WWE Backlash 2017: 10 Huge Predictions You Need To Know

9. Big Finish

Shinsuke Nakamura Backlash
WWE.com

One of three potential topline encounters, Shinsuke Nakamura's main roster in-ring debut should be the headline attraction of Sunday's show.

Splashed across every bit of marketing material for Backlash, the 'King of Strong Style' has at least been presented as a special attraction, which goes some way to undoing the wonky in-ring exchanges with opponent Dolph Ziggler in the process.

Despite the divisive style of the 'Show Off', he remains one of the more dependable utility players in the organisation, and will benefit from certain defeat should the two have the type of show-stealing encounter most believe they're capable of.

Sami Zayn set the benchmark for Shinsuke at TakeOver: Dallas just over a year ago, and whilst Nakamura and Ziggler may fall slightly short of that incredible standard, a hot crowd enjoying the climactic conclusion to a pay-per-view would give them the best chance of running close to it.

Furthermore, by positioning the match above title contests, the company are literally placing Nakamura's presence above those prestigious prizes. Titles can always recover from a minor knock, but a performer's aura is substantially more fragile. The company have the potential to create an instant special attraction with Shinsuke, and the Backlash finale would be a perfect and memorable stage.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett