For the first time in nearly two years, WWE hosts its first newly scheduled co-branded PPV. Both RAW and Smackdown Live! bring the WWE universe: WWE Backlash 2018.

Emulating live from the Prudential Center in New Jersey, it is the first PPV following Wrestlemania 34.

Here is a preview for WWE Backlash 2018.

WWE Backlash 2018 Preview

AJ Styles VS Shinsuke Nakamura: WWE Championship

Heel Shinsuke Nakamura has been alright. I say “alright” because he has an odd obsession for hitting AJ Styles downstairs. Now I’m sure most of the WWE universe are bored of this new odd obsession of Nakamura’s.

As for Styles and Nakamura’s rivalry, it could have been better. While their Wrestlemania match was not amazing, Backlash will provide them the chance to rectify that, especially if it is the show’s main event.

At Backlash 2016, Styles won the WWE Championship with a low-blow to Dean Ambrose. So how poetic would it be for Nakamura to take the title of Styles in that manner?

I am with Shinsuke Nakamura winning the WWE Championship.

Prediction: Shinsuke Nakamura to defeat AJ Styles & win the WWE Championship.

Seth Rollins VS The Miz: WWE Intercontinental Championship

Okay, where is Finn Balor? Essentially, this bout is so predictable, as The Miz is now part of Smackdown Live! which also has the WWE United States Championship. It does not make sense.

Finn Balor is much due a WWE Intercontinental singles shot, as he is also overdue a rematch for the WWE Universal Championship!

Seth Rollins VS Finn Balor is the match that has the potential to steal the show. However, we are presented with a match that is seemingly got the winner written all over it.

I am predicting a Seth Rollins victory, as I believe he will retain the Intercontinental Championship.

Prediction: Seth Rollins to defeat The Miz & retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Jeff Hardy VS Randy Orton: WWE United States Championship

Ten years, these two were facing off for the WWE Championship. Ten years later, they square off for the WWE United States Championship.

Two veterans of the company and business look to make the US title relevant again. In the last year, the title has lost a lot of its gloss unfortunately.

But hopefully with Jeff Hardy holding it, the title will regain some popularity. And Hardy is who I think will walk out of Backlash with the title.

Prediction: Jeff Hardy to defeat Randy Orton & retain the WWE United States Championship.

Roman Reigns VS Samoa Joe

With the absence of WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns will settle the score with Samoa Joe this Sunday.

Samoa Joe has had Roman Reigns in his mirror, despite moving to Smackdown Live! last month. But finally, the two clash for a climax in their story.

I have Roman Reigns winning this bout, but it could be a thrilling contest.

Prediction: Roman Reigns to defeat Samoa Joe.

Nia Jax VS Alexa Bliss: WWE RAW Women’s Championship

At Wrestlemania, Nia Jax ended Alexa Bliss’s WWE RAW Women’s Championship reign. At Backlash, Bliss is out for revenge.

The two former friends now bitter enemies, tussle for the WWE RAW Women’s Championship, in what could be their final encounter.

I predict that Nia Jax will retain her WWE RAW Women’s Championship.

Prediction: Nia Jax to defeat Alexa Bliss & retain the WWE RAW Women’s Championship.

Carmella VS Charlotte: WWE Smackdown Live! Women’s Championship

Finally, after Wrestlemania Carmella cashed in her Money In The Bank. She successfully defeated Charlotte, to win her first WWE Smackdown Live! Women’s Championship. At Backlash, they clash for the title.

Charlotte is the cream of the crop, when it comes to WWE’s women’s division. Across both brands, she is without doubt a gift to the women’s divisions.

However, Carmella’s reign has not really started yet, so I only see Carmella retaining.

Prediction: Carmella to defeat Charlotte & retain the WWE Smackdown Live! Women’s Championship.

Big Cass VS Daniel Bryan

Oh, it’s so good to see Daniel Bryan back in a WWE ring! And likewise for Big Cass too, however his return has been somewhat underwhelming.

There is potential in Cass, but his recent segment where he mocked Bryan with a midget, what pretty ridiculous.

This bout has not got a lot of build to it, but regardless I foresee a Daniel Bryan victory.

Prediction: Daniel Bryan to defeat Big Cass. 

Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley VS Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

Poor Braun Strowman. Only winning the Greatest Royal Rumble a week ago, he is now seemingly lost in the shuffle once more. But that is not to insult Bobby Lashley, as his return was anticipated.

For Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, life has not been easy on RAW. The duo are now looking to change their fortunes on Monday night’s.

I am predicting a sneak win for KO and Zayn.

Prediction: KO & Sami Zayn to defeat Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley.