The first exclusive pay-per-view of SmackDown for 2016 is set to roll out this Sunday. The show will be headlined by the WWE championship match between Dean Ambrose and AJ Styles, but at the same time, there is a strong undercard that has enough potential to deliver. Heath Slater and Rhyno have enjoyed a fairytale story so far and their matchup will indeed be an interesting story to watch out for.
While a new set of tag team champions will be crowned at the show, SmackDown will also get a new Women’s champion as a six-pack challenge is taking place to crown the same. In short, Backlash is a pay-per-view worth tuning into and here is the complete match card analysis and predictions.
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1- The Usos vs. Hype Bros
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The Usos vs. Hype Bros match was booked this week on SmackDown after Chad Gable got injured. American Alpha had won their qualifying match fair and square but Usos went on to injure the leg of Gable, which in turn resulted in this match. The Usos playing the bad guys makes this match an important one.
Usos have been long term baby faces in the tag team division and this match will serve as the start of something new for the team. A win is essential for the Samoan brothers as it will help to consolidate their heel run and make the tournament final an interesting one.
Prediction: The Usos win
2- The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler (Intercontinental Championship)
The Miz will defend his Intercontinental championship at Backlash against Dolph Ziggler. The booking is apparently a move in the right direction for both superstars. Ziggler needed a good feud after his loss to Dean Ambrose at SummerSlam whereas Miz needed the same, after gaining some heel momentum at the expense of Daniel Bryan.
The matchup is perfect on paper but it might not be a memorable one for Ziggler fans. Miz is too hot at the moment to take a loss and it would be a big surprise if WWE makes him drop the championship. Another title loss for Ziggler in a title match is the most likely outcome for this bout.
Prediction: The Miz retains
3- Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt
Despite having some great potential, WWE has given a lukewarm booking for Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt. Orton, after his showdown with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, looked considerably weak and needed something strong to bounce back. Though the initial segment looked promising, the feud went downhill from that point onwards.
Bray was going through the same path that he had gone a million times before and this became a turn off for the fans. While both superstars are desperate to get a win under their belt, Orton needs it more as he was destroyed by Lesnar and has a rematch coming up.
Prediction: Randy Orton wins
4- Usos vs. Heath Slater and Rhyno (Tag Team championship)
This prediction is based on the assumption that the Usos will outclass Hype Bros in the qualifying match. As mentioned earlier, Usos are newly turned heels making it necessary for them to get to the finals. Heath Slater and Rhyno will be the opponents for Usos in the match that matters and as much as we would love to see Slater and Rhyno win, it is unlikely.
The reason for his is simple: Slater is too entertaining to be restricted to the tag team championship scene. If he wins, he will have to be limited and the whole ‘free agent’ gimmick comes to an end. However, a loss keeps Usos strong and at the same time, allows WWE to do some more entertaining segments with Slater.
Prediction: Usos win tag team championship
5- Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch vs. Carmella vs. Naomi vs. Natalya vs. Nikki Bella (Women’s Championship)
SmackDown will get a new Women’s champion at Backlash. Six of the top stars in the brand’s women’s division will be fighting it out for the title and while there are a few favorites from the lot, Nikki Bella stands out. Nikki has just returned from a long layoff and has the experience of carrying the title for a long time. Her star power makes her the favorite in this one whereas Becky Lynch and Natalya could be choices as well.
The injury problems of Nikki are probably the only thing that might work against her and if WWE does consider this, then Becky or Natalya could get the rub.
Prediction: Nikki Bella wins
6- Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles
The WWE championship match between AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose is one that most fans eagerly await. Ambrose defeated his Shield brothers and got a strong win over Dolph Ziggler on the road to Backlash when AJ Styles beat up John Cena to build up momentum. These two are equally matched up and this is what makes the match an unpredictable one.
The pendulum could swing either way depending on what WWE wants. Ambrose has been the champion for quite some time now and WWE might think about freshening things up and giving AJ a run with the championship. This way, they could have a Styles – Cena program for the title when Cena returns.
Prediction: AJ Styles wins
