Last night was Backlash, and it is a show that left many fans with an overwhelming feeling of ‘meh’. It was far from the Greatest Wrestling PPV of all time, but it wasn’t the worst PPV of 2020, Crown Jewel holds that honor. Let’s break it down match by match, and see how this PPV panned out.
Sasha Banks & Bayley vs. Nikki Cross & Alexa Bliss vs. The Iconics
The show started with a triple threat tag team match for the WWE Womens Tag Team Championship. Despite having the three best teams in the division, the action was sloppy. Some decent spots like Bliss & Cross hitting a variant of the 3D and Sasha Banks finally retaining a championship gave it some good parts. 2.5/5 (** 1/2)
Sheamus vs. Jeff Hardy
Two veterans of WWE are always going to have a solid match, and that’s exactly what we saw with Sheamus & Hardy. They played the face & heel roles perfectly, and the feud is set to continue with Sheamus tying this feud at 1-1 when he snuffed out Hardy’s comeback at the end of the match. Solid action, good storytelling, and no one got piss thrown at them. 3/5 (***)
Asuka vs. Nia Jax
This was an example of how to not have your new champion look good. Asuka & Nia Jax have had some excellent matches that perfectly played on their strengths, but this was their worst encounter yet. The action was sloppy, and a countout finish after Asuka kicked Jax down on the outside and failed to get back in the ring left a ton to be desired, but their natural chemistry ensured good stretches of action. 2/5 (**)
John Morrison & The Miz vs. Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman has not been having a great time as WWE Universal Champion. While his storytelling heavy match at Money In The Bank with Bray Wyatt was fun enough, this handicap formula was already done with him earlier this year to better effect. This match served to create cracks in the relationship of Miz & Morrison, and hold Strowman over until Wyatt is back in action. Some good tag team work and the potential for an Otis cash in were the only highlights in this one. 2/5 (**)
Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre
While Strowman has been having a rough go of it as Universal Champion, McIntyre is having a great time as WWE Champion. This includes this match against Lashley, which was a classic heavyweight brawl. Lashley attacking with the Full Nelson before the bell and McIntyre fighting from underneath told a great story, with strong action from bell to bell. A poor finish involving Lana held this one back slightly. 3.75/5 (*** 3/4)
Edge vs. Randy Orton Was The Best Match At Backlash
WWE built this match up as The Greatest Wrestling Match ever, and they pulled out snappy editing and played recorded crowd noise. However, ignoring all that, we saw an absolute clinic from two of the best in WWE history. They took fans down memory lane and hit countless spots from WWE legends like Eddie Guerrero, The Rock, Ricky Steamboat and more. The final stretch with Edge & Orton withstanding Spears & RKO’s brought the drama to a fever pitch before Orton finished with a rare Punt Kick. This is an example of how a long match should be done, an redeemed their Wrestlemania snoozefest. 4.75/5 (**** 3/4)
Backlash Comes In At An Average Of 3 Stars
Backlash was not a great show, but a strong back-end made up for some sloppy action at the top of the show. Add in a very entertaining segment with The Viking Raiders & Street Profits, and you have an enjoyable PPV. Do you agree with these ratings? What was your favorite match of the night? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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