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The Chairshot Official Staff Picks: WWE Backlash (1-pager)

Published

8 years ago

May 5, 2018

Less than a month after WrestleMania, and just over a week after WWE hosted a Greatest Royal Rumble, we are back…with Backlash!

Backlash emanates from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on Sunday May 6. This is the 14th Backlash PPV in WWE history.

The show is headlined by Shinsuke Nakamura’s third opportunity at AJ Styles and the WWE Championship, this time in a No Disqualification setting. Daniel Bryan also makes his solo PPV return against Big Cass and Roman Reigns battles Samoa Joe.

The Chairshot crew comes together, once again, bringing you their picks for WWE Backlash!

Dan Phelan: 35-18 (66%)
Jon Weigell: 33-20 (62%)
Steven Mitchell: 32-21 (60%)
Harry Braodhurst: 31-22 (58%)
Steve Cook: 31-22 (58%)
Denise Salcedo: 31-22 (58%)
Franklin Steele: 31-22 (58%)
Big Rick: 30-23 (57%)
Stephen Moree: 30-23 (57%)
Tony Acero: 30-23 (57%)
Eric Ames: 30-23 (57%)
Patrick O’Dowd: 29-24 (55%)
PC Tunney: 28-25 (53%)
Christopher Platt: 28-25 (53%)
Andrew Balaz: 28-25 (53%)
Greg DeMarco: 28-25 (53$)
Big Dave: 27-26 (51%)
Mathew Sarpraicone: 27-26 (51%)

No Disqualification Match for the WWE Championship
AJ Styles © vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

People have been saying that this match or that match is make-or-break for Nakamura for several months now. And while I still don’t buy that, this is — without a doubt — the most important match he’s had for WWE to date. He’s headlining with the guy that brought him in to headline with. If Strong Style doesn’t work now that he’s a heel, in the main event, in a no DQ match and working with arguably the best seller in the company, then it’s never going to.

Franklin: Shinsuke Nakamura
Andrew: Shinsuke Nakamura
Platt: Shinsuke Nakamura
Harry: AJ Styles
DPP: AJ Styles
Tunney: Shinsuke Nakamura
Mitchell: Shinsuke Nakamura
Weigell: Shinsuke Nakamura
Mathew: AJ Styles
Big Rick: AJ Styles
Eric: Shinsuke Nakamura
Patrick: AJ Styles
Denise: AJ Styles
Greg: Shinsuke Nakamura

Consensus: Shinsuke Nakamura (8-6)

Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe

We all know what we wish would happen. Samoa Joe going over on Roman Reigns would set wrestling Twitter on fire and could make the next two outcomes more palatable. But this is Roman Reigns we’re talking about. After losing repeatedly to Brock Lesnar over the last few months, we have a bad feeling that WWE is going to try and make him look tough again. And it’ll be at the expense of the Samoan Submission Machine. Sadly.

Franklin: Roman Reigns
Andrew: Samoa Joe
Platt: Roman Reigns
Harry: Roman Reigns
DPP: Roman Reigns
Tunney: Roman Reigns
Mitchell: Samoa Joe
Weigell: Samoa Joe
Mathew: Samoa Joe
Big Rick: Roman Reigns
Eric: Samoa Joe
Patrick: Roman Reigns
Denise: Samoa Joe
Greg: Roman Reigns

Consensus: Roman Reigns (8-6)

Smackdown Women’s Championship
Carmella © vs. Charlotte Flair

This one has outside interference written all over it. With almost an entire year to go before the next WrestleMania, Flair needs something to do. Chasing a clean match against Carmella appears to be that “thing.” Carmella wins, but not without a lot of help from the Iconics. Fans will still be aching to see Flair get her hands on Carmella, so this match will do what it is supposed to.

Franklin: Carmella
Andrew: Carmella
Platt: Carmella
Harry: Carmella
DPP: Carmella
Tunney: Carmella
Mitchell: Charlotte Flair
Weigell: Carmella
Mathew: Carmella
Big Rick: Charlotte Flair
Eric: Carmella
Patrick: Carmella
Denise: Carmella
Greg: Carmella

Consensus: Carmella (12-2)

Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass

Daniel Bryan said that he wanted to return to wrestling to put some of the younger guys over. That should start right now. Cass is just 30 and has some decent heat after his antics this past Tuesday. Backlash could make him one of the most despised men on the blue brand. SmackDown doesn’t have many heels who can ruffle feathers. This is Cass’ time to shine as a truly bad man.

Franklin: Big Cass
Andrew: Daniel Bryan
Platt: Big Cass
Harry: Big Cass
DPP: Daniel Bryan
Tunney: Daniel Bryan
Mitchell: Daniel Bryan
Weigell: Daniel Bryan
Mathew: Daniel Bryan
Big Rick: Big Cass
Eric: Big Cass
Patrick: Big Cass
Denise: Daniel Bryan
Greg: Big Cass

Consensus: Even Split (7-7)

Intercontinental Championship
Seth Rollins © vs. The Miz

This is a really odd match because these two men are now representing different brands. With the United States Championship still on SmackDown Live, odds are good that Seth Rollins is going over here. It’ll be a fun match, but it’s Rollins’ turn to elevate the IC Title. This could be the match of the night — yes, perhaps even better than Nakamura/Styles simply because that bout will have a hard time matching the hype.

