Tonight at #WMBacklash, @WWECesaro ????? he can defeat @WWERomanReigns to become the new #UniversalChampion! #SmackDown @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/NuPGVuJJEw
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2021
Cesaro’s quest to pull off the ultimate upset and defeat Roman Reigns has been fascinating, too. Sure, it seems like a lock that he will lose on Sunday. But the story has been quite compelling. The ongoing soap opera with Jimmy and Jey Uso has spiced it up even more, and at the same time, Cesaro has been successfully booked as a strong babyface for the first time in years. WWE has needed to present “The Swiss Cyborg” as a legitimate contender, and the company has knocked it out of the park.
From beating Seth Rollins twice to leaving The Roman Empire lying two times, Cesaro has been presented as someone who just might be able to beat Reigns. But “The Tribal Chief” is just getting started. That might sound odd, as he returned to WWE last August. But Jimmy Uso’s return has reinvigorated SmackDown’s top story, and there’s no logical reason to take the gold off of Reigns now.
Yes, as a remarkable talent and a dedicated worker, Cesaro deserves to be rewarded. This writer firmly believes that “The Swiss Cyborg” should get a world title run before it’s too late, and every dog has his day…eventually. But tonight is not his night.
Big men produce big numbers.
Who do YOU think leaves with the #WWEChampionship TONIGHT: @BraunStrowman @DMcIntyreWWE or @fightbobby?
Stream #WMBacklash LIVE at 7E/4P on @PeacockTV ▶️ https://t.co/HhuUfg2p7H pic.twitter.com/as985xzyhY
— WWE (@WWE) May 16, 2021
The WWE Championship Match is certainly a star-studded one. Braun Strowman, Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre are all genuine main event players. Unfortunately, the journey to this match has been lackluster. Lashley and McIntyre have faced off several times recently, dating back to their clash at WrestleMania. Like the RAW Women’s Championship bout, the addition of Strowman has added some flavor, as at least it’s something different.
But far too often, WWE follows formulas to a T. If you’ve watched the product for a year, let alone 10 or more, you know what to watch for. The sight of Strowman utterly dominating on the go-home show this past week made it clear that he will not be winning tonight. WWE’s formula dictates that you can all but guarantee a loss for anyone that stands tall on the go-home show. He might feud with Lashley beyond this pay-per-view, but “The Monster Among Men” can be crossed off the list of possible winners here.
If it’s down to Lashley and McIntyre, one would think that “The All Mighty” will retain. Why have him retain at WrestleMania if the plan was to give McIntyre the title so soon anyway? Generally, WWE has followed that questionable approach in the past. It’s also important to note that, like Flair, McIntyre shouldn’t be counted out. But “The Scottish Warrior” desperately needs so do something fresh on RAW. (A feud with Jinder Mahal, perhaps?)
There’s still some life left in Lashley’s title reign, so look for him to leave WWE WrestleMania Backlash with the gold around his waist.
