Hello and welcome to another edition of Flashback Friday here on WrestlingNewsSource.com, the dust has settled from Wrestlemania and the WWE is gearing up for another year of storylines with Raw and Smackdown Live preparing for life post-Mania. Payback will be a Raw exclusive and what better to start your Friday than having a look at a Payback from the past? So, we will be looking back on WWE's Payback of 2013 which featured the return of CM Punk after his match with The Undertaker at Wrestlemania, Randy Orton & Daniel Bryan facing off against The Shield and John Cena defending his WWE Championship against Ryback in a Three Stages of Hell Match! Let's do this!

Opening Promo

Organized crime in the 1930s, an actor talks about payback while images of the various big matches of the night flash on the screen. It is certainly different, I do not know if I could compare it to the usual hype packages that the company produces but it is not that bad. It gets a pass from me, Michael Cole welcomes us to the pay per view.

(WWE Intercontinental Championship Match) The Miz vs Curtis Axel W/ Paul Heyman vs Wade Barrett (C)

Miz hammers away at Axel & Barrett, Axel is hurled to the floor, Miz flapjacks Barrett for two. Axel climbs to the apron but does not enter the ring, Barrett jumps Miz from behind, Miz escapes Barrett and tosses Axel to Barrett. Barrett shakes off Miz and Miz clotheslines Axel, big boot by Barrett to Miz, two count for the champion. Forearms to the face by Barrett, Miz is placed on the top rope as Barrett jabs and kicks Miz for another two. Miz fires up on Barrett before Barrett cools off Miz with a thrustkick to the ribs, Axel is caught on the apron and eats knees from Barrett. Roll-up by Miz for two, clotheslines by Barrett to Miz.

Barrett misses a big boot on Axel, crotching himself and Axel clubs Barrett to the floor. Axel delivers a dropkick to Miz, snapmare and flipover neckbreaker by Axel for two. Miz battles back, knee to the ribs by Axel for two. Axel steps all over Miz's face, huge right to the face of Miz. Miz fires up with right hands, Irish whip but Axel nails a back suplex for two as Barrett saves his championship. Barrett stomps Axel, Miz clotheslines Barrett and Axel. Boot to Barrett, Axel is tossed into Barrett in the corner, clothesline in the corner by Miz. Double axe handle to Barrett, boot to the face of Axel for two.

Barrett blocks The Figure Four, Winds of Change by Barrett but Axel makes the save. Axel slides out of The Wasteland to connect with The Perfect Plex, Axel is seconds away before Miz saves the match. Miz slides out of a suplex for a Skull Crushing Finale on Axel, Barrett throws Miz to the floor. 1...2.. Miz pulls out Barrett and tries to steal the pin, 1...2.. and Axel kicks out! Miz dropkicks the knee of Axel, Axel blocks The Figure Four. Barrett tries for a Wasteland on Miz, Miz rolls through for a victory roll, Axel is sent flying to the floor and Miz clamps on The Figure Four on Barrett. Axel crawls into the ring and pins Barrett down to the mat while Miz has The Figure Four, Axel wins the championship.

I was a little worried going into the match, Miz was the babyface and the fans were less than happy to cheer on Miz. As the match progressed, Miz showed a lot of fire to have the fans into the match, the false-finishes helped build excitement and drama. This match over-achieved and it was action-packed and fast-paced to my delight and the crowd were into this match. Great start to the pay per view.

Winner: Curtis Axel over Miz & Barrett via Sneaky Pin!

Mark Henry Promo

We immediately switch to a hype package for The World's Strongest Man, Hnery and his Hall of Pain was a memorable run for The Texan, should have had more but injuries derailed Henry's momentum. This was before Mark Henry's retirement angle which was gold, check it out if you have not seen it.

Curtis Axel/Triple H/Vince Mcmahon

Triple H stares a whole through the new champion, Vince shakes Axel's hand and Heyman could not be happier, Vince wants Triple H vs Curtis Axel on Raw but Triple H is having none of it, it simply is not going to happen states The Game.

