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{{short description|WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event}}
{{short description|WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming event}}
{{Infobox Wrestling event
{{Infobox wrestling event
|name = Payback
|name = Payback
|image = File:WWE Payback (2015) Poster.jpg
|image = File:WWE Payback (2015) Poster.jpg
Line 8: Line 8:
|date = May 17, 2015
|date = May 17, 2015
|attendance = 10,000
|attendance = 10,000
|buyrate = 54,000<ref>{{cite web|last1=Namako|first1=Jason|title=Extreme Rules, Payback and MITB 2015 PPV buyrate figures|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/55529-buyrates-revealed-for-q2-2015-wwe-ppvs|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=30 July 2015}}</ref> <small>(excluding [[WWE Network]] views)</small>
|buyrate = 54,000<ref>{{cite web|last=Namako|date=July 30, 2015|first=Jason|title=Extreme Rules, Payback and MITB 2015 PPV buyrate figures|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/55529-buyrates-revealed-for-q2-2015-wwe-ppvs/|website=WrestleView|access-date=July 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802015455/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/55529-buyrates-revealed-for-q2-2015-wwe-ppvs/|archive-date=August 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> <small>(excluding [[WWE Network]] views)</small>
|venue = [[Royal Farms Arena]]
|venue = [[Royal Farms Arena]]
|city = [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]]
|city = [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]]
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|nextevent2 = [[Payback (2016)|2016]]
|nextevent2 = [[Payback (2016)|2016]]
}}
}}
The 2015 '''Payback''' was the third annual [[WWE Payback|Payback]] [[professional wrestling]] [[pay-per-view]] and [[livestreaming]] [[List of WWE pay-per-view and WWE Network events|event]] produced by [[WWE]]. It took place on May 17, 2015, at the [[Royal Farms Arena]] in [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]] and was the first Payback held outside of the [[Chicago]] suburb of [[Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont]], [[Illinois]]. The theme of the event was wrestlers seeking payback against their opponents.
The 2015 '''Payback''' was the third annual [[WWE Payback|Payback]] [[professional wrestling]] [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) and [[livestreaming]] [[List of WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming supercards|event]] produced by [[WWE]]. It took place on May 17, 2015, at the [[Royal Farms Arena]] in [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]] and was the first Payback held outside of the [[Chicago]] suburb of [[Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont]], [[Illinois]]. The theme of the event was wrestlers seeking payback against their opponents.


Nine matches were contested at the event, with two matches on the Kickoff pre-show. In the main event, [[Seth Rollins]] defeated [[Roman Reigns]], [[Dean Ambrose]], and [[Randy Orton]] in a [[fatal four-way match]] to retain the [[WWE Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]]. In other prominent matches, [[The New Day (wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]] and [[Kofi Kingston]]) defeated [[Cesaro and Tyson Kidd]] in a [[two-out-of-three falls match]] to retain the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]], [[Bray Wyatt]] defeated [[Ryback]], and [[John Cena]] defeated [[Alexander Rusev|Rusev]] in an [["I Quit" match]] to retain the [[WWE United States Championship]]. The event sold 54,000 buys (excluding [[WWE Network]] views), down from the previous year's 67,000 buys.
Nine matches were contested at the event, including two on the Kickoff pre-show. In the main event, [[Seth Rollins]] defeated [[Roman Reigns]], [[Dean Ambrose]], and [[Randy Orton]] in a [[fatal four-way match]] to retain the [[WWE Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]]. In other prominent matches, [[The New Day (professional wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]] and [[Kofi Kingston]]) defeated [[Cesaro and Tyson Kidd]] in a [[two out of three falls match]] to retain the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]], [[Bray Wyatt]] defeated [[Ryback]], and [[John Cena]] defeated [[Miro (wrestler)|Rusev]] in an [["I Quit" match]] to retain the [[WWE United States Championship]]. The event sold 54,000 buys (excluding [[WWE Network]] views), down from the previous year's 67,000 buys.


==Production==
==Production==
===Background===
===Background===
[[File:Baltimore Arena MD1.jpg|thumb|The event was held at the [[Royal Farms Arena]] in [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]].]]
[[WWE Payback|Payback]] was an annual [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) and [[WWE Network]] event that was established by [[WWE]] in 2013. The concept of the event was the wrestlers seeking payback against their opponents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wwedvd.co.uk/wrestling/payback-2013-dvd/|title=Payback 2013 (DVD)|work=WWE Home Video UK|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=November 19, 2021}}</ref> The 2015 event was the third event in the Payback chronology and was held on May 17, 2015, at the [[Royal Farms Arena]] in [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Martin|first1=Adam|title=Baltimore to host the WWE Payback PPV in 2015|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/50653-baltimore-to-host-the-wwe-payback-ppv-in-2015|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=15 September 2014}}</ref> Payback was available free to new subscribers on WWE's online streaming service, the WWE Network, as part of a 30-day free trial in over 140 countries.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Martin|first1=Adam|title=New subscribers will get the WWE Network for free in May|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/54257-new-subscribers-will-get-wwe-network-for-free-in-may|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=1 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Subscribers Get May Free Including Payback|url=http://www.wwe.com/wwenetwork|access-date=1 May 2015}}</ref>
[[WWE Payback|Payback]] was an annual [[professional wrestling]] [[List of WWE pay-per-view and livestreaming supercards|event]] that was established by [[WWE]] in 2013. The concept of the event was the wrestlers seeking payback against their opponents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wwedvd.co.uk/wrestling/payback-2013-dvd/|title=Payback 2013 (DVD)|work=WWE Home Video UK|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=November 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921152343/https://wwedvd.co.uk/wrestling/payback-2013-dvd/|archive-date=September 21, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2015 event was the third Payback and was held on May 17, 2015, at the [[Royal Farms Arena]] in [[Baltimore]], [[Maryland]]. The event aired on [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) worldwide and was [[livestreamed]] on the [[WWE Network]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=Baltimore to host the WWE Payback PPV in 2015|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/50653-baltimore-to-host-the-wwe-payback-ppv-in-2015/|date=September 9, 2014|website=WrestleView|access-date=September 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910201435/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/50653-baltimore-to-host-the-wwe-payback-ppv-in-2015/|archive-date=September 10, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Payback was available free to new subscribers on the WWE Network, as part of a 30-day free trial in over 140 countries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=New subscribers will get the WWE Network for free in May|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/54257-new-subscribers-will-get-wwe-network-for-free-in-may/|date=April 30, 2015|website=WrestleView|access-date=May 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502020428/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/54257-new-subscribers-will-get-wwe-network-for-free-in-may/|archive-date=May 20, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Storylines===
===Storylines===
The card consisted of nine matches, including two on the Kickoff pre-show, that resulted from scripted storylines, where wrestlers portrayed [[Face (professional wrestling)|heroes]], [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villains]], or [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Tweener|less distinguishable characters]] in scripted events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches, with results predetermined by WWE's writers. Storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television shows, ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' and ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]''.<ref name="HSW">{{cite web|title=How Pro Wrestling Works|url=http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|last=Grabianowski|first=Ed|work=HowStuffWorks|publisher=[[Discovery Communications]]|access-date=March 5, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129050844/http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2013}}</ref><ref name=WWEnt>{{cite web|title=Live & Televised Entertainment|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 21, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218142749/http://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|archive-date=February 18, 2009}}</ref>
The event comprised nine matches, including two on the Kickoff pre-show, that resulted from scripted storylines, where wrestlers portrayed [[Face (professional wrestling)|heroes]], [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villains]], or [[Tweener (professional wrestling)|less distinguishable characters]] in scripted events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches. Results were predetermined by WWE's writers, while storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television shows, ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' and ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]''.<ref name="HSW">{{cite web|title=How Pro Wrestling Works|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|last=Grabianowski|first=Ed|work=HowStuffWorks|date=January 13, 2006|publisher=[[Discovery Communications]]|access-date=March 5, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129050844/https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2013}}</ref><ref name=WWEnt>{{cite web|title=Live & Televised Entertainment|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218142749/https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|archive-date=February 18, 2009}}</ref>


At [[Extreme Rules (2015)|Extreme Rules]], [[John Cena]] retained the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] by defeating Rusev in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Strap match|Russian Chain match]]. Later in the event, after consulting with [[The Authority (professional wrestling)|The Authority]], [[Lana (wrestling)|Lana]] stated that Cena would defend the title against Rusev in an [["I Quit" match]] at the event.<ref name="ER">{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=CALDWELL'S EXTREME RULES PPV REPORT 4/26: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Rollins vs. Orton steel cage, Cena vs. Rusev, Last Man Standing, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84687.shtml#.VT2oBZPm6aE|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref>
At [[Extreme Rules (2015)|Extreme Rules]], [[John Cena]] retained the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] by defeating Rusev in a [[Strap match|Russian Chain match]]. Later in the event, after consulting with [[The Authority (professional wrestling)|The Authority]], [[Lana (wrestler)|Lana]] stated that Cena would defend the title against Rusev in an [["I Quit" match]] at the event.<ref name="ER2015">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's Extreme Rules PPV Report 4/26: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Rollins vs. Orton steel cage, Cena vs. Rusev, Last Man Standing, more|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84687.shtml#.VT2oBZPm6aE|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=April 26, 2015|access-date=April 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427183338/https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84687.shtml#.VT6BBnbP1PY|archive-date=April 27, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>


At Extreme Rules, [[Seth Rollins]] defeated [[Randy Orton]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Steel Cage match|steel cage match]] to retain the [[WWE Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]] after interference from [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], [[Jamie Noble]], and [[Joey Mercury]].<ref name="ER" /> On the April 27 episode of ''Raw'', it was announced that, as a result of a vote on the WWE App, Rollins was scheduled to defend the title against Orton and [[Roman Reigns]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] at the event.<ref name="raw4272015">{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – 4/27/15 (Payback main event set)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/54206-wwe-raw-results-4-27-15-live-results-from-green-bay|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=28 April 2015}}</ref> On the May 4 episode of ''Raw'', [[Dean Ambrose]] defeated Rollins in a non-title match, and per the pre-match stipulation, he was added to the match, thus making the match a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|fatal-four way]].<ref name="raw5042015">{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – 5/4/15 (Changes to Payback main event)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/54301-wwe-raw-results-5-4-15-live-results-from-montreal|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=5 May 2015}}</ref> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', [[Triple H]] decided that if Rollins lost the title, [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] would no longer be the WWE Director of Operations.<ref name="raw5112015">{{cite web|title=WWE RAW Results – 5/11/15 (Final hype for WWE Payback)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/54400-wwe-raw-results-5-11-15-live-results-from-cincinnati|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref>
At Extreme Rules, [[Seth Rollins]] defeated [[Randy Orton]] in a [[Steel Cage match]] to retain the [[WWE Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]] after interference from [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], [[Jamie Noble]], and [[Joey Mercury]].<ref name="ER2015"/> On the April 27 episode of ''Raw'', it was announced that, as a result of a vote on the WWE App, Rollins was scheduled to defend the title against Orton and [[Roman Reigns]] in a [[triple threat match]] at the event.<ref name="raw4272015">{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 4/27/15 (Payback main event set)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/54206-wwe-raw-results-4-27-15-live-results-from-green-bay/|website=WrestleView|date=April 28, 2015|access-date=April 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430181941/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/54206-wwe-raw-results-4-27-15-live-results-from-green-bay/|archive-date=April 30, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 4 episode of ''Raw'', [[Dean Ambrose]] defeated Rollins in a non-title match, and per the pre-match stipulation, he was added to the match, thus making the match a [[fatal four-way match]].<ref name="raw5042015">{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 5/4/15 (Changes to Payback main event)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/54301-wwe-raw-results-5-4-15-live-results-from-montreal/|date=May 5, 2015|website=WrestleView|access-date=May 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505061441/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/54301-wwe-raw-results-5-4-15-live-results-from-montreal/|archive-date=May 5, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', [[Triple H]] decided that if Rollins lost the title, [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] would no longer be the WWE Director of Operations.<ref name="raw5112015">{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE Raw Results – 5/11/15 (Final hype for WWE Payback)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/54400-wwe-raw-results-5-11-15-live-results-from-cincinnati/|date=May 12, 2015|website=WrestleView|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513131224/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/54400-wwe-raw-results-5-11-15-live-results-from-cincinnati/|archive-date=May 13, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>


On the Extreme Rules Kickoff pre-show, [[Pac (wrestler)|Neville]] defeated [[Wade Barrett|Bad News Barrett]].<ref name="Pre–ER">{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=CALDWELL'S EXTREME RULES PPV REPORT 4/26 (pre-show): Complete coverage of Barrett vs. Neville, Dean crashes set, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84686.shtml#.VT199JPm6aF|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref> On April 28, Barrett defeated Neville to win the [[King of the Ring]] tournament, changing his ring name to King Barrett. On the May 7 episode of ''SmackDown'', Neville and [[Dolph Ziggler]] defeated Barrett and [[Sheamus]] in a tag team match.<ref name="sd5072015">{{cite web|last1=Grubba|first1=Randy|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 5/7/15 (Contract Signing)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/54356-wwe-smackdown-results-5-7-15-contract-signing|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=7 May 2015}}</ref> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', a match between Barrett and Neville was scheduled for the event.<ref name="raw5112015"/>
On the Extreme Rules Kickoff pre-show, [[Pac (wrestler)|Neville]] defeated [[Wade Barrett|Bad News Barrett]].<ref name="PreER2015">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's Extreme Rules PPV Report 4/26 (pre-show): Complete coverage of Barrett vs. Neville, Dean crashes set, more|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84686.shtml#.VT199JPm6aF|date=April 26, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427191426/https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_84686.shtml|archive-date=April 27, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 28, Barrett defeated Neville to win the [[King of the Ring]] tournament, changing his ring name to King Barrett.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/54230-2015-king-of-the-ring-results-4-28-15-live-results-in-moline/|title=2015 WWE King of the Ring Results – 4/28/15 (Barrett is King)|date=April 29, 2015|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|work=WrestleView|access-date=June 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430181156/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/54230-2015-king-of-the-ring-results-4-28-15-live-results-in-moline/|archive-date=April 30, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 7 episode of ''SmackDown'', Neville and [[Dolph Ziggler]] defeated Barrett and [[Sheamus]] in a tag team match.<ref name="sd5072015">{{cite web|last=Grubba|first=Randy|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 5/7/15 (Contract Signing)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/54356-wwe-smackdown-results-5-7-15-contract-signing/|date=May 8, 2015|website=WrestleView|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509083342/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/54356-wwe-smackdown-results-5-7-15-contract-signing/|archive-date=May 9, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', a match between Barrett and Neville was scheduled for the event.<ref name="raw5112015"/>


