WWE Payback 2013: Who Is the Perfect Opponent for Curtis Axel?

WWE Payback will be the first pay-per-view since Michael McGillicutty was renamed Curtis Axel. While he was the perfect choice to become the new Paul Heyman guy, he needs an equally perfect opponent for the June event.

After recent wins over big-name Superstars in Triple H and John Cena, WWE has to be careful. Axel should not become the next Lord Tensai. Now known as Sweet T, Tensai had wins over Cena and CM Punk when he debuted. Soon after, his character became just another jobber.

In order for Axel to save his career from being another failure, his opponent can’t be someone from the top of the roster. At the same time, it can’t be a jobber either.

Let’s begin with Superstars like Sheamus or Randy Orton. Both are coming off impressive wins at Extreme Rules. Neither wrestler is a champion nor a face of the company. However, they are as close as you can get without being the top guy. While a win over Orton or Sheamus would certainly be great for Axel, it most likely won’t happen. They are both a bit too high up on the roster. Plus, Orton and Sheamus may challenge Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns for the WWE Tag Team titles.

Below Sheamus and Orton is Chris Jericho as a potential opponent for Axel at WWE Payback. Jericho has been putting over young new talent since feuding with Dolph Ziggler in 2012. Although Jericho is scheduled to face a returning CM Punk at Payback, it should not happen. Jericho may be the perfect opponent for Axel, but the only way it happens is if Heyman replaces Punk with Axel.

The Miz is another potential opponent for Axel, but the Awesome Superstar seems to already be in a feud. In all likelihood, Miz will be involved in an Intercontinental title match against Wade Barrett and Fandango. The only intrigue with a possible Axel-Miz match is if it were to happen on the pre-show. Miz is Mr. Pre-Show, while Axel needs to continue his winning ways. Perhaps next month.

Superstars such as Justin Gabriel, Santino Marella, Zack Ryder and Sin Cara are all possibilities, but none are perfect. They are all too low on the roster. Axel recently defeated Sin Cara, so it would not be anything more than a squash match.

Where in WWE is there a babyface who is somewhere between John Cena and Zack Ryder? Axel’s perfect opponent is someone who was a recent midcard champion in need of direction.

Kofi Kingston.

The former United States champion seems to be done feuding with new champion Dean Ambrose. While he loses a great deal of matches, Kingston always delivers entertaining matches. The outcome may be obvious here, but regardless of the opponent it will be that way.

Axel’s first pay-per-view will be an opportunity to showcase his skills again. It will allow him to continue to be built up. Not too fast but not too slow either. Kingston may be the perfect opponent. Unless Jericho becomes available.

Who do you think is the perfect opponent for Curtis Axel at WWE Payback? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Continue the conversation by following me on Twitter (@sethgutt) and check out my site guttwrenchpowerblog.com.

Like GuTTWrenchPowerBlog on Facebook here.