WWE Backlash goes down on Saturday from Enterprise Middle in St. Louis, Missouri. The occasion, which historically follows WrestleMania, is headlined by John Cena, who might be making the primary protection of the undisputed WWE championship he gained from Cody Rhodes in the primary occasion of WrestleMania 41.
Cena will face Randy Orton in the primary occasion, rekindling a rivalry that dates again to the late 2000s. Orton is trying to minimize Cena’s retirement tour quick, whereas Cena has claimed he’ll depart skilled wrestling later this 12 months nonetheless holding the title because the “final actual champion” in WWE historical past.
There are three different title matches scheduled for the occasion, in addition to Pat McAfee making his in-ring return when he faces Gunther, who misplaced the world heavyweight championship to Jey Uso at WrestleMania 41.
John Cena vs. Randy Orton: Wanting again on the 5 finest matches of their storied rivalry earlier than WWE Backlash
Brent Brookhouse
With all of the scheduled motion, let’s check out who the CBS Sports activities consultants are choosing for all 5 matches at WWE Backlash.
WWE Backlash 2025 predictions
Undisputed WWE Championship — John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton: WWE ran the Cena vs. Orton rivalry into the bottom when the 2 males have been of their primes. Now, they meet once more as two of essentially the most completed males in wrestling historical past. It is fascinating to see the pairing in 2025, however there is not a lot drama to be present in contemplating a winner. Cena gained the title at WrestleMania and is not going to drop the belt one month afterward a rapidly thrown-together match. Will probably be fascinating to see if their familiarity will result in a greater match than Cena was capable of produce towards Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, however everyone knows who’s getting the win on Saturday. Choose: John Cena retains the title — Brent Brookhouse (additionally Shakiel Mahjouri)
Girls’s Intercontinental Championship — Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch: Valkyria vs. Lynch is a feud WWE can revisit for so long as Lynch is energetic. “The Man” ought to win this time. Having Lynch as ladies’s intercontinental champion instantly elevates the title and expands her legacy. Valkyria already has an NXT title win over Lynch. Shedding on Saturday is step one to an even bigger underdog story for Valkyria. Choose: Becky Lynch wins the title — Mahjouri (additionally Brookhouse)
United States Championship — Jacob Fatu (c) vs. LA Knight vs. Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre: Mark my phrases, Fatu might be a cornerstone of the promotion for years to return. “The Samoan Werewolf” is magnetic on the mic and ferocious within the ring. Fatu is not dropping the title so quickly after successful it. The deadly four-way is a good way to offer him wins over main names with out making the losers look weak. Choose: Jacob Fatu retains the title — Mahjouri (additionally Brookhouse)
Pat McAfee vs. Gunther: McAfee has executed an admirable job together with his mic work resulting in the match, but it surely’s laborious to really feel like this is not a waste of Gunther’s time. Gunther has spent a lot time as a champion in WWE that it is unusual to see him have any form of time-killer program. Having McAfee get the win right here can be an unbelievable misstep since Gunther is coming off a loss to Jey Uso at WrestleMania. He must get a win and be saved sturdy so he will be positioned into no matter high spot comes alongside. Choose: Gunther wins — Brookhouse (additionally Mahjouri)
Intercontinental Championship — Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta: That is yet one more match the place it would not make sense to take a title off of a freshly-crowned champion. The title can be a precious device for the continued story inside Judgment Day. So, except Finn Balor prices Mysterio the title, it appears it is a clear win for Mysterio. Choose: Dominik Mysterio retains the title — Brookhouse (additionally Mahjouri)