WWE Backlash 2018: 5 possibilities for the event

There certainly is a lot of intrigue leading up to Backlash 2018 and a lot of expectations which the event needs to live up to. Backlash has been announced as being a co-branded pay per view for the past couple of weeks and this makes things more interesting when one thinks of the different matches and feuds which will unfold at the event.

The event does also have a lot weighing on it. It is usually the WWE's first pay per view after WrestleMania. With The Greatest Royal Rumble having taken place this month as well, this just adds even more expectation on the event to deliver thrills, excitement and maybe even a few surprises.

One of the biggest features which WrestleMania 34 and The Greatest Royal Rumble had in common was the surprises which the pay per views threw up, particularly in the main events. This is an area which the WWE need to keep a close eye on when it comes to Backlash and they would do well to add in a few surprises to the results at the event.

The results of the matches seem somewhat predictable at the moment but this opens up the door for the WWE to stun the WWE Universe. Will the creative minds at the WWE pass up an opportunity to deliver some unexpected results? I certainly don't think so and in this article, we'll go through 5 bold predictions which could end up coming true at the event.

#1 Randy Orton versus Jeff Hardy

It is refreshing to see Randy Orton face off against someone other than Jinder Mahal for a change. Jeff Hardy winning the United States Championship and being drafted to SmackDown Live was a great move for the blue brand and will give it the electricity which it needs.

Both Hardy and Orton will be entering the match as a face which might make it difficult for some fans to decide whom to cheer for. Regardless of whom you support, one thing is certain - these two will put on a great match, maybe even the match of the evening.

Prediction:

Jeff Hardy wins via disqualification

Explanation:

Randy Orton is in serious need of a reboot to his character and a heel turn is definitely the way to go. Orton has always been much more effective as a heel and has even expressed his desire to turn heel on many occasions.

It's way too soon for Hardy to lose the title and pinning Orton clean would make The Viper look weak - which is not the way the WWE should be building his heel character. An exciting and unexpected finish to the match would be to turn Orton heel and have him attack Jeff Hardy and give him the win.

This would also set up an interesting feud between the two which could carry on over the next few months.

#2 Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman versus Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn

It is interesting to see that the WWE seem to have taken an interest in pairing up Braun Strowman with Bobby Lashley and it would be exciting to see whether they continue with this pairing over the next few months or whether this is just a one-off thing.

With the power and athleticism that both Strowman and Lashley bring to the table, it would be difficult to see these two losing at the event under normal circumstances. This is why a twist in the match might just start one of the best feuds we can hope to see this year.

Prediction:

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn def. Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley

Explanation:

This prediction might sound bold and crazy but it is one which could very easily happen at the event. Everyone is expecting Strowman and Lashley to run through Zayn and Owens in what should be a one-sided match.

However, the WWE have shown an interest in pushing Zayn and Owens so it is unlikely that these two would be jobbing to Strowman and Lashley. A clean win is unlikely to happen, but what is possible is that Owens or Zayn use some sort of distraction or other means to win the match.

The loss would then enrage both Lashley and Strowman who would both blame each other for it. The two could the go on to attack each other which would set up a massive feud between the two superstars.

This would be an interesting turn which will give both Strowman and Lashley the spotlight that they need. Nobody in the WWE Universe wants to see either of these superstars in a feud with Roman Reigns anytime soon - especially if the WWE are intent on pushing Roman and making him the face of the company.

#3 AJ Styles versus Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura's heel turn has given the superstar a fresh perspective to his character. He has had the upper hand over AJ Styles over the past few weeks, played his role as a heel to perfection and even debuted a new theme song to suit his heel character.

It was, therefore, a bit of a surprise that Nakamura did not win the title from Styles at The Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia. Nakamura currently has a lot of momentum on his side and has gotten the better of Styles on more than one occasion. All this can lead to one logical conclusion.

Prediction:

Shinsuke Nakamura defeats AJ Styles

Explanation:

It would be a complete waste for the WWE to give the WWE Universe three Styles versus Nakamura matches within the space of a month only for Nakamura to lose all three of these matches. This is especially since the creative team at the WWE have invested in Nakamura playing the role of a heel who has been getting the better of his opponent over the past few weeks.

#4 Carmella versus Charlotte Flair

Carmella winning the SmackDown Live Women's championship is something which the WWE Universe has been anticipating for the past few months. This happened when Carmella cashed-in her Money in the Bank briefcase successfully against The Queen.

Charlotte has made no secret about her intentions to win back her title at Backlash and has looked dominant over Carmella in their feud thus far.

Prediction:

Charlotte Flair defeats Carmella

Explanation:

It is a bit surprising to think that the WWE would keep the title away from Charlotte after they gave her the prestige of ending Asuka's undefeated streak. Carmella hasn't quite looked like the champion which the women's division on SmackDown Live needs, and a title change seems likely.

#5 Roman Reigns versus Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe made his return to Monday Night Raw count when he came out to confront Roman Reigns about his failure to defeat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34. Since then, Joe has been drafted to SmackDown Live, but the rivalry between these two superstars is far from over.

Reigns is coming off successive losses to Brock Lesnar and one needs to question exactly where the WWE are taking his character. The match against Joe might reveal more about what his future holds and what his position on Monday Night Raw will be for the next few months.

Prediction:

Samoa Joe defeats Roman Reigns

Explanation:

This result is very likely for many reasons. Firstly, nobody would expect the WWE to give Reigns yet another loss at a pay per view event. It is almost unthinkable, especially since the WWE have made no secret about their intention to have Reigns succeed John Cena as the face of the company.

Secondly, crowd reactions towards Reigns are becoming worse. A win over Samoa Joe would derail any momentum which Joe has and would do absolutely nothing to help Roman Reigns.

Joe could also use a win to get his run with the WWE back on track - especially after returning from injury. A loss to Joe at this point, therefore, makes absolutely no sense and would harm both superstars.