WWE Backlash: Top 5 last minute predictions, date, start time and location
This Saturday, WWE is making a long-awaited comeback to Puerto Rico, marking the first time since 2005. The highly anticipated event, 'Backlash', is the first major wrestling event since 'WrestleMania', featuring several exciting matches, including a return to the ring for Puerto Rican music sensation Bad Bunny. One of the night's main events is Bunny's highly anticipated San Juan Street Fight against The Judgement Day's Damian Priest, who teamed up with Bunny to secure a victory at 'WrestleMania 37'.
Apart from Bunny's match, there are other significant matches scheduled for the event, such as Cody Rhodes' attempt to redeem himself against Brock Lesnar. Additionally, the undisputed tag team champions, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, will team up with Matt Riddle to take on The Usos and Solo Sikoa of The Bloodline in what promises to be an epic encounter.
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WWE Backlash last-minute predictions
1. Bad Bunny is expected to pull off a surprise victory against Damian Priest
In the upcoming San Juan Street Fight, Bad Bunny and Damian Priest, who were once close friends and even teamed up at a past 'WrestleMania' event to defeat The Miz and John Morrison, will face off against each other. The feud between them began when Bunny helped Rey Mysterio win against Dominik Mysterio, leading to Bunny hitting Ex-Con Dom and Priest viciously assaulting Benito.
Despite Priest being the logical pick to win the match in terms of credibility, Bad Bunny will probably emerge victorious in the main event of WWE 'Backlash' 2023. With the support of Puerto Rican fans and the Latino World Order, Bunny's massive popularity will likely lead him to pin Priest and walk away with the win.
2. Rhea Ripley to retain her title against Zelina Vega
At WWE 'Backlash 2023', Rhea Ripley, known as The Eradicator of Judgment Day, is set to defend her 'SmackDown' Women's Championship against Zelina Vega. This title defense comes on the heels of a prolonged feud between The Judgment Day and the Latino World Order, with Bad Bunny and Damian Priest also scheduled to compete on the same card.
Despite Vega being considered the ultimate underdog in the match, Ripley is highly likely to retain her championship title, possibly by cheating. However, a clean victory is also within the realm of possibility, considering that Ripley was able to defeat Charlotte in the past. Therefore, she may emerge victorious in her first major title defense against Vega at WWE Backlash.
3. Bianca Belair to defend RAW Women's Championship against Iyo Sky
At WWE 'Backlash' 2023, Bianca Belair, the current RAW Women's Champion, is set to defend her title against IYO SKY from Damage CTRL. As a former NXT Women's Champion, IYO is certainly a talented athlete who could become a champion at any given moment, but in this case, Belair is likely to emerge as the winner.
The EST is highly probable to retain her championship title, thus becoming the longest-reigning champion in the history of the RAW Women's Championship. Additionally, a loss for IYO could further contribute to the ongoing storyline of Damage CTRL's internal struggles and conflicts.
4. The Usos may face the wrath of Solo Sikoa in case of defeat
The Bloodline is currently in dire need of a momentum boost, but that is precisely why they should lose at WWE 'Backlash' 2023. It seems like this will be the last time the two factions will meet, as they have been drafted to separate brands. A victory for Matt Riddle, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens would provide them with the much-needed star power and momentum on Raw, while The Bloodline's internal strife can continue on 'SmackDown'.
The groundwork for a renewed feud between Roman Reigns and Jey Uso has already been laid, and it would be a highly anticipated storyline, especially with a live audience present. Moreover, a potential face turn for Jey Uso would undoubtedly be well-received by the fans. Additionally, regaining momentum against new competition over on SmackDown would not be a difficult task for The Bloodline.
5. Austin Theory to successfully defend the United States Championship
The WWE 'Backlash' 2023 event will feature a highly anticipated Triple Threat Match for the United States Championship, pitting Austin Theory against Bronson Reed and Bobby Lashley.
With Bronson Reed being drafted to RAW, it's unlikely that he'll emerge victorious in this bout. Instead, either Austin Theory or Bobby Lashley is more likely to win. However, Theory will probably use the chaos caused by the two powerhouse wrestlers battling it out to his advantage and snatch a quick victory.
Date, time and location
WWE 'Backlash' 2023 is set for Saturday, May 6, with the pre-show beginning at 7 pm EST and the primary event beginning at 8 pm EST. The bout will be live-streamed on Peacock in the US as well as on WWE Network in other parts of the world. The show will take place at San Juan's Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot.