Backlash Preview and General Thoughts

Backlash 2008 is an interesting Pay Per View. It feels more hollow, more empty, than most pay per views. Perhaps it's the fact that the WWE didn't shove it down our throats, but it's just an odd feel.

First you have the MVP vs Matt Hardy match. MVP vs Matt Hardy was the longest running feud in 2007, and pretty easily to say, the best. There were fresh ways for them to feud every week, from basketball games to arm wrestling to beer drinking, their feud had it all. You couldn't hate the feud, Stone Cold was brought in, and anytime that happens, you know fans will go home happy. The feud looked even better when they won the US belts together. The chemistry was great, and MVP got considerable heel heat when he turned on Matt and beat him. The feud was even good when MVP was injured, because that was where the things such as basketball games and such came in. However, then Matt Hardy went down. His injury was used to help the Jeff Hardy/Orton feud, but it almost totally killed Matt's feud with MVP. At first Rey Mysterio and Batista were brought in to challenge for the US Title, and Matt was expected to come back in time to have a Wrestlemania match against MVP. However, he ended up being out longer, and while he did come back at Wrestlemania, it was a little lackluster. The feud since has been a bit boring, and with Smackdown's head writer out for awhile, the feud just doesn't have any heat. The match itself at Backlash could go both ways. They could just give the belt to Matt and get them both moving to new stuff, or perhaps they'll try to rekindle the feud a bit, and have it be resolved in another month or two. Should be interesting.

Prediction: Im gonna pick Matt Hardy, I think they'll just get this feud over with and move forward, but I won't be too surprised if MVP wins.

The next match is Chavo Guerrero vs Kane. After a ridiculous match at Wrestlemania that lasted about 3 seconds, Kane has been doing well enough on ECW. It'd be nice if they would have a hardcore match at some point, but that seems too much to ask. This feud is fairly boring, as the ECW belt means nothing, it's about time to just get rid of the brand, and that is what will probably happen later this year. This match is another one which is a bit unpredictable, but I think it's likely Kane will win. Even though Chavo got a new bodyguard, the guy hasn't been utilized that much. Considering how easily Kane won at Wrestlemania, people are likely to expect him to dominate again, and I would think he would.

Prediction: Kane takes this one.

Next is the diva match. I forget who all is in it, but it's something like Beth Phoenix, Melina, Jillian, and another person or two vs. Mickie James, Ashley, and some other people. This match could swing both ways, yes like a bisexual, like the MVP/Hardy match, because they could use it for a few things. First, Beth said she was going to win the Women's title back, so they might have her win, but they could also have Mickie or a new diva(such as Natalya) win and get a little boost. It's hard to tell what will happen with the Women's division. They've had the belt lingering on Beth for awhile, waiting for Candice Michelle to come back, but since she got injured again, they decided to please the fans and give the belt to Mickie. I would hope that Natayla Neidhart would get a feud with Mickie at some point, that could help her out, but there aren't really any other heels to face Mickie. There are a number of face divas that could challenge for it, so it helps to have the belt on a heel, but we'll see.

Prediction: I'm gonna say either Beth Phoenix or Natalya Neidhart gets the pin. Heels win.

Another match, and probably the dumbest, lamest, and most predictable one, is Great Khali vs Big Show. They've been going back and forth each week, and props for the nice segment on SmackDown! where Khali offered peace, but the feud is pretty weak overall. Unless they extend the feud, which is unlikely, Great Khali is bound to lose this one. Big Show lost at Wrestlemania, and since he's supposed to be strong and everything, it'd be lame to have him lose this feud.

Prediction: Big Show wins. Why have him lose? I'm curious to see who he'll feud with next.

