The Shield predicted Evolution is headed for extinction

ATLANTA – On the final show en route to WWE Payback, SmackDown played host to both a Champion vs. Champion Match and a Last Man Standing showdown.

The Shield gives Evolution a warning before their match at Payback.

After feeling the wrath of Evolution in a Raw Contract Signing gone south, an extremely focused and intense Shield reemerged, wondering just how crazy their Payback opponents are willing to get when two of the greatest factions in WWE history go head-to-head in a  No Holds Barred Elimination Match this Sunday.

The Hounds look to destroy Evolution | The Shield's best Six-Man matches

While many scenarios are possible in such an unpredictable free-for-all, The Hounds of Justice made one thing perfectly clear: At Payback, "The end of Evolution will be extinction."

Cesaro def. Kofi Kingston

Cesaro goes one-on-one with Kofi Kingston.

In the first match of the night, Paul Heyman joined the SmackDown announce team to watch his Superstar Cesaro in action against Kofi Kingston. In the height of the matchup, The King of Swing countered The Wildcat’s aerial assault with a vicious uppercut for the victory.

Strong photos of Swiss Superman | WWE.com's Payback predictions

But the action didn’t stop there. Looking to send United States Champion Sheamus a message heading into their monumental title match at Payback, The Swiss Superman finished off his fallen opponent with a post-match Neutralizer.

Paige def. Tamina

Tamina looks to get a big win over Divas Champion Paige.

As Divas Champion Paige took on Tamina, her unpredictable No. 1 Contender, Alicia Fox, emerged, creating a major distraction by doing everything from taking selfies to “borrowing” the Divas Title.

Alicia causes disorder | Divas play referee

Despite Fox’s antics, Paige overcame Tamina by making her tap out to the Scorpion Crosslock. Still, the question remains: What factor will Alicia’s erratic behavior play in Sunday’s title showdown?

Bo Dallas def. Xavier Woods

Bo Dallas looks to make a Bo-liever out of Xavier Woods.

Bo Dallas continued to make the WWE Universe Bo-lieve, scoring a huge Friday night win over the up-and-coming Xavier Woods with his running "Bo-Dog" – followed by another victory lap and an inspirational hug to his fallen opponent.

Bo-lieve in these photos | Bo Dallas helps the WWE Universe find their inspiration

El Torito def. Jinder Mahal

El Torito looks for retribution on 3MB for taking his tail.

EL Torito may have started his SmackDown match against Jinder Mahal completely tailless, but his humiliation wouldn’t stop the pint-sized Superstar from besting his opponent with the “Bull-Sault.”

See a lot of Bull | Sports-entertainment's most famous unmaskings

Moments after the bell, however, El Torito found himself surrounded by the remaining members of 3MB. But, when Los Matadors took out Heath Slater and Drew McIntyre, it was Hornswoggle who nearly lost his head!

Who will be humiliated this Sunday in Payback’s Hair vs. Mask Match?

Sheamus def. Bad News Barrett in a Champion vs. Champion Match

The United States and Intercontinental Champions clash to see who is the better man.

At Payback, United States Champion  Sheamus will defend his title against Cesaro and Intercontinental Champion Bad New Barrett will defend against Rob Van Dam. Before they put their titles on the line Sunday, the two champions went head-to-head on SmackDown.

With Paul Heyman returning to the SmackDown announce team, not wanting to miss a chance to profess the attributes of his own Superstar, Cesaro, Sheamus overcame his fellow possessor of gold with a furious Brogue Kick. The Celtic Warrior then climbed out of the ring and sent a message of his own to The King of Swing by intimidating his outspoken advocate.

Big E def. Titus O’Neil

Big E and Titus O'Neil compete in a rematch from their brutal collision a few week's ago.

As an American flag waving Big E prepared to battle Titus O’Neil, Lana emerged to speak the praises of the Russian flag and Rusev - who now resides in Russia - all while demanding the subjugation of the people of the United States.

The Ravishing Russian speaks out

After Big E decimated The Real Deal and finished him off with The Big Ending, both he and his Payback opponent began to feverishly wave their respective flags.

Adam Rose def. Jack Swagger

Jack Swagger looks to spoil Adam Rose's party.

After turning his match against Jack Swagger into an in-ring party, Adam Rose trapped The Real American’s legs with his feet to pick up a rather strange three-count.

Join the party | Was Vickie Guerrero a lemon last week on SmackDown?

Bray Wyatt def. Jimmy Uso in a Last Man Standing Match

In preparation for his match against John Cena at Payback, Bray Wyatt competes in a Last Man Standing Match against Jimmy Uso.

Two days before facing his nemesis, John Cena, in a Last Man Standing Match, Bray Wyatt decided to take on one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions in the same fashion.

John Cena's Last Man Standing Matches

Though Jimmy Uso took him to hell and back, when the battling Samoan missed The Eater of Worlds and inadvertently collided with the steel ring steps, Bray finished off the highflyer by delivering Sister Abigail onto the ringside floor.