WWE News and Updates 2016: Dean Ambrose vs AJ Styles at Backlash; Who Gets the Push? Match Prediction, TV Schedule and Streaming Details
WWE Backlash 2016 is just around the corner and it is an important event to say the least. For one, it is the first SmackDown-exclusive pay-per-view since almost a decade and it is expected to bring the returning blue brand to its peak as a must-see TV show.
Another reason is that it might be the golden opportunity most superstars in the WWE had been waiting for. It might be their chance to solidify their place in the big league, battling in a smaller roster which is not exactly short of top-tier competitors.
Still, as the business of sports entertainment goes, one superstar must be put over the other. With two of the most deserving athletes pitted against each other at the main event, it is inevitable for fans to question the eventual results.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The Comfortable Fringe
Dean Ambrose has built a fair multitude of supporters during his two-month title run, gaining the WWE Championship over Seth Rollins through a Money in the Bank cash-in. His character also has a lot of potential in terms of interesting storylines.
However, big names in the business are concerned about Ambrose's work ethic. Stone Cold Steve Austin notably called him out for being too "comfortable" in his current position. Sure, Ambrose had great matches against Triple H and his former SHIELD brothers, but The Lunatic Fringe did not impress in his recent SummerSlam title defense against Dolph Ziggler.
It might still cause controversy if Ambrose's title run was cut short at such an early stage, robbing him of the chance to prove himself. But, prolonging his reign at Backlash would stifle another superstar's rise.
The Phenomenal Rise
AJ Styles had been "phenomenal" in every sense of the word since his debut in January. WWE had already built him up with opportunities against Roman Reigns and John Cena.
The company has a knack for making him lose to Reigns, though. For Cena, it was a different story as the experienced veteran outclassed and pinned the perennial champion for the empathic win.
Winning the title at Backlash could be Styles' much-awaited big break. Even when taking on babyfaces in a heel role, he always encouraged cheers from the audience.
Of course, a battle-tested superstar like Styles could be the guy to push Ambrose to greater heights in the New Era. But if he loses their matchup, it would be a tough pill to swallow for fans who saw him rise above Cena, only to be crushed by another poster boy.
Needless to say, the two superstars' collision could be the make-or-break for either of their surging careers.
WWE Backlash is set on September 11 at Richmond, Virginia. Kickoff show starts at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST, while the main show starts at 8:00 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST, on WWE Network and select cable providers.
