WWE announced a storyline injury to Charlotte Flair during Sunday’s WrestleMania Backlash event.
Following an “I Quit” match that saw Ronda Rousey defeat Flair with an armbar applied through a steel chair, WWE announced during the show’s broadcast that Flair had suffered a fractured radius.
No timetable for recovery was announced, and WWE personality Kayla Braxton invited viewers to check WWE’s website for updates regarding Flair’s condition.
Rousey worked over Flair’s left arm throughout their match, including applying an armbar with Flair stretched across the ring ropes. The two also used kendo sticks and chairs as they brawled through the arena during the bout.
Flair’s sixth SmackDown title reign and 12th total WWE Women’s title reign ended with the I Quit match, while Rousey won the SmackDown Women’s Championship for the first time. Flair has also held the NXT Women’s title on two occasions.
Rousey had held the Raw Women’s title once before during her first WWE run from 2018 to 2019.
Ronda Rousey defeated Charlotte Flair to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WWE WrestleMania Backlash.
Rousey used an armbar with Flair’s arm trapped in a steel chair to get the submission win in an “I Quit” match at Sunday’s WrestleMania Backlash event.
In a storyline update later in the show, it was announced that Flair had suffered “a fractured radius” and that viewers should stay tuned to WWE.com for more updates on Flair’s condition.
Rousey and Flair brawled throughout the arena and used kendo sticks and chairs as weapons throughout their contest, a rematch from WrestleMania 38, where Flair pinned Rousey with a big boot.
Rousey returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble in January following a nearly three-year hiatus, winning the women’s Rumble match.
The title win marks Rousey’s first reign as SmackDown Women’s Champion, and ends Flair’s sixth SmackDown title reign. Flair has also held the Raw Women’s title six times, and is also a two-time NXT Women’s Champion.
In her first WWE run, Rousey held the Raw Women’s Championship from SummerSlam in August 2018 until the main event of WrestleMania 35 in April 2019, where she dropped the title to Becky Lynch in a triple threat match that also involved Flair.
Roman Reigns had some interesting words to say at a house show indicating that his career path might be changing soon. The guys speculate on what he meant and what his career trajectory might look like going forward.
Andrew talks about his new favorite wrestler W. Morrissey, who appeared on AEW Dynamite this week and looks to be in great shape. That has apparently sparked some interest from WWE and others.
They also talk about June’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door PPV in Chicago selling out.
They also break down Sunday’s Backlash and why interest in the show is lacking.
Also, Cody Rhodes was on the Broken Skull Sessions with Steve Austin which the guys had a few thoughts about.
Click below to listen or watch on YouTube using the video above.
WWE’s first pay-per-view since WrestleMania 38 takes place tonight as the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island hosts WrestleMania Backlash.
Along with several WrestleMania rematches, the show will feature a six-man tag bout between Roman Reigns & The Usos and Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro. What was originally announced as an Usos vs. RK-Bro Tag Team title unification match was changed to a six-man tag with no official stakes.
The SmackDown Women’s Championship will be on the line tonight, with Ronda Rousey challenging her Flair in an “I Quit” match. Charlotte used a ref bump to her advantage to retain the title against Rousey at WrestleMania.
Plus, Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins, AJ Styles vs. Edge, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos, and Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss are set for the PPV.
Edge’s Judgment Day stablemate Damian Priest is banned from ringside for tonight’s Styles vs. Edge match. A distraction by Priest led to Edge defeating Styles at WrestleMania.
Tonight’s main card begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern.
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Kick-off Show
The pre-show panel includes Kayla Braxton, Booker T, Kevin Patrick, JBL, and Pete Rosenberg. They ran down tonight’s card and recapped the Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins feud.
MVP joined the panel. He didn’t realize that Braxton was talking to him. JBL remarked, “we’re live, pal.” They recapped the Bobby Lashley vs. Omos feud, including MVP turning on Lashley and the arm-wrestling challenge. MVP noted that Omos promises to break Lashley in half tonight.
The panel discussed Edge vs. AJ Styles with Damien Priest barred from ringside. They turned their attention to the Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey feud.
They recapped Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss. Moss joined the panel to discuss the match. Booker wanted him to tell a joke, but Moss is serious tonight. He tried to start a “Big Bald Wolf” chant, but it didn’t catch on. The fans did break into a brief “Madcap Moss” chant.
In the back, Sara Schreiber interviewed Paul Heyman and The Usos. Heyman wished a Happy Mother’s Day to Roman Reigns’ mother. He also wished a Happy Mother’s Day to The Usos’ mother. Heyman added that RK-Bro’s mother’s failed raising them. He also thinks Drew McIntyre has serious psychological issues because he named his sword after his mother. The panel discussed the Reigns & The Usos vs. McIntyre & RK-Bro main event to end the kick-off show.
Rollins and Rhodes had a great match, but the WrestleMania match was slightly better. They both worked hard and told a good story.
They showed a Cody Rhodes-Seth Rollins video package.
The fans sang Rollins’ music during his entrance but booed when it was over. They broke into a loud “Cody” chant before his music played.
The story of the match was that Rollins is more prepared for Rhodes this time. Rollins quickly went for a back suplex. Rhodes slipped out and dropped down, but Rollins blocked the punch. Rhodes then went for a scoop slam, but Rollins avoided it.
Rollins took over after rocking Rhodes with a vicious clothesline at ringside. Rhodes fought back, dropped down, and hit the punch this time. He followed up with the disaster kick for a near fall. Rhodes went for the disaster kick again, but Rollins pushed him out of the ring.
Rollins whipped Rhodes into the corner. Rhodes countered with a sunset flip, but Rollins held onto the rope for a two-count. Rhodes regained control and gave Rollins a superplex. They then traded hard chops and slaps. Rhodes caught Rollins with a scoop slam and sent him to the floor.
Rhodes ran up the corner and hit a crossbody to the floor, but Rollins avoided it. Rollins went for a suicide dive, but Rhodes cut him off. Rhodes then hit a Cody Cutter for a close near fall. Rollins fought back and went for a pedigree. Rhodes escaped, but Rollins hit a superkick for another close near fall.
Rollins went for the stomp. Rhodes moved and attempted the Cross Rhodes, but Rollins escaped. Rhodes went for the pedigree, but Rollins hit a forearm to the back of the head. He followed up with a falcon arrow for a near fall. Rhodes went for the disaster kick again. Rollins caught him and hit a buckle bomb. He followed up with a frog splash for a close two-count. The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant.
Rollins went for the phoenix splash, but Rhodes moved out of the way. Rollins landed on his feet, but Rhodes responded with a superkick. Rollins recovered and hit a superplex into an attempted falcon arrow. Rhodes escaped and hit Cross Rhodes, but Rollins got his foot on the bottom rope.
Rhodes missed a moonsault, and Rollins hit the pedigree for a very close near fall. Rollins did the Dusty Rhodes flip, flop and fly, but Rhodes countered into the Cross Rhodes. Rollins escaped. Rhodes then attempted the vertebreaker, but Rollins slipped out. Rollins caught Rhodes with the O’Connor roll while holding the tights. Rhodes reversed and pinned Rollins while holding the tights for the win.
Omos (w/MVP) defeated Bobby Lashley (8:50)
Lashley and Omos had an okay match. They had a tough time following Rhodes vs. Rollins and seemed on different pages at times. It was pretty much what you’d expect from them.
They aired a Lashley-Omos video package.
Lashley backed Omos against the ropes, but MVP caused a distraction. Omos took advantage and rocked Lashley with a boot to the face. Lashley fought back, but Omos tossed him to ringside.
Back in the ring, Omos gave Lashley the snake eyes on the turnbuckle and followed up with another big boot to the face. He picked up Lashley again, but he slipped out. They seemed to be on different pages for a moment. Lashley then jumped on Omos’ back with a sleeper.
Lashley was firmly in control and tied Omos in the ropes. MVP tried to break Omos free, but Lashley chased him. He caught MVP in the Hurt Lock, but Omos broke it up. Lashley applied the Hurt Lock on Omos. He was almost out, but he recovered and broke free.
Lashley rocked Omos with boots to the face and attempted a suplex. Omos escaped, but Lashley hit a spinebuster. The fans popped for the spinebuster. Omos sent Lashley into the ring post and argued with the referee. MVP hit Lashley with his cane, and Omos hit the tree slam to win.
Edge defeated AJ Styles (15:24)
Damien Priest is banned from ringside.
Edge and Styles had a good match that started slowly but picked up towards the end. The big surprise was Rhea Ripely joining Judgement Day and helping Edge win.
They showed an Edge vs. AJ Styles video package.
The commentators noted Styles is at a disadvantage because of his shoulder injury.
They ran at each other at the bell and traded shots in the middle of the ring. Styles had the early advantage as he drove Edge’s head into the announce table. He followed up with a sliding dropkick and an Asai moonsault. He set up for the Phenomenal forearm, but Edge cut him off.
Edge slowed the pace down with a shoulder lock. Styles broke free and hit the Pele Kick. They fought on the top turnbuckle until Styles hit a hurricanrana for another near fall.
Styles worked over Edge’s leg and chopped him down. Edge fought back and went after the shoulder again. Styles recovered and locked on the Calf Crusher, but Edge broke free. Edge grabbed the middle turnbuckle pad and ripped it off as Styles gave him a German suplex. Edge missed a spear and hit the middle turnbuckle. Styles rolled him up for a two-count.
Edge regained control and speared Styles for a very close near fall. Styles fought back and hit the Styles Clash for a close two-count. Styles couldn’t do the Phenomenal forearm because of his injured shoulder. He slowly climbed to the top rope, but Damien Priest walked down the aisle to cause a distraction.
Priest pointed out that he was in the aisle and not at ringside, which seemed like a weak explanation. Finn Balor ran down and attacked Priest. Styles watched from the corner as they fought into the ring and to the other side. Suddenly, a person in a hood jumped on the apron and tripped up Styles. Edge then caught Styles in the cross face, and he passed out.
After the match, Byron Saxton wanted to know who the “guy” was that interfered. The hooded person got in the ring and posed in front of Edge. They took off the hood to reveal Rhea Ripley. The fans popped big for the reveal.
They showed a Bianca Belair video package.
“I Quit” match: Ronda Rousey defeated Charlotte Flair to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship (16:33)
Flair and Rousey had a really good “I Quit” match. They worked hard and told a good story. The fans were into the match and popped for the finish. Rousey got a good reaction as well.
They aired a Flair-Rousey video package.
The bell rang, and they charged at each other. Rousey worked over Flair’s arm and went for Piper’s pit, but Flair fought back. Flair hit a high-angle German suplex with Rousey landing on her head. Flair backed Rousey against the barricade and rocked her with hard chops. Rousey refused to quit.
Flair pulled out a kendo stick from under the ring. Rousey grabbed the kendo stick, so Flair ran to the back. She returned with two kendo sticks. Rousey grabbed those kendo sticks too and beat down Flair. Flair wouldn’t give up.
Flair grabbed the camera off the cameraman’s shoulder. She threw it at Rousey but missed. Rousey and Flair brawled through the crowd. Flair took over after throwing a drink in Rousey’s eyes. She then tossed Rousey into the hockey board.
Flair wrapped Rousey around the railing, but she refused to quit. Flair tried to hit Rousey with a chair. Rousey blocked the chair shot, and Flair ran back to the ring. Flair kicked the chair out of Rousey’s hands and drove her into the announce table. The fans broke into a loud “We want tables” chant.
Flair took over after giving Rousey a powerbomb into the barricade. Rousey went for Piper’s Pit, but Flair escaped and pushed her into the ring post. The fans broke into another loud “We want tables ” chant.
Flair climbed to the top rope, but Rousey cut her off. Rousey locked on an armbar from the apron as Flair was upside down. They then took a nasty fall to the floor. The fans chanted “We want tables” a third time. Pat McAfee pointed out a fan in the front row wearing a Fiend mask.
Flair hit Natural Selection on the chair back in the ring, but Rousey refused to quit. Flair locked on the Figure Eight, but Rousey broke free using the chair. Flair regained control and set up the chair.
Flair grabbed the mic and told Rousey this was her last chance. She then wished Rousey a Happy Mother’s Day. A furious Rousey caught Flair in the armbar using the chair. Flair refused to give up, so Rousey extended the arm until Flair finally screamed, “I quit.”
They aired a Money In The Bank commercial featuring Cody Rhodes.
Madcap Moss defeated Happy Corbin (9:39)
Moss and Corbin had a bad match that dragged at times. Moss looked good, but Corbin dominated most of the way. This would have been a fine TV match.
They showed a Corbin-Moss video package.
