Ringside - WWE Backlash Results

BACKLASH is over and the question in everyone's mind is ... did it live up to expectations? Join theSun's Ringside panel as we dissect and discuss the aftermath of Smackdown Live's first pay-per-view of the year.
Shinsuke Nakamura def Dolph Ziggler
Finally, the in ring debut of the charismatic Shinsuke Nakamura. His match with Dolph was a lot closer than expected as the duo battled it out to "Nakamura" chants from the lively crowd. Ultimately, it was the King Of Strong Style who came up on top winning by pinfall. All in all, a strong opening for the pay-per-view.
PN: I had expected a more dominant performance from Nakamura. Why the WWE didn't allow him to kick Dolph all around the ring to cement his position as a force to be reckoned with is mind boggling after all the push and hype leading into Backlash. As predicted, he picked up the win to possibly extend his rivalry with Ziggler BUT as far as debut's go ... it's a far cry from his NXT debut match against Sami Zayn at takeover Dallas.
AP: Dolph losing was really something unexpected for me to be honest. Still, hat's off to Nakamura for making an impressive debut with a win over the Showoff. Hoping to see the rivalry continue.
AS: Never any doubt who would take this match. And what a way to welcome yourself into the big leagues. Nakamura is going to be the next big thing.
SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match
The Usos (c) def Breezango
AS: Quite the mismatch to be honest. We need stronger opponents for the refreshed Usos!
PN: Was there any doubt?
AP: A win for the twins was expected. After their 'transformation' in recent months, it was unimaginable for them to drop the Smackdown Tag belts to Breezango.
Sami Zayn def Baron Corbin
Corbin left Chicago stunned as the Underdog beat the Big Bad Wolf in a bruising match. A dominant Baron Corbin was in control for most of the match giving Sami a tremendous beating ... but the Underdog refused to stay down. Capitalising on a mistake by Corbin, Zayn hit the helluva kick to pick up the unexpected victory.
PN: This one caught me by surprise. With the amount of jobbing Sami Zayn's been doing over the past few months, it was unexpected to see him pin the larger and more dominant Baron Corbin. Congratulations to the Underdog but I'm betting the Lone Wolf will make him regret it on Smackdown.
AS: I picked Zayn for the victory, and he delivered, against all odds. Kudos to the Underdog!
AP: The most interesting match of the night, I would say. Both Superstars put up on good show, especially Sami, Kudos to him but don't expect Baron Corbin to let him walk away with the bragging rights that easily.
Six-Woman Tag Team Match
"The Welcoming Committee" Natalya, Carmella & Tamina def SmackDown Women's Champion Naomi, Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch
The self styled "Welcoming Committee" used every dirty trick in the book to come up on top. The Queen of Harts picked up the win for her team when she locked in the sharpshooter on Becky to force The Irish-Lass Kicker to tap out.
PN: In tag team competition, you need to be on the same page as your partners. This cobbled together 'alliance of convenience' between Naomi, Becky and Charlotte never looked like defeating the "Welcoming Committee".
AS: Better watch your back, Naomi ... The ladies of the "Welcoming Committee" will definitely demand a title match in the near future.

AP: What a disappointment! The amount of talent Charlotte and Becky brought to the table should have been enough to defeat "The Welcoming Committee." With this loss, Naomi should start worrying about defending her title on the upcoming Smackdown Live. I'm betting Natalya, Carmella and Tamina will be pushing Shane O Mac for a chance at the title.

United States Championship Match
Kevin Owens def AJ Styles via count out
AP: The match might have ended with a win for Owens but I am pretty sure AJ Styles will not let him savor his victory come Smackdown Live on Tuesday.
AS: Rightly predicted. Styles wouldn't be too pleased though with this defeat. He'd definitely win the next title match with KO, if there's one.
PN: I predict AJ to win the US title in the near future to set up a feud with Shinsuke Nakamura. Both Superstars had classic matches with each other in Japan and the WWE would be crazy not to put them into a storyline soon.
Luke Harper def Erick Rowan
AP: Hopefully this will end the rivalry between the two.
PN: This whole Wyatt family thing has long passed it's expiry date. Let's move forward ...
AS: Hopefully, the last chapter of what was a very lengthy rivalry.

WWE Championship Match
Jinder Mahal def Randy Orton (c)
The Maharaja shocked the WWE Universe by pinning Randy Orton (with a little help from the Singh brothers) to claim the WWE Championship.
AS: The Singh brothers to the rescue! I wonder for how long Mahal will be able retain it. Expect a rematch immediately from a pissed off Viper.
AP: True enough the Singh brothers were the deciding factor in the match. Without their assistance, I don't believe Jinder could have put away The Viper. We shall now see how long the Maharaja remains on top.
PN: Veteran fans of the WWE would have been able to see this coming from a mile away. The self styled Maharaja has been handed a major push of late and I must say Jinder 2.0 is a whole lot more credible as a heel. I expect Randy to get and lose his rematch on Smackdown Live before selling an injury to disappear for a few months. So, congratulations to Jinder Mahal you definitely deserve it.
That is all for our Backlash review. Check back here June 2, 2017 for our Extreme Rules (Raw) ppv preview.