Next up is Edge vs Undertaker. This feud has kind've died off, and there's not really any storyline here other than it's Edge rematching Undertaker. Edge and Punk fought last Friday, and Edge and Taker haven't really confronted in awhile, at least not alone. This past Monday on RAW, there was a great match where everyone started brawling and the last man standing was The Undertaker, but with the Political fight and the big 3 politicians appearing on the show, everything else was a bit buried. While Edge could win this, I don't think he will. I think he might move into a feud with CM Punk, though he could feud with some others as well. The Undertaker has been told he will get a long title reign before he retires, and with all the rumors that he'll retire at Wrestlemania 25, this could be that long reign. He's been built up to be very powerful as of late, and I expect him to keep the belt into his next feud. However, there aren't really any other people on SmackDown! right now that Undertaker can feud with. Umaga is supposedly going to move to SmackDown! via the draft at some point and feud with Taker, but until then, who can The Phenom feud with? If Edge were to get the belt, there are a few faces who could challenge, but the main event scene on SmackDown! is getting fairly thin and stale.

Prediction: The Phenom wins this one.

Second to last, we have Batista vs Shawn Michaels. This is a pretty cool feud. It has potential to be a feud of the year, if they would drag it out and give it time. One big mistake I think they made was putting Chris Jericho into this feud, at least this early. I think they should have had Batista and Shawn Michaels feud alone for a few months, then have Chris Jericho come in to give it a new push. While Jericho waited to get into the feud, a big thing they could have done is have him feud with CM Punk. They've been pushing Punk, and he is the Money In The Bank winner, and a feud with Jericho could help him greatly, after a great KOTR match last Monday. They could have had Jericho and Punk feud and have a match at Backlash, but instead Punk is left out, and Jericho is the ref in a match between Batista and Michaels. It's very hard to predict how this match will turn out. With Chris Jericho as the referee, and both guys coming off as potential winners, it's very hard to predict how this match will turn out.

Prediction: I really have no idea on this one. I'm gonna pick Batista, but I have no idea. Anything could happen here.

Finally, we have the Fatal Four Way Elimination Match. And let me say, I'm SO glad they made it an Elimination Match. When they first announced it as a Fatal Four Way, I kept saying to myself, "This has to be elimination". And they made it so. It's a good move, because whoever becomes champ, or retains the championship, gets a boost. The match itself could go any way. JBL is the least likely to hold the belt, in my opinion, but he is still a potential candidate. We've seen a lot of the other 3 in the title seen in the last 6 months or so, and perhaps it's JBL's turn now. He's gotten some heat up with the audience, but I don't think he's going to win. Next up is John Cena. I don't think he'll win it, because he's still filming his movie. However, when he gets done with his movie, he'll probably be the top man to win the belt. It'll be interesting to see what happens with him after this PPV, it's possible that either he or HHH could feud with JBL next. HHH hasn't had the belt in a long time, and lots of people are talking about him to win since it's been awhile since he's won. Other than his hour reign last year at No Mercy(I think it was), he hasn't had the belt in a good year or so, and it's possible he'll get it back for awhile. I hope if he does, he changes it, that dumb spinner crap is just lame. Randy Orton is the most likely to win, I think. He's just declared the Age of Orton not long ago, and why would they have him say that only to lose the belt at the next PPV? That'd be a dumb move. Plus if he stays in line, and doesn't screw up outside the ring(IRL), he is a great performer and gets good enough heat with the fans and gets reaction enough to stay the champ awhile longer. I'd like to see him keep it for a bit. What they really ought to do is have him make a stable. It'd be interesting if there were an Orton and an Edge stable. If the two feuded, it would be Epic. Team RKO vs Team Rated R(or Team Edge). Love it.

Prediction: I think Orton retains here.

Finally, I'll mention a couple people missing from Backlash. First, there's Finlay. He goes from a feud at Wrestlemania, subpar(IMO) as it was, to not being on this PPV. He isn't in a match, and he's not feuding with anyone right now. The next people are all the tag teams. Another PPV, another lack of tag team title matches. It'd be nice to see Carlito/Santino face off with Cody/Holly soon, but we'll have to wait another PPV to see it. The tag team division is getting more attention, and it's a good thing, but they need to keep it up.

