Backstage Update On WWE Making MAJOR Backlash 2023 Change

One of WWE Backlash 2023's biggest matches was almost completely different.

Bad Bunny WWE
WWE.com

Rapper Bad Bunny steps into the ring for his first ever singles match at WWE Backlash 2023 this Saturday (6 May), facing off against former ally Damian Priest - but the bout was almost completely different.

Fightful Select report that WWE was originally planning on booking Bad Bunny and Rey Mysterio in a tag team match with The Judgment Day's Priest and Dominik Mysterio. Things had already started moving in that direction when the singles bout was put together, with WWE and Bunny confident in the rapper's ability to work a good one-on-one instead.

Advertisement

The Mysterios were ultimately pulled from Backlash. Per Fightful, Bunny pinning Dominik would have been the original plan, sending the fans home happy in his native Puerto Rico.

Backlash 2023 will host Bunny's third professional wrestling match - and his first since a run in the 2022 men's Royal Rumble. The 29-year-old debuted in a wild, enthusiastic, and entertaining performance alongside Priest at WrestleMania 37, where they defeated John Morrison and The Miz.

Advertisement

WWE had originally announced Bunny as Backlash 2023's guest hosts, eventually pivoting into a match after WrestleMania 39, where Bunny mixed it up with The Judgment Day.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.