Christian is expected to wrestle more following his surprise return at Sunday’s Royal Rumble.
Dave Meltzer has confirmed that Christian was secretly medically cleared to return to the ring last week. He is also expected to wrestle more going forward.
“As far as how much is uncertain but that was not a one-time-and gone thing,” Meltzer wrote in today’s update.
Christian returned to in-ring action at Sunday’s Royal Rumble event, entering the men’s Royal Rumble match at number 24. He made it to the final five, but was eliminated by Seth Rollins. His former tag team partner Edge ended up winning the Rumble, last eliminating Randy Orton.
“The feedback from the fans has been amazing & the comments from my peers is humbling,” Christian wrote on Twitter this afternoon. “I just want to say thanks & I’m SO happy that stepping back in the ring at the #RoyalRumble meant as much to you as it did to me. If that was it, it was on my own terms. If it wasn’t, then…”
Christian had largely retired from pro wrestling since suffering a concussion in 2014. He had a brief match last year on Raw, but it was more of an angle as Ric Flair low blowed him during an unsanctioned match against Orton. Orton quickly pinned Christian following a punt kick.
It appears that Edge will be challenging for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 37.
“Not sure when this will be officially announced, but Roman Reigns vs. Edge is the planned main event at WrestleMania,” Dave Meltzer reported in today’s Daily Update. “The Bianca Belair match isn’t 100 percent right now.”
Edge returned to the ring in Sunday’s men’s Royal Rumble match, entering at number one and wrestling for more than 58 minutes. He last eliminated Randy Orton to win the Rumble. Edge and Orton started the match as the first two entrants and Orton was taken out in an injury angle. After Edge eliminated Seth Rollins, Orton blindsided Edge with an RKO. Orton went to throw Edge out of the ring, but Edge reversed and threw Orton out.
This was the first time Edge has wrestled since tearing his triceps last June. It was also the second straight year that Edge returned at the Royal Rumble. Edge made his surprise return to the ring in last year’s Rumble, wrestling for the first time since being forced to retire in 2011.
Edge cut a promo on last week’s Raw and declared that he was entering the Royal Rumble. Edge said he needed to win the Rumble, go on to WrestleMania, and take back what he never lost when he had to vacate the World Championship in 2011.
SmackDown’s Reigns retained his Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match at the Royal Rumble.
Belair won the women’s Royal Rumble match by last eliminating Rhea Ripley. Belair is part of the SmackDown roster. At the Royal Rumble, Sasha Banks retained her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Carmella.
WrestleMania 37 is a two-night event taking place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11.
The most in-depth look at the WWE’s new deal with the Peacock Network is the lead story in the new double-issue of the Observer.
We look at who the deal was put together, the finances behind it, is it a good deal for all parties, what goals there are for each side, how this affects the TV landscape and Smackdown in particular, how much money WWE was getting before and after from the Network, television vs. streaming when it comes to homes in the U.S., comparisons to UFC’s deal with ESPN, quotes from the key parties, the financial viability of NBC purchasing WWE, the stock price, network subscriber numbers, money in modern PPVs, WWE projected profitability, why the method wrestlers are paid makes no sense in today’s game, and notes fromall ke parties.
Also in this issue:
NBC shutting down NBC Sports Network affects both the USA Network and how it could impact WWE.
Amanda Huber’s timeline of the death of Brodie Lee from her interview with Tony Schaivone and Aubrey Edwards this week, his symptoms, treatments, and what the doctors thought.
UFC 257, including an update on the business of the show and television viewership, plus full coverage of what could end up as the biggest show of the year, and was one of the biggest PPV events in history.
2021 Royal Rumble, people rumored to be in that won’t be, others that could be, and thoughts on the build and the matches.
WrestleMania, Young Rock, Daniel Bryan talks his future, WWE talent listed among the most marketable in sports and losses in ad revenue to performs in social media accounts, Undertaker says current wrestles are soft and Bill Goldberg, Mick Foley and Drew McIntyre respond, Nick Khan talks future of rights fees, where AEW stands, NXT India, Teases of Japanese star signing, International TV ratings, most-watched shows on the WWE Network and strongest athletes in WWE developmental.
New Japan’s show at Ota Ward Gym this past week with its parody main event plus the big shows upcoming this week.
WWE’s TV special for India and look at the talent from that country that the company wants to build a promotion around.
A huge story on Hank Aaron, Civil Rights, Bill Watts and how they all intersected in the early 90s.
Comparison piece on the greatest MMA fighters of all-time, looking at their wins, losses, bouts with major names and where they stand in relation to each other.
The death of El Hijo de Anibal and the legacy of the mask created by his father, one of the biggest stars of the 1970s, including the match that was the first big title match to give the UWA credibility.
Television ratings of the past week, including segment-by-segment numbers for the past two weeks on Wednesday, who was watching in different age groups, how different segments did on Raw & Smackdown and more.
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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking a lot of Royal Rumble fallout, as well as Raw, Jay White and more wrestling and MMA news on Wrestling Observer Radio. If you’ve got questions for the show you can send them to [email protected]
Not sure when this will be officially announced, but Roman Reigns vs. Edge is the planned main event at WrestleMania. The Bianca Belair match isn’t 100 percent right now.
The Royal Rumble had 1 million searches yesterday making it the second most searched item on the Internet in the U.S. It’s the same as a normal level UFC PPV show. That’s the exact number we had predicted for it yesterday. Dustin Diamond is No. 1 today and has topped 2 million. We’re looking for your thoughts on both the Royal Rumble as well as Saturday’s NJPW New Beginning in Osaka shows, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
Michael Chandler said that he was offered a fight on 2/13 where the winner would get a shot at the lightweight title but the opponent didn’t agree to it. Sherdog reported that Charles Oliveira’s camp said he was asked for that fight, but didn’t want to face someone with such high stakes after his long win streak with no time to adequately train or cut weight for the fight.
Christian was secretly cleared last week. He is expected to wrestle more often. As far as how much is uncertain but that was not a one-time-and gone thing. Both Rhea Ripley and Damien Priest are now considered main roster. We don’t know which brand past Priest was scheduled to debut in a high-profile position on Smackdown, and then we heard when that didn’t happen that the plan was changed to debuting this week on Raw. But that was a three week old plan.
Nothing much advertised for Raw tonight past more with Randy Orton and Alexa Bliss, but Bliss isn’t doing an injury angle or even in a neck brace given she did the Rumble last night. The day after the Rumble Raw is often one of the highest rated episodes of the year.
Jey Uso wasn’t medically cleared for the Rumble.
Vince McMahon was not at the show last night. Paul Levesque ran the show. This was first reported by Ringside News and confirmed to us.