The last person, and most noticeable to mention here, is CM Punk. He won Money In The Bank, has gotten air time, and it's very noticeable to see that the WWE is pushing him. He just faced off with Edge and looked good, he got to the finals of the KOTR tournament, though could have used a win there, and is getting more mic time. However, he's strangely absent from the card. I can't imagine he'd miss next PPV after missing this one, since he is getting pushed big and all, it'd be a waste for him to start missing PPVs. I think they should have had him feud with Chris Jericho for awhile. Jericho is in that zone where it's hard to tell if he's a heel/face, and is leaning heel, so they could set up a feud between the two. It could be a feud of the year candidate, just throw in some good gimmick matches, and it could be great. I can't imagine Punk would totally miss this Pay Per View though, I think he will show up at some point, maybe to stir up a feud, possibly with Edge. It'd be dumb if they used his MITB here, and I don't think they will, it would be a waste, so I think he'll interfere with someone's match.

Views: 2,383

COMMENTS

Comment # 1

"What they really ought to do is have him make a stable. It'd be interesting if there were an Orton and an Edge stable. If the two feuded, it would be Epic. Team RKO vs Team Rated R(or Team Edge). Love it."

Ummm...

Why?

Other than this completely confusing comment, nice article. I'll be truly disappointed if Batista wins, because his in-ring work is downright crummy compared to Michaels'. But regardless, it has been a nice feud.

Posted by The Glide on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 2

I agree with you on most things on this well written article and ive been saying this since the whole time that wwe championship match was announced that Its Jbl's turn to hold the title and your the first person that shares close feelings on that, I think Cm punk will waste his mitb on the ECW title but not at backlash, and lastly Matt will win against MVP its not a popularity win its a moving up in the singles divison on smackdown, I will not be surprised if Mat Hardy will be or was a major champ at next backlash cus at this level in his career he deserves a Major title.

Posted by DestinyDice18 on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 3

Well thought out and wrote, and I agree with pretty much all of it, however, as unlikely as it is, I'd love MVP to get a clean win over Matt, it would do quite a lot for him I feel, as he hasn't really been around that much recently, since the MitB.

Posted by Blazzeee on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 4

i chose
Taker
Orotn
Kane
Khali
A hot chick
Matt Hardy
HBK

Posted by 619Piledriver on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 5

Here is what I think:

Undertaker beats Edge and Edge ends up back on RAW, or heading to ECW since he has such great ladder matches under his belt, he can be a good addition to the hardcore ranks.

Triple H will more than likely win the fatal four way just to help boost his character. It's been nearly 3 years since he has had a long world title run. And they eventually want him to pass Flair's 16 title reign record. Triple H is at 12 now you know and Kurt Angle has 13.

Kane beats Chavo hands down. It would be stupid for him not to.

Big Show over Khali because they are trying to push him back into the wrestling scene. His loss to Mayweather at WM24 was just stupid. Let's hope they don't screw him over two months in a row.

Who cares about the stupid divas?

Matt Hardy over MVP simply because it has been a while since Matt has held a singles title. Heck, his brother Jeff is less talented in my opinion and since coming back he has had 3 IC Title reigns only to screw it up by doing weed. Matt deserves more in my opinion and MVP isn't doing anything with the US Title but making it's prestige go down. Remember that he beat Benoit for it nearly a year ago.

I see Batista beating HBK and going heel. Then he heads to RAW and fueds with Triple H over the WWE Title.

Let's see how close I am.

Posted by Trevoc on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 6

dude, every1 in the WWE sed that Undertaker, Batista feud in 2007 was the best in 2007...... wait, no, they sed it was the best in history

Posted by a person on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 7

I have to go with HHH winning the Fatal 4 Way because no one really cares about JBL, John Cena is still busying with his movie, and Orton has played out Legend Killer as far as he can. Another reason would be the Judgment Day cover featuring HHH might meaning he has to protect his title in some sort of cage match.

Posted by Steve Blackman on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 8

TRIPLE H IS NEW WWE CHAMPION!!!!!