(WWE Divas Championship Match) Kaitlyn (C) vs AJ Lee

Kaitlyn is not at her best, Kaitlyn is an emotional wreck as AJ Lee faked Kaitlyn having a secret admirer, AJ would mock the champion and that has led to this match where Kaitlyn wants to brutalize AJ. AJ blows a kiss to Kaitlyn, Kaitlyn snaps and pummels AJ by the announce table and by the ring, AJ creates distance and dropkicks Kaitlyn right in the face on the floor. Two for AJ? AJ chokes Kaitlyn using the middle rope for two. Cravate hold from AJ, Kaitlyn fires up before eating a huge back elbow from AJ. Cover and two for AJ, neckbreaker by AJ for two. AJ talks trash to Kaitlyn, Kaitlyn fires back before AJ applies the sleeper.

Kaitlyn backs off into the corner, AJ answers with a huge kick to the back of the heaf. Two count for AJ, more trash talk from AJ. AJ runs off the ropes and eats a huge dropkick from Kaitlyn. Clothesline and back elbow by Kaitlyn, huge shoulder block for two. Crucifix pin from AJ for two, Kaitlyn rolls through for a gutbuster. AJ crawls to the ropes, AJ kicks off Kaitlyn and whacks Kaitlyn with her belt from her shorts before pulling an Eddie Guerrero, cover and two for AJ. AJ screams in anger before climbing to the top rope, crossbody is blocked by Kaityln, Kaitlyn looks for a sidewalk slam but AJ reverses for The Black Widow.

Kaitlyn counters for a backbreaker, Spear by Kaitlyn before she blows AJ a kiss, cover and a two as AJ kicks out, Kaitlyn lost her chance as her emotions took over. Aj slides out of the gutbuster, Kaitlyn misses The Spear and rams her head off the middle turnbuckle. Black Widow from AJ, Kaitlyn fights and fights but there is nowhere to go, AJ has won The Divas Championship.

That was really good, a lot of story-telling from these two as Kaitlyn had the match won, AJ had taken The Spear and Kaitlyn just had to pin AJ but she could not control herself in front of AJ, Kaitlyn wanted to destory AJ and in the end, she would end up losing the match to AJ who outsmarted the champion on this night. Kaitlyn is in tears at the end of the match, Layla comforts the former champion. Good ringwork, good story-telling, it is a pity that the fans do not respond to the storyline and a bigger crime is that these two women would be gone from the company in less than two years.

Winner: AJ Lee over Kaitlyn via Black Widow!

Wyatt Family Promo

They are coming, they are big and bad, it's The Wyatts.

(WWE United States Championship Match) Dean Ambrose (C) vs Kane

The announcers talk about the first six-man tag loss of The Shield and whether it will affect Dean Ambrose, Ambrose tees off on Kane to begin the match, huge right hand from Kane. Back elbow and a clothesline, Kane delivers a suplex for a one count. Reverse chinlock from Kane, Ambrose rakes the eyes and headbutts Kane. Backbreaker by Kane, stiff kicks and stomps by Kane. Hard Irish whip by Kane, shoulder thrusts by The Big Red Machine. Another hard Irish whip by Kane, Ambrose shoves Kane and pays for it with a snapmare, Kane runs off the ropes but Ambrose catches Kane with a low dropkick.

Rights and lefts from Ambrose, dragon screw legwhip by Ambrose. Make it two, elbow by Ambrose for one. Neck crank by Ambrose, Kane shrugs off Ambrose for a powerslam. Boot to the face by Kane, Ambrose looks for a superplex but Kane drops Ambrose. Kane misses his diving clothesline, middle rope reverse elbow by Ambrose for two. Dragon sleeper by Ambrose, transition into a sleeper by Ambrose. Kane backs Ambrose into the corner, Ambrose blocks the corner clothesline and climbs to the top rope. Ambrose tries for a double axe handle but Kane catches Ambrose with a right hand.

