WWE Payback 2015: Biggest X-Factors to Watch at Massive PPV

After Extreme Rules failed to live up to even the lowest of expectations, the WWE is looking to bounce back with an intriguing 2015 edition of the Payback pay-per-view.

While the WWE Universe is struggling to get excited about wrestling right now, several Superstars will be X-factors when it comes to whether fans will enjoy the May PPV.

From Rusev to Roman Reigns to Bray Wyatt, all eyes are on the fresh faces in WWE. Here are the biggest X-factors to watch at WWE Payback 2015.

Rusev Must Beat John Cena

Rusev never should have lost to John Cena at Extreme Rules, but the damage is done. Instead of allowing the former United States champion to take another PPV loss to Cena, Payback must feature the current champion saying "I quit" in some form or fashion.

It's almost impossible to imagine Cena saying those words, but there is no other option. If the face of the company successfully retains the championship, it will make Rusev look weak and ruin his character for no reason.

Cena announced on Monday’s episode of Raw that he would no longer fight Rusev after Payback, so the stage has been set for the Russian sympathizer and his manager, Lana, to cheat to win and steal the belt without the former champion getting a rematch.

Whether there's a prerecorded clip of Cena saying he quits or the Bulgarian does something despicable to Lana to force his challenger's hand, Rusev winning this match could make or break the Payback PPV.

Roman Reigns Must Shine

Despite obvious faults in his mic skills and in-ring ability, Roman Reigns has continued to surprise fans by stealing the show at Extreme Rules with Big Show. In order for the WWE Universe to continue supporting him, he must shine once again at Payback.

Luckily for Reigns, he's got two bona fide stars alongside him in the Triple Threat match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in Seth Rollins and Randy Orton.

Reigns has progressed rapidly on the mic due in part to WWE Creative realizing his limitations and keeping his promos short. Add the fact that he earned a win over Big Show and has been away from the championship scene, and fans are more willing to give him a chance.

In order for Payback to help fans forget about Extreme Rules, Reigns must have yet another outstanding performance to carry his momentum. With Rollins and Orton also involved, there is little doubt this main event will live up to the billing.

Bray Wyatt

After losing to The Undertaker at WrestleMania and not participating at Extreme Rules, all signs point to Bray Wyatt having his return match at Payback against Ryback. How he performs will dictate how well he is booked in 2015.

Wyatt has been accused by some fans of struggling in the ring, and he will have to be at his best to get a great match out of Ryback. If he can exceed expectations and put on a noteworthy bout at Payback, he could be the ultimate X-factor in whether this PPV is deemed a success.

A loss to The Undertaker did not hurt his character too much, but he needs a marquee victory to regain some momentum. After missing Extreme Rules, Wyatt needs to bounce back, and a win over Ryback in a memorable match would be a great first step.

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