Backlash 2018 card
This is the current card for Backlash, which will be held in Newark, New Jersey on May 6, 2018. It will air on pay per view and on the WWE Network and pay per view at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST
WWE Intercontinental Title Match: Seth Rollins (c) vs. The Miz
WWE United States Title Match: Jeff Hardy (c) vs. Randy Orton
WWE Smackdown Women’s Title Match: Carmella (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
WWE Raw Women’s Title Match: Nia Jax (c) vs. Alexa Bliss
Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe
Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass
WWE World Championship Match: AJ Styles (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Brock Lesnar contract terms and next match revealed
The details of Brock Lesnar’s new contract have come to light, thanks to the latest edition of the show X-Pac 1,2,360. Sean Waltman (X-Pac) and Christy Olson discussed the terms of Lesnar’s new agreement. Olson revealed that Lesnar is being paid an astronomical $637,000 per fight and $127,000 for every TV appearance. The contract isn’t full-time and Brock also has a new imaging deal which allows WWE to license his image for a fee. Olson went on to reveal that Lesnar gets an additional 6% cut from the merchandise sales as well. After retaining the belt against Roman Reigns at the Greatest Royal Rumble, Brock’s next title defense is expected to be at Money In The Bank in June, according to Dave Meltzer. Brock isn’t expected to be at Backlash, so Roman will be squaring off against Samoa Joe.
Undertaker graphic novel and projected matches
Boom Studios will release a graphic novel based on the career of The Undertaker in October. novelist, journalist, and combat sports expert Chad Dundas (Champion of the World) and artist Rodrigo Lorenzo will chronicle The Phenom’s journey into superstardom. According to PWStream, WWE is hoping that The Undertaker will be able to wrestle more over the remainder of the year. It is hoped that he can wrestle 4-5 matches this year and it’s thought that he and John Cena could have a rematch, either later this year or at WrestleMania 35.
Batista comeback plans
Dave Batista revealed and confirmed rumors that he’s interested in a return to the WWE and that he was a prospect to partner with Ronda Rousey in her debut match at WrestleMania 34 in an interview with Chad Dukes of 106.7 The Fan:
“This is all insider stuff, and I usually don’t share. I’m really an old-school kayfabe guy. But they reached out to me earlier this year to possibly come back and do that thing with Ronda. And I said that I would be willing to do it only if we teased something for me and Hunter to go to Mania next year. And they said, ‘Yeah, that would be great. I love that idea.’ And I said, ‘Well, that’s great. I’ll come back a few times during the year, and we’ll tease it, and we’ll work it and we’ll milk it. And we’ll go to Mania, me and Hunter, next year.’ Oh, I love that idea. Let’s do it! And so we literally talked for about like three weeks and then they just stopped calling me. I sent a text to Hunter. I was like, ‘Hey man, I don’t know if you put any more thought into what’s going on. I’m really excited about the possibilities.’ And I literally never heard back from them. They just stopped talking to me about it. Man, I don’t know what else I can do to try to… I want to end my career the right way. I’m faithful and loyal to the WWE. I’m proud of being from there and I want to do good business with them, but they just don’t make it easy. You know, they just don’t.”
He also revealed that next year will be his last attempt at a comeback:
I told them next year would be my last year. I’m turning 50 next year. I’d be willing to… I feel great. Physically, I’m in great shape. I’ve never let up on that. But I just don’t want to be the old guy in the ring and I don’t want to over stay my welcome. I just want to end my career the right way and next year will be the last opportunity, so if we can’t make something happen by next year, then I’m just gonna officially hang it up.”
He also talked about why he wants to make a WWE comeback:
“I’m doing okay for myself, so I don’t need to be there. I just, I love it there. Even thought the fans totally crapped on me the last time I was there, I would still go back in a heartbeat and love to entertain them, and I would have fun doing it, man. I’d be happy to be there. But, I just don’t get it, man. I don’t get that company. I just don’t understand.”
Rich Swann returns to wrestling
Rich Swann has had a change of heart and is returning to wrestling. He took to Twitter and announced his return after his recent surprise appearance in CZW. He’s currently looking to work the indy circuit and is taking booking inquiries via Twitter.
Bruno Sammartino cause of death revealed
According to Dave Meltzer, the official cause of death for Bruno Sammartino was multiple organ failure stemming from heart issues. Despite becoming somewhat private over recent months due to his health, it was known that the legendary wrestler had heart problems. Bruno famously distanced himself from the WWE because he didn’t like the direction that the company was taking. He was considered to be part of the 2004 WWE Hall of Fame class but he declined. Bruno was finally inducted in 2013 and he passed away on April 18, 2018.