If baseball season is pushed back, WWE could have access to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, its current home, for longer. Originally WWE was going to have a find new location in mid-March to allow the field to get ready for the baseball season
Les Thatcher has gotten through the worst of COVID and hopes to start training this week. He is also open to taking bookings for seminars or wrestling camps in March. You can contact him at [email protected]
New Japan has another Korakuen Hall show tomorrow at 4 a.m. Eastern time on New Japan World with Kevin Kelly announcing:
Yota Tsuji vs. Gabriel Kidd
Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo vs. Ryusuke Taguchi & Yuya Uemura
Kota Ibushi & Tomoaki Honma & Sho & Master Wato vs. Sanada & Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi & Bushi
John Cena will be in a Mtn Dew Super Bowl ad this Sunday. It will be a 30 second ad that gives one person the chance to win a $1 million prize by counting the correct number of bottles in the ad.
Snoop Dog made his WWE video game debut in the new WWE Champions mobile game. Players can add Snoop Dogg to the roster and compete against 250 other WWE current and past performers.
BT Sports, a television partner of WWE, was advertising the Rumble with photos teasing C.M. Punk, Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey and Jay White appearing. After the show, the account was bragging about fooling people once the show was over. That’s quite weird. (thanks to David Taylor)
The WWE Network will be releasing a number of shows related to Black History Month.
Drew McIntyre on the Rich Eisen show on Peacock TV talking about Sunday’s SHAQ Bowl.
The Rated R Superstar had a big weekend. On Saturday, a horse named Rated R Superstar won the third race at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, AR paying $17.0-0 to win. (thanks to John May)
UFC
UFC announced a month-long celebration of Black History Month They are pushing that they have three black fighters headlining shows, Alistair Overeem (vs. Alexander Volkov) on Saturday, Kamaru Usman (vs. Gilbert Burns for the welterweight title) on 2/13 and both Derrick Lewis vs. Curtis Blaydes on 2/2.
Related to that, there will be a special show called UFC Ultimate Knockouts: Black History Month: Eric Knockouts on 2/11 at 9 p.m. on ESPN News, and a second edition on 2/23 at 9 p.m. on ESPN News, featuring Jon Jones, Francis Ngannou, Lewis, Kevin Randleman, Rampage Jackson, Joaquin Buckley, Kevin Holland and others.
Justin Jaynes vs. Devonte Smith has been added to Saturday’s show. Jaynes replaces Alex Da Silva who pulled out of the show yesterday due to a knee injury.
Jessica Penne returns from a 20 month suspension for a 3/27 fight with Hannah Goldy. Penne tested positive for Stanozolol in a test in 2019.
AEW
AEW Dark for tomorrow night:
Tay Conti vs. Tesha Price
Rey Fenix vs. KC Navarro
Ivelisse & Diamante vs. Vertvixen & Jazmin Allure
Leyla Hirsch vs. Katalina Perez
Billy & Colten Gunn vs. John Skyler & Ray Jaz
Red Velvet vs. Alex Gracia
Santana & Ortiz vs. Fuego del Sol & Vary Morales
Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian vs. Luther & Serptentico
The Acclaimed vs. Danny Limelight & Ryzin
10 vs. Jake St. Patrick
Joey Janela & Sonny Kiss & Bear County vs. Baron Black & Aaron Solow & Shawn Dean & ike Verna
Dustin Rhodes & QT Marshall & Nick Comoroto vs M’Badu & Terrence & Terrell Hughes
What’s notable here is that Bear Country and Comoroto look to be on the winning side rather than the losing side as they have been, so it’s the beginning of giving them credibility.
OTHER NOTES
Brandon Thurston’s annual look at business metrics of pro wrestling is available here. This is a very good look at a lot of different economic topics related to the major companies in pro wrestling.
Renee Paquette’s podcast has joined the Colin Cowherd podcast network.
Instinct Magazine has an interview with Fred Rosser, using his old Darren Young name.
MLW TV on Wednesday is teasing the idea of Azteca Underground, which is supposed to be the remnants of the old Lucha Underground television show, is looking to buy a promotion. The idea seems to be an MLW feud with the remnants of Lucha Underground. The show airs Wednesday on YouTube and Fubo.
Christian returned to in-ring action tonight at the Royal Rumble.
He entered the ring at number 24 during the men’s Royal Rumble match. He made it to the final five, where he was eventually eliminated by Seth Rollins. His former tag team partner Edge ended up winning the Royal Rumble, last eliminating Randy Orton.
This was Christian’s first full match since 2014, when he won a fatal four way match on the March 24th episode of Raw to become the number one contender for the Intercontinental title, a match that never took place after Christian suffered a concussion. He has not wrestled since suffering the concussion.
Christian technically returned to the ring on the June 15, 2020 edition of Raw, facing Randy Orton in an unsanctioned match. However, Ric Flair interrupted before the match began, telling Christian that he was concerned about him taking the match. It turned out to be a swerve, as Flair low blowed Christian after the bell rang, allowing Orton to score the quick win following a punt kick.
For the second time in his career, Edge has won a Royal Rumble.
After entering the match at number one, Edge ran the table and won tonight’s men’s Royal Rumble. Edge last eliminated Randy Orton, who entered the match at number two, to get the win. Edge was in the Rumble for over 58 minutes.
Orton was taken out of the Rumble early on in an injury angle but returned at the end of the match. Orton blindsided Edge with an RKO and tried to throw him out of the ring, but Edge reversed it and threw Orton out.
Edge, Orton, Seth Rollins, Christian, and Braun Strowman were the final five in the men’s Rumble.
Tonight was the first time Edge has wrestled since tearing his triceps while filming his “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever” against Orton for Backlash last June.
On Raw last Monday, Edge made his return to WWE television and cut a promo announcing that he was entering the Royal Rumble. Edge said he needed to win the Rumble, main event WrestleMania 37, and take back what he never lost when he had to vacate the World Championship when he was forced to retire in 2011.
This was the second straight year that Edge returned to the ring in the Royal Rumble. He made his surprise return in the 2020 Rumble, wrestling for the first time since 2011.
Edge also won the Royal Rumble on this day in 2010.
Which title Edge will be challenging for at WrestleMania 37 hasn’t been revealed. WrestleMania 37 is a two-night event taking place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, Goldberg, and Edge all returned on the final Raw before the Royal Rumble.
After not being able to appear in person the previous two weeks due to testing positive for COVID-19, McIntyre returned to Raw last night. His Royal Rumble challenger Goldberg was also on the show for a face-to-face confrontation ahead of Sunday’s pay-per-view. It included Goldberg laying out Money in the Bank briefcase holder The Miz with a spear and McIntyre dropping Morrison with a Claymore. McIntyre and Goldberg then had a staredown and they exchanged words as McIntyre held his WWE Championship high up in the air.