Franklin: Seth Rollins
Andrew: Seth Rollins
Platt: Seth Rollins
Harry: Seth Rollins
DPP: Seth Rollins
Tunney: Seth Rollins
Mitchell: Seth Rollins
Weigell: Seth Rollins
Mathew: Seth Rollins
Big Rick: Seth Rollins
Eric: Seth Rollins
Patrick: Seth Rollins
Denise: Seth Rollins
Greg: Seth Rollins

Unanimous Consensus: Seth Rollins (14-0)

United States Championship
Jeff Hardy © vs. Randy Orton

Jeff Hardy has had a stellar run over the last several weeks, but we’ve seen Randy Orton put a stop to more than one “stellar run” during his time on the blue brand. Seeing Hardy win here would be a lot of fun, but we aren’t so sure that the WWE won’t put the belt on the “safer” bet now that Jeff is a Grand Slam champion. Prediction: Randy Orton wins

Franklin: Randy Orton
Andrew: Jeff Hardy
Platt: Jeff Hardy
Harry: Jeff Hardy
DPP: Jeff Hardy
Tunney: Jeff Hardy
Mitchell: Jeff Hardy
Weigell: Jeff Hardy
Mathew: Jeff Hardy
Big Rick: Jeff Hardy
Eric: Jeff Hardy
Patrick: Randy Orton
Denise: Jeff Hardy
Greg: Jeff Hardy

Consensus: Jeff Hardy (12-2)

Raw Women’s Championship
Nia Jax © vs. Alexa Bliss

Has Nia Jax already had her moment in the sun? Her win at ‘Mania was one of the highlights of the evening, but will the WWE continue to utilize her as a face champion? Bliss’ recent segments have been so good that she could be baby facing herself, making this match ripe for a turn of some kind. Since there’s probably going to be interference in the Carmella/Flair match, odds are good that this one will be clean. And if it’s clean, it’s tough to imagine Bliss not getting taken apart by Jax.

Franklin: Nia Jax
Andrew: Nia Jax
Platt: Nia Jax
Harry: Alexa Bliss
DPP: Nia Jax
Tunney: Alexa Bliss
Mitchell: Nia Jax
Weigell: Nia Jax
Mathew: Nia Jax
Big Rick: Alexa Bliss
Eric: Nia Jax
Patrick: Nia Jax
Denise: Nia Jax
Greg: Alexa Bliss

Consensus: Nia Jax (10-4)

Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

This is a vehicle to fire the crowd up and make Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley look like animals. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are bulletproof in the eyes of the WWE, so don’t expect to see them get a whole lot of offense in this one. If anything, we could see Lashley or Strowman turn on the other, making the actual outcome of the contest moot.

Franklin: Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley
Andrew: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Platt: Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley
Harry: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
DPP: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Tunney: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Mitchell: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Weigell: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Mathew: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Big Rick: Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley
Eric: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Patrick: Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley
Denise: Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley
Greg: Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley

Consensus: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn (8-6)

Note: Bayley vs. Ruby Riott was announced after selections went out to the team.

Who do you think comes out on top for each match-up at WWE Backlash? Tweet your picks @theCHAIRSHOTcom and use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Follow Franklin Steele on Twitter @SteeleTheHeel!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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Greg DeMarco’s WWE NXT No Mercy 2025 Preview & Predictions

WWE NXT rolls into Fort Lauderdale with No Mercy, featuring Oba Femi, Ricky Saints, Jacy Jayne, Lola Vice, and more!

Published

2 months ago

September 27, 2025

Greg DeMarco

WWE NXT rolls into Fort Lauderdale with No Mercy, featuring Oba Femi, Ricky Saints, Jacy Jayne, Lola Vice, and more!

This ain’t your father’s (older brother’s?) NXT. NXT in 2025 is a raw, unapologetic proving ground where the future writes itself in pain and pageantry. Forget the odds—this show is about hunger. About chaos. About legacy just waiting to be stolen. And no brand, in my opinion, is hungrier, more chaotic, and more motivated to create legacies than WWE NXT. So in classic DeMarco fashion, let’s dive headfirst into every match, every story, and every prediction.

WWE NXT Championship: Oba Femi (c) vs. Ricky Saints

The story: Oba Femi is a one-man apocalypse in boots—a dominant, unshaken force whose reign has become more fearsome with every defense. But Ricky Saints isn’t here to play respect-the-champ; he’s here to punch a god in the face and steal the crown while doing it. Saints has momentum, mouth, and madness—and that makes him dangerous. The question is, can he stop a man who hasn’t flinched all year?

