The Smackdown brand tries to reverse the lackluster PPV events with their own this coming weekend, but will it live up to the potential?
The Tuesday show has taken a bit of a step back since Wrestlmania which makes the 2017 Backlash show even more important for them finding their feet.
We were not super thrilled with the Payback event last month and we think this one will not be much better. There are some new faces and feuds fans can focus on and help us to avoid the lackluster area.
As always, we are by no means experts and just enjoy trying to predict how things will play out.
Luke Harper v Erik Rowan
The former brothers will square off as the feud between them begins to grow. The push for Harper to make a run at the title seems lost for now. We don’t expect much out of here aside from a Rowan win.
Sami Zayn v Baron Corbin
This match has developed over the last few weeks and has some interest in this household. We love seeing Zayn on Smackdown but we are not sure how much this will help Corbin. By the end, the Lone Wolf will be standing tall.
Shinsuke Nakamura v Dolph Ziggler
We have seen so little of Nakamura but man the build up is there. Ziggler is solid in the ring and can help make sure this match comes off strong If it does, then you can see the newcomer rocketing towards the top of the contenders.
Tag Team Women’s Match
We are all for matches that help build stories but they should be saved for the Tuesday night edition. The Welcoming Committee will get in some good shots, but look for Charlotte, Becky, and Naomi to stand on top when it is done.
The Usos v Breezango (Tag Team Championship)
We love the Fashion Files but it is not enough of a reason to get us to watch what seems like a shoe in. The Usos are going to come away as champs in a match that seems destined to be a snack break.
Kevin Owens v AJ Styles (US Championship)
Is it wrong we are more excited for this title match than the main one? We love what Styles has done for the blue brand but we do not see them stripping KO of his title when his run is just getting started. This should be the best match of the night and a perfect kickoff to a solid feud.
Randy Orton v Jinder Mahal (WWE Championship)
Orton is a solid champion but we feel his talents are being wasted on a fill-in attempted title run by Mahal. Smackdown is hurting with their lack of heels and forcing Mahal into the main stage may have not been the right move. Orton will retain.
