After so many title changes and stunning victories at WrestleMania 41, could more shocking moments be in store at Backlash?
It’s tough to envision titles changing hands at the first premium live event following WrestleMania − especially for championships that were just contested at WWE’s grand spectacle three weeks ago − but it has happened before, meaning the window is open in St. Louis. The card may not seem like an all-star event, but the five matches scheduled have potential for compelling storytelling.
Could Randy Orton provide a shocking upset in his hometown when he faces John Cena for likely the last time? Will Lyra Valkyria pull off another big victory against Becky Lynch? Can Pat McAfee hang with Gunther?
USA TODAY Sports’ wrestling experts provide their predictions for WWE Backlash:
Pat McAfee vs. Gunther predictions
Jordan Mendoza: There will be plenty of interest in how McAfee does in his first match since 2023 (the 2024 Royal Rumble certainly doesn’t count). McAfee will get some shots in to spark some belief he can beat Gunther. However, Gunther’s skill is miles ahead of McAfee and it’s unlikely the commentator poses any real threat. Plus, he can’t afford a loss after what happened at WrestleMania. ‘The Ring General’ puts McAfee away in crushing fashion, resulting in the former NFL punter taking some time away to recover from the lengthy assault. Winner: Gunther.
Richard Morin: Gunther’s image took a major hit when he tapped out to his own signature submission at the hands of Jey Uso, losing the World Heavyweight Championship in the process. WWE needs to get Gunther some heat and this is the way to do it − by beating the absolute snot out of McAfee. Winner: Gunther.
James H. Williams: Pat McAfee getting back in the ring may attract additional viewers to the production but I don’t expect him to come away with a victory. While it makes for an interesting pairing considering McAfee’s time out of the ring, look for Gunther to pick his momentum back up and rebound after losing the title at WrestleMania. Winner: Gunther.
Women’s Intercontinental Championship match: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch predictions
Jordan Mendoza: Major props to Lynch for bringing some spark to a title that desperately needed it. Valkyria is magnificent in the ring, but she hadn’t given much substance to the championship until this feud. It’s lit a spark in her that could maybe elevate her, although putting the title on Lynch would definitely help the prestige. Historically, everything points to Lynch dethroning the inaugural champion since the title wasn’t defended at WrestleMania. However, Valkyria gets some help from Bayley to retain her title. Winner: Lyra Valkyria.
Richard Morin: It’s great to see some real drama building around the women’s mid-card titles. Lynch turning on her former protege gives this match plenty of intrigue, but can ‘The Man’ dethrone the inaugural champ? Don’t be surprised if Bayley, who Lynch attacked before WrestleMania 41, crashes the party and costs Lynch the win. It could all build up to a triple-threat for the title down the road. Winner: Lyra Valkyria.
James H. Williams: Becky Lynch made her return at WrestleMania as Lyra Valkyria’s tag team partner, but things got derailed quickly when they lost the title at Raw the following night. While I think Lynch holding the title in the future would be great for the prestige building of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, I think the title will stay with Valkyria for the time being. Look for Valkyria to get revenge against her fellow countrywoman. Winner: Lyra Valkyria.
Intercontinental Championship match: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta predictions
Jordan Mendoza: One thing to watch in this rematch will be the crowd reactions. Penta is a crowd favorite, but Mysterio has been significantly pushed by the audience. Penta will definitely bring out the best in Mysterio, who certainly still has his best ahead of him. It’s almost a lock to expect The Judgment Day to play a role in this, the same way it did in the first matchup, and it’s enough for Mysterio to retain. The only question is whether Finn Balor finally snaps afterward and attacks the champion. Winner: Dominik Mysterio.
Richard Morin: This was an interesting late addition to the card. Mysterio and Penta already went 1-on-1 for the title a couple of weeks ago on Raw, with Mysterio retaining the title thanks to help from The Judgement Day. It feels like there is still unfinished business with Dirty Dom as champion with Finn Balor yet to turn on Mysterio. It would also leave Penta in an awkward spot having suffered back-to-back defeats to Mysterio and multiple failed attempts at the title. My best guess is El Grande Americano shows up and attacks Penta, creating a legitimate feud there and allowing The Judgement Day storyline to progress. Winner: Dominik Mysterio.
James H. Williams: Dominik Mysterio received one of the biggest reactions during WrestleMania weekend when he won the Intercontinental Championship. While Penta has become a fan favorite, I don’t think Mysterio will be losing any time soon, especially with a majority of The Judgement Day’s support. Finn Balor remains the wildcard as he was the person Mysterio pinned to win the title. Winner: Dominik Mysterio.
Fatal four-way match for United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest vs. LA Knight predictions
Jordan Mendoza: Lots of subplots that will certainly be focused on in this match. All of the competitors are worthy of holding a mid-card title, but it doesn’t feel like the right time for some of them. LA Knight just lost the title and Priest is trying to regroup following his WrestleMania loss. McInytre has the best chance to dethrone, but Fatu is on a roll right now that can’t be stopped. Winner: Jacob Fatu.
Richard Morin: It’s obvious the addition of former world champions McIntyre and Priest is a device to legitimatize Fatu, who defeated Knight for the title at WrestleMania 41. Fatu is a rising star who will showcase his incredible in-ring skills against some of the other top performers in WWE. The only question is whether Solo Sikoa turns on his cousin, or if Fatu turns on him first. Winner: Jacob Fatu
James H. Williams: This match has the opportunity to steal the show this weekend. Jacob Fatu appears to be the favorite to retain the title, but when you have a match that features former world champions and the current champion doesn’t have to get pinned to lose the title, anything can happen. Look for Fatu to put on a performance and overcome the brawling style of his opponents to walk out as champion. Winner: Jacob Fatu
Undisputed WWE Championship match: John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton predictions
Jordan Mendoza: Expect an unreal atmosphere for this match. Two icons of a generation meeting for the final time will spark tons of nostalgia. While there will be several callbacks to their past matchups, don’t expect the prettiest display from Orton and Cena. With the event in St. Louis, Orton will certainly get very close to capturing the title. But in the end, Cena sneaks his way past Orton thanks to some cheap shot to send the crowd home unhappy and continue his journey to ‘ruin wrestling’ in his final year. Winner: John Cena.
Richard Morin: Once more unto the breach, dear friends. The legendary rivals are set to face off for ‘what could be the final time,’ according to WWE. The key word being ‘could,’ as I wouldn’t be surprised if all this match does is set up another Cena-Orton clash later this year. Don’t expect much of a wrestling showcase in this one but do expect some shenanigans to occur. I think we get another appearance from Travis Scott, who could cheap shot Orton and give him a lengthy in-storyline injury for some time off. Then we get a dramatic return later this year for Orton to get even with Cena one last time. For now, though, it’s fein, fein, fein, fein-fein-fein. Winner: John Cena
James H. Williams: WWE has shoved us back into a time machine to restore the rivalry between John Cena and Randy Orton. With both men still having the ability to tell a good story, there should be plenty of interest in how this one plays out. While Orton will likely have most of the crowd support as a St. Louis native, I think Cena finds a way to stay on top and retain the title. The only question is, how will it happen? Will Travis Scott or The Rock find a way to get involved again? Winner: John Cena
