opponents. Roman Reigns, on the other hand, was no stranger to controversy and had his share of polarizing reactions from the WWE Universe. The feud between Reigns and Strowman began when Strowman attacked Reigns after a match, leaving him injured and setting the tone for a heated rivalry.

In the weeks leading up to WWE Payback, Reigns and Strowman engaged in physical confrontations, with Strowman often getting the upper hand due to his sheer power and aggression. Their clashes escalated to a point where it was clear that a definitive showdown was necessary to settle their differences.

At WWE Payback 2017, Reigns and Strowman squared off in a match that was filled with intensity and brutality. The match itself was a hard-hitting affair, with both Superstars utilizing their signature moves and demonstrating their resilience. Strowman’s power and aggression were on full display as he targeted Reigns with impactful maneuvers, while Reigns fought back with his trademark strikes and high-impact offense.

The match reached its climax with a series of near falls and dramatic moments. In the end, it was Roman Reigns who managed to secure the victory, delivering a Spear to Strowman and pinning him for the three-count.

Overall, the Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman match at WWE Payback 2017 is remembered as a hard-fought battle between two powerhouse Superstars, showcasing their athleticism and determination in an intense and memorable encounter.

8. John Cena Vs. Ryback (WWE Payback 2013)

Ryback, known for his immense strength and dominating presence, had been on a path of destruction in WWE. He had established himself as a force to be reckoned with and had his sights set on the WWE Championship, held by John Cena. On the other hand, John Cena, a multi-time WWE Champion and one of the top stars of the company, was determined to retain his championship and prove that he could overcome the challenge posed by Ryback.

The tension between Cena and Ryback escalated as Ryback targeted Cena with his powerful maneuvers and made it clear that he intended to dethrone the champion. The rivalry between the two competitors intensified with verbal confrontations and physical altercations, creating a highly anticipated showdown.

At WWE Payback 2013, Cena and Ryback faced off in a Three Stages of Hell match, a unique stipulation where the match had three different stages, each with its own set of rules and potential advantages.

Stage 1 – Lumberjack Match: The first stage was a Lumberjack Match, where WWE Superstars surrounded the ring to prevent either Cena or Ryback from escaping. Cena managed to win this stage with an Attitude Adjustment, taking an early advantage.

Stage 2 – Tables Match: The second stage was a Tables Match, where the objective was to put your opponent through a table. Ryback fought back and won this stage, evening the score.

Stage 3 – Ambulance Match: The third and final stage was an Ambulance Match, where the goal was to incapacitate your opponent and then load them into an ambulance parked at ringside. In a hard-fought battle, Cena ultimately secured the victory by defeating Ryback and loading him into the ambulance, thus winning the overall match and retaining his WWE Championship.

Overall, the John Cena vs. Ryback match at WWE Payback 2013 is celebrated as one of the best due to its unique stipulation, intense rivalry, physicality, and memorable moments that made it a standout contest in WWE history.

7. CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho (WWE Payback 2013)

Chris Jericho returned to WWE in 2013 and engaged in a feud with CM Punk, who was then the reigning WWE Champion. Jericho, a seasoned veteran and multi-time champion himself, claimed that Punk had changed since his rise to prominence and accused him of losing touch with the values that once defined him. The rivalry became intensely personal, with Jericho repeatedly targeting Punk’s family and history.

CM Punk, on the other hand, took offense to Jericho’s accusations and sought to defend his legacy and prove his worth as a champion. He aimed to show that he was still the “Best in the World” and that he had not lost sight of his principles.

At WWE Payback 2013, CM Punk defended his WWE Championship against Chris Jericho in a highly anticipated match. The contest was filled with technical wrestling, high-flying maneuvers, and dramatic storytelling as both competitors sought to outsmart and outperform each other.

The match reached its climax with a series of near falls and tense moments. In the end, CM Punk managed to secure the victory, countering Jericho’s attempts and retaining his WWE Championship.

Overall, the CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho match at WWE Payback 2013 is celebrated as one of the best due to its personal feud, exceptional in-ring action, dramatic storytelling, and the emotional investment of both competitors, making it a standout moment in WWE history.