Posted by THE GAME on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 9

kane n ray

Posted by jakecob on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 10

JOHN CENA will win the fatal four-way

Posted by Joshua on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 11

Pretty good predictions. You only got the last 2 wrong. I wonder what will happen now that Triple H is champion. Hope Cena doesn't get another shot. I can't stand him as champion. Don't think HHH will change the belt though. It's built a lot of prestige these last 3 years so don't expect a change, unless we see a King of Kings version of the belt

Posted by The Renegation on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 12

Orton,JBL,HHH,WILL lose to JOHN CENA

Posted by Joshua on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 13

Triple-H will be pinned first by JOHN CENA

Posted by Joshua on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 14

I'll quit tomorrow SORRY FANS

Posted by Rey Misterio on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 15

You say you don't know who could fued with The Undertaker if Edge doesnt anymore?
They'll probably bring Batista back-which I hope they dont
MVP-Not done much as late, but a great heel to feud with Taker for a while, but not likely to choose him
Big Show-With Khali gone, The Big Show might set he's sites on Taker-he's my guess
But if they don't push them in the tag titles, have Festus and Jesse feud with Taker for a while, he put a great showing.

Posted by Alexrules01 on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 16

nothing

Posted by rocco lampone on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 17

im goin for the king ta win the 4 way cause cena is boring as they come with his crap rap hiphop jive and 4 maybe 5 moves yawn just talkin about him put's me to sleep!!
Taker to retain the tittle over the rated r superstar!!!!
micheals to defeat batista and big dav to turn heel!!!
Kane to defeat chavo
mmmm diva's i dont care who wins i just wanna watch them :) i luv my eye candy :)
big show to beat kali
and matt hardy too end mvp's tittle reign

Posted by the jackle on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 18

As a little defense for the divas (well, not all of them), the WWE do have some good ones who can and do wrestle. I feel sorry for them stuck in a women's division propelled by that crummy attitude the WWE has towards it, but lately it IS getting better, and there ARE some enjoyable matches. Mickie's title-winning match was quite good, for instance. And even though Cherry didn't really get to show anything in the ring (as the storyline didn't want her to), her match with Natalya was quite good too.

I know the WWE attitude towards their diva division really grinds teeth, but don't turn on the actual wrestlers themselves just because of that. There might be fluff in the division but there's talent too. Those ones deserve more respect than 'who cares about the stupid divas' (even though I understand the statement).

I found the 'bisexual' comment pretty odd also. I wish people would have a bit more respect, and if not that, just plain creativity, than to keep on and on using 'gay' (or 'versions' of gay) as an insult or some kind of typecasting tool.

Aside from that hiccup, nice well-written article!

Posted by Jane Ross on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 19

Umm...jackle...Cena has not been actively in the rap gimmick for two years.

Posted by The Glide on Monday, April 28, 2008

Comment # 20

For comment #33, WWE's divas are all basicly the same: they're just a bunch of pretty girls who are there to attract horny male fans, not to wrestle. They all mainly pull each others hair, slap each other, and scream really loud. There are a few exceptions like Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, and Natalya, but most of the divas including Kelly Kelly, Layla, Jillian, and others follow the above guidelines. That's why they are called divas Unlike TNA's knockouts, who have varied personas and looks and can actually wrestle, like Awesome Kong, ODB, Gail Kim, and Roxxi Laveau. Some of their women fit the above description like Angelina Love, Velvet Sky, and Christy Hemme, but they increase the vast amount of talent and diversity. TNA's knockouts have been in street fights, cage matches, and will be in a ladder match at Sacrifice. WWE's divas rarely have any match that is No-DQ, and if they do, weapons aren't usually involved. So, in making my point, Jake, you only watch WWE for the hot girls, which is sad.

Posted by hitmanricks on Thursday, May 01, 2008

Comment # 21

ZZZZZZ Huh *Stretchs* Man did sombody mention Cena ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Posted by MaddogMartyn on Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Comment # 22

resumed? it is bigger than my pacience! well... chavo is obviously going to lose if take kane. obvious just like we seen.

Posted by gratest great gabriel on Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Comment # 23

tell me who won at backlash

Posted by Pitbull10 on Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Comment # 24

I will tell you who won
Matt hardy vs MVP- The Winner is ... MATT HARDY
Jonh Cena vs Triple H vs Randy Orton vs JBL: The winner is
TRIPLE H!
Kane vs Chavo- who wins is kane
Undertaker vs edge- who wins is taker

Posted by cody on Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Comment # 25

Regal is now a gigantic butthole. He pulled the plug on the Orton vs HHH match right when it was getting good. I wonder if WWE did that because HHH used the Crippler Crossface, which was Chris Benoit's finisher. Since WWE has tried to erase Benoit from their record books, they may not have wanted anyone to see that move and remember him. They probably planned for Triple H to use it, then had second thoughts and decided to stop the match before he could have riled up the media again. But then again, HBK used it at Cyber Sunday, so I'm just wondering...

