Projecting the Most Likely Heel and Face Turns at WWE Backlash 2023

WWE Backlash 2023 will be a special night as the company heads to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the top names will get a chance to compete in front of a unique crowd with major stakes.

While this is far from the same level of importance as WrestleMania 39, that does not mean WWE won't want to go big.

Every major pay-per-view is an opportunity to take chances. This is especially true as the company heads toward a full brand split again following the WWE draft.

New alliances will need to be formed, and leading Superstars may need to change perspectives to get ahead.

Jey and Jimmy Uso may still be in The Bloodline, but that may not last. Drew McIntyre or Matt Riddle could be surprise heel turns to change up the main event scene on Raw, and Iyo Sky may be looking to break out as a singles star without Damage CTRL.

The following are the most likely heel and face turns to come at Backlash on Saturday night.

Heel: Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle is in a strange position on Raw. The top of the card is loaded with babyfaces, and he came back to feud with The Bloodline only to be drafted to the opposite brand as Roman Reigns and Co.

Sami Zayn has feared Kevin Owens will turn on him as he has done before, but that would be a disappointing end to their satisfying tag team title win at WrestleMania 39.

It would be far more inspired for Zayn to focus so much on KO that he does not see another imminent betrayal right in front of his eyes.

It is unclear if Randy Orton will return any time soon to reform RK-Bro, but Riddle would be more interesting as a heel in the meantime.

This is far from a certainty, but the end of Zayn and KO's story with The Bloodline should naturally transition into some new angle. Riddle cannot keep working with Zayn and Owens without some conflict.

Face: The Usos

The Bloodline story remains WWE's ace in the hole. Right now, the biggest question is: What will The Usos do? Roman Reigns has shut them out since they lost the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championships.

Jey Uso has always had a volatile relationship with The Tribal Chief, but Jimmy Uso is fully committed. That may change soon. Perhaps it will even come at Backlash.

While Solo Sikoa is the younger brother of The Usos, he has been treated far better than his decorated siblings by Reigns and Paul Heyman. If Jey and Jimmy turn on The One Problem, it would be the beginning of a welcome face turn.

This needs to happen soon as The Bloodline storyline is starting to lose some steam without new clear challengers to Reigns. By turning face, Jey and Jimmy can add two important names to the list.

Heel: Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre disappeared from television following WrestleMania 39, but he was picked high in the WWE draft. This clearly indicates he will be a priority on Raw.

WWE could continue to tell the story of Gunther vs. Drew McIntyre, but with the World Heavyweight Championship coming to the red brand, it may be more prudent for The Scottish Warrior to go after that title.

Raw has too many top faces and not enough heels. While Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins stand at the top, McIntyre's best bet is to turn heel, leaning into the reaction he received at 'Mania.

It may not come until after Backlash, but WWE would be missing a prime opportunity to capitalize on the spotlight to reintroduce McIntyre. He could attack Rollins or Rhodes following their big matches.

Face: Iyo Sky

It finally looks like Iyo Sky is ready to shine on her own.

As Damage CTRL start to fall apart, The Genius of the Sky is rising. She will have her biggest match on the main roster to date at Backlash when she faces Bianca Belair for the Raw Women's Championship.

Within the stable, though, Bayley has overshadowed her. The Role Model has always promoted herself first over anyone else. If she feels Sky is going to overshadow her, she could try to take her out.

That would set up the Japanese wrestler as a top babyface on the new-look SmackDown roster. She could even be built up to feud with Rhea Ripley by the fall.

Sky is best on her own, and Triple H knows that. As the head of WWE Creative begins telling stories with the talent he trusts most, The Genius of the Sky has a real chance to rise to the top as a babyface.