WWE Backlash 2017: 5 Bold Predictions

Credit: WWE.com

2. AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens for the U.S Championship Goes on Last

Over the past several years in the WWE, secondary titles have virtually meant nothing to competitors and fans.

A few exceptions can be made for the work of the likes of John Cena with the U.S. Championship and The Miz with the Intercontinental Championship. Otherwise, the straps would get put on midcarders that the crowd has no interest in, or the straps would get put on main eventers like Roman Reigns who just use the belt as a prop in their journey to face the world champion.

However, that has all seemed to change after WrestleMania 33. With the Universal Champion, Brock Lesnar, disappearing from WWE television, the Intercontinental Championship has taken center stage on RAW with The Miz, Seth Rollins, and Finn Bálor all making the title feel important.

The same thing seems to be happening with the U.S Championship on SmackDown Live. With the WWE Championship sort of floundering with Randy Orton’s feuds with Bray Wyatt and Jinder Mahal, two high-profile Superstars have taken the U.S Championship to another level.

Kevin Owens’ new look and gimmick as the New Face of America is great, and he also found his ruthlessness once again by putting Jericho out of action. AJ Styles, SmackDown Live‘s MVP and the best wrestler in the world, defeated two of SmackDown Live’s best to become the #1 contender for the U.S Championship.

With two of the best in the business feuding over the U.S Championship, this match is likely to draw more interest than Randy Orton facing off against Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship.

For that reason, the U.S Championship may be the main event at a PPV over the WWE Championship match for the first time in a long time.