WWE Payback 2017: Titles Most Likely to Change Hands at PPV Event

The first pay-per-view after WrestleMania is both a follow-up and a cool-down to the biggest show of the year.

On one hand, wrestling fans expect new angles and new feuds—WrestleMania is traditionally the climax to major storylines. But in a traditional plot , every climax is followed by falling action and denouement.

And that's what Payback is. It's the wrap-up of every narrative loose end, usually in the form of rematches from the prior show.

Here are all the titles that could be up for grabs at Payback. Which ones are most likely to change hands?

WWE Universal Championship

Credit: WWE.com

The chances of the universal title changing hands is slim to none. Brock Lesnar just won it, and he's not even being advertised for Payback. According to the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer (h/t Heavy Sports' Brendan Morrow), Lesnar will defend his title for the first time at Extreme Rules in June, or at Bad Blood in July.

The prospect of a part-time universal champion is a letdown. Kevin Owens, who held the belt for over six months, was on TV every Monday.

Meanwhile, Lesnar's work ethic has deteriorated; he hasn't had a great match since his Extreme Rules brawl against John Cena in 2012. The "special attraction" rationalization for his absence is starting to wear thin.

WWE Raw Women's Championship

Credit: WWE.com

Bayley is the current Raw women's champion. She held the title, cleanly, at the biggest show of the year, and it is unlikely that she will be dropping it at Payback.

The women's title has been changing hands too often anyway. Charlotte Flair held it for a month. Then Sasha Banks held it for a month. Then Charlotte. Then Sasha. If Bayley has a long title reign, it will create some much needed division stability. And when she finally does drop the title, it will be that much more significant.

The only way she could lose the belt is if her opponent is a complete surprise—maybe someone from SmackDown shakeup, or a call-up from NXT? But more likely, WWE will stay the course and keep the belt on one of its most popular Superstars.

WWE United States Championship

Credit: WWE.com

This title change isn't happening either. Kevin Owens needs the title, especially after the shellacking his reputation has taken over the last six months.

Ever since he became the universal champion and started buddying around with Jericho, Owens has been on a downward trajectory. Jericho became one of the best heels in the company by helping Owens retain his title, but that also meant that Owens needed to be helped. Instead of being a ruthless, anti-social psychopath, Owens was forced to partake in multiple comedy bits.

But ever since the JeriKO friendship ended violently in Las Vegas, fans have seen the old, ruthless Owens again. Jericho, meanwhile, has stayed in WWE longer than he initially planned to. Jericho will lose again, and this time, he might get "injured" and take time off, especially if Samoa Joe interferes on Owens' behalf.

WWE Raw Tag Team Championship

Credit: WWE.com

The Hardy Boyz are riding a wave of nostalgia right now, from older fans who remember Team Xtreme and current fans who love Broken Matt and Brother Nero.

The time to crown Enzo Amore and Big Cass as the new faces of the division came and went with WrestleMania 33. And Payback is too small a stage for the Hardys to lose on.

The Revival will probably be the ones to take the titles, but they're currently feuding with The New Day. Whomever the Hardys take on at Payback—it's looking more and more like Sheamus and Cesaro—the two brothers will be winning in convincing fashion.

WWE Cruiserweight Championship

Credit: WWE.com

Of all the titles, the Cruiserweight championship is the most likely to change hands.

Neville had a great match against Austin Aries this past Sunday. He fought another excellent fight against Mustafa Ali this past Monday. But this run of dominance can only last so long, and on 205 Live!, Aries once again became the #1 contender. A title change is imminent; WWE wouldn't want its new top babyface to lose twice in a row.

Expect a hard-fought match at Payback. And this time, Aries will walk away with both the win and the title.