WWE Backlash 2017: 5 Bold Predictions
By Dalton Quix
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1. Rusev Makes His Presence Felt
The WWE Championship match at Backlash will be between Randy Orton and Jinder Mahal, yet the most interesting factor in this matchup is not even on the match card.
Rusev has been out of action ever since he had surgery on his shoulder in March. Since then, he has been moved to SmackDown Live as a part of the Superstar Shakeup.
A couple weeks ago, Rusev announced that he would not wrestle for SmackDown Live unless he got a WWE Championship match at Money in the Bank. In fact, he said he would go back to Bulgaria if his request was not met.
As time has gone by, Shane McMahon and all of SmackDown Live have virtually ignored the fact that Rusev had given them an ultimatum. So, Rusev sent out another video out last week saying that he would appear on this week’s SmackDown Live to speak to McMahon man to man about his request.
If you don't want to reply to me @shanemcmahon, I come to #SDLive to get my answer. #RusevReturn pic.twitter.com/Ddu6QOSDh6
— Miro (@ToBeMiro) May 9, 2017
There ended up being no sign of Rusev at the show, despite the previews hyping his appearance. The reason for this could simply be that the creative team was more focused on the Backlash PPV and had no time for a Rusev segment.
Another theory could be that saving Rusev’s return for Backlash would make for a greater impact. His appearance will most likely be during or after the WWE Championship match.
Rusev can wreak havoc on both Orton and Mahal because he feels he has been disrespected by being ignored by Shane McMahon.
This appearance and beat down by Rusev will make him seem like a credible contender and will provide a nice transition into his feud with Orton for the WWE Championship at Money in the Bank.
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It is hard to predict what could happen at such an unconventional PPV, but these are the bold predictions for WWE Backlash. What do you think will happen at the PPV?