At Extreme Rules, Ziggler defeated Sheamus in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Kiss My Foot/Ass match|Kiss Me Arse match]].<ref name="ER"/> On the May 7 episode of ''SmackDown'', Ziggler and Neville defeated Sheamus and Barrett in a tag team match.<ref name="sd5072015"/> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', Ziggler was scheduled to face Sheamus at the event.<ref name="raw5112015"/>
At Extreme Rules, Dolph Ziggler defeated Sheamus in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Kiss My Foot/Ass match|Kiss Me Arse match]].<ref name="ER2015"/> On the May 7 episode of ''SmackDown'', Ziggler and Neville defeated Sheamus and Barrett in a tag team match.<ref name="sd5072015"/> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', Ziggler was scheduled to face Sheamus at the event.<ref name="raw5112015"/>


At Extreme Rules, [[The New Day (wrestling)|The New Day]] defeated [[Tyson Kidd and Cesaro]] to win the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="ER"/> On the April 30 episode of ''SmackDown'', Kidd and Cesaro defeated The New Day by disqualification in a rematch for the titles.<ref name="sd4302015">{{cite web|last1=Martin|first1=Adam|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 4/30/15 (Rollins vs. Ambrose)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/54261-wwe-smackdown-results-4-30-15-rollins-vs-ambrose|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', The New Day were scheduled to defend the titles against Kidd and Cesaro in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Series variations|2-out-of-3 falls]] [[Professional wrestling match types#Team matches|tag team match]] at the event.<ref name="raw5112015"/>
At Extreme Rules, [[The New Day (professional wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Kofi Kingston]] and [[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]], accompanied by [[Xavier Woods]]) defeated [[Tyson Kidd and Cesaro]] to win the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]].<ref name="ER2015"/> On the April 30 episode of ''SmackDown'', [[Tyson Kidd|Kidd]] and [[Claudio Castagnoli|Cesaro]] defeated The New Day by disqualification in a rematch for the titles.<ref name="sd4302015">{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 4/30/15 (Rollins vs. Ambrose)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/54261-wwe-smackdown-results-4-30-15-rollins-vs-ambrose/|date=May 1, 2015|website=WrestleView|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150502020542/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/54261-wwe-smackdown-results-4-30-15-rollins-vs-ambrose/|archive-date=May 2, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', The New Day were scheduled to defend the titles against Kidd and Cesaro in a [[Two out of three falls match|two out of three falls]] [[tag team match]] at the event.<ref name="raw5112015"/>


On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]] interrupted a match between [[Curtis Axel]] and [[Damien Sandow]], in the guise of [[Randy Savage|Macho Mandow]], and attacked both wrestlers, resulting in Axel and Mandow teaming together to attack The Ascension. A match between the two pairs was scheduled for the Payback Kickoff pre-show.<ref name="raw5112015"/>
On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]] ([[Konnor (wrestler)|Konnor]] and [[Viktor (wrestler)|Viktor]]) interrupted a match between [[Curtis Axel]] and [[Damien Sandow]], in the guise of [[Randy Savage|Macho Mandow]], and attacked both wrestlers, resulting in Axel and Mandow teaming together to attack The Ascension. A match between the two pairs was scheduled for the Payback Kickoff pre-show.<ref name="raw5112015"/>


[[Bray Wyatt]] began sending messages to [[Ryback]] in April. On the April 27 and April 30 episodes of ''Raw'', Wyatt attacked Ryback following the latter's victories over [[Bo Dallas]]<ref name="raw4272015"/> and [[Luke Harper]], respectively.<ref name="sd4302015"/> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', Ryback attacked Wyatt.<ref name="raw5112015"/> On May 13, a match between the two was scheduled for the event.
[[Bray Wyatt]] began sending messages to [[Ryback]] in April. On the April 27 and April 30 episodes of ''Raw'', Wyatt attacked Ryback following the latter's victories over [[Bo Dallas]]<ref name="raw4272015"/> and [[Luke Harper]], respectively.<ref name="sd4302015"/> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', Ryback attacked Wyatt.<ref name="raw5112015"/> On May 13, a match between the two was scheduled for the event.<ref>{{cite web|last=Namako|first=Jason|title=New match added to this Sunday's WWE Payback PPV|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/54430-new-match-added-to-this-sunday-s-payback-ppv/|date=May 13, 2015|work=WrestleView|access-date=June 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150513224003/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/54430-new-match-added-to-this-sunday-s-payback-ppv/|archive-date=May 13, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>


[[Naomi (wrestler)|Naomi]] was defeated by [[WWE Divas Championship|Divas Champion]], [[The Bella Twins|Nikki Bella]], at Extreme Rules,<ref name="ER" /> and by Nikki's twin sister, [[The Bella Twins|Brie]], on the April 27 episode of ''Raw''.<ref name="raw4272015"/> A week later, a returning [[Tamina Snuka]] joined Naomi in an attack on both Bella Twins.<ref name="raw5042015"/> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', Tamina defeated Brie.<ref name="raw5112015"/> On the May 14 episode of ''SmackDown'', a match between the two teams was scheduled for Payback.<ref name="sd5142015">{{cite web|last1=Parks|first1=Greg|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/14: Complete coverage of the Thursday night show, including Seth Rollins vs. Ryback, Kane vs. Roman Reigns|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_85019.shtml#.VVer8Ebm6aF|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>
[[Naomi (wrestler)|Naomi]] was defeated by [[WWE Divas Championship|Divas Champion]], [[Nikki Bella]], at Extreme Rules,<ref name="ER2015"/> and by Nikki's [[The Bella Twins|twin sister]], [[Brie Bella]], on the April 27 episode of ''Raw''.<ref name="raw4272015"/> A week later, a returning [[Tamina Snuka]] joined Naomi in an attack on both Bella Twins.<ref name="raw5042015"/> On the May 11 episode of ''Raw'', Tamina defeated Brie.<ref name="raw5112015"/> On the May 14 episode of ''SmackDown'', a match between the two teams was scheduled for Payback.<ref name="sd5142015">{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks's WWE SmackDown Report 5/14: Complete coverage of the Thursday night show, including Seth Rollins vs. Ryback, Kane vs. Roman Reigns|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_85019.shtml|date=May 16, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518142943/https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_85019.shtml#.VVn3V3bP1PY|archive-date=May 18, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Event ==
== Event ==
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|-
|-
|rowspan=2|Backstage [[interviewer]]s
|rowspan=2|Backstage [[interviewer]]s
|[[Tom Phillips (wrestling)|Tom Phillips]]
|[[Tom Hannifan|Tom Phillips]]
|-
|-
|[[Brandi Rhodes|Eden Stiles]]
|[[Brandi Rhodes|Eden Stiles]]
Line 90: Line 91:


===Pre-show===
===Pre-show===
During the Payback Kickoff pre-show, [[Ron Killings|R-Truth]] defeated [[Cody Rhodes|Stardust]] after a "[[Facebuster#Leaping reverse STO|Lie Detector]]". Later, "[[The Mega Powers#Parodies|The Mega Powers]]" ([[Damien Sandow|Macho Mandow]] and [[Curtis Axel]]) faced [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]] ([[Conor O'Brian|Konnor]] and [[Rick Victor|Viktor]]), which The Ascension won after a "[[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#High and Low combinations|Fall of Man]]" to Mandow.
During the Payback Kickoff pre-show, [[R-Truth]] defeated [[Cody Rhodes|Stardust]] after a "[[Facebuster#Leaping reverse STO|Lie Detector]]". Later, "[[The Mega Powers#Parodies|The Mega Powers]]" (Macho Mandow and Curtis Axel) faced The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor), which The Ascension won after a "[[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#High and Low combinations|Fall of Man]]" to Mandow.<ref name="PrePB2015"/>


=== Main card ===
=== Preliminary matches ===
The actual pay-per-view opened with [[Dolph Ziggler]] facing [[Sheamus]]. In the end, Sheamus performed a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Bicycle kick|"Brogue Kick"]] on Ziggler to win the match.
The actual pay-per-view opened with Dolph Ziggler facing Sheamus. In the end, Sheamus performed a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Bicycle kick|"Brogue Kick"]] on Ziggler to win the match.<ref name="Payback2015"/>


Next, [[The New Day (wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Big E Langston|Big E]] and [[Kofi Kingston]]) defended the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]] against [[Tyson Kidd and Cesaro]]. Kidd and Cesaro won the first fall after Kidd performed a [[dropkick]] following a [[Professional wrestling throws#Giant swing|"Cesaro Swing"]] on Kingston. The New Day won the second fall after performing the [[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers|"Midnight Hour"]] on Kidd. The New Day won the third fall after [[Xavier Woods]] sneaked in and pinned Cesaro with an [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Small package|inside cradle]], meaning The New Day retained the title.
Next, The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston) defended the WWE Tag Team Championship against Tyson Kidd and Cesaro. Kidd and Cesaro won the first fall after Kidd performed a [[dropkick]] following a [[Professional wrestling throws#Giant swing|"Cesaro Swing"]] on Kingston. The New Day won the second fall after performing the [[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers|"Midnight Hour"]] on Kidd. The New Day won the third fall after Xavier Woods sneaked in and pinned Cesaro with an [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Small package|inside cradle]], meaning The New Day retained the titles.<ref name="Payback2015"/>


In the third match, [[Ryback]] faced [[Bray Wyatt]]. After Ryback collided with an exposed turnbuckle, Wyatt executed [[Facebuster#Swinging reverse STO|"Sister Abigail"]] on Ryback to win the match.
In the third match, Ryback faced Bray Wyatt. After Ryback collided with an exposed turnbuckle, Wyatt executed [[Facebuster#Swinging reverse STO|"Sister Abigail"]] on Ryback to win the match.<ref name="Payback2015"/>


The fourth match saw [[John Cena]] defend the [[WWE United States Championship]] against [[Alexander Rusev|Rusev]] in an [["I Quit" match]]. At one point during the match, the fight spilled into the crowd, as well as the production area. Rusev eventually applied the [[Professional wrestling holds#Camel clutch|"Accolade"]] on Cena. Cena did not quit, but passed out. Referee [[Mike Chioda]] informed Rusev that the match can only end when someone quits, so unlike a submission match, this one continued. Steel steps, a steel barricade, Cena tackling Rusev through the barricade, Cena using a laptop as a weapon and Rusev using the pyro table for an explosion all came into play during the match. In the end, Cena ended up using the ring ropes for extra torque on the [[Professional wrestling holds#STF|STF]] he applied on Rusev. [[Lana (wrestling)|Lana]] then claimed that Rusev was saying "I Quit" in [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]]. As Lana was Rusev's [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], the referee obliged and Cena retained the title.
The fourth match saw John Cena defend the United States Championship against Rusev in an "I Quit" match. At one point during the match, the fight spilled into the crowd, as well as the production area. Rusev eventually applied the [[Professional wrestling holds#Camel clutch|"Accolade"]] on Cena. Cena did not quit, but passed out. Referee [[Mike Chioda]] informed Rusev that the match can only end when someone quits, so unlike a submission match, this one continued. Steel steps, a steel barricade, Cena tackling Rusev through the barricade, Cena using a laptop as a weapon, and Rusev using the pyro table for an explosion all came into play during the match. In the end, Cena ended up using the ring ropes for extra torque on the [[Professional wrestling holds#STF|STF]] he applied on Rusev. Lana then claimed that Rusev was saying "I Quit" in [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]]. As Lana was Rusev's [[Manager (professional wrestling)|manager]], the referee obliged and Cena retained the title.<ref name="Payback2015"/>


Next, [[The Bella Twins]] (Brie Bella and Nikki Bella) faced [[Naomi (wrestler)|Naomi]] and [[Tamina Snuka|Tamina]]. The match ended when Naomi executed the [[Professional wrestling attacks#Hip attack|"Rear View"]] on Nikki to get the win.
Next, The Bella Twins (Brie Bella and Nikki Bella) faced Naomi and Tamina. The match ended when Naomi executed the [[Professional wrestling attacks#Hip attack|"Rear View"]] on Nikki to get the win.<ref name="Payback2015"/>


In the penultimate match, [[Adrian Neville|Neville]] faced [[Wade Barrett|King Barrett]]. In the end, Barrett was intentionally counted out. Following the match, Barrett attacked Neville, including putting on his royal attire, but Neville gave Barrett a [[Suplex#German suplex|German suplex]] and performed the "[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Corkscrew shooting star press|Red Arrow]]" on him.
In the penultimate match, Neville faced King Barrett. In the end, Barrett was intentionally counted out. Following the match, Barrett attacked Neville, including putting on his royal attire, but Neville gave Barrett a [[Suplex#German suplex|German suplex]] and performed the "[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Corkscrew shooting star press|Red Arrow]]" on him.<ref name="Payback2015"/>