Edge appeared in a pre-taped promo that aired on last night’s Raw. Edge declared that — for the second year in a row — he’s returning to the ring in the men’s Royal Rumble match. Sunday’s PPV will be the first time Edge has wrestled since suffering a torn triceps while filming his “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever” against Randy Orton for Backlash last June.
Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss in a Raw Women’s Championship match headlined last night’s show and ended without a finish when Orton gave Bliss an RKO. Orton’s face was exposed with the burns that he supposedly suffered when Bliss threw a fireball in his face two weeks ago.
For the second straight year, Edge is returning to the ring in the Royal Rumble.
On Monday’s go-home episode of Raw, Edge made his return to WWE television and announced that he’s entering Sunday’s men’s Royal Rumble match. It will be the first time Edge has wrestled since tearing his triceps while filming his “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever” against Randy Orton for Backlash last June.
Edge revealed that he’s entering the Royal Rumble via a pre-taped promo that aired on Monday’s Raw. Edge said his torn triceps was another reminder that everything you hold close can be torn away from you instantly, but you can’t live in that space — you have to fight.
Edge said he knows this year won’t be like 2020’s Royal Rumble. He said the stakes are higher because he knows the window closes for him more and more every day. Edge said he needs to win the Royal Rumble, main event WrestleMania 37, and take back what he never lost when he had to vacate the World Championship when he was forced to retire in 2011.
Edge said when you have a dream there comes a point where you need to fight to make it a reality. Edge said that — even if the dream might be far-fetched — he’ll give everything he has to make it happen. Edge said a world without dreamers and fighters would be a much less magical place. Edge quoted Henry Ford by saying that if you think you can do something or think that you can’t do something, you’ll end up being right. Edge declared that he thinks he can.
Last year’s men’s Royal Rumble match saw Edge make his surprise return to the ring for the first time since retiring in 2011.
After appearing in last year’s Royal Rumble, Edge defeated Orton in a Last Man Standing match at WrestleMania 36. Orton then defeated Edge at Backlash.
The Royal Rumble main card will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern time this Sunday. The pre-show will start at 6 p.m. Eastern.
Here’s the updated list of announced Royal Rumble entrants:
A look at the Road Warriors, the biggest drawing tag team in pro wrestling history, is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. We talk about the birth of the team, the background of Joe Laurinaitis, the early days of Hawk, Animal and Rick Rude in pro wrestling, the role of Ole Anderson and Eddy Sharkey in the story, why the Road Warriors did and didn’t work certain territories, why they rarely worked with Bruiser Brody, why they ended up in AWA, JCP, and how they wound up with WWE. We also look at their departure from WWE, Animal leaving wrestling, and their return.
Also in this issue:
COVID in WWE, AEW and CMLL, changes that were made, why AEW and WWE had a breakout in the same week, how AEW is changing its procedures, the belief of how this all started and much more.
G-1 Climax tournament, with an overview of the first shows, this week’s lineups, standings, poll results, star ratings and more covering all the first week shows.
Sports news that affects WWE’s next television deal as well as shakeups at NBCU that also do. We look at a new WWE marketing idea, Stephanie McMahon’s stock sale, why WWE stock fell, Undertaker talks the end of his documentary, changes at NXT UK, What NXT UK talent were told at meeting this week, NXT UK Heritage Cup tournament, former WWE star talked about returning, more on the Retribution storyline, who is doing the rules and the story behind the finish of the Raw match. We also have international ratings notes, WWE up for awards, new WWE marketing ventures, Roman Reigns talks changes in his presentation, Dwayne Johnson talks, why Kane is in the news again, WWE market value as well as a look at the most-watched shows on the WWE Network.
Saturday’s UFC show and more thoughts on Colby Covington and the line between playing bad guy wrestler and being offensive is.
WWE’s next two major shows with the cards and backgrounds.
Dragon Gate Dangerous Gate show from this past week.
Ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
Today’s guests on The Bump included Kyle O’Reilly, Santos Escobar, and Hiram Garcia. Next week’s guests for The Bump will be Wade Barrett, RJ City, and actor Ken Jeong.
Edge on the Busted Open radio show said that he didn’t have a time table regarding when he would be able to return from his triceps injury he suffered at Backlash earlier this year. “So, I don’t know yet,” he said. I know it’s a lot slower than I thought it was going to be because I just have this mentality of, ‘Right. No big deal. Surgery, PT and we grind through it, we break down the scar tissue and off we go.’ So, I don’t know if it is the injury itself, if I’m a little older, I don’t know what it is, but it’s not as fast as I would’ve liked.”
The Rock revealed the cast of the upcoming NBC show based on his life. Bradley Constant will play 15-year-old Rock, Stacey Leilua will play Ata Johnson, Joseph Lee Anderson will play Rocky Johnson, Uli Latukefu will play 20-year-old Rock, Ana Tuisila will play Lia Maivia, and Adrian Groulx will play 10-year-old Rock. The show is currently slated to premiere mid-season.
PWInsider is reporting that Jeff Hardy’s next court date for his October 2019 arrest for driving while impaired has been moved to 10/22 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Bryan Rose has a review of WWE 2K Battlegrounds for the Nintendo Switch.
The Singh Brothers spoke to Global News Canada about being unable to return to WWE due to COVID-19 restrictions
There will be a WWE panel at the New York Comic-Con on Friday, October 9 that will feature Zelina Vega, Triple H, and Drew McIntyre as they discuss the biggest moments that have taken place on WWE Raw.
Cameron Grimes turns 27 today, while Isaiah “Swerve” Scott turns 30.
Other Wrestling
Trevor Murdoch defeated Aron Stevens last night on United Wrestling Network’s Primetime Live to win the NWA National championship.
Variety has an article on the one year anniversary of AEW Dynamite’s launch on TNT.
On the Pro Wrestling Junkies podcast, Matt Cardona says his short-term AEW contract expired on September 5 following his match at AEW All Out. He expressed interest in continuing his run with AEW.
The latest Aces High article looks at Tanahashi’s thoughts on Antonio Inoki’s shift towards what would be known as Inokism following the departure of Keiji Muto.
In addition to four title matches and the in-person return of Rey Mysterio, last night’s Raw featured Edge addressing Randy Orton for the first time since Backlash.
Edge said their match, his torn triceps injury, and not being able to pick up his daughters on Father’s Day showed him that he needs to wake up a side of him that’s been asleep for far too long. When Orton did what he did to Christian, he put the PG Superstar version of Edge that had just been walking around happy about being able to return to bed.
Edge said Orton woke up the side of him that will sink to any level to get what he wants. Edge doesn’t care about winning a wrestling match now, he wants to embarrass and emasculate Orton. Edge said he’s going to make Orton wish his father was firing blanks on the night Orton was conceived.
Edge vowed to seep into every aspect of Orton’s life and infect it. He said he’ll tear Orton’s life apart brick by brick from the inside.