6. John Cena Vs. Bray Wyatt (WWE Payback 2014)

Bray Wyatt, the enigmatic and charismatic leader of The Wyatt Family, had been targeting John Cena for weeks leading up to the event. Wyatt believed that Cena’s message of “hustle, loyalty, and respect” was a facade, and he aimed to expose what he saw as Cena’s darker side and question his virtuous beliefs. Wyatt engaged in psychological mind games, attempting to manipulate Cena’s emotions and force him to embrace his own inner darkness.

Wyatt’s tactics included creepy promos, eerie visuals, and attempts to infiltrate Cena’s mind. He sought to prove that Cena’s status as a hero and role model was a sham and that he was no different from Wyatt himself.

At WWE Payback 2014, John Cena and Bray Wyatt faced off in a unique Last Man Standing match. The Last Man Standing stipulation meant that the match would continue until one competitor could not answer the referee’s ten-count. The contest took place in a highly atmospheric and dramatic setting, complete with a haunting entrance by Bray Wyatt.

The match itself was physically intense, with both Cena and Wyatt utilizing a variety of weapons and high-impact maneuvers to incapacitate each other. The psychology of the match was emphasized as Wyatt continued to play mind games and taunt Cena throughout the battle.

The match reached its climax when Cena executed an Attitude Adjustment through an equipment crate on Wyatt and pushed another crate onto the crate which Wyatt was in. As Wyatt could not stand, Cena won the match.

Overall, the John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt match at WWE Payback 2014 is celebrated as one of the best due to its unique storytelling, psychological elements, atmospheric presentation, and the physicality of the Last Man Standing stipulation, making it a standout moment in WWE history.

5. Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles (WWE Payback 2016)

Roman Reigns, a dominant and polarizing figure, had been on a quest to prove himself as the top champion in WWE. Despite his athleticism and accomplishments, he faced criticism and resistance from some sections of the WWE Universe who questioned his legitimacy as the face of the company.

On the other hand, AJ Styles, renowned for his incredible in-ring ability and worldwide wrestling experience, had recently made his highly anticipated debut in WWE. Styles quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, earning the respect and admiration of fans and fellow Superstars alike.

AJ Styles’ rise led him to challenge Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Payback 2016. The match was not only about the championship but also a clash of wrestling styles and philosophies. Reigns represented the powerhouse and brute strength, while Styles epitomized agility, technical prowess, and high-flying moves.

At WWE Payback 2016, Reigns and Styles engaged in a hard-fought and dramatic match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The encounter was a showcase of back-and-forth action, with both competitors exchanging impactful moves and near falls.

The match reached its climax with several dramatic moments, including Reigns surviving Styles’ high-flying attacks and Styles kicking out of Reigns’ signature maneuvers. In a surprising twist, Reigns managed to secure the victory with a Spear, retaining his WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Overall, the Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles match at WWE Payback 2016 is celebrated as one of the best due to its clash of styles, talent showcase, dramatic moments, and its role in cementing AJ Styles’ reputation as a top WWE Superstar, making it a standout moment in WWE history.

4. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Randy Orton (WWE Payback 2015)

The Shield, consisting of Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and Dean Ambrose, had been one of the most dominant factions in WWE history. However, tensions began to arise within the group, particularly after Seth Rollins turned his back on his Shield brethren and aligned himself with The Authority, becoming the “Future of WWE.”

Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns were left feeling betrayed by Rollins’ actions, and both sought revenge. Randy Orton, a longtime rival of The Shield, also had his own issues with Rollins and The Authority. The stage was set for a chaotic and explosive Fatal 4-Way match at WWE Payback 2015.

At WWE Payback 2015, Rollins, Reigns, Ambrose, and Orton faced off in a high-stakes match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The match was a whirlwind of action, as all four competitors displayed their athleticism and determination to win.

The match saw numerous thrilling moments, including double-team maneuvers, high-impact moves, and near falls. The chaotic nature of the Fatal 4-Way format created a dynamic and unpredictable environment, with alliances forming and breaking throughout the match.

In the climactic moments of the match, Seth Rollins managed to capitalize on the chaos and pinned Randy Orton to retain his WWE World Heavyweight Championship, solidifying his status as a cunning and opportunistic champion.

Overall, the Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Randy Orton match at WWE Payback 2015 is celebrated as one of the best due to its personal rivalries, championship stakes, chaotic action, and the talent showcase of all four competitors, making it a standout moment in WWE history.

