Payback 2015 Picks

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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We're days away from another WWE pay-per-view/Network event.  I'm not exactly sure the proper phrase anymore, but as we know Payback returns this weekend.  The show has had some good build up, and even with several rematches, I'm looking forward to some great performances.

 The kickoff features the newly formed duo of Macho Mandow and Axelmania against The Ascension.  I have no idea where WWE is going with Damien Sandow and Curtis Axel, but I'm enjoying the homage to Randy Savage and Hulk Hogan.  Plus it's another tag team to get behind in a somewhat weakened division.  The Mega Powers 2.0 will win this one and eventually implode like they did more than 25 years ago.

Bray Wyatt will step into the ring with Ryback.  I'm looking forward to this match.  I feel like both men are still growing and headed to superstardom.  Ryback has been hot and cold since being repackaged a few years ago.  I've always liked Wyatt, even as Husky Harris.  He's got something special and I think it's important for him to shine Sunday night against Ryback.  

Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus will have a rematch.  I really have enjoyed Sheamus much more as the heelish bully since returning from his injury earlier this year.  I was surprised Sheamus lost the Kiss Me Arse match at Extreme Rules.  I can't see him going down in defeat two events in a row, so I pick him to win this time, setting up for a rubber match at the next show.  I don't mind repeat matches when they involve guys giving it their all.

Neville takes on King Barrett in a rematch from the King of the Ring finals and the kickoff from Extreme Rules.  Each man has a victory.  The company seems to be fast tracking Neville to big things (perhaps an Intercontental title run) so for that reason and because I'm a huge Neville mark, I hope he wins.  I won't be disappointed though if the King reigns.

The New Day will defend the tag team titles against former champs Tyson Kidd and Cesaro.  I like both teams.  I think Kidd and Cesaro's reign came to an end way too soon.  They're my favorite current team and I feel like WWE needs to stay behind them.  Again, I'm not going to be disappointed with whoever wins, but I believe the champs will retain.

Rusev will try to win the U.S. title back in an "I Quit" match against John Cena.  Both men have their submission finishers.  I think Cena will win, Rusev and Lana will split and hopefully he won't end up in no man's land as a result.  I like the concept of the U.S. Title Open Challenge Cena has been doing.  There's still some mileage to get out of that angle.  I can't wait to see who is eventually put into that role of winning the challenge.  

For my thoughts on the 4 Way, check out this week's 3 Count over on YouTube.

Never Forget The Man That Gravity Forgot

Neville vs. Curtis Axel
Photo courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
Listen to My 1-2-3 Cents the Podcast here

If you've ever read this blog before you know that I'm a huge fan of Adrian Neville.  Probably more like a mark.  The Man That Gravity Forgot has been a part of WWE Developmental for more than two years.  Finally on the Raw after Wrestlemania (31), he made his main roster debut.  But he's now simply Neville.

Axelmania
Courtesy: WWE

When Curtis Axel had come out and cut a promo about Axelmania, I was excited.  I thought the WWE was doing the right thing by not completely killing this gimmick.  It's given Axel some momentum and he's more over now than he was as a Paul Heyman guy (that's just My 1-2-3 Cents)... 

Neville's arrival
Courtesy: WWE

But when Neville's music hit and he appeared, I marked out big time.  In fact, Chad texted me and asked if I needed to change my pants.  (I did not.)  Neville made short work of the third generation Superstar with an impressive display before hitting his signature move the Red Arrow.

I'm not going to bore you with the details of how I met Neville when he was known as PAC or that I called one of his matches against El Generico in early 2012.  (See what I did there)  But I do want to take this opportunity to express my sincere congratulations to him.  It'll be a challenge to not get lost in the shuffle,  but I'm confident that Neville's talent will help him keep the attention of the fans and WWE Creative.

Rollins wins at Mania
Courtesy: WWE

NXT wrestlers have been making an impact on the main roster for some time now, most notably The Shield.  Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins went from a very successful trio to each having title matches at Wrestlemania. Rollins of course walked out with the WWE World Heavyweight title, becoming the first NXT champion to earn that distinction.

Ready to fly
Courtesy: WWE

I hope that one day Neville is able to follow in those footsteps.  He's got the look and the talent.  His mic work is coming along, but I believe he will fit nicely on the roster.  It looks like WWE is more serious about a youth movement.  What better way to do that than wisely utilizing the talent at NXT and integrating them in with veterans like John Cena, Randy Orton and Big Show.  

Okay, so I'm bragging a little

There are still steps to be taken to help other men and women toiling on the midcard or who don't appear on TV at all anymore. But the reality is not everyone is going be THE champ, much less a champ.  However, I feel Neville has all the makings of a future champion.  I'm looking forward to matches with guys like Rollins, Bray Wyatt and Bad News Barrett.  A less likely possibility, a run against Daniel Bryan for the Intercontinental title.  His inclusion on the main roster is one of my highlights of 2015 so far.  Give Neville a chance.