At the end of his promo, Edge said Orton woke up the Rated R-Superstar. He told Orton to get some sleep while he can.
Tonight’s episode of Raw will feature Edge giving an update on his professional wrestling future.
“June 22, 1998 I made my @WWE televised debut. Tonight, on #RAW exactly 22 years later, I update everyone on my future,” Edge announced via his social media accounts.
WWE confirmed last Monday that Edge suffered a torn triceps while filming the “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever” against Randy Orton for Backlash. WWE wrote that Edge underwent successful surgery and was currently rehabbing at home.
The Backlash match was taped on June 7.
Orton defeated Edge at Backlash and then opened last week’s Raw. He was confronted by Christian, which led to Orton challenging Christian to face him in an unsanctioned match later in the show. Ric Flair, who tried to talk Christian out of accepting, low blowed Christian right as the match started. Orton then hit a punt on Christian and got the win.
Flair will appear on tonight’s Raw to crown Orton as the greatest wrestler ever.
Tonight’s Raw is being called the “Championship Monday” edition of the show and will feature four title matches: Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair for the Raw Women’s Championship, Bayley & Sasha Banks vs. The IIconics for the Women’s Tag Team titles, The Street Profits vs. The Viking Raiders for the Raw Tag Team titles, and R-Truth vs. Akira Tozawa and his ninjas for the 24/7 Championship.
An appearance by Rey Mysterio will also air on tonight’s Raw. It will be his first in-person appearance since the angle where Seth Rollins attacked his eye last month.
WWE Digital has confirmed that Edge suffered a torn triceps as a result of injuries sustained during The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever. Edge has undergone successful surgery and is currently rehabbing at home.
The Rated-R Superstar faced Randy Orton in a grueling test of in-ring skills at WWE Backlash. Both competitors were pushed to the brink, but The Viper prevailed over his former friend in the highly intense match.
Stay tuned to WWE digital and social platforms for more information as the story develops
Dave Meltzer confirmed yesterday that Edge had suffered a torn triceps while filming the Backlash match earlier this month. “A torn triceps is usually an injury that requires about eight months or so of recovery time and surgery,” Meltzer wrote. “Obviously because WWE did not want out that the match was taped, that when Edge and Orton were doing media, they couldn’t talk about the injury. The injury, whether he will undergo surgery and the time frame of his return are likely to be talked about over the next few days after the match airs.”
Backlash was Edge’s third match since returning to the ring after being forced to retire in 2011. He appeared as an entrant in this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match in January and then defeated Orton in their last man standing match at WrestleMania 36.
Adam Copeland suffered a torn triceps on June 7 when filming his match with Randy Orton that will take place on tonight’s Backlash show.
The injury, like the result of the match, was kept quiet throughout WWE but Fightful.com reported it today and others in WWE have confirmed that as well.
The match itself reportedly was taped for 35 minutes, but it is not clear how the match will be edited.
The rest of tonight’s show other than Edge vs. Orton was to take place today in Orlando at the Performance Center.
A torn triceps is usually an injury that requires about eight months or so of recovery time and surgery. Obviously because WWE did not want out that the match was taped, that when Edge and Orton were doing media, they couldn’t talk about the injury. The injury, whether he will undergo surgery and the time frame of his return are likely to be talked about over the next few days after the match airs.
Tonight’s Backlash pay-per-view is being headlined by what WWE is billing as the “Greatest Match Ever.”
WWE has used that tagline for Edge vs. Randy Orton, which was announced last month after Orton challenged Edge to face him in a straight-up wrestling match. Edge defeated Orton in their last man standing match at WrestleMania, but Orton has tried to make Edge doubt himself by saying that Edge hasn’t actually had a traditional match since being forced to retire due to injury in 2011.
Six title matches have also been announced for tonight. Five of those will take place on the main card: Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship, Asuka vs. Nia Jax for the Raw Women’s Championship, Braun Strowman vs. The Miz & John Morrison in a handicap match for the Universal Championship, Bayley & Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs. The IIconics for the Women’s Tag Team titles, and The Street Profits vs. The Viking Raiders for the Raw Tag Team titles.
Apollo Crews vs. Andrade for the United States title will also take place on tonight’s pre-show.
Plus, tonight’s PPV will feature a grudge match between Jeff Hardy and Sheamus.
Show Recap —
KICK-OFF SHOW
Charly Caruso interviewed Ric Flair and Christian early in the pre-show. Flair talked about how great Orton is. Christian said Orton was the most talented person he has ever stepped in the ring with but he still always looked for the path of least resistance. Christian said Edge wasn’t on vacation for nine years — he scratched and clawed to get back and had the grit to win.
Apollo Crews defeated Andrade (w/Zelina Vega & Angel Garza) to retain the US Championship (7:23)
Apollo Crews has new music. Kevin Owens came out to join commentary. He wore a tie with his sleeveless shirt. Byron Saxton complimented him on the tie and Owens thanked him for letting him borrow it. Owens was out there to make sure Garza didn’t screw things up for Crews.
Crews gave Andrade a back body drop onto the ramp early in the match. Later on, Crews gave him an overhead belly-to-belly suplex into the turnbuckles (Andrade’s legs hit the buckles, so it wasn’t like a buckle bomb). Crews followed with a spinebuster for two. Andrade followed later with a nice DDT for two.
Crews hit a press slam, standing moonsault and standing shooting star, but Garza got on the apron and this distracted the referee for some reason.
Owens gave Garza a stunner as Crews looked on. Andrade tried to attack from behind but Crews countered into a spinning sit-out powerbomb for the pinfall win. Crews retains. Good match for the time they got but nothing special.
Sheamus cut a promo backstage, speaking to the camera. Basically, he called Jeff Hardy a fraud who would show his true colours. Sheamus threatened to kick him back into obscurity.
BACKLASH MAIN SHOW
Triple threat tag team match: SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley & Sasha Banks defeated Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross and The IIconics to retain the Tag Team Championships (8:50)
Corey Graves and Michael Cole did commentary for this match. Cole said tonight’s winners would defend the titles on Wednesday’s NXT against Shotzi Blackheart and Tegan Nox.
Kayla Braxton interviewed the champs backstage before the match. Bayley called them the greatest tag champs ever. Braxton asked if their friendship would be over if they lost the belts tonight. They were offended by the question and Banks said their friendship was unstoppable.
One of the big spots in the match was Peyton Royce doing a dive effectively onto everyone. Bliss gave Royce a Twisted Bliss but before she could go for a cover, Banks caught her in a rollup for the pinfall win. Banks and Bayley retain.
This match was fine and a bit shorter than I would’ve expected. They also must have set a record for the highest number of camera cuts ever in a match.
Braun Strowman was shown arriving in his Plymouth Grand National.
