"WWE Backlash 2025" commences this Saturday, which means it's time for predictions.
Headlining the first PLE following "WrestleMania 41" will be an Undisputed WWE Championship match. Randy Orton has renewed his rivalry with John Cena in a bid to become a 15-time world champion. Orton will have the hometown crowd in St. Louis firmly behind him, but will that be enough to pull off the win?
The WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship will get the spotlight at "Backlash," as champion Lyra Valkyria will look to thwart the challenge of her former mentor, Becky Lynch. Valkyria was betrayed by Lynch after the pair's one-day reign with the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship came to an end.
There are some other key matches to dive into. Athlon Sports breaks down each match to share predictions for the show.
'WWE Backlash 2025' Predictions
John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton - for the Undisputed WWE Championship
This matchup makes sense given the history of Cena and Orton. Throughout Cena's career, he has played the hero, while Orton was portrayed as the villain. In 2025, the roles are reversed.
Orton is sure to receive love from the St. Louis crowd, but the fans will leave Enterprise Center without the result they were hoping for. I don't believe Cena is dropping the title until he has a rematch with Cody Rhodes, possibly at "SummerSlam" in August.
The match between Cena and Orton should have some callbacks to their past outings. I can see there being a slew of near falls off finishing moves. I guess the big question is, will Cena get help from music star Travis Scott, or will he use some other underhanded tactics to win the match?
Cena's time will be up before 2025 comes to a close, but it won't be on Saturday.
Prediction: John Cena
Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch - for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship
WWE can accomplish two things with this match. The WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship hasn't been featured prominently up to this point, and that isn't Valkyria's fault. A win for Becky Lynch legitimizes the championship instantly.
Valkyria won't be negatively impacted by the loss, and her feud with Lynch won't end on Saturday given the history between the two. Lynch can go on to defeat credible challengers such as Bayley, which would make sense after "The Man" attacked Bayley to prevent her from performing at "WrestleMania." I think Valkyria loses here but regains the gold from Lynch at "SummerSlam."
Prediction: Becky Lynch
Gunther vs. Pat McAfee
Gunther will have some extra eyeballs on him this weekend when he faces crossover star Pat McAfee. While McAfee wasn't the first name many expected for Gunther's first opponent since losing the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, one can't deny the extra attention that the former NFL punter brings.
I think we'll see a prolonged beatdown mostly in favor of Gunther. McAfee will get a chance to showcase his athleticism, as he has in past matches against the likes of Austin Theory. Ultimately, this should be a win for Gunther, and I believe he'll choke McAfee out.
Prediction: Gunther
Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Drew McIntyre vs. LA Knight vs. Damian Priest
This has the potential to be a fun car wreck. All four men are liked by fans and have been able to put on exciting matches. Fatu will be the big favorite here, as WWE has been heavily building him up to eventually become a main event star.
McIntyre figures to have bigger plans than the WWE United States Championship. Many feel that Knight should move away from competing for the gold and start a fresh program with a headliner. Priest could be in line for a run with the title in the future, but he won't start that reign on Saturday.
This one has the potential to be the match of the night, and the win will belong to Fatu.
Prediction: Jacob Fatu
Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta - for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Penta has been feuding with The Judgment Day for several weeks, but he's also been involved in another brewing rivalry. Chad Gable has failed to get the better of Penta on "Monday Night Raw," but he's found success as El Grande Americano.
I think Penta will be on the verge of winning when El Grande Americano appears and cracks the challenger with his loaded mask. This will allow Mysterio to score the pin, retaining the WWE Intercontinental Championship in the process.
Speaking of Mysterio, don't rule out some more miscommunication and tension with fellow Judgment Day member Finn Balor. WWE has been teasing an eventual fracture within the faction. While I don't see Mysterio and Balor breaking up on Saturday, I do think there will be a moment where the two are at odds.
Prediction: Dominik Mysterio
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