=== Main event ===
=== Main event ===
In the main event, [[Seth Rollins]] defended the [[WWE Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]] against [[Roman Reigns]], [[Dean Ambrose]], and [[Randy Orton]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|fatal four-way match]]. During the match, there was a mini-Shield reunion when Rollins, Reigns, and Ambrose performed their signature [[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#Aided powerbomb|triple powerbomb]] on Orton through a broadcast table. Rollins then wanted the group to reunite, however Reigns and Ambrose attacked him. [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] interfered to aid Rollins. Reigns and Ambrose executed a [[powerbomb]] on Kane on top of Rollins, who was on another broadcast table. Reigns and Ambrose performed another powerbomb on Kane sending both Kane and Rollins through the broadcast table. Ambrose and Reigns then started to wrestle each other. Reigns missed two [[Superman punch]]es, but finally connected the third one on Ambrose. Reigns performed a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Spear|spear]] on Ambrose and made a cover, but Rollins broke up the cover. Ambrose performed [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Double underhook DDT|"Dirty Deeds"]] on Rollins and made a cover but Kane pulled Ambrose out of the ring, voiding the pinfall at a two count. Kane attacked Ambrose with the steel steps and performed a [[chokeslam]] on Reigns onto the steel steps. Orton executed "[[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Jumping cutter|RKOs]]" to both [[Jamie Noble]] and [[Joey Mercury]], and performed a [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Spike DDT|spike DDT]] on Rollins. Orton then prepared for an "RKO", but Kane would try to interfere, only to receive an "RKO". Rollins capitalized and executed a "[[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]]" on Orton to retain the title.
In the main event, Seth Rollins defended the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Randy Orton in a fatal four-way match. During the match, there was a mini-Shield reunion when Rollins, Reigns, and Ambrose performed their signature [[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#Aided powerbomb|triple powerbomb]] on Orton through a broadcast table. Rollins then wanted the group to reunite, however Reigns and Ambrose attacked him. Kane interfered to aid Rollins. Reigns and Ambrose executed a [[powerbomb]] on Kane on top of Rollins, who was on another broadcast table. Reigns and Ambrose performed another powerbomb on Kane sending both Kane and Rollins through the broadcast table. Ambrose and Reigns then started to wrestle each other. Reigns missed two [[Superman punch]]es, but finally connected the third one on Ambrose. Reigns performed a [[Spear (professional wrestling)|spear]] on Ambrose and made a cover, but Rollins broke up the cover. Ambrose performed [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Double underhook DDT|"Dirty Deeds"]] on Rollins and made a cover but Kane pulled Ambrose out of the ring, voiding the pinfall at a two count. Kane attacked Ambrose with the steel steps and performed a [[chokeslam]] on Reigns onto the steel steps. Orton executed "[[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Jumping cutter|RKOs]]" to both Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury, and performed a [[DDT (professional wrestling)#Spike DDT|spike DDT]] on Rollins. Orton then prepared for an "RKO", but Kane would try to interfere, only to receive an "RKO". Rollins capitalized and executed a "[[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|Pedigree]]" on Orton to retain the title.<ref name="Payback2015"/>


