WWE’s Backlash PLE is now in the rear-view mirror.
Nevertheless, the fallout from the five-match show is sure to have lasting ramifications on WWE programming.
The events that unfolded set up new and continuing storylines as the company moves towards Saturday Night’s Main Event and Money in the Bank, both of which are just around the corner.
Here are the changes expected in the wake of Backlash.
6. Judgement Day’s Slow Implosion
Division is once again bubbling within The Judgment Day.
Ever since Dominik Mysterio pinned faction partner Finn Balor at WrestleMania, this latent issue has been slowly pushing its way to the surface.
At Backlash, Mysterio wanted Balor’s aid in his match against Penta, but Balor seemingly took too long to respond, leading to him being removed from ringside – a move that will undoubtedly fuel further division.
A feud between the two seems imminent, potentially leading to major changes or even a complete breakdown of the faction.
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5. Change Of Direction For Gunther?
At Backlash, former World Heavyweight Champion Gunther dominated his opponent, non-full-time wrestler Pat McAfee.
Brutally beating McAfee down and choking him out, Gunther nevertheless showed respect in victory for the former NFL player-turned-podcast host and wrestling commentator.
This unexpected gesture marked the first sign of humility from the Austrian bruiser since his arrival in WWE.
Could this signal a shift in character going forward?
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4. Randy Orton Seeks Revenge
John Cena defeated his generational rival Randy Orton in Backlash’s main event.
However, it seems unlikely that the bout – billed as their last ever – will truly mark the end of their storied rivalry.
Cena resorting to underhanded tactics to retain the Undisputed Championship suggests their feud is far from over and will likely carry on into the summer months.
Given that he used the title belt to secure victory, a stipulation match for the Undisputed WWE Title now seems inevitable.
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3. Bayley Returns
In the Women’s Intercontinental bout at WWE Backlash, Lyra Valkyria successfully defended her title against Becky Lynch.
In defeat, Lynch attacked her opponent, applying her Dis-Arm-Her submission and refusing to release the hold.
Lynch’s further descent into embittered aggression should pave the way for the return of Bayley, who – after being storyline-sidelined from WrestleMania by a sneak attack from Lynch – has a score to settle
The long-standing feud between two of NXT’s Four Horsewomen, Bayley and Becky, seems more than likely to be reignited in the upcoming weeks.
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2. Feud-Ending Climax
Arguably the wildest moment of WWE Backlash came in the opening bout, as Damian Priest delivered a South of Heaven to Drew McIntyre off a raised platform through two tables – a spot made especially scary when McIntyre’s head appeared to miss the tables and hit the floor.
The devastating move took both men out of the US Title four-way match.
With Priest and McIntyre having feuded for over a year at this point, tensions show no sign of abating.
The rivalry has escalated into a full-blown blood feud – with a brutal climax surely on the horizon.
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1. Bloodline Civil War Is Coming
On the subject of the US Title match, the biggest surprise of WWE Backlash came when former New Japan Pro Wrestling star Jeff Cobb jumped the barrier, aligned with Solo Sikoa, and took out LA Knight.
Jacob Fatu, seemingly unaware of the development, looked visibly frustrated – and after securing the pin, walked to the back alone, leaving Sikoa and Cobb trailing behind.
Cobb joining The Bloodline paves the way for the split that has been brewing between Sikoa and Fatu.
A new Bloodline Civil War is clearly on the horizon.
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