WWE is returning to Puerto Rico for the first time in over a decade with the Backlash event. This highly anticipated event will feature big matches and the in-ring return of Puerto Rican music superstar Bad Bunny.
One of the main matches of the night is a San Juan Street Fight between Bad Bunny and Damian Priest, who teamed up at WrestleMania 37. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens will also face The Bloodline, with the help of Matt Riddle. Both women’s titles will be on the line as Rhea Ripley defends the SmackDown championship against Zelina Vega and Bianca Belair puts the Raw championship at stake against IYO SKY. Additionally, Cody Rhodes will face off against Brock Lesnar in a grudge match.
Here are the predictions from CBS Sports experts for each match on the card:
WWE Backlash 2023 predictions
Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
It is crucial for Rhodes to win this match and regain his momentum after his loss to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Lesnar does not necessarily need the victory in this case. Pick: Cody Rhodes wins — Brent Brookhouse (also Shakiel Mahjouri)
Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest (San Juan Street Fight)
Bunny is likely to win this match with the support of the crowd and some assistance from Rey Mysterio and the LWO. Pick: Bad Bunny wins — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
SmackDown Women’s Championship — Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Zelina Vega
Ripley has a lot of momentum, and Vega is the right opponent for her at Backlash. Pick: Rhea Ripley retains — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
Matt Riddle, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. The Usos & Solo Sikoa
A win for Riddle, Owens, and Zayn would provide them with momentum and star power on Raw, while also allowing the ongoing friction within The Bloodline to continue on SmackDown. Pick: Matt Riddle, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn win — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
Raw Women’s Championship — Bianca Belair (c) vs. IYO SKY
Although Sky has potential, it’s too soon to have her defeat Belair. Pick: Bianca Belair retains — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
United States Championship — Austin Theory (c) vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Bronson Reed
Lashley is overdue for a win and can become a top-level fighting champion on SmackDown, which is in need of a believable main event champion. Pick: Bobby Lashley wins — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
Seth Rollins vs. Omos
Rollins is expected to win as he is one of the leading contenders for the new version of the world heavyweight championship. Pick: Seth Rollins wins — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
