WWE Payback 2014: Most Intriguing Storylines to Track on Road to PPV
WWE was able to put together successful back-to-back pay-per-view events—or should we say "special" events, with WrestleMania 30 and Extreme Rules.
Because of that, fans should be excited about what is on the horizon, starting with WWE Payback in June.
Over the last couple of months, WWE has introduced a handful of new characters while also giving their audience some very good action inside the ring.
As we head to Payback on June 1, here are the key storylines to track.
Can Paige Re-Invent the Divas Division?
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Since showing up and becoming Divas Champion the night after WrestleMania 30, Paige has created quite a following.
Not only did she end the length title reign of A.J. Lee, but she has been able to defeat Alicia Fox, Aksana and Tamina Snuka as well. Paige is quickly having success against most of the female roster.
But most importantly, she's so much different than any of the other divas on the roster, and that is what will make her a focal point for years to come. Much like Lita did before her, Paige will have a chance to separate herself from the rest of the women and become as popular as many of her male counterparts.
Who Can Stop Alexander Rusev?
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Even though he is fairly new to the main roster, it is quite clear that Alexander Rusev is going to be a serious force for years to come.
Rusev has had little trouble in his one-on-one battles to this point, and as seen at Extreme Rules, he easily dispatched of R-Truth and Xavier Woods in a handicap match.
Superstars such as Umaga and Vladimir Kozlov have debuted and ran roughshod over the entire roster in recent years, putting them near the top of the mountain in WWE.
Expect nothing less for Rusev.
A Split Within the Rhodes Family
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Cody Rhodes and Goldust have had a nice run as a tag team, but let's be honest, it's time for that to be over.
Rhodes was blossoming into one of the top young Superstars on the roster before being paired with his brother, who was brought back for what seems like his 15th stint with the organization.
Granted, Goldust has looked great this time around, but there's just no point to them teaming together anymore. WWE has improved their tag team division enough that they can allow both of these men to go their own routes.
Lately, it seems the seeds have been planted for a split, which is all but inevitable in the long run.
The Rise of Cesaro
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Perhaps no Superstar has seen the meteoric rise that Cesaro has of late. That was cemented with his victory in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania.
Cesaro now has Paul Heyman in his corner, and if history is any indication, he's in good hands.
WWE has a great thing in Cesaro, and it seems clear they finally realize that. It's now time for him to put himself squarely on the upper tier of the roster.
A big win at Payback would go a long way in doing that. Perhaps over Rob Van Dam.
Bad News Barrett as Intercontinental Champion
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After what seemed like months of doing nothing but interrupting shows and speaking from a rising podium, Bad News Barrett has piled up an impressive string of wins.
Barrett defeated Dolph Ziggler, Sheamus and Rob Van Dam to win a single-elimination tournament to become the No. 1 contender for the Intercontinental title.
Barrett cashed in at Extreme Rules, defeating Big E to win the title for the fourth time in his career. Only five Superstars in WWE history have held the Intercontinental title more than four times.
Barrett is well on his way to re-establishing himself as a force in WWE, and he should be able to ride this wave of momentum to bigger and better things.
Bray Wyatt vs. John Cena
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Regardless of how many fans feel about John Cena at this stage in his career, this is turning into one of the best stories WWE has told in quite some time. It is also the most riveting feud Cena has been a part of in years.
Bray Wyatt and Cena have traded victories at the last two major events for the company, with Cena winning at WrestleMania and Wyatt overcoming him inside a steel cage at Extreme Rules.
Wyatt feels very confident that there is a monster inside Cena, but Cena has proved that he will always stay true to who he is. The question is, how long will that continue?
Regardless of what happens from this point, Wyatt has become a star over the course of this rivalry which we can all expect to continue. Another match at Payback seems highly likely.
The Exotic Express with Adam Rose
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After weeks of promotion, Adam Rose made his debut on the most recent edition of Monday Night Raw. He did so by interrupting Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter.
Rose is a unique individual who comes to the ring with quite the entourage. It will be very interesting to see how he develops.
The character seems to have its limitations, so hopefully Rose will be able to make up for that in the ring. A match between he and Swagger, a former World Champion, would put Rose on the map in a big way.
The Shield vs. Evolution
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If there is an underlying story inside WWE thus far in 2014, it has been their ability to put on some unforgettable six-man tag team matches.
The latest took place at Extreme Rules, where The Shield and Evolution had a terrific match that took place all over the Izod Center in New Jersey.
This match was so good that they may just have to do it again. As seen on this past Monday's Raw, Triple H used his power to put Dean Ambrose in an impossible situation, forcing him to defend the United States title in a 20-man Battle Royal.
Ambrose finally lost the title, but this is just evidence that the feud between the two groups will continue.
As good as their first match was, they'll have their work cut out for them to make things better.
How Will Daniel Bryan Get Rid of Kane?
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After winning the WWE World title at WrestleMania 30, Daniel Bryan was faced with his first challenge in a man he has plenty of history with—Kane.
Their match at Extreme Rules featured a forklift and a flaming table before Bryan was able to get the victory. But the very next night on Raw, Kane made it clear that it won't be that easy to get rid of him.
WWE has decided to involve Bryan's wife, Brie Bella, in the storyline and because of that, Bryan will be fighting a constant battle to defend her from the deranged Kane.
Another match between the two is likely to take place at Payback.
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