Update: Results
We’re in that post-WrestleMania phase when things cool down. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a PPV PLE this Saturday—because we do, and it’s WWE Backlash. And since it looks like we’re back to semi-regularly posting about professional wrestling on nappyafro, here we are. And by “we,” I mean me—I’m not bothering the rest of The FRO Horsemen this time. Backlash doesn’t seem to have that much hype around it anyway, and Saule and GQ actually have lives.
Since it’s just me, I’ll cover all the matches on the card… all five of them. As usual, I’ll be back later to update this post with the results.
Cena vs. Orton. “One Last Time.” The G.O.A.T. versus The Viper. The finale of their 15+ year rivalry. And it seems like WWE is letting heel John Cena run through his greatest hits on the way out (hopefully that includes a final face-off with CM Punk too). Even though this match is happening in Randy’s hometown of St. Louis, we all know The Viper isn’t winning here.
There are rumors that Cody Rhodes might return during this match, but that feels too early. I just hope both legends brings it—though Cena may not want to risk injury due to his Hollywood obligations.
Prediction: CENA WINS LOL
This feels like the setup to Becky Lynch vs. Bayley—who is definitely returning at Backlash. It makes sense for Becky to beat Lyra for the IC title and then feud with Bayley over it… but then what do you do with Lyra?
WWE has been positioning Lyra strong in confrontations with Becky, so I’m flipping the obvious script. Lyra retains, goes on to do something else with the title, and Becky vs. Bayley can happen without a belt (finally giving Bayley something meaningful to do again).
Prediction: Lyra Valkyria Retains
Gunther is going to beat the shit out of Pat McAfee. McAfee might bleed and get a few hope spots in, but this should mostly be a squash. (Michael Cole will do his serious commentator voice)
And honestly? I wouldn’t mind if Goldberg came out afterward to set up a match with Gunther. Let Gunther retire Goldberg too.
Prediction: Gunther Kills Pat McAfee
This feels like a Fatal 4-Way just because WWE didn’t want to run back Priest vs. McIntyre and Fatu vs. LA Knight as separate matches on this card.
Jacob Fatu is still rising, so don’t expect him to drop the title yet. It makes more sense for Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline 2.0 to double-cross him later and take the title. For now, Fatu retains. Should be a crazy match though.
Prediction: Jacob Fatu Retains
Dominik just beat Penta a few weeks ago. So here’s my wild pick of the night: Finn Balor finally turns on Dom, costing him the title and giving Penta his first gold in WWE.
I like Dominik and think he’s a future world champ, but this direction makes more sense. Finn could later go after the IC title himself, and a babyface Dom could eventually win it back.
Prediction: Penta is Your New WWE Intercontinental Champion (*does the Penta walk*)
- Undisputed WWE Championship Match: John Cena (c) defeated Randy Orton
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: Lyra Valkyria (c) defeated Becky Lynch
- Gunther defeated Pat McAfee
- WWE United States Championship Fatal 4-Way Match: Jacob Fatu (c) defeated LA Knight, Damian Priest, and Drew McIntyre
- WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Dominik Mysterio (c) defeated Penta