The prediction: Oba Femi retains the NXT Championship when Trick Williams and/or TNA talent get involved in this match, leading to a rematch in October that prevents outside interference. Ricky Saints’ time is coming in October. (Yes, TNA is running in Canada, so this may not happen.)

WWE NXT Women’s Championship: Jacy Jayne (c) (with Fallon Henley) vs. Lola Vice

The story: Jacy Jayne is clinging to that title like it’s a lifeline, and with Fallon Henley by her side, the scheming never stops. Lola Vice has kicked her way through NXT’s toughest, building legitimacy and fanfare on her own terms. This isn’t just a title fight—it’s a culture clash between plastic power and authentic violence. If Lola connects clean, we may be crowning a new era.

The prediction: Lola Vice does in fact connect clean, and Mike Rome exclaims #ANDNEW NXT Women’s Champion. Expect either more dissension or a new member to be added to Fatal Influence in the coming weeks–might I suggest Karmen Petrovic?

WWE Women’s Speed Championship: Sol Ruca (c) (with Zaria) vs. Lainey Reid

The story: Sol Ruca flips, flies, and finishes fights in highlight-reel fashion, but don’t sleep on Lainey Reid’s grind. Lainey has scratched and clawed her way into title contention, and she’s not here for a sprint—she’s here for a statement. With Zaria looming ringside, expect chaos at top speed. One misstep, and this Speed title might change hands before the next commercial break.

The prediction: I know it seems easy to split Sol and Zaria at some point, but I think now is not the right time. So I’m gonna say Sol Ruca successfully retains the Women’s Speed Championship, either in the final seconds, or via a draw.

NXT North American Championship: Ethan Page (c) vs. Tavion Heights

The story: Ethan Page has strutted into NXT like he owns the damn brand—and so far, he’s backing it up. But Tavion Heights isn’t here to be a stepping stone; he’s a next-level athlete with Olympic pedigree and an explosive chip on his shoulder. The tension here? Page’s arrogance vs. Tavion’s precision. If Tavion brings both power and poise, this could be the title shift no one sees coming.

The prediction: I love me soma Tavion Heights, I think he has an amazing future ahead of him. And it might be time for Ethan Page to head to the main roster. So I am going against what my gut tells me and am calling a title change here–Tavion Heights wins the NXT North American Championship.

Je’Von Evans vs. Josh Briggs

The story: Je’Von Evans is the breakout star with speed and swagger, ready to leap over every obstacle. But Briggs is the brawler who breaks momentum like bones—slow, methodical, and mean as hell. This isn’t just about athleticism; it’s about will. Can Evans dodge the punishment long enough to strike the final blow?

The prediction: Admittedly, I don’t love this match being on the card. DarkState doesn’t really have a story to get themselves inserted on the card, but I’d rather have seen some sort of NXT vs. TNA match get added here. But I don’t book the product! The match is indeed on the card, and I don’t think you run this back unless Je’Von Evans gets the win.

Weaponized Cage Match: Jordynne Grace vs. Blake Monroe

The story: You want violence? You want spectacle? This is your match. Jordynne Grace is built like a powerhouse tank and fights like a pitbull in a locked room. Blake Monroe’s edge isn’t just attitude—it’s intent, and she’s been sharpening her game for this exact war. Weaponized cage means no rules, no escape, and no one leaves unscarred. With their history, this match deserves the Weaponized Steel Cage stipulation.

The prediction: This could be a spot for someone like Zaria to align themselves with Blake, but I think this match is the opener–so that doesn’t make sense. If no one comes to the rescue of Blake Monroe (Fatal Influence, maybe?), then I see Jordynne Grace picking up the win.

Overall Thoughts

After the ending to NXT on Tuesday night, I know it makes total sense for TNA talent to get involved here. But who do you send, given that TNA has a taping in Canada. I think Matt Cardona, who isn’t listed on TNA’s website as appearing on Saturday, makes the most sense. But it’s entirely possible that we get no TNA appearances, at least live in-arena.

Outside of a potential re-tooled Fatal Influence with a new third member, I don’t see any crazy surprises for Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. Instead, I think WWE has NXT stand on its own for this event, allowing for a more chaotic Halloween Havoc in October.

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Podcasts

POD is WAR: The Melon Farmer’s Almanac

AJ Balaz, Andrew Balaz, Rey Cash, Chris Platt and PC Tunney invite you to come along on a trip inside the minds of POD is WAR! Sports, Entertainment and Rasslin”!

Published

3 months ago

August 24, 2025

PC Tunney

@PhenomenalAJB @IWCWarChief @itsreycash @therealcplatt @PCTunney @PODisWAR

On this week’s episode…

Chris Platt returns to the shoe
Chris Jericho in WWE?
NXT, NJPW, TNA and more
Micah Parsons still a Cowboy?

For the latest, greatest and up to datest in breaking news, opinions, and podcasts ALWAYS #UseYourHead and visit TheCharishot.com & PROWRESTLINGTEES.COM/THECHAIRSHOT