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The next pay-per-view (PPV) on the WWE schedule is the Payback show set to take place on Sun., June 1, 2014, at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. This is the second straight year this show has taken place at this arena and in this city, and this year's show will be interesting if only because CM Punk won't be there.
We're now just one week out from showtime and the card has started to fill out rather nicely. Expect the rest to be made clear over the following week of television:
- Evolution vs. The Shield (No Holds Barred Elimination)
The Shield demanded a rematch -- to a match they already won, as Triple H so helpfully pointed out -- and it was accepted. It quickly became a No Holds Barred Elimination match after a promo with Evolution saying they're going to take The Shield down one-by-one.
- John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt (Last Man Standing)
Considering the crowd, this could have a lot more heat than usual and because of the stipulation, the heel could go over in dastardly fashion. Rumors persist that WWE wants to stretch this feud all the way to SummerSlam, and if that's the case, Bray probably has to go over here.
- Bad News Barrett vs. Rob Van Dam (Intercontinental championship)
A Beat the Clock challenge was held on Raw and Van Dam was victorious, earning him this shot. He likely won't be a threat to Barrett's title but he could give the rising star a great match before putting him over.
- Sheamus vs. Cesaro (U.S. championship)
When it was determined Sheamus would stay babyface while Daniel Bryan is out injured throughout the European tour, he needed a strong opponent for his first program as U.S. titleholder. Enter Cesaro.
- Wyatt Family vs. Usos (Tag team championship titles)*
This one has an asterisk because it's only a rumor at present time but said rumors have existed for months and Cena has recruited The Usos to assist him in his ongoing battle against The Wyatt Family. This only makes sense as the natural extension to that.
- Adam Rose vs. Jack Swagger*
Though it wasn't touched on at SmackDown this past Friday night, this appears to still be the direction.
That's it for the show so far, Cagesiders. How's it looking to you?