WWE Backlash is the site where John Cena and Randy Orton will clash for one final time as the former is destined to retire at the end of this year. Not only that, but there are four other big matches planned for the show. The following will provide some rationalized predictions for who will win those five announced matches as well as any special angles that could take place to further storylines on the road to WWE SummerSlam 2025.
Gunther vs. Pat McAfee [Personal Rivalry]
It is questionable as to why Gunther tapped out to Jey Uso at Mania and took his anger out on Pat McAfee of all people on the Raw thereafter. Also, the fact that Gunther vs. Pat McAfee is a match booked on PPV is laughable. The WWE would be much better off if someone like Goldberg replaces Pat McAfee in this match and finishes his story with Goldberg once and for all. However, it is more likely that Gunther squashes McAfee in an indomitable fashion to regain his momentum and is confronted by Goldberg post-match to tease a future match at SummerSlam in August.
Prediction: Gunther
Dirty Dom (c) vs. Penta [IC Title]
Dirty Dom won't lose the title this soon after winning it from Bron Breakker at Mania. Although it is unfortunate that Penta lost his winning streak, it seems that WWE is planning to reunite Lucha Bros to target the tag titles. With that being the case, Penta can earn those tag titles as a consolation prize whilst Dom continues his reign this summer and finishes his story with Finn Balor, who still has some beef with him in the Judgment Day. Balor is the right man to dethrone Dom at SummerSlam, and he will break away from the Judgment Day in a shocking face turn to fulfill his rumored push in 2025.
Prediction: Dirty Dom
Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch [IC Title]
Lyra Valkyria has had a boring title reign when it comes to storylines and character development, but matches on Raw have been consistently spectacular and her feud with Becky Lynch has been a lot of fun. Naysayers may argue that Lyra should win here since she is the rising talent who needs it more. However, she already got that victory over Becky in NXT. Since Becky turned heel by heinously attacking Bayley backstage to force her out of Mania and betraying her trust with her star pupil in Lyra, she should win the title to solidify her heel turn and feud with a returning Bayley this summer.
Prediction: Becky Lynch
Jacob Fatu (c) vs. LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest [U.S. Title]
Jacob Fatu won't lose the title this soon after winning it from LA Knight at Mania. It would be cool to see Drew McIntyre win the title since the U.S. Title is the only title that has eluded his career for so long, but he has no specific storyline to win here other than taking down the Bloodline that he has despised. Damian Priest seems to be the weak link in this match due to his lack of momentum after losing to McIntyre at Mania. He will likely eat the pinfall here as Fatu continues his reign into the summer and finishes his story with Solo Sikoa, who still has some beef with him in the Bloodline.
Prediction: Jacob Fatu
John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton [WWE Title]
John Cena won't lose the title this soon after winning it from Cody Rhodes at Mania. However, this won't be a clean finish. It is very likley that John Cena will pull on the heart strings of the fans in Orton;s hometown of St. Louis, Missouri with multiple callbacks. This will include attacking Bob Orton as revenge for when Orton punted John Cena's father. Cena may even slap the referee for force a disqualification finish as a callback to when Orton did that at No Way Out 2008 to retain the title when he was the villain in the story. Ending the PPV in a DQ will also garner more heel heat for Cena.
Prediction: Randy Orton (via DQ)