== Results ==
== Results ==
{{Pro Wrestling results table
{{Pro wrestling results table
|times = <ref name="Pre-Payback">{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE PAYBACK PPV REPORT 5/17 (pre-show): R-Truth vs. Stardust, Ascension vs. nostalgia pairing, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85053.shtml#.VVky80bm6aH|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=18 May 2015}}</ref><ref name="Payback">{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=CALDWELL'S PAYBACK PPV REPORT 5/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of four-way WWE Title match, I Quit War, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85054.shtml#.VVpHF0bm6aE|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=18 May 2015}}</ref>
|times = <ref name="PrePB2015">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Payback PPV Report 5/17 (pre-show): R-Truth vs. Stardust, Ascension vs. nostalgia pairing, more|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85053.shtml#.VVky80bm6aH|date=May 17, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518104527/https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85053.shtml|archive-date=May 18, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Payback2015">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Payback PPV Report 5/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of four-way WWE Title match, I Quit War, more|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85054.shtml#.VVpHF0bm6aE|date=May 17, 2015|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520060314/https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85054.shtml#.VVwjpXbP1PY|archive-date=May 20, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
|match1 = [[R-Truth]] defeated [[Cody Rhodes|Stardust]]
|match1 = [[R-Truth]] defeated [[Cody Rhodes|Stardust]] by [[pinfall]]
|stip1 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/r-truth-stardust|title=R-Truth def. Stardust (Kickoff Match)|date=May 17, 2015|last=Passero|first=Mitch|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=June 9, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520210050/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/r-truth-stardust-27403469|archive-date=May 20, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
|stip1 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]
|time1 = 6:50
|time1 = 6:50
|pre1 = yes
|pre1 = yes
|match2 = [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]] ([[Konnor (wrestler)|Konnor]] and [[Viktor (wrestler)|Viktor]]) defeated [[The Meta Powers]] ([[Curtis Axel]] and [[Macho Mandow]])
|match2 = [[The Ascension (professional wrestling)|The Ascension]] ([[Konnor (wrestler)|Konnor]] and [[Viktor (wrestler)|Viktor]]) defeated [[The Meta Powers]] ([[Curtis Axel]] and [[Macho Mandow]]) by [[pinfall]]
|stip2 = [[Tag team match]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=The Ascension def. 'The Mega Powers'|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/curtis-axel-macho-mandow-vs-ascension-27378717|publisher=WWE|access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref>
|stip2 = [[Tag team match]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Burdick|date=May 11, 2015|first=Michael|title=The Ascension def. 'The Mega Powers'|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/curtis-axel-macho-mandow-vs-ascension|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518084433/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/curtis-axel-macho-mandow-vs-ascension-27378717|archive-date=May 18, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time2 = 2:50
|time2 = 2:50
|pre2 = yes
|pre2 = yes
|match3 = [[Sheamus]] defeated [[Dolph Ziggler]]
|match3 = [[Sheamus]] defeated [[Dolph Ziggler]] by [[pinfall]]
|stip3 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Passero|first1=Mitch|title=Dolph Ziggler vs. Sheamus|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/ziggler-sheamus-27379614|publisher=WWE|access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref>
|stip3 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]<ref>{{cite web|date=May 11, 2015|last=Clapp|first=John|title=Sheamus def. Dolph Ziggler|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/ziggler-sheamus|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518084045/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/ziggler-sheamus-27379614|archive-date=May 18, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time3 = 12:20
|time3 = 12:20
|match4 = [[The New Day (wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Big E Langston|Big E]] and [[Kofi Kingston]]) (c) (with [[Xavier Woods]]) defeated [[Cesaro and Tyson Kidd]] (with [[Natalya Neidhart|Natalya]]) 2-1
|match4 = [[The New Day (professional wrestling)|The New Day]] ([[Big E Langston|Big E]] and [[Kofi Kingston]]) (c) (with [[Xavier Woods]]) defeated [[Cesaro and Tyson Kidd]] (with [[Natalya Neidhart|Natalya]]) 2-1
|stip4 = [[Two-out-of-three falls match]] for the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day vs. Cesaro & Tyson Kidd (2-out-of-3 Falls Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/new-day-cesaro-tyson-kidd-wwe-tag-team-championship-27379438|publisher=WWE|access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref>
|stip4 = [[Two out of three falls match]] for the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Wortman|date=May 11, 2015|first=James|title=WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day def. Cesaro & Tyson Kidd (2-out-of-3 Falls Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/new-day-cesaro-tyson-kidd-wwe-tag-team-championship|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518084034/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/new-day-cesaro-tyson-kidd-wwe-tag-team-championship-27379438|archive-date=May 18, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time4 = 12:40
|time4 = 12:40
|match5 = [[Bray Wyatt]] defeated [[Ryback]]
|match5 = [[Bray Wyatt]] defeated [[Ryback]] by [[pinfall]]
|stip5 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Breaking News: Ryback vs. Bray Wyatt|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/ryback-vs-bray-wyatt-27385366|publisher=WWE|access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref>
|stip5 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Bray Wyatt def. Ryback|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/ryback-vs-bray-wyatt|date=May 11, 2015|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518085122/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/ryback-vs-bray-wyatt-27385366|archive-date=May 18, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time5 = 10:54
|time5 = 10:54
|match6 = [[John Cena]] (c) defeated [[Alexander Rusev|Rusev]] (with [[Lana (wrestling)|Lana]])
|match6 = [[John Cena]] (c) defeated [[Miro (wrestler)|Rusev]] (with [[Lana (wrestler)|Lana]])
|stip6 = [["I Quit" match]] for the [[WWE United States Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=United States Champion John Cena vs. Rusev ("I Quit" Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/john-cena-rusev-i-quit-match-27332527|publisher=WWE|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref>
|stip6 = [["I Quit" match]] for the [[WWE United States Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Melok|first=Bobby|title=United States Champion John Cena def. Rusev ("I Quit" Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/john-cena-rusev-i-quit-match|date=April 26, 2015|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=April 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626162545/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/john-cena-rusev-i-quit-match-27332527|archive-date=June 26, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time6 = 27:58
|time6 = 27:58
|match7 = [[Naomi and Tamina]] defeated [[The Bella Twins]] ([[Brie Bella]] and [[Nikki Bella]])
|match7 = [[Naomi (wrestler)|Naomi]] and [[Tamina]] defeated [[The Bella Twins]] ([[Brie Bella]] and [[Nikki Bella]]) by [[pinfall]]
|stip7 = [[Tag team match]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Laboon|first1=Jeff|title=Naomi & Tamina vs. The Bella Twins|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/naomi-tamina-vs-the-bella-twins-27379823|publisher=WWE|access-date=15 May 2015}}</ref>
|stip7 = [[Tag team match]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Laboon|first=Jeff|title=Naomi & Tamina def. The Bella Twins|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/naomi-tamina-vs-the-bella-twins|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=May 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100036/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/naomi-tamina-vs-the-bella-twins-27379823|archive-date=May 18, 2015|date=May 11, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time7 = 6:13
|time7 = 6:13
|match8 = [[Adrian Neville|Neville]] defeated [[King Barrett]] by countout
|match8 = [[Pac (wrestler)|Neville]] defeated [[King Barrett]] by [[countout]]
|stip8 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Taylor|first1=Scott|title=King Barrett vs. Neville|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/king-barrett-vs-neville-27379821|publisher=WWE|access-date=12 May 2015}}</ref>
|stip8 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Taylor|first=Scott|title=Neville def. King Barrett by Count Out|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/king-barrett-vs-neville|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=May 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518084023/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/king-barrett-vs-neville-27379821|archive-date=May 18, 2015|date=May 11, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>
|time8 = 7:22
|time8 = 7:22
|match9 = [[Seth Rollins]] (c) (with [[Jamie Noble]] and [[Joey Mercury]]) defeated [[Randy Orton]], [[Dean Ambrose]] and [[Roman Reigns]]
|match9 = [[Seth Rollins]] (c) (with [[Jamie Noble]] and [[Joey Mercury]]) defeated [[Randy Orton]], [[Dean Ambrose]], and [[Roman Reigns]] by [[pinfall]]
|stip9 = [[Fatal 4-Way match]] for the [[WWE Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Randy Orton (Fatal 4-Way; if Rollins does not retain, Kane will be fired)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/wwe-world-heavyweight-champion-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-randy-orton-dean-ambrose-27335106|publisher=WWE|access-date=27 April 2015}}</ref><ref name=CashIn>{{cite web|title=Roman Reigns def. Dean Ambrose in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Final Match; Sheamus cashed in his Money in the Bank contract to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2015/wwe-world-heavyweight-championship-tournament-finals-28164052|publisher=WWE|date=November 22, 2015|access-date=November 22, 2015|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->}}</ref><br>{{small|Had Rollins lost the title, [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] would be fired from being Director of Operations}}
|stip9 = [[Fatal four-way match]] for the [[WWE Championship|WWE World Heavyweight Championship]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|title=WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins won a Fatal 4-Way Match|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/wwe-world-heavyweight-champion-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-randy-orton-dean-ambrose|date=April 27, 2015|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=April 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150522005510/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2015/wwe-world-heavyweight-champion-seth-rollins-roman-reigns-randy-orton-dean-ambrose|archive-date=May 22, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><br>{{small|Had Rollins lost the title, [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] would be fired from being Director of Operations.}}
|time9 = 21:06
|time9 = 21:06
}}
}}
Line 146: Line 147:


== External links ==
== External links ==
*{{Official website|http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback|Payback Official Website}}
*{{Official website|https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback|Payback Official Website}}


{{2015 WWE Network events}}
{{2015 WWE Network events}}

Revision as of 22:36, 9 June 2023

Payback
Promotional poster featuring Randy Orton
PromotionWWE
DateMay 17, 2015
CityBaltimore, Maryland
VenueRoyal Farms Arena
Attendance10,000
Buy rate54,000[1] (excluding WWE Network views)
WWE Network event chronology
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The 2015 Payback was the third annual Payback professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) and livestreaming event produced by WWE. It took place on May 17, 2015, at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland and was the first Payback held outside of the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois. The theme of the event was wrestlers seeking payback against their opponents.

