2008 Backlash Predictions

Sunday's Backlash PPV features the fallout from Wrestlemania 24, including Randy Orton's title defense, Edge and Chavo seeking rematches to regain their titles, and two of the biggest forces in WWE, Big Show and Great Khali colliding! Here's a look at the WWE Characters analysis and predictions for each of the Pay-Per-View matches!

Shawn Michaels vs. Batista

It's a battle between Smackdown and Raw stars who were also good friends of the Nature Boy, Ric Flair. Both the Animal and Heartbreak Kid also were victorious at Wrestlemania, although Michaels made the biggest statement to retire Ric Flair. The twist of course in this match is Chris Jericho as special guest referee. It's highly likely that neither man wins due to the fact they both used their finishers on Jericho. Quite possibly we see a fed up Jericho knock out both men, then leave the ring.

Prediction: A draw occurs due to Chris Jericho being involved.

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Chavo vs. Kane
ECW Title Match

Chavo will most likely have the services of his brand new enforcer "Bam Neely". With Neely at ringside it may be tough for Kane to handle both men, but I see Kane retaining, possibly a DQ goes down here with Neely intervening. Eventually, I'd expect to see Kane and Neely in a feud in the ring and maybe fighting for the ECW title.

Prediction: Kane retains the title due to DQ.

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12 Diva Tag Match

An unprecedented match with 12 divas in the squared circle competing in a tag match. It's a bit odd that Beth Phoenix wasn't simply granted a rematch for Mickie's title at Backlash. Some of the divas aren't the best of wrestlers, so they probably will see brief action in the ring. Expect the heels to win this one as they won the match at Wrestlemania 24, and maybe with Beth pinning Mickie.

Prediction: Beth's team wins to prove a point to reigning champ Mickie.

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Matt Hardy vs. MVP

MVP is currently the longest reigning champion in WWE. Matt Hardy was put out of action for about 5 months due to MVP (and other issues). I expect this to be the only title change we see on the card, with Hardy finally achieving the US title in a hard fought match. If Hardy continues to lose, he loses credibility and it will just continue MVP's claims of he's better than everyone.

Prediction: Matt Hardy wins by pinfall to become new US Champion.

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Great Khali vs. Big Show

It's a battle of behemoths. Khali seems to be far from the title contender he was about a year or so ago. On the other hand Big Show has returned to WWE not too long ago, and despite losing to Floyd Mayweather, still deserves a push. It would be great to see Big Show with a clean pinfall win. It wouldn't be surprising to see this go a little farther than Backlash. Expect these two giants to battle it out with some sort of disqualification occurring, whether it's from Finlay, Hornswoggle or one of the two competitors.

Prediction: Khali wins by DQ over Big Show.

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Edge vs. Undertaker
World Heavyweight Title

Edge and Smackdown GM Vickie Guerrero have been doing their best to thwart the Undertaker over the past month. Even though Taker's been in some tough matches on Smackdown and ECW, he's one of the toughest champions there is. Ryder and Hawkins may try to interfere in this one, but Undertaker will keep the belt.

Prediction: Undertaker retains via pinfall or DQ.

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Cena vs. HHH vs. JBL vs. Orton
WWE Title Match
Fatal Fourway Elimination

A match involving four men which will work its way down to just 1 champion. Orton seems to be doing what it takes to outsmart his opponents similar to how Edge operates. Orton uses DQ's and advantages set by other wrestlers (HHH on Cena at WM24) to score the victories. Orton really is the only heel to have as WWE champion so expect him to retain here. I'd see JBL being eliminated first, but it would be great if the match came down to just John Cena vs. HHH. It's hard to say who Orton will face last, HHH or Cena. Either way, Orton will be triumphant yet again.

Prediction: Randy Orton wins via pinfall to retain the WWE title.

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After last night's Smackdown, it really gave some food for thought with CM Punk's Money in the Bank briefcase. He nearly beat Edge in the ring, if not for interference from Zach Ryder. Will Edge possibly cash in at Backlash, if Edge wins the World Heavyweight title? An interesting idea to consider.

Enjoy Sunday's Backlash Pay Per View at 8PM EST on Cable, Dish, or Direct TV. Be sure to check back here after the PPV (11:30 EST) for all the results match by match!