Sheamus defeated Jeff Hardy (16:48)
Hardy teased using the steel steps but thought better of it. Sheamus dropped him over the top turnbuckle which caused Hardy’s leg to slam against the top of the ring post. Sheamus had control for a while until Hardy hit a Whisper in the Wind.
Hardy ducked a Brogue Kick and hit a slingblade. He was on the top rope but Sheamus tripped him off and they sort of fell on top of each other. Sheamus followed with White Noise for two. Sheamus applied a Texas Cloverleaf but Hardy got a rope break.
After what felt like a long time, Hardy tossed Sheamus shoulder-first into the post, hit a Twist of Fate and Swanton Bomb, but Sheamus got his foot on the rope. Sheamus rolled outside, so Hardy ran around the barricade and tried a dive but Sheamus gave him a Brogue Kick. Sheamus followed with another Brogue Kick for the pinfall win. Graves said Hardy let everyone down.
This match was going along well for the first few minutes but it went way too long and got clumsier the longer it went.
Braxton interviewed The Miz and John Morrison. Miz said they didn’t have time for her. Braxton had news for them: if one of them pinned Strowman, that person would become the champion (as opposed to co-champions). They seemed surprised but acted like they were fine with this development. Otis and Mandy Rose appeared. Otis teased cashing in on them if they won.
Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka vs. Nia Jax ended in a double countout (8:27)
Asuka applied an octopus hold but Jax got out of it and took over. Asuka applied a guillotine but Jax countered into what looked like a jackhammer. Jax talked trash about Kairi Sane so Asuka came back with strikes and a shining wizard for two. Asuka followed with a dropkick and a running hip attack for two.
Asuka used Yes kicks but Jax caught one (late) and hit a sit-out powerbomb for a nearfall. Jax ran into the post so Asuka went to the top. Jax went after her but Asuka applied an armbar. This led to Jax falling out of the ring, which didn’t look good.
Asuka applied an armbar on the outside but Jax sort of slung her into the barricade. Asuka kicked her in the head but the referee counted to ten before she could get back in the ring. The match ended in a double countout. Asuka retained. Asuka was stunned. She gave Jax a running hip attack on the outside before leaving.
This match was a massive struggle and the finish obviously sucked.
MVP was on the phone ordering champagne. Lana interrupted him and talked about her importance to Bobby Lashley’s success. MVP informed her that he wasn’t the one telling Lashley to keep Lana backstage for his matches. MVP left to get ready for his championship celebration.
2-on-1 handicap match: Braun Strowman defeated The Miz & John Morrison to retain the Universal Championship (7:20)
Miz and Morrison made their entrance and showed their dumb music video until Strowman interrupted it. Cole explained that Miz and Morrison have to tag in and out of the match.
Morrison was kicking away at Strowman but Strowman ducked the last one. However, he still sold being down and Morrison seemed confused. He tagged Miz but they missed each others’ hands. Miz entered the ring anyway.
Miz and Morrison hit a double team Skull Crushing Finale/double foot stomp combo. Morrison went for the cover but Miz yanked him off. Morrison looked surprised and Miz acted upset, like he made a mistake. Miz put Morrison back on top of Strowman but he kicked out easily.
Strowman gave Miz a chokeslam and gave Morrison a powerslam for the pinfall win.
They recapped AJ Styles beating Daniel Bryan to win the Intercontinental title on Smackdown. Cole called the match an instant classic. Braxton interviewed Styles who said there would be a big championship celebration on Smackdown. Everyone was invited including Bryan because he had the most to learn. Styles called Bryan one of the best ever but he wasn’t phenomenal.
Drew McIntyre defeated Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) to retain the WWE Championship (13:14)
McIntyre got in MVP’s face during his entrance then Lashley applied the full nelson and wouldn’t let go. Referees ran down to try to break it up. Lashley eventually let go after a while. McIntyre was down but gave the okay to the referee to start the match.
Lashley attacked McIntyre and gave him a suplex. McIntyre still had his sleeveless jacket on until Lashley ripped it off. McIntyre clotheslined Lashley over the top and drove him into the barricade. McIntyre got distracted by MVP so Lashley picked him up and just sorta dropped him. Another clumsy spot tonight. Lashley then drove him into the ring post.
Lashley tried a spear on the outside but McIntyre launched him into the barricade and followed with a vertical suplex. McIntyre came back with clotheslines, a flying clothesline and spinebuster for two. Lashley followed with a spinebuster of his own for two. Lashley used an ugly-looking flatliner for a one count.
Lashley tried the full nelson but McIntyre managed to fight it off and hit an impressive-looking reverse Alabama Slam. McIntyre came off the top but Lashley blocked and applied a crossface. McIntyre fought out and attempted a piledriver but Lashley countered into an ankle lock. Lashley went for a spear but McIntyre countered into a kimura until Lashley got the rope.
McIntyre hit a superplex and went for a Claymore Kick but Lashley hit a spear instead for a nearfall. Lana chose this moment to saunter out. McIntyre pushed Lashley into Lana who fell into MVP. McIntyre then hit a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win.
The finish was bad but the bulk of this match was pretty good.
The Street Profits / Viking Raiders segment
The announcers were about to introduce the Raw tag team title match but they cut to the parking lot where the Street Profits brawled with the Viking Raiders. I thought they were friendly? Montez Ford chucked Erik on top of Strowman’s car. They all freaked out and ran away.
The brawl continued in the back where they teased using instruments from their previous segments (golf clubs and bowling balls). They stopped fighting when Ford noted how crazy this all was.
They all dropped their weapons. Ford used a reference from the Chappelle Show and asked Angelo Dawkins, “what did the five fingers say to the face?” They each slapped Erik and Ivar, who didn’t get the reference.
Dawkins and Erik fought off-screen. Ivar saw his bowling ball and had a flashback to bowling — which we, the audience, could see. Ivar then bowled the ball into Ford’s nuts. As Ivar checked on Erik, Dawkins speared him through a glass window. Ivar had another flashback that we, the audience, could see.
Each team argued and Dawkins said this escalated too quickly. Ivar said they should take this outside. Everyone else noted that they were already outside.
They readied for another brawl when seven people on motorcycles appeared. One of them took off his helmet to reveal it was Akira Tozawa. He offered a challenge in Japanese.
The Raiders and Profits huddled up. Dawkins noted that they were up against Ninjas, so they agreed to fight together. A graphic popped on the screen dubbing them the Viking Profits. They teamed up to beat up the Ninjas together, which looked about as good as the fight scene in Dolemite is My Name.
Tozawa then called upon a big, tall masked friend of his. Ivar called for a turkey leg the way Thor calls for his hammer. The big guy pulled out a sword. Erik was about to fight him but the Profits held him back and they all ran away.