Nine matches were contested at the event, including two on the Kickoff pre-show. In the main event, Seth Rollins defeated Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Randy Orton in a fatal four-way match to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. In other prominent matches, The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston) defeated Cesaro and Tyson Kidd in a two out of three falls match to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship, Bray Wyatt defeated Ryback, and John Cena defeated Rusev in an "I Quit" match to retain the WWE United States Championship. The event sold 54,000 buys (excluding WWE Network views), down from the previous year's 67,000 buys.

Production

Background

The event was held at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.

Payback was an annual professional wrestling event that was established by WWE in 2013. The concept of the event was the wrestlers seeking payback against their opponents.[2] The 2015 event was the third Payback and was held on May 17, 2015, at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. The event aired on pay-per-view (PPV) worldwide and was livestreamed on the WWE Network.[3] Payback was available free to new subscribers on the WWE Network, as part of a 30-day free trial in over 140 countries.[4]

Storylines

The event comprised nine matches, including two on the Kickoff pre-show, that resulted from scripted storylines, where wrestlers portrayed heroes, villains, or less distinguishable characters in scripted events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches. Results were predetermined by WWE's writers, while storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television shows, Raw and SmackDown.[5][6]

At Extreme Rules, John Cena retained the United States Championship by defeating Rusev in a Russian Chain match. Later in the event, after consulting with The Authority, Lana stated that Cena would defend the title against Rusev in an "I Quit" match at the event.[7]

At Extreme Rules, Seth Rollins defeated Randy Orton in a Steel Cage match to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship after interference from Kane, Jamie Noble, and Joey Mercury.[7] On the April 27 episode of Raw, it was announced that, as a result of a vote on the WWE App, Rollins was scheduled to defend the title against Orton and Roman Reigns in a triple threat match at the event.[8] On the May 4 episode of Raw, Dean Ambrose defeated Rollins in a non-title match, and per the pre-match stipulation, he was added to the match, thus making the match a fatal four-way match.[9] On the May 11 episode of Raw, Triple H decided that if Rollins lost the title, Kane would no longer be the WWE Director of Operations.[10]

On the Extreme Rules Kickoff pre-show, Neville defeated Bad News Barrett.[11] On April 28, Barrett defeated Neville to win the King of the Ring tournament, changing his ring name to King Barrett.[12] On the May 7 episode of SmackDown, Neville and Dolph Ziggler defeated Barrett and Sheamus in a tag team match.[13] On the May 11 episode of Raw, a match between Barrett and Neville was scheduled for the event.[10]

At Extreme Rules, Dolph Ziggler defeated Sheamus in a Kiss Me Arse match.[7] On the May 7 episode of SmackDown, Ziggler and Neville defeated Sheamus and Barrett in a tag team match.[13] On the May 11 episode of Raw, Ziggler was scheduled to face Sheamus at the event.[10]

At Extreme Rules, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E, accompanied by Xavier Woods) defeated Tyson Kidd and Cesaro to win the WWE Tag Team Championship.[7] On the April 30 episode of SmackDown, Kidd and Cesaro defeated The New Day by disqualification in a rematch for the titles.[14] On the May 11 episode of Raw, The New Day were scheduled to defend the titles against Kidd and Cesaro in a two out of three falls tag team match at the event.[10]

On the May 11 episode of Raw, The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) interrupted a match between Curtis Axel and Damien Sandow, in the guise of Macho Mandow, and attacked both wrestlers, resulting in Axel and Mandow teaming together to attack The Ascension. A match between the two pairs was scheduled for the Payback Kickoff pre-show.[10]

Bray Wyatt began sending messages to Ryback in April. On the April 27 and April 30 episodes of Raw, Wyatt attacked Ryback following the latter's victories over Bo Dallas[8] and Luke Harper, respectively.[14] On the May 11 episode of Raw, Ryback attacked Wyatt.[10] On May 13, a match between the two was scheduled for the event.[15]

Naomi was defeated by Divas Champion, Nikki Bella, at Extreme Rules,[7] and by Nikki's twin sister, Brie Bella, on the April 27 episode of Raw.[8] A week later, a returning Tamina Snuka joined Naomi in an attack on both Bella Twins.[9] On the May 11 episode of Raw, Tamina defeated Brie.[10] On the May 14 episode of SmackDown, a match between the two teams was scheduled for Payback.[16]

Event

Other on-screen personnel
Role: Name:
English commentators Michael Cole
Jerry Lawler
John "Bradshaw" Layfield
Spanish commentators Carlos Cabrera
Marcelo Rodriguez
Backstage interviewers Tom Phillips
Eden Stiles
Ring announcers Eden Stiles
JoJo
Referees John Cone
Darrick Moore
Rudy Charles
Jason Ayers
Pre-show panel Renee Young
Booker T
Corey Graves

Pre-show

During the Payback Kickoff pre-show, R-Truth defeated Stardust after a "Lie Detector". Later, "The Mega Powers" (Macho Mandow and Curtis Axel) faced The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor), which The Ascension won after a "Fall of Man" to Mandow.[17]

Preliminary matches

The actual pay-per-view opened with Dolph Ziggler facing Sheamus. In the end, Sheamus performed a "Brogue Kick" on Ziggler to win the match.[18]

Next, The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston) defended the WWE Tag Team Championship against Tyson Kidd and Cesaro. Kidd and Cesaro won the first fall after Kidd performed a dropkick following a "Cesaro Swing" on Kingston. The New Day won the second fall after performing the "Midnight Hour" on Kidd. The New Day won the third fall after Xavier Woods sneaked in and pinned Cesaro with an inside cradle, meaning The New Day retained the titles.[18]

In the third match, Ryback faced Bray Wyatt. After Ryback collided with an exposed turnbuckle, Wyatt executed "Sister Abigail" on Ryback to win the match.[18]

The fourth match saw John Cena defend the United States Championship against Rusev in an "I Quit" match. At one point during the match, the fight spilled into the crowd, as well as the production area. Rusev eventually applied the "Accolade" on Cena. Cena did not quit, but passed out. Referee Mike Chioda informed Rusev that the match can only end when someone quits, so unlike a submission match, this one continued. Steel steps, a steel barricade, Cena tackling Rusev through the barricade, Cena using a laptop as a weapon, and Rusev using the pyro table for an explosion all came into play during the match. In the end, Cena ended up using the ring ropes for extra torque on the STF he applied on Rusev. Lana then claimed that Rusev was saying "I Quit" in Bulgarian. As Lana was Rusev's manager, the referee obliged and Cena retained the title.[18]

Next, The Bella Twins (Brie Bella and Nikki Bella) faced Naomi and Tamina. The match ended when Naomi executed the "Rear View" on Nikki to get the win.[18]

In the penultimate match, Neville faced King Barrett. In the end, Barrett was intentionally counted out. Following the match, Barrett attacked Neville, including putting on his royal attire, but Neville gave Barrett a German suplex and performed the "Red Arrow" on him.[18]

Main event

In the main event, Seth Rollins defended the WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and Randy Orton in a fatal four-way match. During the match, there was a mini-Shield reunion when Rollins, Reigns, and Ambrose performed their signature triple powerbomb on Orton through a broadcast table. Rollins then wanted the group to reunite, however Reigns and Ambrose attacked him. Kane interfered to aid Rollins. Reigns and Ambrose executed a powerbomb on Kane on top of Rollins, who was on another broadcast table. Reigns and Ambrose performed another powerbomb on Kane sending both Kane and Rollins through the broadcast table. Ambrose and Reigns then started to wrestle each other. Reigns missed two Superman punches, but finally connected the third one on Ambrose. Reigns performed a spear on Ambrose and made a cover, but Rollins broke up the cover. Ambrose performed "Dirty Deeds" on Rollins and made a cover but Kane pulled Ambrose out of the ring, voiding the pinfall at a two count. Kane attacked Ambrose with the steel steps and performed a chokeslam on Reigns onto the steel steps. Orton executed "RKOs" to both Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury, and performed a spike DDT on Rollins. Orton then prepared for an "RKO", but Kane would try to interfere, only to receive an "RKO". Rollins capitalized and executed a "Pedigree" on Orton to retain the title.[18]

Results

No.ResultsStipulationsTimes[17][18]
1R-Truth defeated Stardust by pinfallSingles match[19]6:50
2The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) defeated The Meta Powers (Curtis Axel and Macho Mandow) by pinfallTag team match[20]2:50
3Sheamus defeated Dolph Ziggler by pinfallSingles match[21]12:20
4The New Day (Big E and Kofi Kingston) (c) (with Xavier Woods) defeated Cesaro and Tyson Kidd (with Natalya) 2-1Two out of three falls match for the WWE Tag Team Championship[22]12:40
5Bray Wyatt defeated Ryback by pinfallSingles match[23]10:54
6John Cena (c) defeated Rusev (with Lana)"I Quit" match for the WWE United States Championship[24]27:58
7Naomi and Tamina defeated The Bella Twins (Brie Bella and Nikki Bella) by pinfallTag team match[25]6:13
8Neville defeated King Barrett by countoutSingles match[26]7:22
9Seth Rollins (c) (with Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury) defeated Randy Orton, Dean Ambrose, and Roman Reigns by pinfallFatal four-way match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship[27]
Had Rollins lost the title, Kane would be fired from being Director of Operations.		21:06
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

References

  1. ^ Namako, Jason (July 30, 2015). "Extreme Rules, Payback and MITB 2015 PPV buyrate figures". WrestleView. Archived from the original on August 2, 2015. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  2. ^ "Payback 2013 (DVD)". WWE Home Video UK. WWE. Archived from the original on September 21, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2021.
  3. ^ Martin, Adam (September 9, 2014). "Baltimore to host the WWE Payback PPV in 2015". WrestleView. Archived from the original on September 10, 2014. Retrieved September 15, 2014.
  4. ^ Martin, Adam (April 30, 2015). "New subscribers will get the WWE Network for free in May". WrestleView. Archived from the original on May 20, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2015. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; May 2, 2015 suggested (help)
  5. ^ Grabianowski, Ed (January 13, 2006). "How Pro Wrestling Works". HowStuffWorks. Discovery Communications. Archived from the original on November 29, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
  6. ^ "Live & Televised Entertainment". WWE. Archived from the original on February 18, 2009. Retrieved March 21, 2012.
  7. ^ a b c d e Caldwell, James (April 26, 2015). "Caldwell's Extreme Rules PPV Report 4/26: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Rollins vs. Orton steel cage, Cena vs. Rusev, Last Man Standing, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 27, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  8. ^ a b c Tedesco, Mike (April 28, 2015). "WWE Raw Results – 4/27/15 (Payback main event set)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on April 30, 2015. Retrieved April 28, 2015.
  9. ^ a b Tedesco, Mike (May 5, 2015). "WWE Raw Results – 5/4/15 (Changes to Payback main event)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on May 5, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Tedesco, Mike (May 12, 2015). "WWE Raw Results – 5/11/15 (Final hype for WWE Payback)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on May 13, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  11. ^ Caldwell, James (April 26, 2015). "Caldwell's Extreme Rules PPV Report 4/26 (pre-show): Complete coverage of Barrett vs. Neville, Dean crashes set, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on April 27, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  12. ^ Tedesco, Mike (April 29, 2015). "2015 WWE King of the Ring Results – 4/28/15 (Barrett is King)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on April 30, 2015. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  13. ^ a b Grubba, Randy (May 8, 2015). "WWE Smackdown Results – 5/7/15 (Contract Signing)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  14. ^ a b Martin, Adam (May 1, 2015). "WWE Smackdown Results – 4/30/15 (Rollins vs. Ambrose)". WrestleView. Archived from the original on May 2, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  15. ^ Namako, Jason (May 13, 2015). "New match added to this Sunday's WWE Payback PPV". WrestleView. Archived from the original on May 13, 2015. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  16. ^ Parks, Greg (May 16, 2015). "Parks's WWE SmackDown Report 5/14: Complete coverage of the Thursday night show, including Seth Rollins vs. Ryback, Kane vs. Roman Reigns". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
  17. ^ a b Caldwell, James (May 17, 2015). "Caldwell's WWE Payback PPV Report 5/17 (pre-show): R-Truth vs. Stardust, Ascension vs. nostalgia pairing, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h Caldwell, James (May 17, 2015). "Caldwell's WWE Payback PPV Report 5/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of four-way WWE Title match, I Quit War, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Archived from the original on May 20, 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
  19. ^ Passero, Mitch (May 17, 2015). "R-Truth def. Stardust (Kickoff Match)". WWE. Archived from the original on May 20, 2015. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  20. ^ Burdick, Michael (May 11, 2015). "The Ascension def. 'The Mega Powers'". WWE. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  21. ^ Clapp, John (May 11, 2015). "Sheamus def. Dolph Ziggler". WWE. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  22. ^ Wortman, James (May 11, 2015). "WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day def. Cesaro & Tyson Kidd (2-out-of-3 Falls Match)". WWE. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  23. ^ "Bray Wyatt def. Ryback". WWE. May 11, 2015. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  24. ^ Melok, Bobby (April 26, 2015). "United States Champion John Cena def. Rusev ("I Quit" Match)". WWE. Archived from the original on June 26, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2015.
  25. ^ Laboon, Jeff (May 11, 2015). "Naomi & Tamina def. The Bella Twins". WWE. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 15, 2015.
  26. ^ Taylor, Scott (May 11, 2015). "Neville def. King Barrett by Count Out". WWE. Archived from the original on May 18, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
  27. ^ Murphy, Ryan (April 27, 2015). "WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins won a Fatal 4-Way Match". WWE. Archived from the original on May 22, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2015.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Payback_(2015)&oldid=1159373846"