10 Big Concerns Heading Into WWE WrestleMania Backlash
4. Neither Secondary Title Is Defended
At the time of writing, neither Sheamus' United States Championship nor Apollo Crews' Intercontinental Championship is set to be defended at WrestleMania Backlash. What gives?
Both of their respective 'Mania title clashes - Sheamus vs. Riddle, and Crews vs. Big E - were unexpected bangers, albeit a tad short. 'The Celtic Warrior' had a superb, stiff fight with Riddle, whereas Apollo's Nigerian Drum Fight opposite the former New Day man was strangely good. It could have done without Commander Azeez showing up, though; no one needs any more Babatunde in their lives.
That minor gripe aside, both lads are an absolute necessity for the WrestleMania Backlash card.
Of the two, Sheamus has been a superb United States Champion, often being a highlight of an otherwise depressing three-hour slog. His bouts vs. Humberto Carrillo and Mansoor were both fairly good, even if the title wasn't actually defended there. Apollo, meanwhile, has had two alright defences vs. Kevin Owens and former champ Big E, but the real story there has been about building up this relationship between him and the former Babatunde.
The point being made here is that both titles must be on the line come Sunday. Even if they're just on the pre-show - which they shouldn't be - Sheamus and Apollo simply can't be left off of the card.