With WrestleMania 40 now in the rearview mirror, WWE is on to its next major event: Backlash!
This year, the spectacle heads to France, Lyon to be specific, marking the first-ever time that the city will host a Premiem Live WWE Event. As the anticipation grows, fans are eager to see how the storylines unfold, and of course, which matches will heaedline the show. Here’s a look at the confirmed matches, prediction bouts, and some news that could unpack what we can expect on next month.
While we all know that the outcomes of the matches will be pre-determined, it does not make them any less intriguing and you could cash in on your WWE knowledge with favourable odds available on some of the leading bookmakers in your region. Additional information on all the bouts at backlash, as well as predictions and odds can be read on Cheekypunter, who will keep you up to date with all the latest developments leading up to the May 4 blockbuster.
Confirmed Matches
World Heavyweight Championship – Damian Priest (C) vs. Jey Uso:
Damian Priest’s tenure as World Heavyweight Champion began in dramatic fashion at WrestleMania 40, where the seized the title after cashing in his Money in the Bank contract. Priest will now face his first challenger in the form of Jey Uso, who will likely have the majority of the crowd on his side. With Priest looking to rubber stamp his status as the top man and Uso aiming to seize his opportunity for gold, this promises to be a match for the ages.
Undisputed WWE Universal Championship – Cody Rhodes (C) vs. AJ Styles:
In a climatic showdown at WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes etched his name in history by dethroning Roman Reigns to claim the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Having finally secured the title, Rhodes now prepares to to defend it and his first challenger is AJ Styles who earned his shot at the belt by defeating LA Knight in a mini-tournament to crown the number one contender. As these Internet favorites collide on the grand stage of Backlash, anticipation undoubtedly runs high for an electrifying encounter.
Predicted Matches:
Intercontinental Championship – Sami Zayn (C) vs. Chad Gable:
After helping Zayn end Gunther’s over two-year reign at WrestleMania 40, and the betrayal that ensued on RAW, things are definitely not over between these two and a pay-per-view match seem the only logical way for the story to move forward. This feels like a no-brainer but there could be a few more popular options.
Kevin Owens vs Tama Tonga or Solo Sikoa
In what stands as one of WWE’s more compelling storylines, Owens finds himself embroiled in what is becoming a bitter feud with Tonga and Sikoa. The latter’s almost audacious bid to usurp The Bloodline’s throne sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown, while Tonga’s menacing presence only adds to the intensity. This will likely be a brutal confrontation if it were to go ahead.
WWE Tag Team Championship – A-Town Down Under vs. Street Profits:
It’s only a matter of time until A-Town Down Under’s reign as WWE Tag Team Champs faces a truely formidable challenge and that seems likely to come from Street Profits. Following an impressive fatal four-way victory, Dawkins and Ford are probably solidified as top contenders for the gold and this could be decided at Backlash.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship – Kabuki Warriors vs Bianca Belair/ Jade Cargill
Belair and Cargill proved their mettle at WrestleMania 40, staking their claim to the Women’s Tag Team Championship. And, with their win still fresh in the memory, why not at Backlash? The Kabuki Warriors have been a hit since claiming the belts and this will likely be a very heated confrontation from the ladies if carded.
World Tag Team Championship – Awesome Truth vs #DIY:
Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa, collectively known as #DIY, set their sights on dethroning The Miz and R-Truth as World Tag Team Champions. With a shot at the gold on the line, Gargano and Ciampa could be asked to prepare for a showdown that could redefine their legacies.