Boot to the side of the head and a low dropkick by Kane for two. Sunset flip by Ambrose goes wrong, elbows by Kane but Ambrose counters with knees and slaps to the face. Running dropkick by Ambrose for two, Ambrose looks for Old School. Kane hurls Ambrose off the top rope, clotheslines by Kane and a huge sidewalk slam for two. Kane nails his clothesline and Ambrose bails to the apron, hotshot by Ambrose but Kane rallies and boots Ambrose to the floor. Slap by Ambrose, Kane loses his temper but Ambrose recovers to DDT Kane on the floor and Kane does not make the count so, Ambrose wins by count-out.

It was fine, they ran through their usual offence. Thought Ambrose would work the leg after the dropkick but nothing came of it, insetad we had story-telling similar to the last match with Ambrose slapping Kane to enrage The Big Red Machine, leading to an opening for Ambrose to exploit which leads to the finish. The finish is disappointing, the match had a Raw feel and the finish compliments that feeling well. Not a bad match but definitely on the disappointing side.

Winner: Dean Ambrose over Kane via Count-Out!

(WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match) Alberto Del Rio W/ Ricardo Rodriguez vs Dolph Ziggler (C) W/ AJ Lee

Alberto Del Rio was the babyface Smackdown needed, Del Rio had beaten Big Show & Jack Swagger but the night after Wrestlemania, Del Rio was beaten by Dolph Ziggler who cashed in his Money in The Bank, Del Rio defeated Jack Swagger to earn his opportunity at Ziggler tonight, this is Ziggler's return match after suffering a concussion.

They lock-up, Del Rio takes the arm and whips Ziggler, Ziggler powders to the floor. Right hands by Ziggler, tilt-a-whirl backbreaker by Del Rio and Ziggler powders for the second time. Lock-up and Del Rio pushes back Ziggler, cheap shot by Ziggler with right hands before Del Rio headbutts Ziggler. Back elbow by Del Rio and Ziggler looks to be hurt, you can see the concern on AJ's face. Del Rio kicks Ziggler right in the head, back suplex for two. Del Rio knees Ziggler in the back of the head, Ziggler turns the tide with a dropkick. Del Rio elevates Ziggler to the floor, the announcers play up that Ziggler is hurting.

Del Rio bounces Ziggler's head off the announce table, Big E is sent to the back after shoving Del Rio. Ziggler fires up on Del Rio, Del Rio tastes the announce table. As Ziggler tries entering the ring, Del Rio kicks Ziggler in the face, more headbutts by Del Rio. Cover and Ziggler kicks out, reverse chinlock from Del Rio. Ziggler mounts a comeback before Del Rio pulls the hair, Ziggler counters a suplex for a sleeper. Del Rio breaks the hold by ramming Ziggler head first into the top turnbuckle, kick to the head by Del Rio. Kidney shots by Del Rio and an elbow to the back of the head.

Cover and two, Del Rio calls for The Cross Armbreaker. Ziggler counters for a neckbreaker, two count for the champion. AJ jas a worried look across her face, Ziggler keeps fighting, fameasser for two. Ziggler climbs to the top rope, Del Rio waffles Ziggler with a kick to the head, reverse suplex by Del Rio for two. Del Rio dropkicks Ziggler to the floor, the referee asks if Ziggler wants to quit, here comes the doctor. Del Rio wallops Ziggler in the face, Ziggler can barely stand as AJ wants Ziggler to stop fighting. Baseball slide to the back of the head by Del Rio.

Enzuigiri by Del Rio for two, Del Rio mauls Ziggler with headbutts. Ziggler pulls himself up, Zig-Zag by Ziggler as Del Rio was getting way too cocky, superkick by Del Rio which mercifully ends this match. Del Rio wins the World Heavyweight Championship.

A masterclass in story-telling, Ziggler was tremendous showing the effects of his concussion. Ziggler's strengths are his bumping and selling, the match plays to Ziggler's strengths. The baseball slide was brutal, Ziggler was able to generate sympathy while Del Rio was great too, cold and calculating in his pursuit of the championship. Doing whatever it takes, no matter the cost. AJ was terrific showing concern for Ziggler, it was a great match with a double turn as Ziggler was now a babyface and Del Rio was the heel. It was the best way to go and they executed the turn perfectly.

Winner: Alberto Del Rio over Dolph Ziggler via Superkick!