They argued again, this time on top of a transport truck. Dawkins gave Erik a bulldog off the truck into a dumpster. Ivar pushed Ford into the dumpster, then dove into it. Ivar had another flashback that we, the audience, could see. Referee Jessika Carr appeared and asked them what the heck they were doing. She then said Ivar was cute but Erik wasn’t.
A strange noise started and some sort of tail (like a Godzilla tail) could be seen. They scrambled to get out of the dumpster.
Tom Phillips said the match isn’t happening tonight.
Phillips said it wouldn’t be fair for Orton and Edge to perform without a live audience. Saxton said the match would be an event like we haven’t seen before — WWE would enhance the viewing experience using a variety of production devices including “unique camera angles” and “amplified audio.”
Randy Orton defeated Edge (44:47)
Charles Robinson was the referee and wore an old referee’s outfit — a powder blue shirt and bowtie. Edge’s entrance appeared to have fake crowd noise added — or they turned up the existing noise from the live audience. Whatever the technique was, they used it throughout the match.
They used old audio of Howard Finkel introducing each guy with an old MSG mic hanging above the ring, which was cool.
As the opening bell rang, Phillips yelled, “this is the greatest wrestling match ever!”
About ten minutes into the match, Edge headbutted Orton off the ropes to the apron and Orton was busted open. The audience chanted, “this is awesome.” Edge used a Russian leg sweep and applied a crossface but Orton got a rope break. Edge avoided an RKO and tried for the head-and-arm choke but Orton again got to the ropes.
Orton used a neckbreaker, which Edge sold big, to take over. Orton repeatedly ran Edge into the plexiglass, barricade and steel steps. Orton also gave Edge a back suplex onto the announce table and covered him in the ring for two.
Edge fought out of a chinlock but Orton pushed him neck-first into the buckle. Orton went for the three amigos suplexes but only landed two before Edge countered and hit the three vertical suplexes. The announcers acknowledged Eddie Guerrero.
They traded chops which Edge got the better of but Orton came right back with a dropkick. Orton shoved Edge into the post and followed later with a superplex for two. Orton used uppercuts until each guy collided with crossbody attempts.
Orton tried a draping DDT off the top buckle but Edge countered into the Edgecution DDT for two. The audience chanted, “this is awesome” again. Edge followed with running knees and a running elbow strike for two. Edge then hit a flying high cross for two.
Orton used a schoolboy for two before Edge applied a crossface. Orton countered into a cover for two, then followed with an Angle Slam for two. Orton went for a dropkick but Edge countered into a powerbomb for two.
Orton sent Edge to the outside then hit a draping DDT in the ring. Edge avoided an RKO and went for an Unprettier but Orton slipped out and Edge used an Edge-O-Matic for a nearfall. Orton avoided a spear but Edge hit an Unprettier for two. The audience chanted, “this is awesome” again.
Orton dropped Edge over the top rope and hit a Pedigree for a nearfall. Orton and Saxton were stunned. Edge followed with a Rock Bottom for a nearfall. Another “this is awesome” chant. Edge went for a Sharpshooter but Orton kicked him off. Edge used a backslide for two, then Orton hit an uppercut. Edge came back with a series of rollups for two.
Orton then nailed an RKO for a nearfall. Orton set up for the punt but Edge hit a spear. Edge hit another spear but Orton kicked out. Edge tried something off the ropes but Orton countered into an RKO for a nearfall.
Edge applied the head-and-arm choke (which they’re calling the “anti-venom”) but Orton kicked out of it. The announcers said Orton might have kicked him low but you couldn’t tell. Edge was dazed so Orton punted him for the pinfall win.
After the match, Orton got in Edge’s face and told him to go home. A stretcher was brought out for Edge but he brushed them off. Orton looked on as the show ended.
Some notes:
This was an excellent match. I was skeptical they would come close to the Bryan-Styles match from Smackdown but they did.
Hat tip to Edge for being able to pull this off after being off for so long.
I didn’t notice where Edge might have injured himself. He landed awkwardly less than half-way through the match when they collided with crossbody attempts, but I doubt that was it. Just a random observation.
The “amplified” crowd noise sounded good when the crowd was cheering but didn’t sound good when they were booing. I’m guessing they turn up the noise when the live audience cheers, but since they rarely boo within the match, they need to add the fake booing.
This was a bad show outside of the main event.
They ditched the big in-ring introductions for title matches on this show.
Date: June 8, 2020 Location: WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL
The Big Takeaway —
Asuka and Charlotte teamed up and won a triple threat tag match against two of the teams in the upcoming Women’s Tag Title match at Backlash. Charlotte went on to pin Asuka in the main event after Nia Jax interfered 27 minutes into the match.
The Peep Show segment was very good.
Show Recap —
Asuka entered for her match, however, instead of her opponent Charlotte Flair coming out, the new tag champs Sasha Banks and Bayley entered instead. The wrestlers in attendance booed. They put over their win on Smackdown until they were interrupted by Asuka who called this her ring. Bayley said they were allowed to go to any brand they want as the champions.
As Banks began telling Asuka to shut up, Charlotte interrupted. She noted that they were trying to go brand-to-brand like her but they didn’t have her stamina. She suggested they enjoy this while they can before someone takes the titles off of them. She told them to leave because people would rather see her match against Asuka.
The IIconics interrupted. They said the match people really wanted to see was the tag team triple threat match on Sunday. They reminded Banks and Bayley that they lost to the IIconics at last year’s WrestleMania. Asuka yelled at everyone in Japanese.
Banks and Bayley bragged to Charlotte who responded by saying she didn’t need titles to be relevant and said they’d always be garbage. Banks and Bayley attacked her, then everyone brawled. Charlotte and Asuka were the only two left standing in the ring.
Non-title triple threat tag team match: Raw Women’s Champion Asuka & Charlotte Flair defeated The IIconics and Tag Team Champions Bayley & Sasha Banks (10:48)
The referee had difficulty getting the match started because everyone was yelling at each other in the ring. Tom Phillips said this match was made official during the break. A few minutes into the match, he mentioned that Asuka and Charlotte will still have a singles match later tonight.
The IIconics worked over Bayley and Banks until Charlotte tagged herself in. The audience chanted “We want Asuka,” so Charlotte faked a tag. Asuka tagged herself in later and took down Banks, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce by herself. Asuka was still in control after a break until Royce distracted her, allowing Kay to hit a version of Eat Defeat.
Charlotte tagged herself in and gave Royce an Exploder. Asuka tagged herself in and used Yes kicks on Kay before Charlotte tagged herself in again. This led to an argument. Charlotte booted Kay and went to the top. Asuka tagged herself and put Kay in the Asuka Lock for the submission win. (Bayley and Banks were taken out earlier and basically disappeared.)
Charlotte attacked Asuka after the match, posed with the title and reminded Asuka that she’s never beaten her.
