8 HUGE WWE Backlash 2023 Predictions You Need To Know
7. Rhea Ripley (c) Vs. Zelina Vega
It might be to a lesser scale than Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn’s shots at Roman Reigns at Clash At The Castle and Elimination Chamber respectively, but Zelina Vega going for gold at Backlash is a genuinely inspired bit of matchmaking.
First major title defences are typically difficult hurdles when the new champion has actually been well established on their journey to the belt. The result isn’t in doubt - or at least shouldn’t be if the titleholder is over, and Rhea Ripley is absolutely that - and the losing challenger can be left in a far worse state than before they earned the shot. Not here.
The Judgment Day’s feud with The LWO has lit up WWE’s midcard across both Raw and SmackDown, and Ripley and Vega’s interactions have been some of the notable highs. Spreading her wings as a babyface for the first time, Vega has at long last been able to use her dazzling aerials for big pops rather than cruel cut-offs and ‘The Nightmare’ has only just started to take her seriously.
Add the hugely partisan crowd to the mix and Ripley’s run might temporarily look in real danger in front of a Puerto Rico crowd willing Vega over the line.
She’ll fall just a little short, but the drama won’t.
Winner - Rhea Ripley