Later this evening WWE makes history with it’s very first Premium Live event to be held in Puerto Rico, with the Men and Women of WWE set to put on a night to remember in front of the WWE Universe.
With the effects of the WWE draft about to take effect on Monday which women will stand as the pillars of both RAW and SmackDown as the respective Champions?
Representing the blue brand Bianca Belair is set to defend her RAW Women’s Championship against long time rivals Damage CTRL in the form of IYO SKY whilst Rhea Ripley prepares to take charge of Monday Night RAW with her SmackDown Women’s Championship as she defends her gold against Zelina Vega.
With both women duelling on opposite brands with opposite titles, who will stand tall in the dawn of the WWE Draft? It’s time for our Backlash 2023 PPV Predictions.
Elle: Had this not been Rhea’s first real title defence as SmackDown women’s champion, I honestly feel like Zelina would have had a great chance at finally holding singles Championship gold in WWE after the tradjectory of LWO in recent months. In recent weeks Rhea and Zelina have been pulling off some pretty awesome spots so I can’t wait to see them go toe to toe one on one later tonight. When all is said and done I expect Zelina Vega to be the first name scratched in what is likely to be a lengthy title reign for the Mami of The Judgement Day! Prediction: Rhea Ripley
Adam (TheInsanityInc): It’s wild to think that after years of just being a manager and a tag title reign, this is I believe Vega’s first legit shot at a singles title in the WWE in all her career. It’s a fun story to tie in the rivalry between the LWO and The Judgement Day and it makes sense for the women of the group to face off. Plus the ‘David Vs Goliath’ story of the height difference. Sadly for Vega, it seems clear to me this is a standard feeder title defence to get Ripley firmly on the map in her new reign but hopefully the match should still be a good one. Prediction: Rhea Ripley
Elle: Bianca’s reign as RAW Women’s Champion is on the cusp of being the longest women’s championship reign of the modern era and after a dominant reign as RAW Women’s Champion I can’t see Belair dropping the belt right on the edge of making history, unless this means that WWE finally take Damage CTRL seriously and make them a dominating faction that so many of us had hoped for. I have no doubt that IYO and Belair will put on a banger of a match and whilst it is great to see IYO finally get some of the spotlight, I can’t help but feel a solo title run for SKY is still a way off. Prediction: Bianca Belair.
Adam: This match has been hurt with a weak build and a bit more focus being put on Damage CTRL’s internal issues than the title match. A shame, as these two should be able to put on a pure banger of a match. That being said, I don’t see WWE pulling a swerve here with how much stock they’re putting into Belair and her lengthy title reign. We’ll just need to see how long they allow Damage CTRL to stay together over on their new home of Smackdown. Prediction: Bianca Belair