2009 Backlash Predictions

The 2009 Backlash Pay-Per-View seems to have arrived at us faster than a Rey Mysterio 619. It's not long after Wrestlemania 25 and the recent WWE Draft, leaving just a few weeks leading to this event. With all that going on, WWE really had to scramble once again to try to build some hype for the various matches, one of which was recently added (CM Punk vs. Kane). Three titles are on the line here, with only one being defended under traditional rules (ECW Title). Cena's World Heavyweight title goes on the line against Edge in a Last Man Standing match, while Triple H's WWE Title is on the line in a Six Man Tag match against Team Orton. The Hardy brothers pick up their feud with an "I Quit" Match, and to give some possible comic relief, Santina Marella is scheduled to pucker up for Great Khali's Kiss Cam. The big questions that come with this PPV are will WWE look to move one of the major titles back to Smackdown, and will CM Punk be cashing in his MITB contract? Let's see...

Here's thoughts and predictions for this year's Backlash PPV...

Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. Chris Jericho

It's tough to recall another WWE superstar who was inducted into the Hall of Fame then returned to the ring to resume his wrestling career afterwards, but Steamboat seems to be the man achieving that benchmark. Seeing as Chris Jericho was recently drafted to Smackdown, I don't see a loss here jeopardizing his stature or rise on the new show. Steamboat will amaze the fans once again as he continues what seems to be a glory tour on the heels of his entry to the Hall of Fame.

Prediction: The Dragon emerged victorious with an entertaining showing for the fans.

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CM Punk vs. Kane

This match continues to baffle me; it seems strange that it was added into the mix late, because there really isn't a feud going on or any real reason for this one. CM Punk won the MITB by knocking Kane off the ladder, but it's not like Kane's been calling Punk out on the mic or in interviews. The more I look at it, the more it seems like something might go down with Punk's MITB opportunity at Backlash. This match may have been added as a diversion, to have Punk get beat, then allow him to cash in his MITB when fans least expect it later on. Punk will defeat Kane yet again here, because he needs to build up credibility on his rise to the top again.

Prediction: CM Punk wins another one against Kane.

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Jeff Hardy vs. Matt Hardy
I Quit Match

Jeff Hardy needs a win pretty badly lately, unless WWE is going the route of Matt Hardy seeming to dominate his younger brother over and over. There's been recent talks and rumors that Jeff wants away from WWE (he's not accepting contract offers), and if that's true, then this may be one way to send him off. Remember back several years ago to when Chavo Guerrero did this sort of thing to Rey Mysterio, giving Rey time off for surgery and rehab. Chavo continually hammered away on Rey's knee as Mysterio was hanging upside down from a metal scaffolding, and Rey finally screamed "I Quit" in pain. In this scenario, I'd like to think Jeff's sticking with the WWE Universe, but it's looking like Matt will continue with the momentum of beating up on his younger brother in and around the ring.

Prediction: Matt Hardy punishes Jeff even more, forcing him to yell "I Quit".

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Christian vs. Jack Swagger
ECW Championship

Christian's got the fan support and he's been on the rise, but Swagger defeated him in a great title contest once before. Another thing to remember is the upcoming contract ending for ECW legend Tommy Dreamer. Dreamer has vowed to win the ECW title again before his contract is set to expire, or he retires. It would seem like Jack Swagger needs to be the guy holding the title for Dreamer to defeat, the classic underdog pulling off the upset win against the cocky champion. So while it'd be nice to see Christian as champion, there's really only a month left for Swagger to hold the title, before losing it or retiring Dreamer.

Prediction: Jack Swagger defeats Christian to stay ECW Champion.

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Edge vs. John Cena
World Heavyweight Title
Last Man Standing match

Here's where things get really interesting. You've got to believe that WWE is looking to either unify the two major titles, or move one back to Smackdown. If the latter is true, then this match could be how it's done. Fans were shocked weeks ago during the draft because HHH was brought to Raw, but Cena wasn't moved to Smackdown. So at Backlash, Edge will once again find some sort of opportunity to win here. Cena and Edge have put on some memorable matches, and exchanged titles several times, so it's nothing shocking, unless that MITB comes into play. I also won't be surprised if this is where CM Punk decides to cash in since both men are going to be pretty beaten up. Punk could give us a case of Deja Vu and cash in on Edge once again, raining on the Rated-R Superstar's parade. It seems quite unlikely for Cena to retain here, unless Punk's going to somehow steal away the WWE title.

Prediction: Edge defeats Cena and becomes new World Heavyweight Champion.

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Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes & Ted Dibiase vs. Triple H, Shane McMahon & Batista
WWE Title Six Man Tag Match

This match seems like less of a buildup of the Orton-Triple H feud that Triple H handled at Wrestlemania 25, and more of a buildup of a future Triple H vs. Batista feud. This match could easily go two ways; one would have Batista winning the match, setting up claims that he helped save Triple H's WWE Title. The other more likely route will be that Batista and HHH get involved into some sort of argument or rift that leads to Team Orton winning the title for Randy. Either way, it seems a Batista vs. HHH feud is inevitable now, and that will lead to Cena challenging for Orton's WWE title.

Winners: Team Orton wins it somehow due to Batista and Triple H getting involved in a dispute. Shane is middleman but it won't matter, as Orton wins the WWE Title.

This is definitely a tough card to pick with so many different setups in the making, but rest assured there will be at least 1 title changing hands. You can check WWE Characters the Blog for your 2009 Backlash Pay-Per-View results starting at 8PM EST. Enjoy this exciting PPV event!

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