Backlash Predictions

Flashback Friday will have to be postponed, because a burrito is on the line based on who has the most accurate predictions. So let's get right into it, here are my predictions for Backlash this Sunday.

On the preshow, Aiden English will square off with Tye Dillinger. I expect these two to put on a good match, but the preshow almost feels non-canonical. With the exception of the occasional title-change, nothing really has much consequence from this spot on the card, so I expect Tye Dillinger to prove why he's the Perfect 10 by securing the victory and getting the crowd properly warmed up for the main card.

I'm curious about which match goes on first, but if I had to guess, I would expect it to be Sami Zayn taking on Baron Corbin. These two are probably my favorites in the midcard, so I'm pretty excited for this match, which is my pick for match of the night, even on a card featuring Kevin Owens vs AJ Styles. I've got Baron Corbin winning, so that the underdog from the underground can get the victory back on a bigger stage.

Luke Harper vs Erick Rowan will be the Smackdown equivalent of the Strowman Reigns feud, in that this match will be a hard hitting hoss battle. I don't expect a technical masterpiece, but I do think both of these guys can really go for guys their size so expect some surprising spots. From what I've read they've been doing with Rowan on house shows and this week's Talking Smack segment, I've got Big Red going over, but this is another feud I could see continuing for at least one more major card.

"The welcoming committee" of Natalya, Carmella (with James Ellsworth), and Tamina take on Naomi, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch. I've got the heels winning on Sunday. The other prediction I have for this match: Charlotte had been behind the union of the other three all along. Either Naomi or Charlotte need to turn in this match or it wastes a spot on the card tocme that could have been filled with a women's title defense. The story itself is too "story mode" from a wrestling video game for me.

In the last nontitle match on the card, Shinsuke Nakamura debuts against Dolph Ziggler. Obviously Shinsuke wins, and the internet will be torn on whether or not Adolph is the greatest seller of all time, after his head is kicked into the cheap seats.

The Usos are defending their tag titles against Breezango after Fandango and Breeze won the "beat the clock" challenge a few weeks back. Smackdown's tag division still isn't doing a whole lot for me. I hope that will change once The New Day debuts, but for now, this is what we've got. I take Breezango. Why not give them a title run and see if it gets any more eyes on the division?

The US title is on the line in what are most are expecting to be a five star match of the night when AJ Styles challenges Kevin Owens. These two are both great in the ring and I'm sure that this will be a fun match. This is also a feud that doesn't have to be blown off after one match, especially with a heel champion. My official pick is Kevin Owens winning, which I'm pretty 50/50 on, but I am certain that he retains his title, and The Phenomenal One will continue to chase.

World champion Randy Orton defends against Jinder Mahal in the main event. With the Singh Brothers in his corner and a really creepy, inhuman physique , Mahal presents an interesting challenge. With that said, I expect this match to just be filler as someone else prepares to challenge Orton for the belt. Orton retains, hitting an RKO out of a surprisingly predictable position. He also teases a suicide dive at some point.

All in all, I expect a pretty average show Sunday. Hopefully we get a few surprises, but just like Mahal's situation in his match, I expect this card to be a feeling out of the future of a few different characters. With a bit of a Wrestlemania/Superstar Shakeup hangover still present, I'm okay with this, though I'd be thrilled to see a bit more.

So who do you have winning Sunday's matches? Let me know, and we'll if I'm one burrito richer early next week.

Until then, stay (too) sweet!