Rey Mysterio interview
The announcers talked about Rey Mysterio and their upcoming interview. Seth Rollins’ music hit, which surprised the announcers. Rollins went to the announce desk and politely motioned for Byron Saxton to give up his seat. Saxton reluctantly got up and gave Rollins his headset. Rollins said “hi” to Mysterio and Mysterio called him a son-of-a-bitch.
(They went to break before the actual interview segment. Mysterio joined via video.)
Phillips asked Mysterio for an update on his eye. Mysterio said his doctor didn’t want to make any promises but said it was encouraging. His doctor did warn not to take any more damage to it. Mysterio had a warning for Rollins when his time came. Mysterio said he wouldn’t wait for the “end of the match” to hit the 619 and would go for it as soon as the bell rang.
Mysterio threatened Rollins over what he did to him and what he put his family through. “I’m going to kick your ass.” Rollins told Mysterio to stop spreading lies. He had the opportunity to walk away a hero but he continues to spread misinformation. Rollins wanted to give him one more chance and invited Mysterio and Dominik to Raw next week.
Mysterio wasn’t buying it and knew Rollins was only inviting him because he knew he wasn’t cleared. As Rollins pleaded with Mysterio, Aleister Black flew in out of nowhere, dove at Rollins and attacked him and they quickly went to break.
Mysterio’s line about the 619 was nonsensical. The last bit with Black was great.
Aleister Black & Humberto Carrillo defeated Austin Theory & Murphy (2:20)
Black and Carrillo won very quickly. Carrillo took out Theory with a suicide dive. With Murphy sitting on the top rope, Black caught him with a leaping penalty kick for the pinfall win.
After the match, Rollins came out to Mysterio’s music while wearing his mask. Rollins and his pals beat up Carrillo and Black. Theory took out Carrillo with an ATL. Murphy gave Black a Murphy’s Law and Rollins gave him a curb stomp. The audience chanted “you suck.”
Charly Caruso interviewed Randy Orton. He just wanted to know if Edge was Christian’s only guest on the Peep Show. She said yes. He was about to walk away but she asked what he meant by that. Orton said that he might actually have two guests. Caruso was very confused.
[Second hour]
The Peep Show
Christian introduced Edge, who was happy to see him. They hugged. Christian talked about how excited and happy he was to see Edge return at the Royal Rumble and get his WrestleMania moment. Christian wanted to be honest and said Edge was running on fumes. The audience chanted, “you still got it.”
Christian didn’t think Edge could pull off the “greatest wrestling match ever” in his prime. Christian said they were friends and had to be honest with each other. He said Edge was lying to himself if he thought he could pull that off.
Edge told him to pump the brakes and consider what he’s been through. Edge hasn’t had a straight wrestling match in over nine years and now was expected to have the best match ever. It was like being placed at the bottom of Mount Everest with nothing and told, “go.”
Edge said this wasn’t the same Edge who would look Christian in the eye and give him confidence because he didn’t know if he could go out there and have a tag match. Edge knew Orton has been wrestling this whole time and was firing on all cylinders. Edge didn’t know how much he had left.
Christian got up and got in Edge’s face, telling him that he was only hearing excuses. Christian asked if he thought he was back just to give everyone some greatest hits — hit a few spears and go home. Christian knew someone who always believed in Edge — his mom. She sat at ringside for every match and would again on Sunday.
Christian said if “Edge” wasn’t going to show up at Backlash, to go home right now. The audience chanted for Edge. Christian smiled. He saw the look in Edge’s eyes. That’s what he wanted to see. “We believe in you.” It was the same look he had in his eyes when he put Orton down at Mania. He said Edge had the anti-venom.
Christian added, “We have confidence in you. We think you can win. We think you can have the greatest wrestling match ever.”
Orton appeared on the screen and begged them to shut up. Orton called it pathetic that all Edge could say was that he was going to try. Orton said he would embarrass and humiliate him. Oron would send Edge home where he belonged, with his wife and kids. The redemption of Edge was over at Backlash.
Edge responded, “No, it’s not,” dropped the mic and left. Before going through the back, he turned and nodded at Christian. Everyone was very good in this segment.
Caruso interviewed MVP, who wore a Shad Gaspard t-shirt. He said if she wanted a breakdown of the effectiveness of the full nelson, she’d have to tune into the VIP Lounge later. MVP became distracted by R-Truth. MVP called him a clown. As they argued, Bobby Lashley appeared and put Truth down with the full nelson.
The Street Profits / Viking Raiders decathlon segment
Each team picked five events. The first segment was a 1600-meter dash, chosen by the Street Profits. Montez Ford beat Ivar easily, lapping him a few times. The Raiders selected archery and Erik beat Angelo Dawkins (Ivar could be seen still trying to finish his lap in the background).
The Profits won in cup flipping. The Raiders won in sword fighting after Ford forfeited before they even began. Dawkins beat Ivar in hurdles. Ivar thought he won because he crashed through all the hurdles. Erik beat Dawkins in “stick fighting,” which resulted in Dawkins being pulled into a kiddie pool.
Next was a dance-off. Ford danced to Shawn Michaels’ theme music, then Ivar danced to Fandango’s music. He danced with a lady judge, who called him cute. She voted for the Raiders but the two male judges picked the Profits, so they won. The Profits won shot put, the Raiders won at turkey leg eating. Ivar beat Ford at pole vault, so the event ended in a 5-5 draw.
Apollo Crews entered. He was excited to defend his US title against the winner of tonight’s triple threat. Andrade and Angel Garza began making their entrance for the match when they were attacked by Kevin Owens. Owens tossed them around ringside leading to a break.
Triple threat match: Andrade defeated Angel Garza and Kevin Owens to become number one contender for the US Championship (13:38)
Zelina Vega was ringside for Garza and Andrade. They teamed up and attacked Owens immediately. Owens tried fighting back a few times but they kept cutting him off. They hit a double suplex and Andrade went for a cover but Garza broke it up. They argued, then a shoving match turned into a brawl. Vega tried breaking it up but they knocked her over by accident.
Vega was taken to the back during a break. Owens went to the top but Garza caught him with a kick. Owens elbowed him and hit a senton but Andrade broke up the cover. Owens had Andrade on his shoulders while giving Garza a senton. Owens handed out cannonballs to each man, but Andrade avoided one and handed out running double knee strikes.
Garza superkicked Andrade, then Owens superkicked Garza and gave Andrade a frog splash for a nearfall. Andrade then hit Owens with a back elbow for a nearfall. Garza gave Owens a missile dropkick, then Garza and Andrade traded strikes. Owens took out both guys with a flip dive.
Garza countered an Owens’ stunner attempt and kicked his leg out of his leg. Owens fought out of a submission and gave Garza a stunner, but Andrade dropkicked Owens and covered Garza for the pinfall win. Fun match.
