Roman Reigns Vs. Braun Strowman
Before the bell can even ring, Roman punches Braun in the face. Braun returns by kicking him into the corner. Strowman runs at Roman, who ducks, sending the big man over the top rope. Strowman gets to his feet on the outside and Roman runs off the steel steps and onto Braun. Roman climbs back inside and goes to leap over onto Braun but the big man moves out of the way and Roman stops himself.
Intensity PERSONIFIED. @BraunStrowman is in full control of @WWERomanReigns… #WWEPayback pic.twitter.com/UiOqToVHoc
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2017
Roman runs around the ring for a drive-by kick but Braun catches him and throws him into the barricade, shoulder-first. Braun grabs Roman and chokeslams him onto the announce table. Back inside the ring, Braun batters Roman all around the squared circle. Braun stands on Roman as the referee counts. Braun lifts Roman and tosses him shoulder-first into the ring-post.
Roman falls to the outside, leans against the steps, and Braun rams him into them, then throws him into them shoulder-first. Back inside the ring, Braun unleashed knees into the gut of Roman before hitting a clothesline for a two-count. Braun applies a bear hug to Roman as he lays face-down on the mat.
Looking to make QUICK work of @WWERomanReigns is the #MonsterAmongMen @BraunStrowman! #WWEPayback pic.twitter.com/YMuOA4lHVV
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) May 1, 2017
Roman starts to fight back and stand up and Braun throws him into the corner. Strowman runs at Roman but the big dog moves and Strowman hits the turnbuckle. Roman clotheslines Braun, then again but he doesn’t fall. Roman manages to catch Strowman with a Samoan drop for a near-fall. Roman puts Braun into the corner and clobbers him with clotheslines, then knocks them both over the top rope to the floor.
Strowman tries to toss Roman back inside but he rolls back out and hits a drive-by kick. Strowman leans on the barricade and Roman runs for a Spear but Braun lifts him up and tries to ram him into the ring post but Reigns slides down his back and shoves him into the post. Roman rolls back into the ring and the referee counts. Strowman makes it back inside the ring at the 9 count.
WHAT. A. SPEAR! Even more impressive? @BraunStrowman KICKED OUT! #WWEPayback @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/40Txskt2l4
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2017
Roman ducks a clothesline from Braun and hits a huge Spear but Braun kicks out! Both men slowly climb to their feet and Roman looks for another Spear but Braun kicks him straight in the face. Strowman lifts Roman for a crucifix powerbomb but Roman slides down to his feet. Roman hits a Superman and then looks for another but Braun catches him with a triangle choke. Strowman scoops Roman up and lands the running powerslam, but Roman gets his shoulder up!
Strowman lifts Roman to his feet, the big dog cannot stand. Braun lifts Roman onto his shoulder and hits another running powerslam and this time it’s enough.
Winner: Braun Strowman
After the match Michael Cole makes it very clear that Roman wasn’t at 100% and so it wasn’t a fair fight. Strowman grabs the steel steps and throws them into the ring. Officials try to stop Braun but he stares at them until they vacate the ring. Braun sets the steps on their side and lifts Roman up as the fans chant “thank you Strowman”.
Strowman lifts Reigns onto his shoulder and throws him off onto the steps. Strowman picks the steps up and slams them down into Roman’s stomach! More officials come down to stop Braun but he’s already leaving. Roman writhes in the ring as blood pours from his mouth.
Was it a big mistake for @WWERomanReigns to return to battle @BraunStrowman here at #WWEPayback? pic.twitter.com/lKNfGn0JIc
— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2017
Roman is helped up the ramp by officials, and he refuses to get on a stretcher. He can barely walk and he’s covered in blood but he won’t take the help.
That’s it for Payback! What did you think of the show? Let us know in the comments and be sure to come back here tomorrow night for Monday Night Raw! Until then, safe travels!