For the first time in over 18 years, WWE heads to Puerto Rico to deal with the fallout from WrestleMania 39. WWE Backlash is inside Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot on May 6.
The main event will be Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar. A first-time match, Lesnar attacked Rhodes when they were supposed to team up against Roman Reigns. Now “The Beast Incarnate” looks to break Rhodes, who wants to regain momentum after failing to capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Title.
Also on the card will be Bad Bunny, the music icon and Puerto Rican native. He will put the mic down for some chairs, as he competes in a Street Fight. There will also be three title bouts featuring Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Austin Theory.
Fight fans could also be seeing the slow end of The Bloodline, as The Usos and Solo Sikoa represent the group against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Matt Riddle.
MORE: All you need to know about WWE Backlash 2023
The Sporting News looks at the odds and offers predictions for WWE Backlash.
WWE Backlash 2023 predictions
Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
At WrestleMania, Rhodes attempted to “finish the story” against Roman Reigns. Now? WWE put themselves in a real pickle here. It's almost similar to John Cena facing Brock Lesnar at Extreme Rules in 2012. Rhodes needs a win here to have any momentum if he wants to be champion. How do you make Lesnar a credible loser here? A ref distraction and weapons might do the trick.
WWE usually loves an ending that will make the crowd go home happy. Anything but a Rhodes win would be an unwise choice.
Sporting News prediction: Cody Rhodes
Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest in a Street Fight
WWE hit the jackpot with Bad Bunny, a relevant international sensation, joining the roster. That is especially true when you factor in what should be a loud Puerto Rican crowd. Priest should dominate the majority of this match, but Bad Bunny will use weapons to find ways to thwart him. Don’t forget about the rest of Judgement Day, Rey Mysterio and the LWO.
There’s a chance Bad Bunny really shines here, as he takes his pro wrestling duties seriously. The best way to win the audience over is by having him win and celebrate in the crowd. That would be a great visual.
Sporting News prediction: Bad Bunny
MORE: Breaking down Bad Bunny's WWE history, career earnings
Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Matt Riddle vs. The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Jey Uso, and Jimmy Uso)
Both teams were drafted to separate brands in the WWE Draft, so this should be the end of the rivalry between Owens/Zayn and The Bloodline.
Owens and Zayn should win, with Riddle helping them out. Either the Usos make a mistake and Sikoa turns on them after, or Sikoa does it during the match. Either way, Reigns' empire should be crumbling soon.
Sporting News prediction: Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Matt Riddle
Bianca Belair (c) vs. Iyo Sky for the WWE RAW Women's Title
Bianca Belair is a record-setting champion with the skills to back it up. She has beaten everyone in her path, with not many challengers left that can dethrone her. That shouldn’t change with Sky, a member of Damage CTRL. There is friction in that group, and we can expect Bayley and Dakota Kai to involve themselves in the match. However, that will be Sky’s downfall.
Regardless of the result, expect a great match between two of the best in WWE and women’s wrestling.
Sporting News prediction: Bianca Belair
Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Zelina Vega for the WWE SmackDown Women's Title
Outside of Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Ripley might be the best thing about The Judgement Day. Since beating Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39 for the belt, she is on a role. Zelina Vega, part of the LWO, will have plenty of support from her fellow Puerto Ricans. However, it is hard to see Ripley’s reign ending before it could even begin.
It doesn’t help that the LWO has not successfully won a match in which Rey Mysterio wasn’t involved in.
Sporting News prediction: Rhea Ripley
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Austin Theory (c) vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Bronson Reed for the WWE United States Title
Theory was drafted to SmackDown, which will be a refresher for him and WWE programming. He is in the middle of a Lashley vs. Reed feud, with the incentive being the United States Title. The champion needs a win after losing momentum, despite beating John Cena at WrestleMania. While SmackDown needs a main event champion outside of Reigns, Theory may retain here, just for the sole fact of the boos he would get. If anything, WWE will crown a new champion on live TV.
Sporting News prediction: Austin Theory
Seth Rollins vs. Omos
This match came out of left field. Omos needs a win after losing to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. The Nigerian giant also believes that Rollins can make him a made man, per manager MVP. That may be true. However, Rollins is the most beloved star on WWE’s roster. He is one of the leading contenders for the new WWE World Heavyweight Title, and a loss would not help his cause.
Rollins will make Omos look like a monster but will somehow defy the odds in the ring and win.
Sporting News prediction: Seth Rollins
WWE Backlash 2023 betting odds
- Cody Rhodes is the -300 favorite, while Brock Lesnar is the +200 underdog
- Bad Bunny is the -2000 favorite, while Damian Priest is the +700 underdog
- Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Matt Riddle are the -300 favorites, while members of The Bloodline are the +200 underdogs.
- Bianca Belair is the -800 favorite, while Iyo Sky is the +450 underdog
- Rhea Ripley is the -10000 favorite, while Zelina Vega is the +1100 underdog
- Austin Theory is the -2000 favorite to retain his title against Bronson Reed (+500) and Bobby Lashley (+700)
- Seth Rollins is the +1000 favorite, while Omos is the +500 underdog