Moss had the early advantage until Corbin took over with a chokeslam. Corbin continued to beat down Moss and whipped him into the corner. Corbin slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Corbin then hit the around-the-ring post clothesline for a near fall. He slammed down Moss and hit a senton for another near fall. Moss bounced off the ropes and knocked Corbin to ringside. He tackled Corbin and threw him into the ring post.
Moss caught Corbin and hit a fallaway slam for a near fall. He set up for the punchline, but Corbin countered into a back suplex. Moss fought back, but Corbin hit Deep Six for a two-count.
The finish came when Corbin went for the around-the-ring-post clothesline again, but Moss countered with a sunset flip for the win.
They showed a Drew McIntyre video package.
They aired a Hell In The Cell commercial.
They recapped Ronda Rousey defeating Charlotte Flair in the “I Quit” match earlier. Kayla Braxton gave an update on Flair and announced she broke her arm.
Roman Reigns & The Usos (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro (22:09)
This was a good main event. They started slowly, but the fans were into it from the beginning. It picked up towards the end and turned into a really good match.
They recapped the Reigns & Usos vs. McIntyre & RK-Bro feud.
Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, and Corey Graves were the commentators for the main event. Cole pointed out that Reigns has been champion for 616 days. The fans broke into a “Randy” chant before the match.
Jimmy backed Orton into the corner. Orton broke free by poking Jimmy in the eyes. McIntyre tagged and caught Jimmy with a belly-to-belly suplex. He then pointed at Reigns to get in the ring. Heyman begged Reigns not to tag in because he has nothing to prove.
Reigns tagged in, and the fans popped. McIntyre and Reigns faced off to another pop. Reigns then walked back to his corner and tagged out to thunderous boos.
The heels took over and isolated Riddle on their side of the ring. Reigns finally tagged in when Riddle was in trouble. Riddle tried to fight back, but Reigns rocked him with a back elbow. He slammed down Riddle with a Rock bottom for a two-count.
Jimmy missed a splash in the corner, but Jey cut Riddle off. Jey then knocked Orton off the apron with a superkick. He went for the Rikishi splash, but Riddle countered with a knee. Reigns threw Jey back in the ring and tagged himself. At the same time, Riddle tagged in McIntyre. Cole noted Reigns couldn’t avoid McIntyre this time because The Usos were down.
McIntyre and Reigns faced off in the middle of the ring. McIntyre caught Reigns with a belly-to-belly suplex. He then took out Jimmy and Jey with neck breakers. Reigns recovered and hit the Superman punch on McIntyre. The fans broke into a “Randy” chant.
Reigns taunted Orton and Riddle on the apron. He knocked Riddle down and celebrated. McIntyre took advantage and hit the Claymore on Reigns. Orton got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit a power slam on Reigns and the draping DDT on Jimmy.
Orton tossed Jey to ringside. Reigns tried to jump Orton, but he hit the RKO to a massive pop. Orton then hit the RKO on Jimmy, but Jey broke up the pin attempt. McIntyre jumped back in and went for the Claymore. Jey responded with a superkick.
Riddle tagged in and got his chance to run wild. He rocked Reigns with a knee and hit the broton on Jey. He followed up with the floating Bro for a close two-count. The fans broke into a loud “This is awesome” chant. Jey avoided Riddle and hit a pop-up neck breaker, but Orton broke up the pin attempt.
Orton beat down Jey around ringside. Suddenly, Reigns hit the Superman punch on Orton. McIntyre sent Reigns into the ring post and cleared the announce table to a big pop. The fans have been dying for a table spot.
Reigns fought back and gave McIntyre the Rock bottom through the table to a big pop. Riddle then took out the heels with a crossbody. Jey recovered and hit a suicide dive on Riddle. Back in the ring, Riddle and Jey traded knees and superkicks. The finish came when Riddle hit the RKO on Jey from the top rope. Reigns made the blind tag and speared Riddle for the win.
After the match, The Bloodline celebrated to end WrestleMania Backlash.
Though a Tag Team title unification match was originally advertised, a six-man tag was always the plan for this Sunday’s WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view.
It was originally announced that Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro would be facing SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos in a title unification match at WrestleMania Backlash. Last week, that was changed to The Bloodline (Roman Reigns & The Usos) vs. Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro. The six-man tag currently has no official stakes.
Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that, despite the unification match being heavily promoted, Reigns & The Usos vs. McIntyre & RK-Bro was always the plan for WrestleMania Backlash:
The WWE WrestleMania Backlash show on 5/8 had a major change on the 4/29 Smackdown show.