Alberto Del Rio/RVD Promo

Alberto Del Rio cements his heel turn after the match, Del Rio talks about how much he gives for the fans and how he deserves to be champion. Meanwhile, a promo plays for RVD's return at next month's Money in The Bank.

CM Punk W/ Paul Heyman vs Chris Jericho

The battle of who is The Best in The World, Punk took time off after Wrestlemania, this is Punk's return match. Funny how Jericho is making fun of Punk for losing at Wrestlemania when Jericho lost to Fandango, wrestling is a funny business isn't it? Chicago is thunderous for Punk, new look and all.

Lock-up, Jericho shoves back Punk. Slap from Jericho, Punk slaps back. Lock-up, Punk takes the back but Jericho reverses, Punk sweeps Jericho and applies a front chancery before Jericho counters for a hammerlock. Punk reverses with a snapmare, antoher lock-up and a side headlock by Jericho. Shoulder block by Jericho, dropkick by Punk. Side headlock takedown by Punk, shoulder thrusts by Punk. Punk zeroes in on Jericho's shoulder, both men chop one another with Jericho winning the war, stomps in the corner by Jericho. Jericho misses a corner splash, tornado DDT is blocked by Jericho as Punk is sent crashing to the floor.

Baseball slide by Jericho, Punk dodges the springboard dropkick as Jericho is hung up on the top rope, double axe handle by Punk for two. Top wristlock by Punk, Jericho chops back at Punk but Punk regains control with a knee to the ribs for two. Short-arm scissors by Punk, Jericho uses his free arm to pummel Punk. Jericho Irish whips Punk to the corner, Punk blocks with a boot. Jericho evades a springboard clothesline, Punk crashes to the mat. Shoulder blocks by Jericho, double axe handle by Jericho. Modified bulldog, Lionsault is avoided by Punk, swinging neckbreaker by Punk for two.

Knees by Punk, high knee in the corner as Punk screams vintage Punk, Jericho shoves off Punk as Punk tries the bulldog, Lionsault for two. Jericho kicks Punk over and over, Punk looks for The GTS, Jericho fights out and looks for The Walls of Jericho, Jericho locks in the hold. Punk counters for The Anaconda Vise, Jericho makes it to the ropes. GTS is blocked for an attempt at The Walls of Jericho, Heyman distracts Jericho as Punk measures for The GTS, Jericho rolls out the back for a roll-up, Punk kicks out at two and a half. Out of nowhere, Codebreaker by Jericho for two, Jericho is in shock.

Right hands by Jericho, slugfest which Punk dominates with kicks and a leaping calf kick. High knee and clothesline, Macho Man Elbow Drop by Punk. It connects and Punk calls for The GTS, Punk scores with The GTS and Jericho kicks out! Crowd is chanting one more time, Jericho fights out of The GTS. Codebreaker is blocked by Punk, Punk clotheslines Jericho to the floor, suicide dive by Punk. Punk springboards into a Codebreaker, 1...2....Punk kicks out!

Jericho elbows Punk in the face over and over, small package by Punk for two. Both men are throwing bombs, Punk is winning the war with jabs, Punk tries a hurricanrana but Jericho counters for The Walls of Jericho. Punk breaks free, right hands to the face of Jericho. GTS as Jericho bounces off the turnbuckle and another GTS for good measure, Punk wins his return match.

A great return match for Punk, these two had a lot of chemistry with one another so there was little hope of a bad match, Punk did look tired at some points but we will chalk that up to ring rust and not wrestling for months. The crowd was fantastic, they made the match even better as they never wavered and were all in for their man CM Punk. Really good stuff with a lot of false-finishes, maybe a bit much for a B-Level pay per view but Punk wanted to make his return something special and Punk made sure that he stole the show.

Winner: CM Punk over Chris Jericho via GTS!

(WWE Tag Team Championship Match) The Shield (C) vs Daniel Bryan & Randy Orton

The Shield had beaten Team Hell No for the tag team titles, this would begin Daniel Bryan's weak link storyline where Bryan wanted to prove himself, The Shield had gone after many of the top babyfaces on The WWE roster with Randy Orton being no exception. The story of this match will be can Randy Orton & Daniel Bryan get along to defeat The Shield, it is possible as Orton & Team Hell No! would beat The Shield for the first time on Smackdown.

