Curtis Axel vs. The Miz vs. Wade Barrett
What SHOULD happen:
Josh Isenberg: There are two ways that WWE should book this match. The first one is to have Curtis Axel not even in the match. Why would he be placed in a match with two irrelavant guys like Barrett and Miz after beating Triple H and John Cena? This is viewed to me as a huge step down. Second option would be for Axel to completely dominate the match. In less than 5 minutes, Axel hits Barrett with a dirty move and pins Miz.
Mike Killam: What the hell is WWE trying to accomplish with this match? Wade Barrett can never – and I do mean, never – build up any momentum before he gets squashed by something bigger, brighter or more shiny. But what else is there to do? Barrett is great, but Axel shouldn't leave Payback looking anything but DOMINANT.
What WILL happen:
Josh Isenberg: I expect this match to go for about 10-15 minutes with near falls back and forth. I can easily see Axel booked in a way that makes him look like every other cheap heel. Miz will be in control for a bit and hit his finisher onto Wade, or vice versa, while Axel picks up the scraps and pins one of the men to win the IC Title. It will be more of a contested bout than it really should. We will see Axel win and win in a weak fashion, thus giving the crowd a thought on not taking him seriously.
Mike Killam: Fans won't have any idea what to do, as Miz just isn't that over as a face, Barrett isn't that over as a heel, and Axel is a brand new entity they have no clue how to react to. The whole match is a momentum train wreck waiting to happen. I have a feeling Barrett retains though, and somehow, if they're clever enough, Axel will still come off the PPV looking strong. Wishful thinking, I suppose.
Winner: Isenberg-Axel, Killam- Barrett