P.S. Hopefully, because of Monday night's events, Mr.Kennedy will become a face!

Posted by hitmanricks on Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Comment # 26

I think it is stupid for the WWE to block out the memory of Chris Benoit. He committed homicidal suicide. Yes, that's true. Now let's look at the latent side. He has been performing that headbutt off the turnbuckle for years, he risks his health every day, and he had stress road traveling. I have no doubt that steroids didn't caused Benoit to do what he did. An autopsy revealed that his brain resembled the brain of an 80 year old with Alzheimer's Disease. He was practically insane from doing all those crazy stunts that WWE had him do. Plus, from friends, he was depressed for a couple of months before he died and they said that only his child cheered him up. BTW, Benoit was also in WCW and ECW where he also did crazy stunts. If it is anyone's fault here, it is the WWE's fault. There is absolutely no legit reason why they are shielding anything to do with Benoit. Everyone remembers him!! He was in wrestling for nearly 2 decades. Plus, they even held a 3 hour special dedicated to him. What I'm about to say next is controversial, but I am just making a point. RIP Eddie Guerrero. What about Guerrero? If the WWE is trying to look as if they actually care about the wrestler's health and their portrayal as a drug-free company, then they are VERY hypocritical. For one, it is a known fact that Eddie abused drugs for about 10 years. Then he dies. He gets a 3 hour show on both SmackDown!! and RAW!! They even had wrestlers use his signature moves. So why is it any different from Benoit's death. I think it is sickening and I believe that WWE should remember a man who risked his life every day for the WWE, his family, friends, and his fans! WWE should remember Chris Benoit! Sorry for the mistake about the steroids :)

Posted by Sam on Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Comment # 27

yeah but that was different eddie didnt kill anyone, even though it was not proven as far as i know that chris did, and eddie did the same amount of dangerous moves, so let them both rip and leave the decesion to the company.

Posted by crazydude on Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Comment # 28

I do agree that it is a silly way to treat the situation, though, just simply because people aren't going to forget about Benoit. It's just not going to happen. They should write him back into whatever historical stuff they have... let wrestlers adopt his moves if they wish (just like the moves of any other past stars)... not shy away from it at all, just treat it like normal. That way, we can all draw a line under the horrible incident, instead of constantly talking about how WWE are trying to suppress it.

Posted by Jane Ross on Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Comment # 29

Some wrestlers have used his moves since his death. HBK and HHH have used the Crippler Crossface(as I mentioned in my above comment). Elijah Burke, Candice Michelle(I think), and Shelton Benjamin have used the triple German suplexes. Santino Marella has used a diving headbutt(though it looked stupid). Benoit is being remembered by the wrestlers, but not the company.

Posted by hitmanricks on Thursday, May 01, 2008

Comment # 30

Correction:Candice and Benjamin used his Northern Lights Suplex, not the triple German suplexes.

Posted by hitmanricks on Thursday, May 01, 2008

Comment # 31

TREVOC!!! Dont u EVVVVVEEEEEERRRRRR say who cares about the divas they are the hottest thing to put on a bra and panties.

Posted by Jake on Thursday, May 01, 2008

Comment # 32

Batista vs Undertaker was the best feud in 2007 for god sake

Posted by Sander on Thursday, May 01, 2008

Comment # 33

well said jake on :) mmmmm diva's

Posted by the jackle on Sunday, May 04, 2008

Comment # 34

damn undertaker is not the champion beacause of the "GM" vicky guerero but undertaker win the match by count out but vicky said the title will be vacent because the title can only be get by pin fall or submission undertaker is being cheated!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by wafak to death on Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Comment # 35

you were wrong with randy orton but how wod he win

Posted by killer kid on Thursday, June 05, 2008