3. The Fiend Vs. Roman Reigns Vs. Braun Strowman (WWE Payback 2020)

While some may disagree with ranking this match so prominently, I’ve chosen to elevate its position due to its significance as the beginning of Reigns’ era as The Tribal Chief and his remarkable tenure as the universal champion, a reign that has now exceeded 1000 days.

Bray Wyatt, the Universal Champion at the time, had established himself as a dominant force in WWE with his incredible strength and power. He had engaged in a rivalry with Braun Strowman.

However, the landscape shifted dramatically when Roman Reigns made his unexpected return to WWE. Reigns had been absent from wrestling due to health concerns but returned at the WWE SummerSlam event to challenge for the Universal Championship. In a shocking turn of events, Reigns aligned himself with Paul Heyman, signaling a new attitude and a more aggressive demeanor.

At WWE Payback 2020, The Fiend, Roman Reigns, and Braun Strowman clashed in a Triple Threat No Holds Barred match for the Universal Championship. The match was filled with chaos, intense brawling, and the utilization of weapons, showcasing the brutal nature of the No Holds Barred stipulation.

Throughout the match, all Fiend and Strowman delivered punishing moves and fought both inside and outside the ring. But, Reigns turn the table and enter the match when both men were exhausted.

In the climax of the match, Roman Reigns displayed his new attitude by utilizing tactics that aligned with his heel persona, including attacking both The Fiend and Strowman with a steel chair. Reigns then pinned Strowman to win the Universal Championship.

Overall, The Fiend vs. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman match at WWE Payback 2020 is a milestone due to its surprising character developments, evolving storylines, and the significant impact it had on the Universal Championship picture. The match marked a turning point in Roman Reigns’ career and had lasting implications for WWE storytelling.

2. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn (WWE Payback 2016)

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn had been best friends and fierce competitors on the independent wrestling scene before both eventually made their way to WWE. However, their friendship took a dramatic turn when Owens turned on Zayn, attacking him after Zayn won the NXT title. Both men make their way to the main roster and reignite their feud from NXT.

Sami Zayn, fueled by a desire for revenge, sought to settle the score and prove that he could overcome Owens’ ruthless tactics. Owens, on the other hand, embraced his new role as a calculating and opportunistic villain, determined to assert his dominance over Zayn.

At WWE Payback 2016, Owens and Zayn faced off in a heated and emotionally charged match. The contest was a culmination of their history, personal issues, and the desire to prove themselves as a superior competitor.

The match itself was a showcase of intensity, technical wrestling, and high-flying maneuvers. Zayn’s resilience and determination were on full display as he fought to overcome Owens’ underhanded tactics. Owens, in turn, used his aggressive style and cunning to maintain control throughout the match.

In the climax of the match, Owens managed to deliver a devastating Pop-up Powerbomb to Zayn, securing the victory and cementing his status as a formidable adversary.

Overall, the Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn match at WWE Payback 2016 is celebrated as one of the best due to its personal feud, technical excellence, emotional investment, and effective storytelling, making it a standout moment in WWE history.

1. The Shield vs. Evolution (WWE Payback 2014)

Evolution, a legendary faction consisting of Triple H, Randy Orton, and Batista, had returned to WWE with the intention of reasserting their dominance. However, The Shield, a group of talented newcomers including Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose, had quickly risen to prominence and was considered a force to be reckoned with.

As Evolution attempted to reestablish its dominance, tensions between the two factions escalated. The Shield viewed themselves as the future of WWE and sought to prove themselves against the veteran trio. The feud intensified with physical altercations and confrontations leading up to their highly anticipated match at WWE Payback 2014.

At WWE Payback 2014, The Shield faced off against Evolution in a No Holds Barred Elimination match. The stipulation meant that each member of both teams could be eliminated by pinfall, submission, or any other means. The match was a showcase of chaos, high-impact moves, and strategic teamwork.

The Shield displayed their unique unity and innovative offense, while Evolution utilized their experience and ruthless tactics. The match saw dramatic eliminations, close calls, and moments of intense back-and-forth action.

In the climax of the match, The Shield managed to eliminate all three members of Evolution in succession, securing a clean sweep victory. Roman Reigns delivered a powerful Spear to Batista, securing the final pinfall and cementing The Shield’s victory.

Overall, The Shield vs. Evolution match at WWE Payback 2014 is celebrated as an instant classic due to its generational clash, intense rivalry, innovative offense, dramatic eliminations, and impactful clean sweep finish, making it a standout and memorable moment in WWE history.

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