The most heavily promoted match on the show was Randy Orton & Riddle vs. The Usos to unify the tag titles. On the show there was an angle where the two teams were in the ring brawling. Then Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre joined in and the belief was that would lead to a Universal title match at the show.
However, in things that were not taped in front of the crowd in Albany on 4/22, the night the show was taped, they changed the tag title unification match with a six-man tag match. At press time, it was just a six-man tag match with no championships at stake. Some thought maybe there would be stipulations added to put Reigns titles or the tag titles at stake.
The little bit we do know is that the six-man tag match was always the planned match. There was never a plan to do the unification match. So while most feel this was the usual weekly plans changed, it was not. That also explains why last week nobody would confirm Reigns vs. McIntyre to me, only that Reigns would be in the main event.
What we were told is that the decision was made to save Reigns vs. McIntyre for the bigger summer shows. The idea is with the smaller building and coming four weeks after WrestleMania, the interest level wasn’t going to be that high, and they need big matches for the bigger shows.
Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island is hosting WrestleMania Backlash this Sunday. Here’s the announced card for the show:
Roman Reigns & The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) vs. Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle)
“I Quit” match: SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
AJ Styles vs. Edge (Damian Priest is barred from ringside)
Happy Corbin will take on his former sidekick at WrestleMania Backlash.
WWE has announced that Corbin vs. Madcap Moss will take place at WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 8. The match was confirmed for the pay-per-view on this week’s edition of Talking Smack.
Corbin and Moss’ partnership dissolved during a Happy Talk segment on SmackDown two weeks ago, with Corbin blaming Moss for his loss to Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 38. Corbin attacked Moss, but Moss got the better of their brawl.
On last night’s SmackDown, Corbin approached Moss and said he was willing to forgive him. Moss turned Corbin down, saying that there’s no chance he’ll be Corbin’s sidekick again.
Moss defeated Angel on SmackDown last night. But Corbin blindsided Moss after the match, gave him the End of Days, and stole Moss’ Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy.
WrestleMania Backlash is being held at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The updated card for the pay-per-view is listed below:
“I Quit” match: SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
Title unification match: Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos
Despite not yet having a match announced, Roman Reigns will headline WWE’s next pay-per-view.
Dave Meltzer confirmed on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio that Reigns will main event WrestleMania Backlash. The PPV is taking place at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island on Sunday, May 8.
“We were talking a couple days ago about — since they haven’t shot any angle with him [Reigns] — maybe they’re doing a pay-per-view without him. That is not the case,” Meltzer said. “He is, in fact, in the main event. I presume they’ll shoot the angle on Friday. I don’t know that as a fact, I would presume it. But he is in the main event on the WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view.”
Reigns became the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion by defeating Brock Lesnar in a title unification match in the main event of WrestleMania 38 night two earlier this month.
Reigns didn’t appear on SmackDown last Friday. The previous week, he told The Usos that it’s time to unify their SmackDown Tag Team titles with the Raw Tag Team titles. Shinsuke Nakamura also confronted Reigns and The Usos during the segment and got laid out with a double superkick by The Usos.
The Usos vs. RK-Bro in a Tag Team title unification match has been confirmed for WrestleMania Backlash. Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey in an “I Quit” match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship is also set for the PPV, along with Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins and AJ Styles vs. Edge.
Despite appearing on the advertising for the pay-per-view, Brock Lesnar was never booked for WrestleMania Backlash.
Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Lesnar was never booked for WrestleMania Backlash and there was never a plan discussed for Lesnar to have a match at the PPV.
Lesnar was recently pulled from the advertising for WrestleMania Backlash after initially appearing on the promotional material for the show. Earlier this month, Lesnar lost a title unification match to Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 38 night two. Reigns became the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion by winning the match.
Meltzer wrote:
The other significant news is that Brock Lesnar was pulled from advertising for this show, which is actually very notable. The key in this situation is not that they changed their mind, but Lesnar was actually never booked for the show, only advertised for it. There was never a plan discussed for a match with him. This is a different type of false advertising than WWE usually does, which would be situations where they change their mind, or somebody gets hurt or sick and they know they won’t be there, but they keep it from the public and continue to advertise them. This is spreading things into a new realm, especially because Lesnar is theoretically one of the two biggest drawing cards the company has, and has been positioned as the company’s top babyface.