Reigns tees off on Bryan, shoulder thrusts in the corner. Bryan kicks the crap out of Reigns, Reigns clotheslines Bryan for two. Headbutt by Reigns, right hands in the corner by Reigns, Rollins takes cheap shots before entering legally. Tag to Reigns, Rollins splashes Bryan before Reigns lands a huge clothesline for two. Reverse chinlock by Reigns, Bryan fires up before Reigns cuts off Bryan with a huge knee lift for two. Huge clothesline by Bryan, tag to Orton. Clotheslines to Rollings, powerslam by Orton. Rope-hung DDT to Reigns, Rollins dives into a powerslam for two.

Rope-hung DDT to Rollins, Orton calls for The RKO but Rollins powders to the floor, Orton reaches out for Rollins but Reigns saves his partner with a Superman Punch. Cover and two for Rollins, wishbone split by Reigns & Rollins. Reigns chokes Orton, headbutt and foot choke in the corner by Reigns. Rollins cheap shots Orton, tag to Rollins. Orton fires back at Rollins, Rollins complete shots Orton into the middle turnbuckle, tag to Reigns. Reigns lands a Samoan Drop on Orton, tag to Rollins who applies a reverse chinlock to Orton. Orton headbutss and uppercuts Rollins before Rollins takes down Orton with an enzuigiri.

Tag to Reigns, Orton dodges a Spear from Reigns and Rollins eats an exploder suplex into the back of Reigns. Tag to Bryan, double missile dropkick into a kip-up, corner dropkicks to Rollins & Reigns. Cover and two for Bryan, kicks by Bryan to Reigns. Reigns is waffled by Bryan, cover and two for Bryan. Bryan lowers his head off an Irish whip, Reigns scores with a kick but Bryan elevates Reigns to the floor and Rollins too. Suicide dive by Bryan and Bryan takes out Orton by mistake, clothesline by Reigns for two. Tag to Rollins, Bryan slips away from Reigns and Reigns is shoved into Rollins.

Double underhook suplex by Bryan from the top rope, Reigns is kicked by Bryan. Rollins tries a roll-up, Bryan rolls through for The No Lock. Reigns makes the save, Riegns measures Bryan, Orton appears and tries for The RKO. Reigns shoves Orton into Bryan, Spear by Reigns to Bryan but Orton delivers an RKO to Reigns. Rollins knocks Orton to the floor and Rollins Curb Stomps Bryan into oblivion.

Another really good match, the crowd help make this match as the story plays out with Bryan wanting to prove that he belongs and is not a weak link. Orton plays face in peril to setup the Bryan hot-tag which Bryan absolutely kills, crowd was ready to explode as Bryan locked Rollins in The No Lock. The Shield continue to dominate, they show a great team is better than two great individuals, you have more dissension between Bryan & Orton, it was a good night for everyone involved.

Winners: The Shield over Daniel Bryan & Randy Orton via Curb Stomp!

(WWE Championship Match) John Cena (C) vs Ryback (Three Stages of Hell Match)

In the Royal Rumble Match, Ryback was inches away from winning the match before John Cena threw over Ryback, Ryback would lose back to back pay per view matches until The Big Guy had enough, the night after Wrestlemania Ryback took out John Cena, claiming to be deserving of The WWE Championship. At Extreme Rules, the match ended in a no-contest but there must be a winner tonight.

First Fall: Lumberjack Match

Thirty superstars surround the ring, when a superstar is thrown to the floor, the lumberjacks are free to put the boots to the superstar. Lock-up with Ryback shoving down Cena and stomping all over Cena, Cena pummels Ryback until Ryback lands a huge powerslam for two. Cena fires back but Ryback catches Cena for a fallaway slam. Ryback misses a corner spear, fisherman buster and scoop slam by Cena. Ryback puts Cena out on the floor, nobody attacks Cena. Knee drop by Ryback for two, reverse chinlock by Ryback. Ryback drops Cena with a huge manœuvre for two, Ryback tosses Cena to the floor.

