The first cross brand event of the new 2018 PPV season unfolds this weekend.
The 2018 Backlash event sets up several intriguing storylines for returning faces but also presents it share of potential problems for wrestling fans.
We are still coming down for a better than expected Wrestlemania, but in the back of our mind we are worried we may be let down.
As always we are by no means experts, we just enjoy trying to figuring out the creative minds. On to our 2018 Backlash predictions.
Bayley vs. Ruby Riot
The kickoff match features an average match in terms of talent but should go along way with the Bayley / Banks feud. If Riot gets the win, it will be interesting to see how it progresses.
Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass
This was one feud we did not see coming but are curious to see how it goes. The goal is to make Big Cass more of a heel than ever before so either he wins outright or ends up taking the low road after Bryan earns the victory.
Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe
We would love to see Joe win this match but are hard pressed to think the minds at WWE want Reigns to lost his third PPV match in a row. There is no other option than to have Reigns wins, which is meh at best.
Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Weird match from start to finish. All we can hope for is more shoulder slams by Braun on K.O. into the barricades.
Carmella vs. Charlotte (SmackDown women’s championship)
We are still a bit shocked to see Carmella with the belt but that is not a bad thing. It shows they don’t mind going in different directions. With that being said, we see Flair losing out by some cheap tactic.
Seth Rollins vs. The Miz (Intercontinental championship)
Rollins reign as the intercontinental champ has been great but this match is weird since it is a cross brand match. We don’t see Rollins losing especially since there is no chance U.S. championship on the line to come to RAW.
Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton (United States championship)
Another meh match. We do like their talent but at times it feels like this is being forced just to have a match with no real direction Hardy retains the title.
Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss (Raw women’s championship)
Jax is still the new champ and there is no reason to take it off her too soon. Also, can WWE please quit with the Bliss bully commercials. We don’t think they do a lot for either side.
AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura No Disqualification match (WWE championship)
The feud between these two has continue to grow since Wrestlemania when Nakamura turned heel. The tension has been done right and we think this is the right time for Styles to lose the title.
