Jacksonville, Florida — A dramatic shift unfolded last week on SmackDown when Drew McIntyre secured his position as the top contender for Jacob Fatu’s United States Championship. This pivotal moment came after McIntyre faced LA Knight, a match that ended in controversy when a disqualification was called due to interference from Damian Priest and Solo Sikoa. Fatu made his presence felt as well, further complicating the situation.
The ongoing tension surrounding Solo Sikoa continued on the May 2 episode of SmackDown, where he disrupted another match involving LA Knight and Damian Priest. As Sikoa’s propensity for outside interference became a troubling theme, General Manager Nick Aldis sought to address the chaos by setting up a three-way title match for Backlash, involving Fatu, Knight, and Priest.
However, Sikoa challenged Aldis’s decision, emphasizing that Drew McIntyre, as the rightful number one contender, warranted inclusion in the upcoming championship bout. Recognizing the validity of Sikoa’s concern, Aldis adjusted his initial plan, transforming the match into a Fatal 4-Way contest for the United States Championship at Backlash.
Sikoa accused Aldis of undermining Fatu’s chances, to which the GM countered swiftly, suggesting that it was, in fact, Sikoa’s actions that placed Fatu in jeopardy. This escalating dialogue added another layer of rivalry to an already intense atmosphere leading up to the event.
The stakes at Backlash have now significantly increased. The card features several high-profile matches, including the main event for the WWE Championship, where John Cena will defend his title against Randy Orton. Additionally, the Women’s Intercontinental Championship bout pits the current champion, Lyra Valkyria, against veteran wrestler Becky Lynch.
Fans eagerly await the showdown for the United States Championship, where Fatu will face a formidable challenge from LA Knight, Damian Priest, and Drew McIntyre. The dynamics surrounding this match have fans speculating about potential alliances and betrayals, making it one of the most anticipated clashes on the card.
As the tension mounts, the wrestling community is abuzz with anticipation for Backlash, where these storylines will culminate in what promises to be a thrilling evening of action. For those looking to catch up on the latest developments, live coverage of SmackDown results is readily available.