WWE BackLash 2018 matchcard and predictions

This Sunday WWE begins its new season with the co-branded pay per view BackLash. Let’s take a look at the match card and make some predictions.

This Sunday WWE has its first of the newly formatted co-branded pay per views with BackLash. Which will feature a lot of the recent end of WrestleMania feuds. While jump-starting the rest of the storylines heading towards Summer Slam. Since WrestleMania, the majority of the shows have gotten a lot of their excitement from debuts and returns. Hopefully, during and after BackLash we get some interesting stories and feuds instead of more of the same old tired ones we’ve had since the run-up to WrestleMania.

Let’s take a look at the match card and make some predictions. We’re starting the new season with a clean record. For those of you new to this process, we only count the head predictions. Not the ones made with the heart.

Bayley vs. Ruby Riot (Backlash Kickoff Match)

What is really going on with Bayley? I mean, she didn’t make a full heel turn, Sasha Banks didn’t make a full heel turn. What are we doing? I suggested before WrestleMania that Bayley make the full heel turn by joining Absolution. But, they’re now on SmackDown Live. Maybe Bayley can make her heel turn now and join the riot squad. Somehow, with this being on the kickoff show. All I expect is Sasha Banks to somehow inadvertently cost Bayley the match and we extend this nonsense another week.

Official Prediction:
Head & Heart: Ruby Riot

United States Champion Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton

I honestly think this match should be on the kick off show too. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy Orton and Jeff Hardy, but I’m not really looking forward to this match. I mean, can the Miz get into the US title picture? Hopefully, that’s the plan soon, because I don’t have any interest in two of SmackDown Live’s older superstars.

Official Prediction:
Head: Jeff Hardy
Heart: Randy Orton

Raw Women’s Champion Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss

I have been a Nia Jax stan since shortly after my return to WWE. I don’t even mind that they turned her into a babyface. Personally, I would have preferred she stayed a heel a little while longer and ravage the Raw Women’s division. But, whatever, her new message is just as cool. I’m glad that she’s finally getting her due. Also, Alexa Bliss cant beat Nia, it would have to be some major shenanigans and I’m not here for it. Nia better squash Alexa and WWE should use this opportunity to play up the Ronda Rousey/Natalya vs Alexa Bliss/Mickey James angle.

Official Prediction:
Head & Heart: Nia Jax

Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins vs. The Miz

This is a joke, right? If the belt was going to switch shows wouldn’t have made more sense to do it at the Greatest Royal Rumble? The match should be entertaining because Seth Rollins and The Miz are great in-ring performers. But the outcome is fairly obvious.

Official prediction
Head & Heart: Seth Rollins

Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

To me, this entire “season” is going to be about building Braun Strowman up to take the Universal title off someone. Whether that person is Brock Lesnar or Roman Reigns, I cant tell you right now. Now I could see Kevin Owens and Sammy Zayn scoring a shock victory over Bobby Lashley, but I highly doubt it. Braun needs to look even more incredible that he has been the last four months, so hopefully, we get the belt off of Brock by Summer Slam. Sorry, Kevin and Sami are just the first speed bumps on the road to the monster among men’s glory.

Official Prediction:
Head & Heart: Bobby Lashley and Braun Strowman

Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass

For those of you who are unaware. Big Cass holds a special place in my heart for when he turned on Enzo, who I hate. However, after that whole thing with the little person on SmackDown Live. Cass has strayed too far from the light of giving Enzo the big boot every week. Plus it seems like Daniel Bryan is hot right now, I cant see him losing this match.

Official Prediction:
Head & Heart: Daniel Bryan

SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair

This hurts my feelings because I absolutely adore Carmella. I was as excited when she successfully cashed in as I was when Nia Jax won at WrestleMania. Unfortunately, I think my dear Carmella’s time as the SmackDown Women’s champ has come to an end. I think Charlotte Flair is going to get her title back. However, I could also see a scenario where Carmella wins, through some shenanigans. Then Asuka is the one who eventually takes the title from Carmella. I think this is mostly wishful thinking, but what the hell? I like both of these competitors so I’m going to take my first prediction risk.

Official Prediction:
Head: Carmella
Heart: Carmella, but a little for Charlotte too? I do what I want it’s my prediction.

WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (No Disqualification Match)

My goodness, I thought this rivalry was going to be one that made me fall in love all over again with WWE. Instead, it has been nothing but low blows since WrestleMania. Frankly, I am tired of it. Give Shinsuke Nakamura the belt. Let AJ suffer a bit. Let’s make this rivalry one where we don’t need low blows every Tuesday night.

Official Predictions:
Head & Heart: Shinsuke Nakamura.

Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe

A lot of people love Samoa Joe and hate Roman Reigns. I am team Roman and will be from here on out. Joe came back talking a lot of mess, but he was out here catching L’s at Summer Slam with everyone else. Then missed almost four months with an injury. I think he should calm down a bit coming after the big dog, who has been here week in and week out since TLC. I hope Roman gets him, and all these angry Roman haters can eat it.

Official Predictions:
Head & Heart: Roman Reigns.

BackLash Airs Sunday, May 6th, at 8 pm EST on the WWE Network.