Plans for 'Backlash' PPV on April 29, & notes on Cena vs. HBK last night

Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com
On Monday, April 2, 2007 at 7:53 PM EST

It is believed that the Backlash PPV on April 29 (which will feature stars from all three brands) was to see rematches from WrestleMania 23 including John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels and Batista vs. The Undertaker. However, according to new reports by The Wrestling Observer, things were leaning towards those plans changing as decisions on Backlash are being made today at the Raw taping in Dayton, OH. While a Cena vs. Michaels rematch is up in the air, a rematch between Batista and The Undertaker is expected.

For those who might have missed it, a fan hit the ring during the beginning of the John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels WWE Title Match at WrestleMania 23 last night at Ford Field in Detroit. Fans in attendance said the man wanted to streak, but referee Mike Chioda took him down. Michaels was spotted wanting to get in a shot on the fan, but Chioda stopped him from doing it. At that point, Michaels hopped up on the turnbuckle and Chioda rang the bell. However, according to The Wrestling Observer Michaels reportedly refused to start the match until the fan was removed as he wanted total attention on the main event.

Speaking of this match, my good friend JJ Sexay over at Wrestle Talk Radio gave me a phone call late last night and spotted something very interesting. When Michaels remained sitting on top of the turnbuckle before the main event got underway, there is a close-up camera shot of Michaels yelling something to the referee and Cena. I completely missed this the first time around. Apparently, Michaels yells something to the effect of, "Let's get this sh*t show over with, I've got a job to do." Again, the audio isn't great, but Michaels definitely said something that would lead many to believe that maybe plans were changed at the last minute for Cena to retain. Then again, many felt Cena would retain all along. Either way, it is an interesting thing to take a look at if anyone has a copy of the show from last night.