Sheamus def. Dolph Ziggler

BALTIMORE — At WWE Payback, the head games between Sheamus and Dolph Ziggler might have finally come to an end. Unfortunately for Ziggler, though, the headache of dealing with The Celtic Warrior only intensified.

Thanks to a brutal Brogue Kick, Sheamus put down The Showoff in the bitter and highly physical opening contest of WWE Payback. Yet, even in losing, Ziggler earned the long-overdue retribution he and the WWE Universe have dearly craved since Sheamus ignored the stipulation of their “Kiss Me Arse” Match last month at Extreme Rules.

Courtesy of WWE Network: Watch video highlights from WWE Payback now!

WWE’s irate Irishman wasted no time setting the tone of the brawl, pie-facing Ziggler before the bell even rang. As soon as the match got underway, Ziggler leapt into his supercharged offense, dropkicking and clotheslining The Celtic Warrior out of the ring. The Showoff kept up the pace from there, launching into a flying cross body block. An early attempt at the superkick, however, was thwarted by Sheamus, who elbowed Ziggler’s lower quadriceps in an attempt to hyperextend his opponent’s leg.

Though the WWE faithful in Baltimore mocked Sheamus’ haircut with cries of “You look stupid,” Sheamus seemingly used their heckling as motivation, punishing Ziggler with rugged takedowns, a huge tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and a litany of hard kicks.

See photos from Sheamus and Ziggler's all-out war |  Dolph Ziggler injury report

Never one to be deterred, the resilient Ziggler fired back with a series of forearms and a vicious DDT for a two-count. After blasting the Irish gladiator with boots in the corner, The Showoff finally scored personal payback, yanking up his trunks and shoving his backside into Sheamus’ face. Embarrassed and enraged, Sheamus escaped the ring and washed out his mouth with water while the WWE Universe voiced their approval, chanting “Yes!”

Upon returning to the ring, Sheamus regained momentum, eventually landing a sit-out powerbomb and a giant, over-the-shoulder powerslam before locking in the Cloverleaf submission hold. Fortunately for The Showoff, he was able to break the hold by reaching the bottom rope.

Watch Sheamus' post-match comments |  Photos: See Ziggler get stitched up

Adding insult to injury, Sheamus verbally berated Ziggler as he slugged him with haymakers, only for Ziggler to find an opening and land a devastating headbutt and superkick to down The Celtic Warrior. The fearless, if reckless, offense took its toll on The Showoff, however, as the head butt lacerated Ziggler’s forehead

Dazed and kneeling on the mat, Ziggler remained easy prey for a re-energized Sheamus, who clocked his rival with an unforgiving Brogue Kick for the pinfall.