Suplex by Ryback, Ryback poses for the camera before hurling Cena to the floor. The Lumberjacks stomp Cena, Cena sends Ryback to the floor, nothing happens as the heels will not attack Ryback. Two shoulder blocks and a side slam by Cena, Ryback blocks The Five Knuckle Shuffle by gorilla press slamming Cena onto the lumberjacks. Cena dumps Ryback to the floor, the lumberjacks pummel Ryback, Cena dives onto all of the lumberjacks. Cena and Ryback are tossed back into the ring, drop toehold into The STF by Cena. Ryback counters The STF for a Shellshock, Ryback takes the fall.

Winner of The First Fall: Ryback via Shellshock!

Second Fall: Table Match

Corner spear by Ryback, Ryback looks for a table. Ryback has the table ready, powerbomb looks to be on the menu but Cena slips out, Ryback stops Cena in his tracks with a massive spear. Ryback has Cena in the military press slam, Cena has Ryback for an AA but Ryback flips the table to save his skin, Cena lowbridges Ryback. Cena props the table in the corner, Ryback reverses an Irish whip and sends Cena into the steel steps. Ryback throws Cena and steel steps into the ring, Cena is walloped with the steel steps. Ryback throws the steps at Cena, Cena dodges and the table breaks. Cena lands a belly to belly suplex, steps to the skull of Ryback.

Cena pulls out a new table, Ryback has the steel steps and Cena is on the table, Ryback puts the steel steps through the table as Cena dodges the fatal blow. Shoulder blocks and slam by Cena, Five Knuckle Shuffle by Cena. Ryback dodges The AA and spinebusters Cena. Meathook Clothesline by Ryback, Ryback has Cena up for The Shellshock but Cena slips out and an AA through the table, Cena has tied up the score.

Winner of The Second Fall: Cena over Ryback via AA!

Third Fall: Ambulance Match

Ryback no-sells The AA through the table, Cena is tossed to the floor and powerbombed through the announce table. Ryback unloads on Cena with right hands and stomps, Ryback carries Cena towards the ambulance, Cena shoves Ryback into the doors of the ambulance. Cena opens up the ambulance for crutches, Ryback blocks the crutch shot and punches through the window of the ambulance, it appears glass might been in his eyes also, Cena and Ryback throw bombs before Cena picks up Ryback and slmas The Big Guy into the side of the ambulance. Ryback is Irish whipped into the ambulance door, the door comes off the ambulance.

Cena picks up the door and levels Ryback, Cena tries forcing Ryback into the ambulance but Ryback shrugs off Cena with a headbutt. Cena is tossed onto the front of the ambulance, Ryback pulls off part of the ambulance, Cena is whacked over and over. Ryback motions for a powerbomb but Cena back drops Ryback onto the ambulance, Cena begins climbing the ambulance. Cena levels Ryback with another part of the ambulance, Ryback grabs a crutch. Cena is on the defensive, they wrestle over the crutch.

Cena cracks Ryback with the crutch, Cena has Ryback for The AA. Ryback crashes through the roof of the ambulance and the match is over, Cena is still your WWE Champion.

Another good match, the lumberjack match was a bit on the boring side but once they hit the second fall, they never stopped and it was entertaining. Finish was creative with Ryback being dropped through the ambulance, Ryback and Cena put on a really good match in a crowd that could have easily gone hostile on the whole match.

Winner: Cena over Ryback via AA through the ambulance!

That was WWE's Payback of 2013 and it was a great show, it went by without any hiccups and I was never bored going through each match. Ambrose vs Kane was a disappointment but every other match was very good to great. A great Divas match, great story-telling from the world heavyweight championship match and the tag team match, tremendous efforts in Jericho vs Punk and a main event in Cena vs Ryback that had the fans going home happy. This show was really good but will this year's Payback be better? Are you looking forward to Payback? What do you think of all the NXT call-ups to the main roster? Let us know and do not forget to come back for more Flashback Friday next week!