The following are some excerpts from the latest online blog entry of Jim Ross:
"For the record I am told that after Backlash this Sunday, the WWE Draft will officially take effect and the brands will remain split and very little if any interbranded bouts will occur. I hope that is the case as it will provide new faces and others who need consistent TV time an opportunity to become stars or to become bigger stars. WWE is no different that the NFL, MLB, NBA, or Hollywood inasmuch as developing new stars is positively essential.
John Morrison, a Smackdown wrestler, is being compared by some WWE fans as a young Shawn Michaels. I hope that Morrison succeeds in becoming another HBK but it won’t be easy as HBK’s don’t grow on trees."
–Later in the entry, JR broke down some upcoming matches at Backlash:
"C.M. Punk vs. Kane….two Smackdown wrestlers face off and I have to give the nod to "The Big, Red Machine" in this one even though Punk’s Muay Tai strikes might lead to a "Chicago Made" win.
Jericho vs. Steamboat….I love Ricky Steamboat and have all the respect for him in the world but unfortunately Jericho doesn’t and will likely win this match. I hope that I’m wrong.
Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy….Who will say "I Quit?" I’m guessing Jeff Hardy finally beats his older, insecure brother.
Jack Swagger vs. Christian….be careful of wrestlers with only one name, JACK! Christian left WWE for a long "hiatus" and returned to win titles so here’s Captain Charisma’s chance. If Christian doesn’t win Sunday his road back to the Promised Land will go from being a freeway to being a gravel road.
WWE Title Bout….this is a unique way, to say the least, to put the WWE Title on the line and almost impossible to predict. Until someone beats The Game, he’s my pick but Randy Orton has become a huge star, has momentum, and even has his share of fans. Orton will no doubt be WWE Champion again but will his next reign start this Sunday?
World Title Bout….Did Edge essentially win the title Monday night after scrambling John Cena’s brains with a concharito? That’s what I’m thinking plus Edge is a desperate man who is down to his last chance to come out on top of Edge’s biggest rival. I give the "slight lean" to Edge in this one but I’m rarely right and suggest that you do no wagering."
Check out the full blog entry at: http://www.jrsbarbq.com/blog/post-uk-smackdown-random-thoughts-backlash-predictions-bbq-life-wwecom
