WWE Backlash 2016 (Photo : WWE.com)
A.J Styles looks to continue his momentum towards the top of the SmackDown Live food chain as he takes on the reigning WWE World Heavyweight champion Dean Ambrose in a surefire entertaining matchup at WWE Backlash 2016.
Details of the Event:
PPV Event: WWE Backlash 2016 at Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia
Time: 7/8 p.m US Eastern Time
Live Stream/ Results: WWE Network / Tune in for live commentary, recap and results at LordsofPain.
Blitz Preview and Prediction:
Styles vs. Ambrose - The Phenomenal One steps into the fray with lots of momentum behind him following a clean win over John Cena at SummeSlam. At the backstage, Vince McMahon loves how this year's major signee has performed the past few months.
Ambrose, on the other hand, has established himself as a strong champion with victories over former Shield teammates Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns at Battleground and then followed it up with another decisive victory over Dolph Ziggler at SummerSlam.
It has been an entertaining run for Ambrose as champion, but I believe and hopefully the McMahons too that A.J Styles will further elevate the SmackDown Live brand as its champion. A.J pinning Ambrose with Styles Clash.
Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt - Orton is still licking his wound after the beatdown he received at the hands of Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Wyatt, meanwhile, is seeking his first marquee win after being drafted to the SmackDown Live.
Both at great workers, but it looks like this match will end up as expected. Orton wins and Wyatt gets buried again, which is disappointing for a character this imposing. He should be winning titles by now.
The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler - It has been a great past few weeks for the Miz, who has gained a little bit of traction following his shoot or work promo with Daniel Bryan at Talking Smack. Ziggler has to settle for a shot at the Intercontinental title after he was dropped from the main event scene.
It's hard to predict this match given the status of both superstars, but my money is for the Miz to retain the title. It appears to me that WWE wants him to be the longest reigning I.C champ, only to be defeated by a returning Daniel Bryant at Wrestlemania.
Heath Slater & Ryno vs. The Usos/ Hype Brothers - Heath Slater & Ryhno reached the finals with victories over the Headbangers and the HypeBrothers, who could get another shot at the new tag-team partners if they win against the Usos in the semis.
However, I have a feeling the Usos will squash the Hype Bros to set up a tag-team title match with Heath Slater and Rhyno. In the end, a ring interference by the American Alpha, whom they are expected to have a feud with over the next three months, will cost them the win. Slater and Rhyno winning the title.
Six-Pack match for Women's title - Don't get me wrong here, but SmackDown Live women's champion isn't going the match the rivalry between Sasha Banks and Charlotte at Raw. However, for the sake of establishing brand equilibrium, a new champion should rise. Becky Lynch, one of the pioneers of Divas Revolution, will be the champion while Carmelo and Nikki Bella heats up.
