Kickoff match
A pair of NXT alums start things off for Team Blue in Chicago.
The Road to Backlash
Winning was not Tye Dillinger’s forte in NXT - especially not on their equivalent of pay-per-view (PPV) events. But since debuting as a full-time member of the SmackDown roster after WrestleMania 33, the Perfect Ten’s been on a roll. Mostly at the expense of Aiden English.
The former Vaudevillain is looking to get his solo career on track after the release of his partner Simon Gotch. The duo were also a product on WWE’s third brand, and had a more accomplished career there than Dillinger, having won the NXT Tag Titles before being promoted in 2016.
Times were tougher on Raw and SmackDown, even before English found himself alone. Now, “The Drama King” is trying to make a name for himself with pre-match monologues and songs, but Tye keeps interrupting him. And beating him up. So much so that Aiden’s had himself a good cry over it on at least one occassion.
Dillinger is looking to make it three in a row over his sensitive rival this Sunday on the Backlash Kickoff show.
What's at stake?
Momentum for what’s next.
The Perfect Ten would appear to be the hotter act. A likeable guy with a compelling backstory and a catchy chant, most observers have him targeted for a steady place in the mid-card scene.
But this is SmackDown - the land of opportunity. Could English be rewarded for his time with a partner who was rumored to be difficult to deal with at times? Does creative have a more pressing need for a heat-attracting heel on the undercard?
The loser is likely straight enhancement talent for the foreseeable future, while the winner begins a journey toward slightly bigger things.
We’ll find out who’s going which direction at Backlash on Sunday, May 21.
Poll
Who wins?
This poll is closed
-
84%
Tye Dillinger
(92 votes) -
15%
Aiden English
(17 votes)