With the first Wrestlemania under the Triple H era now history, anticipation builds for Backlash, the first pay-per-view post-Mania. Set in France this Saturday, it promises a stacked card with two World Championships and two women’s titles up for grabs. Here are my picks for what's sure to be an unforgettable event.
World Heavyweight Championship - Damian Priest (c) vs. Jey Uso:
Jey Uso has secured his shot at the title against Damian Priest after emerging victorious from a thrilling fatal four-way match on the Raw following Wrestlemania. Known for his immense popularity and signature catchphrase "yeet," Jey has become a standout figure in WWE, especially after triumphing over his twin brother at Wrestlemania 40. On the flip side, Judgment Day's Damian Priest claimed the World Heavyweight Championship by seizing his Money in the Bank opportunity and cashing in on Drew McIntyre just moments after McIntyre's Wrestlemania victory.
However, despite this significant achievement, Priest has faced some challenges recently. With Rhea Ripley and Dominic Mysterio sidelined with injuries and other key talents like JD McDonagh and Finn Balor not meeting expectations, it's been a tough road for Judgment Day. As Jey gears up for his third title opportunity within the past year, the outcome seems uncertain, especially given that this will be Priest's inaugural title defense.
My Winner: Damien Priest retains, but JD McDonagh turns his back on Judgement Day after being scolded for interfering in this match, similar to what we saw last year at Night Of Champions when Jimmy Uso turned on Roman Reigns.
WWE Women's Championship - Bayley (c) vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi:
This upcoming match promises to be a sleeper hit, with three incredibly talented women ready to showcase their skills. Bayley recently emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle against her former faction, Damage CTRL, capturing the gold at Wrestlemania 40. With only one title defense under her belt, Bayley's reign is still in its infancy, despite a recent interference from Tiffany Stratton during her match against Naomi. Given Bayley's recent triumph and the momentum she's riding, it seems unlikely that the title will change hands so soon. However, with the growing popularity of Tiffany Stratton, Naomi could end up taking the fall in this matchup.
My Winner: Bailey retains.
Kevin Owens and Randy Orton vs. The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga):
Kevin Owens and Randy Orton have a long history battling The Bloodline, making them familiar foes to the faction. Despite the exile of Jimmy Uso and the inclusion of former long-time Bullet Club member Tama Tonga, The Bloodline remains a formidable force, even in the absence of their tribal chief, Roman Reigns. While it pains me to admit it, it seems likely that Kevin Owens and Randy Orton will have to endure a defeat in this encounter to help elevate the narrative surrounding this revamped Bloodline. Furthermore, allowing younger talent to shine by overcoming established stars like Owens and Orton could set the stage for an epic Bloodline Civil War upon the return of Roman Reigns and The Rock to WWE.
My Winner: Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga
WWE Women's Tag Team Championships -- Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) vs. Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill:
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair have been locked in a fierce rivalry with Damage CTRL for several months now, and it seems like this may be when the Kabuki Warriors' championship reign ends. Following their recent draft to Raw, we may see Belair and Cargill dethrone the current champions. This move could indicate WWE's strategy to gradually elevate Jade Cargill, perhaps starting with a tag team title reign before pushing her toward the World Championship scene. Additionally, I'm hopeful this title run will bring about some significant developments. Firstly, it could pave the way for Asuka to embark on another solo journey, potentially leading to internal wounds within Damage CTRL. Secondly, I'm optimistic that this reign will see the women's tag team titles being defended more frequently, injecting new life into the division.
My Winners: Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill win the Women’s Tag Team Championships.
WWE Championship -- Cody Rhodes (c) vs. AJ Styles:
Cody Rhodes claimed the championship throne at Wrestlemania 40 by toppling the formidable Roman Reigns. As he gears up for his second title defense following a hard-fought victory against Smackdown's latest draft pick, Carmelo Hayes, Cody finds himself facing a seasoned veteran in AJ Styles, who earned his shot at the title by besting LA Knight in a number-one contender tourney final. While Styles fell short against Knight at Wrestlemania 40, he managed to turn the tables and secure his opportunity for championship gold.
Given Cody's triumphant return to the pinnacle of WWE after a two-year journey, it's unlikely he'll lose the title anytime soon. However, I hope AJ Styles can add one more championship to his magnificent career before eventually hanging up his boots, given his remarkable in-ring prowess despite nearing the age of fifty.
My Winner: Cody Rhodes retains. After the match, a challenger will intervene with Cody Rhodes, signaling a feud for the future.
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