WWE Backlash 2016 – Predictions

Happy first brand split weekend! This weekend sees the return of the Backlash pay-per-view, as the first Smackdown-only event. Overall, Smackdown has felt like the better show since the split. Raw has had the better moments, but also had terrible moments. This show could be quite good and watchable, if it’s a bit under the radar. What may be tricky is predicting just how it will go. We’ll give it a go though. Here are our Backlash 2016 Predictions

WWE World Championship Match

Dean Ambrose (c) vs. AJ Styles

Two men, with wildly differing Summerslams meet.

AJ Styles had the match of the night at Summerslam, a classic match with Cena that is had the crowd wanting more and crowned a classic feud – for now. Ambrose however had a match with Ziggler that was, well, quiet. They were in a tricky position, following AJ & Cena. Nevertheless, it was an okay match, but hardly set the world alight.

This match could see the end of Ambrose’s lackluster reign on the top. AJ has been on absolute fire. And if the song should be believe, Dean Ambrose should be terrified.

Prediction: AJ Styles

WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championships

The Usos/Hype Bros vs Rhyno & Slater

How good has Heath Slater been since his non-draft?

The “Hottest Free Agent in Wrestling” has been on a tear, appearing on both Smackdown and Raw. Turning face with an impassioned promo against Brock Lesnar, Slater was given one more chance to get a conference: winning the WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championships.

They’re in the final, but the other half of the draw is more interesting. American Alpha were looking good, beating The Uso’s quickly. But a Uso’s heel turn, snapping and beating American Alpha to a pulp meaning they couldn’t continue, see The Uso’s regain their place in the tournament against The Hype Bros.

This tournament they could go in one of two ways. We could see The Usos win to cement their heel turn, but I can see American Alpha returning and costing The Uso’s, giving Rhyno & Slater the world’s most unlikliest win.

Prediction: Rhyno & Slater win

Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt

Another renaissance and reinvented wrestler is Randy Orton.

Getting a lot of sympathy and coverage following the brutal end of the Summerslam main event, Orton – since returning – has been a bit of a revelation. Engrossing promos and solid work, Orton has been very watchable.

Compare with Bray Wyatt who has been, well, a bit poor for a while. Orton needs to build to a rematch with Brock, Bray is languishing a bit and this feud does seem very thrown together. Orton to win.

Prediction: Randy Orton Wins

WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship

Natalya vs. Naomi vs. Becky Lynch vs. Nikki Bella vs. Carmella vs. Alexa Bliss

So Nikki Bella returned with a bit of a strange return, being on the heel side of the Summerslam match involving these women. Carmella was the one to turn heel to take her away from her Enzo & Cass characters, with Nikki being quickly made a face.

My heart says Becky Lynch should lead the division. My head says they’ll give Nikki the title.

Prediction: Nikki Bella

WWE Intercontinental Championship

The Miz (c) vs. Dolph Ziggler

Somebody else who has been revitalised has been The Miz.

Go and see his promo on Talking Smack. Seriously. He tore Daniel Bryan an absolute new one and with all classic heel promos, he was absolutely right in everything he said. Of course there was never going to be Bryan vs Miz match, so somebody had to jump in.

Enter Dolph Ziggler. he has taken over Bryan’s mantra, and has been pretty funny on Talking Smack himself. However in the battle of the KFC Brand Ambassadors, The Miz will win.

Prediciton: The Miz wins

That’s my predictions. What are yours? Please leave your thoughts in the comments!