Rhea Ripley made a strong statement this week, highlighting the impact of Finn Balor and Damian Priest’s issues on her own reputation. This not only solidified Rhea as the leader but also emphasized the significance of Judgment Day in their success. However, what happens when others perceive weakness and test your resolve?
The opening match between Damian and Sami Zayn set the stage for the ongoing tensions. JD McDonnagh, still keeping his intentions mysterious, interfered in the match, leading to Damian’s victory. Damian, frustrated with JD’s involvement, watched as Sami and Kevin Owens attacked JD once again. While this scene may feel repetitive, it seems like a conclusion is on the horizon, as Rhea hinted after the match.
During a confrontation between Finn and Damian, Rhea asserted her authority. She reiterated the earlier statement, warning both men to get their act together at Payback or face the consequences. The unexpected twist came when it was revealed that Damian and Finn would be competing for the Undisputed Tag Team Championship at Payback in a Steel City Street Fight. Rhea emphasized that if they don’t leave Pittsburgh with the gold, heads will roll.
However, Damian still held onto his Money in the Bank briefcase, indicating that he always has a shot at walking away with gold, regardless of the tag team match’s outcome. This dynamic adds an intriguing layer to the story, as Damian’s self-interest could potentially sabotage their chances at winning the tag titles. With the Street Fight stipulation allowing for potential Judgment Day shenanigans, betrayal from either Finn or Damian seems imminent.
On the other hand, Rhea’s words about the impact of the ongoing drama on her own performance were proven true. She cut a promo on Raquel, the challenger, who then attacked and gained the upper hand on the champion. Rhea believes that such incidents wouldn’t occur if Judgment Day was solidified. While it is unlikely that Rhea will lose her championship, the uncertain unity of Damian and Finn poses a problem. The motivation behind Judgment Day remains ambiguous, leaving fans eager to discover the next developments.
Breathe Easy
Miz delivered a compelling promo against LA Knight, who had impersonated Miz the previous week. Miz highlighted LA’s reliance on catchphrases and accused him of being a Steve Austin ripoff. The conviction behind Miz’s words made the promo effective and engaging. Although it would have been ideal to see these two in the ring once more before Payback, this promo serves its purpose.
Chairman’s Intent
The tag match between New Day and the Viking Raiders saw Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle getting involved. The Raiders provoked McRiddle throughout the match, eventually leading to Drew throwing chairs into the ring. While the referee’s oversight of the chair attacks raises questions, the focus of the story lies outside the ring. New Day stated that they hold no grudge against Drew, understanding that the chair incidents were accidental. However, Drew remains angry at himself and the Viking Raiders. This storyline feels reminiscent of RK-Bro, which may not excite some fans.
Proteck Ya Neck II the Zoo
Chad Gable and Ludwig Kaiser engaged in a technical match that showcased their abilities. However, the story felt repetitive, with GUNTHER scheduling a match against one of his sub-bosses before his championship match. Despite the beatdown that ensued after Giovanni Vinci interfered, the match’s basic premise mirrored a