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Countown to WWE Backlash
By
SLAM! Wrestling Staff
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The WrestleMania tour takes its last stop with the annual revenge-based pay-per-view,
Backlash.
Once again, 'Mania opponents will square off with one another while a couple
new feuds will get their first taste of big-stage action. More than any WWE
PPV offering in recent memory, this one has an an air of mystery, with no match
really having the "sure-thing" feel to it.
Let's take a closer look at the action.
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MAIN EVENT: WWE HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
John Cena vs. Triple H vs. Edge |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
After having seen three straight incarnations of this match over the past month,
fans might be tired of these guys, so they'll have to really step it up a notch.
I don't feel too optimistic that they'lldo enough to make it fresh. Cena wins.
Jon Waldman
Well, the philosphy has been strong here, estabslishing that all three are on
an even keel; but we still don't have an establishment of heels and faces. Heck,
even Edge is starting to get some cheers. You have to figure that the title
stays on Cena here, if only because Edge will really need to be kept strong,
because he's on the cusp of being an untouchable main-eventer. Trips can afford
the loss here, so look for him to take the fall.
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TAG-TEAM GRUDGE MATCH
Mr. McMahon and "My Son Shane" McMahon vs. Shawn Michaels
and God |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
The question here is what they'll do to wrap up this unfortunate storyline.
Will Shane find redemption and turn on Vince? Better yet, will Shawn turn on
God and join Vince's flock? Will the ref screw God? The possibilities are endless.
HBK wins.
Jon Waldman
Well, surprisingly we have not heard any complaints from religious groups, but
then again, maybe they realize just how lame this all is. Honestly, Vince needs
a vacation, becuase this is quite possibly the lamest angle since Katie Vick.
Michaels wins here, obviously, and I'm guessing we start seeing 10 plagues in
the McMahon office soon.
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WINNER-TAKES-ALL MATCH
Shelton Benjamin vs. Rob Van Dam |
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WHAT YOU THINK
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What match are you looking forward to at Backlash?
Edge vs Cena vs HHH - 32%
Benjamin vs RVD - 25%
Michaels & God vs McMahons - 15%
Kane vs Big Show - 9%
Mickie vs Trish - 9%
Carlito vs Masters - 6%
Ric Flair vs Umaga - 5%
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
This has MoTY candidate written all over it. If things go as they appear to be
heading, RVD wins and uses his MitB shot at the ECW PPV against Cena. Too bad,
because Shelton was doing great as I-C champ.
Jon Waldman
So much of this match is non-sensical, that there's only one reasonable conclusion
to be made - the IC title is going bye-bye again. From the looks of Smackdown!,
the US belt will soon have the same fate. What that means, likely, is we're getting
Raw and Smackdown back as one brand, with ECW supposedly coming back as the new
"second brand". Of course, RVD will get some help from Charlie Haas
here as we transition to the Team Angle feud.
SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Kane vs. Big Show - Look for Show to "injure" Kane, taking
the big red monster off TV for a bit so he can travel and promote his upcoming
film.
Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus - It'll be interesting to see if Mickie
can keep the fan support she had at WM now that they appear to be toning her
down. Trish wins by countout, but Mickie retains the belt.
Carlito vs. Chris Masters - This match came far too soon, as having these
two team up for a while could have resulted in comedy cold. Carlito wins.
Ric Flair vs. Umaga - This is a complete clash in styles, and I doubt it
will work. Flair puts the big man over.
Jon Waldman
Kane vs. Big Show - I smell a suspension here as Kane gets ultra-violent.
Show gets the DQ win.
Mickie James vs. Trish Stratus - Trish as a brunette works for me. This
feud continues to be hot, but I honestly don't know how much more it can go
before the fans turn on it. Mickie retains, maybe with some help.
Carlito vs. Chris Masters - Carlito goes over big time here. The Draft Lottery
(if it happens) can't come too quicly for Masters.
Ric Flair vs. Umaga - UMAGA! Forgive me, but this gimmick is working in
my books. Umaga wins here.
Visit the SLAM! Wrestling store!
Yes, there was a WWE before the arrival of Umaga.
Hard to believe, right? Check out all the classics, including other Samoan fighters,
on WWE DVDs in the SLAM! Wrestling Store!
-- compiled by Jon Waldman
