WWE Backlash 2017: 10 Huge Predictions You Need To Know
Blue Sunday.
SmackDown Live! had little to worry about after the mess WWE made with Raw's shambolic first post-WrestleMania pay-per-view.
Ironically, it was a blue brand rivalry that destroyed April's Payback, when Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt contested what's sure to be the worst supercard match of the year (following another contender at the 'Show of Shows') and sucked the life out of a disinterested live crowd.
At long last free from the shackles of the meandering angle, Orton promptly moved on to shocking new contender Jinder Mahal, who remarkably rose beyond the chasing pack just a week removed from losing squash matches on both brands.
Still, swelling vascularity and an untapped market upwards of 1.3 billion people will do funny things to a promoters brain, and may even lead to the not unfamiliar step of going all the way with an unthinkable insta-push.
Elsewhere, the enigmatic Shinsuke Nakamura has been rechristened as an 'Artist', but has at least had his in-ring debut saved for the event. Preparing to take on (and probably take out) Dolph Ziggler, the 'King of Strong Style' hasn't exactly been protected in his early tête-à-tête's with the 'Show Off', but should almost certainly shine in front of possibly the most vociferous crowd in North America.
As a card full of new pairings and fresh directions, Backlash potentially promises the earth, but exactly what (and who) will go down on Sunday's massive show?
10. Hot Start
Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho's feud over the United States Title in the aftermath of their maiden outing at WrestleMania 33 placed unlikely prestige on the secondary strap, especially when 'Y2J's shocking Payback pay-per-view victory earned him a one night trade to SmackDown Live!
Of course, it was during Owens' mandated rematch where he unleashed the most grisly of his attacks. Permanently despatching his former best friend, 'KO' had already made a new enemy in AJ Styles since landing on the blue brand in the 'Superstar Shake-up', with the pair's rising tension finally boiling over as he quickly reassembled his stock as the 'New Face of America'.
Some controversial booking around the WWE Title (much more on that later) has resulted in the belts battling for supremacy on Tuesday nights. Styles himself won this title shot in a main event triple threat against Baron Corbin and Sami Zayn that had far more star power than the six-pack challenge for top title contention (that Zayn also lost) weeks later.
Expectations are understandably high for the first pay-per-view singles meeting for the two, with AJ Styles still the best wrestler in the world and Owens no slouch on big stages with great opponents. The two will look to steal the show, and should be given the honours of starting things the right way.
Not only will it take advantage of a white hot crowd ready for action, but will also create breathing room to not damage equally important contests on the card.