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With Backlash upon us, the last installment of cross-brand sports entertainment should be completed tonight.
We can, perhaps, forgive WWE for a bit of a hangover on the intra-show feuding after 'Mania, but beyond tonight it would be too much, even in the most diehard brand split believer's eyes.
Fortunately, Backlash, has been the final battleground for many feuds in the
past, so let's hope that indeed happens tonight.
| WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH (LAST MAN
STANDING) John Cena vs Edge |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
It seems pretty obvious that this is where CM Punk cashes in his MITB briefcase.
The question is does he beat Edge again, or take it from Cena, risking a heel
turn? I'll go with the latter after Edge is defeated, very narrowly in the feature
bout.
Andy McNamara
This could be where Edge exits to take his rumoured time off. The question is
whether CM Punk will cash in his Money in the Bank following the conclusion
of the match. If Cena wins I'm going with no Punk, if Edge sneaks out a victory
then Punk cashes in the briefcase. In the end i'm saying that the annoying title
reign of Cena continues.
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Mark Xamin
Edge is one of the few people who have carried Cena to a decent match in the
past few years. This is no doubt going to be a pretty good match, lots of broken
tables, ladders, and chairs (oh my), and it will likely end with Cena overcoming
the odds once again because let's face it, Cena just won the title. But don't
be surprised to see CM Punk come out and cash in his Money in the Bank title
shot right after, because Smackdown needs a champion.
| ECW CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH Christian vs. Jack Swagger |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Though Christian deserves the title, I don't see Swagger losing the belt tonight,
especially with the Tommy Dreamer clock ticking down.
Andy McNamara
Come on Christian! It just seems that the WWE staff is not fully comfortable
pushing Christian yet. After a hard fought, entertaining battle it will be Mr.
Swagger standing tall.
Mark Xamin
I'm going out on a limb here. One of Shane McMahon or Batista is turning heel
here and costing Triple H the title. Maybe one of them gets DQed, or maybe they
just beat the snot out of The Game, but Orton is leaving with the title and
I'm hoping it's Batista that goes heel because Triple H could help him rejuvenate
his career with a lengthy feud over the summer.
| WWE TITLE MATCH (6-MAN CAPTAINS MATCH) Triple H (captain)/Shane McMahon/Batista vs. Randy Orton (captain)/Legacy |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
The Batista turn almost seems too obvious, but that appears to be the inevitability. Orton wins amidst a clusterfrick.
Andy McNamara
Interesting dynamic here as treachery on the babyface side has been teased over
the past couple of weeks. I think The Animal turns on HHH in frustration and
that the champion's in-fighting results in a surprise Orton title victory.
Mark Xamin
I think Jeff is finally due for a win in this boring feud. I'm unbelievably
tired of watching these two, and not just in this feud, in general. Jeff Hardy
was a good Intercontinental Champion but as a main eventer...please get off
my TV. Jeff wins and mercifully this feud ends.
| GRUDGE MATCH (I QUIT) Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy |
|---|
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
This feud has absolutely buried Jeff so far, and I don't expect that trend to
stop. Matt picks up the duke.
Andy McNamara
This should be another terrific match up! I'm thinking Jeff gets his win back
here and the brother's have a final battle at Judgement Day
Mark Xamin
I think Jeff is finally due for a win in this boring feud. I'm unbelievably tired
of watching these two, and not just in this feud, in general. Jeff Hardy was a
good Intercontinental Champion but as a main eventer...please get off my TV. Jeff
wins and mercifully this feud ends.
|
GRUDGE MATCH |
|---|
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
This should be a very strong match. This also should have happened at 'Mania.
I'm just saying. Jericho wins.
Andy McNamara
I initially thought that there would be plenty of interference, but now I will
go with a straight one on one 10 minute match to give Steamboat his final spotlight.
Jericho definitely goes over and a mutual moment of respect is shared at the
end.
Mark Xamin
My prediction -- Steamboat out wrestles everyone else on the card. But Jericho
is winning this one as he's heading into Smackdown and he'll need to have some
momentum if he's to take over as the top heel on the brand.
|
GRUDGE MATCH |
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|---|---|
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
This will be short, maybe with Punk taking a walk at the end to establish the
heel turn coming later in the night.
Andy McNamara
No real interest in this one. Punk is beaten down by Kane for the majority of
the contest only to pull out the underdog win at the very end.
Mark Xamin
The Punker gets the win because Kane has become so unbelievably stale that most
people will probably head for the bathroom as soon as his music hits. I'm looking
for this one to be pretty short because I believe Punk will be cashing in his
Money in the Bank on Edge or Cena (see my Edge/Cena prediction).
|
KHALI KISS CAM |
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|---|---|
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Who did Santino piss off to get stuck in this stupidity? No one wins.
Andy McNamara
Whatever happens this segment should be hilarious. Khali actually kisses 'Santina'?
Mark Xamin
Umm...a cross dressing comedian making out with a bumbling gingivitis-ridden
giant. I predict Beth Phoenix shoves "Santina" into Khali for the
kiss and we all lose.
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Backlash? No, just a 'Mania hangover. The cure? WWE DVDs purchased from the SLAM! store.
-- compiled by Jon Waldman