Last Week in Pro Wrestling Today: Wrestlemania Backlash predictions, CM Punk's newest enemy and a Hook partnership?
**This was written before Sunday’s Wrestlemania Backlash**
It was the take home show for WWE this past week. AEW had a pretty damn good week as well. Let’s look into WWE going into Backlash.
Both Raw and Smackdown revolved around the storyline of RK-McBro, according to Drew McIntyre and the Bloodline. From the opening segment on Raw to the end of Smackdown, the six man tag match has been driving the headlines for the upcoming PPV. And, to be honest, including Drew McIntyre to this rivalry gives it just enough spice to make it even better. The promos were more so fighting, to include the “Acknowledge” moment on Smackdown was funny. Little promo work on the mic, lots of throwing hands and getting physical. My prediction for tonight, the Bloodline is victorious.
The next biggest storyline, has been Charlotte vs. Ronda in an ‘I quit’ match. Charlotte and Ronda had to be separated by almost every official in WWE on Friday night. Ronda came out in defense of Aliyah, and it was a great build to tonights show. Poor Drew Gulak has had to suffer at the hands of both women. They both look strong going into this match so it is anyone’s guess who has the advantage. For me, to continue the storyline, Ronda has to get her vengeance tonight. I don’t know how, but it makes me look back to how Sasha Banks beat Charlotte during their feud. It should be an entertaining one for sure.
Can’t forget AJ and Edge, now that Damian Priest has been banned from ringside. This is a show stealing type match for the evening. Edge in his new heel role has been nothing short of spectacular in driving this storyline. If you now add the likes of fellow Bullet Club member Finn Balor, AJ has to feel some kind of way with someone the likes of Balor in his corner potentially. It makes you wonder does AJ get his vengeance or does Edge continue his reign of terror over WWE and get over on the bulldog. I actually believe Edge gets the victory putting him in a position to chase a title. Can he set his eyes on Roman for this summer?
Lastly for WWE, what about Gunther (Walter)? I mean he has leaned out and looks even better on the main roster. Squashing Gulak the way he did, he has to be a player for Ricochet here soon. The Intercontinental Champ was not on television this week, but I have to believe this is the road being taken to make Gunther a serious player on the heel spectrum. He’s great, and now he’ll get to show the world as the Ring General.
And over in the AEW…
AEW was intense in Baltimore this week. Hangman Page, made it known he is not interested in being a good sport about his match with CM Punk at the end of the month. He is out to prove a point. He wanted to break CM Punk. This will be Hangman’s toughest test he’s had as champ. That’s saying a lot considering who he has defended the belt against. Can’t wait to see it at Double or Nothin’.
Wardlow was once again in a match at the wishes of MJF. He’s still under that contract and has finally reached his breaking point. With the introduction of Morrissey from Impact Wrestling (Big Cass for those unfamiliar with who he is) Wardlow was in a fight. Big men, throwing haymakers again. But, probably the most athletic move of the night came from Wardlow with the moonsault on Morrissey. Setting up a power bomb for the win. MJF is willing to take on Wardlow to free him from his contract, but in typical MJF fashion the contract signing will have stipulations, which will be revealed next week. Think along the lines of the Trials of Jericho. I can see it going much like that story did.
Not going to lie, I am on board with a Danhausen and Hook team up. Hook the silent assassin seems to want no part of Danhausen, but that won’t stop him from trying. Nese challenged Danhausen and Danhausen reached out to Hook for support. He made a huge mistake in putting his hands on Hook though. Hook shoved him to the ground and Danhausen gave him a gift. In confusion, Hook took it, then threw it on the ground Lonely Island style. But the deafening chants of HookHausen can’t be ignored by the silent assassin, can they?
Predictions for Wrestlemania Backlash:
Charlotte vs. Ronda “I Quit” match: Winner: Ronda Rousey
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins: Winner: Cody Rhodes
AJ Styles vs. Edge: Winner: Edge
Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss: Winner: Madcap Moss
Bobby Lashley vs. Omos: Winner: Omos
The Bloodline vs RK-Bro/Drew McIntyre: Winner: The Bloodline
There were quite a few side stories going into this week, but I wanted to focus on the main stories going into tonight’s Wrestlemania Backlash. The Theory/Ali story will pick up steam going forward, but we have to wait and see. They need to start getting ready for Money In the Bank and this seems to be a good segway to the game changing event. AEW had a few moments we need to see develop especially with the Jericho Appreciation Society and Eddie Kingston. If you want to continue the conversation by all means leave a comment or hit me up on the social media. Twitter: @Zero2Hero or IG: Rproctor23. Talk with you all next week!
