Yesterday night marked the second last episode of Smackdown Live before we get the second brand exclusive PPV following Wrestlemania. It will be the Backlash PPV from the All State Arena in Chicago, Illinois on May 21st.
The match card for the night was in speculation prior to the night. Three new matches were announced as part of the night for the Backlash PPV to make the anticipation even higher for the viewers.
The first one was the inevitable one as Shinsuke Nakamura is still to compete in his first match on the main roster. It was revealed on the show that the King of Strong Styles will make his in-ring debut at the Backlash PPV against Dolph Ziggler.
It’s FINALLY happening! @HEELZiggler will collide with The #KingOfStrongStyle @ShinsukeN at #WWEBacklash, LIVE on @WWENetwork! #TalkingSmack pic.twitter.com/OKjXOH5PId
— WWE (@WWE) May 10, 2017
We have witnessed these two getting into verbal confrontations on different occasions. With the tensions going high around them, the contest should be a classic one to steal the show at Backlash.
Also, the match between the Usos and Breezango was made official for the Smackdown-exclusive PPV. The team of Fandango and Tyler Breeze became the number one contender for the tag titles a couple of weeks ago and they will get the deserved match.
IT’S OFFICIAL: @WWEUsos will defend their #SDLive #TagTeamTitles against @WWEFandango and @mmmgorgeous at #WWEBacklash! #TalkingSmack pic.twitter.com/N8Ww182kKl
— WWE (@WWE) May 10, 2017
Plus, as reported earlier, a six-woman tag team contest was also made official for the PPV. The team of Charlotte, Naomi, and Becky Lynch will face Natalya, Carmella, and Tamina from the Welcoming Committee.
The interesting part around this match is Charlotte’s character which is still not a babyface, fully. She got into a conflict with the reigning champion causing Becky the match up against Natalya. So, she would be the deciding factor for the tag team action at Backlash.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JydTejSwwSo
This is the match card for now,
Randy Orton (c) vs. Jinder Mahal – WWE Championship
Kevin Owens (c) vs. AJ Styles – United States Championship
The Usos (c) vs. Breezango – SmackDown Tag Team Championships
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Dolph Ziggler
Charlotte, Becky Lynch, and Naomi vs. Tamina, Natalya, and Carmella
Two more matches are expected to be inserted into the card. Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin would be the first one to make its way to the main card.
As for the kick-off show, The American Alpha might take on The Colons. These two have been feuding ever since Primo and Epico were shifted to Smackdown during Superstar Shakeup. The announcements should take place on next week’s Smackdown Live which will be the go-home show for Backlash PPV.