Sarah Schreiber asked Charlotte about her loss last night. Charlotte said she didn’t lose last night. She accomplished her goal to elevate the NXT title. She main evented Takeover and would main event Raw. Asuka danced in with her title. Charlotte asked if she ever took anything seriously. Asuka said, “yes, I do,” and slapped her in the face.
Garza and Andrade argued backstage. Vega appeared while holding her neck and they both fell silent. She pointed for them to walk and they did.
Kurt Angle talked about the upcoming Edge/Orton match. He said having a great match came down to chemistry. He spoke about the chemistry between Ric Flair and Ricky Steamboat, Shawn Michaels and Undertaker, as well as himself and Brock Lesnar. He said Edge and Orton had that chemistry. He picked Edge to win.
In the back, the Viking Raiders asked Drew McIntyre was ready to become a Viking. McIntyre was impressed with their performance earlier and with the ladies man Ivar. He liked their odds in their match against MVP and Lashley and invited them to join him after the show for a celebration. He also suggested they watch the VIP Lounge next.
[Third hour]
MVP’s VIP Lounge
MVP began introducing Lashley, calling him a once-in-a-generation athlete. McIntyre came out instead and thanked him for the great introduction. McIntyre told MVP that he forgot to mention that he was WWE Champion. MVP asked him why he was there.
McIntyre noticed Lana and Lashley having a disagreement backstage. He asked MVP to continue talking about his devastating finisher. MVP told him that he wasn’t talking about him, he was talking about Lashley.
They argued for a bit, which led to McIntyre questioning the nature of their relationship. He wondered if MVP was Lashley’s Yoda, and wondered if he would teach him how to become champion despite never winning a world title. He threatened to put MVP down again with a Claymore when Lashley magically appeared behind him.
McIntyre issued a warning to Lashley. MVP tried attacking him from behind but McIntyre gave him a headbutt. The Viking Raiders entered for their match against MVP and Lashley. The Street Profits came out too for back-up.
Bobby Lashley & MVP defeated The Viking Raiders (15:13)
McIntyre and the Street Profits watched from ringside. Lana was shown watching in the back.
Ivar made a hot tag and ran wild until he was yanked out of the ring by Lashley and slammed against the announce table. Lashley and MVP got in the faces of the Street Profits, then Ivar wiped out the heels with a suicide dive. The Raiders worked over Lashley after a break until he gave Ivar a clothesline and tagged in MVP who hit a running boot.
Caruso interviewed Lana mid-match and asked if it bothered her that Lashley has been asking her to stay backstage. She called MVP a leech and admitted that it did bother her, but it was okay because they would be the champion soon. It would also give her time to focus on herself and make 2020 the year of Lana. Lashley gave Ivar a powerslam for two.
Erik made a hot tag and suplexed MVP. The Raiders double-teamed MVP until Lashley made the save. They chucked Lashley from the ring and he bumped into McIntyre before spearing Ivar. Lashley blind tagged in as Erik hit MVP with a knee strike. Lashley grabbed Erik from behind, putting him in the full nelson and Erik tapped out.
After the match, Lashley taunted McIntyre who just sat there for a moment. Ivar decked MVP, so Lashley put him in the full nelson. The Street Profits tried pulling Lashley off but they couldn’t. McIntyre jumped in and gave Lashley a Claymore kick. This knocked Lashley out of the ring but he didn’t really sell it. McIntyre said Sunday would be a war.
The announcers ran down the Backlash card. In addition to the greatest wrestling match ever, we could get the greatest fight ever with McIntyre vs. Lashley. (This was a Saxton line.)
Charlotte Flair defeated Raw Women’s Champion Asuka in a non-title match (27:15)
As soon as the opening bell rang, Banks and Bayley entered to their music. They joined commentary.
Charlotte decked Asuka but Asuka came back with strikes. Charlotte pulled Asuka from the ring and launched her over the announce desk. Everyone at the desk saw it coming and bailed with plenty of time. They went to break two minutes into this main event match.
Charlotte was still attacking Asuka on the outside after the break. Asuka came back with a kick, blocked a big boot and applied an octopus hold. Charlotte slipped out and hit a low dropkick. The IIconics were shown watching from the crowd.
Charlotte was in control until she missed a baseball slide. Asuka blocked a boot again, used a dragon screw and a running hip attack into the barricade. Charlotte shoved her into the barricade/plexiglass and clotheslined her into it to take control again.
Bayley asked the announcers if they kept any snacks under the desk. They also told Saxton that he was dumber than Michael Cole. Asuka blocked a forearm and came back with forearms and low kicks, however, Charlotte knocked her off the top with a boot.
The IIconics suddenly attacked Bayley and Banks. They gave Bayley their double team finisher. When they returned from break, Phillips loudly told us that Bayley, Banks, Kay and Royce were barred from ringside.
Asuka hit a running hip attack and kicks. Charlotte avoided an armbar and hit a series of forearms. Charlotte caught Asuka as she tried a running hip attack and hit a back suplex for two. Charlotte did a nonchalant cover after a knee strike but Asuka kicked out quickly.
Asuka came back with a missile dropkick, German suplex, hip attack in the corner, kicks and another hip attack sending Charlotte from the ring. Charlotte drove Asuka into the barricade but Asuka came right back with a sliding kick from the apron. They fought on the apron and the referee stopped his count at seven for some reason.
Charlotte booted Asuka right in the face then hit a moonsault off the barricade. About ten people chanted “this is awesome.” Charlotte hit a big boot soon after for a nearfall. Charlotte tried a spear but Asuka countered with a knee/Codebreaker for two. Charlotte came back with a spear for a nearfall. They traded strikes until Asuka tried for a submission but Charlotte blocked.
Asuka nailed a roundhouse kick, then Nia Jax ran down and jumped on the apron. Asuka knocked her down with a hip attack, then Charlotte gave Asuka a big boot for the pinfall win.
As Charlotte posed, Jax gave Asuka a Samoan drop. Jax’s music played as the show ended.
Not sure why Nia Jax waited 27 minutes to interfere. I know why they did it, but this finish was brutal.
On the post-NXT TakeOver Wrestlng Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that the Edge vs. Randy Orton match scheduled for this Sunday’s WWE Backlash has already been taped.
In what WWE has been billing “The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever”, Meltzer said he was told the match was “really, really good” and that it was “two very smart workers working very hard to have the smartest match they possibly could under the circumstances.”
Meltzer surmised the match was taped so post-match editing could help it try to achieve the lofty goal of the marketing tagline for the match. He also said the rest of the pay-per-view was not already filmed as was reported elsewhere.
In Edge’s first match back after retiring in 2011, he and Orton went head-to-head at this year’s WrestleMania in a last man standing match that didn’t meet expectations with many critics calling it too long.
