Just three weeks after WWE SummerSlam 2016, the SmackDown brand will host their first brand-exclusive PPV since the recent WWE Draft and brand expansion. While the blue brand already has the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the WWE Intercontinental Championship, they were without a prize for the competitors in their women's division and tag team division. AtWWE Backlash 2016, Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Daniel Bryan will finally crown new SmackDown Tag Team Champions and the first-ever SmackDown Women's Champion.

In addition to crowing those new champions, we already know that Dean Ambrose will defend his title againstAJ Styles, and it looks likeRandy Orton will be working a program withBray Wyatt.

Whilemore matches will inevitably be booked in the upcoming weeks onSmackDown Live, theWWE Universe will be blowing up social media with theirpredictions for the rebirth of this WWE special event that hasn't aired since 2009. Below are early previews and picks for the matches already booked forWWE Backlash 2016.

Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles

After debuting at theRoyal Rumble and working a program with Chris Jericho earlier this year, AJ Styles found himself challenging for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. After failing to capture the title from Roman Reignsat bothPayback andExtreme Rules, he regrouped withThe Club (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) to begin a feud with John Cena.

Meanwhile, Dean Ambrose was out winning the title after feuding with his former Shield brethren, Reigns and Seth Rollins. While The Phenomenal One is certainly a future world champion within WWE, look for The Lunatic Fringe to retain atBacklash as Ambrose becomes the new face ofSmackDown Live.

Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt

While this match hasn't been confirmed, there seems to be no question thatRandy Orton will faceBray Wyatt atBacklash.

While Orton was busy atSummerSlam in the main event withBrock Lesnar, Bray Wyatt was nowhere to be found. Having seemingly cut ties with all former members of the Wyatt Family, WWE's creative team hasn't come up with much for Bray to do. It's been nearly three years since The Viper held the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Orton will likely get the clean win over the Eater of Worlds atBacklash, and go on to challenge for the title at eitherNo Mercy orSurvivor Series.

New SmackDown Tag Team Champions

While the official brackets haven't been released for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Tournament — they haven't even announced the eighth and final team — American Alpha have to be considered the favorites to win. WWE has made a point to make sure the WWE Universe knows that GM Daniel Bryan is very big on Jason Jordan and Chad Gable. Teams likeThe Vaudevillains orThe Hype Bros don't seem quite ready to take WWE tag team gold, andThe Usos are the oldest team on a show that wants to emphasize youth and the New Era. Look for American Alpha to face the winners ofHeath Slater & Rhyno vs. the final team to be announced. Then look for Jordan and Gableto leaveBacklash with the titles.

New SmackDown Women's Champion: Six-Pack Challenge

Nikki Bella made her return to WWE at just the right time. WithEva Marie suspended due to a violation of the WWE's Wellness Policy, a spot opened up for the former WWE Divas Champion atSummerSlam. But it looks like they are preparing her for a feud withCarmella, which won't require the SmackDown Women's Championship. While bothNatalya andNaomi certainly deserve a title run, they're both old news. Look forBecky Lynch to be the last woman standing and the first-everSmackDown Women's Champion.

Where to watchBacklash2016

WWE Backlash2016will air live via the WWE Network on Sunday, September 11. TheBacklashKick-Off Show begins at 7/6c, while the main show begins at 8/7c. Viewers who can't watch the show as it airs live from The Coliseumin Richmond can stream the entire Backlashevent on-demand with the WWE Network.
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