Lesnar hasn’t appeared on WWE television since WrestleMania. He’s advertised for Money in the Bank at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 2 and SummerSlam at Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Saturday, July 30.
WrestleMania Backlash is being held at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island on Sunday, May 8. Three matches have been announced for the PPV thus far:
“I Quit” match: SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Sonya Deville
Sonya Deville will officially be the first challenger for Bianca Belair’s Raw Women’s Championship.
During Wednesday’s episode of WWE’s The Bump, it was announced that Belair will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Deville at WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 8. The title match was set up on Raw earlier this week.
Belair won the Raw Women’s Championship by defeating Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 38 night one.
Belair defeated Zelina Vega in a match on Raw this week. After the match, Deville appeared and mentioned Lynch, Rhea Ripley, Carmella, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Doudrop, and Dana Brooke as potential first challengers for Belair. Belair said she was ready for whoever Deville had.
Belair signed an open contract for a title match and was waiting for her opponent to emerge. But Deville attacked Belair from behind, named herself as Belair’s challenger, and signed the contract.
Deville has been an on-screen authority figure for WWE since the beginning of 2021. She’s also wrestled while being an authority figure.
In a backstage segment on Raw, fellow authority figure Adam Pearce told Deville that naming herself as Belair’s next challenger was a complete and total abuse of power. Pearce said he couldn’t believe Deville thought she was going to get away with it. Deville said she made it official — and there’s nothing Pearce can do to stop her.
WrestleMania Backlash is being held at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Here’s the updated card for the pay-per-view:
“I Quit” match: SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Sonya Deville
WrestleMania Backlash 2022 has its first announced match.
Ronda Rousey will challenge Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship in an “I Quit” match at WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 8. The match was made official on this week’s Talking Smack.
Charlotte retained her SmackDown Women’s title against Rousey at WrestleMania 38 night one last Saturday. The finish of the match included Charlotte using a referee bump to her advantage to get the win.
Charlotte tapped out to Rousey’s armbar during their match at WrestleMania, but the referee had been knocked out in a ref bump. When Rousey went to wake the referee up, Charlotte hit a big boot on Rousey and pinned her to retain the SmackDown Women’s title.
Rousey appeared on last night’s WrestleMania fallout edition of SmackDown. She challenged Charlotte to the “I Quit” match at WrestleMania Backlash, but Charlotte declined and told Rousey to get to the back of the line. Adam Pearce said later in the show that a decision on the match would be made by Saturday.
Kayla Braxton told Charlotte on Saturday’s Talking Smack that the “I Quit” match had been confirmed for WrestleMania Backlash. Charlotte said quitting isn’t in her DNA — and she vowed to make Rousey say “I Quit” at the pay-per-view.
Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island is hosting this year’s WrestleMania Backlash.
WWE’s May pay-per-view has now been officially confirmed.
The Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island announced today that WrestleMania Backlash 2022 will take place at the venue on Sunday, May 8. This will be the second straight year that WWE has used “WrestleMania Backlash” as the name of its May PPV.
🚨ANNOUNCEMENT @WWE Wrestlemania Backlash – Premium Live Event 🎟️ Pre Sale : February 16 – 17 🎟️ On Sale : Friday, February 18 at 10 am 🗓Sunday, May 8, 2022 📍Dunkin' Donuts Center
Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks are featured on the WrestleMania Backlash graphic that the Dunkin’ Donuts Center posted on social media.
When WWE revealed its 2022 PPV schedule last October, the May 8 date at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center was included but the name of the show had yet to be revealed.
A pre-sale for WrestleMania Backlash tickets will take place from Wednesday, February 16 to Thursday, February 17. Tickets will then officially go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. Eastern time on Friday, February 18.
Here’s a look at WWE’s updated PPV schedule for the rest of the year:
Saturday, February 19: Elimination Chamber at the Jeddah Super Dome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3: WrestleMania 38 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas
Sunday, May 8: WrestleMania Backlash at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island
Sunday, June 5: Pay-per-view at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois
Saturday, July 2: Money in the Bank at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada
Saturday, July 30: SummerSlam at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee
Sunday, September 4: Pay-per-view at TBA location
October: TBA Saudi Arabia pay-per-view
Saturday, November 26: Survivor Series at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts
Meltzer said the severity of the tear is still unknown at this time with a full tear likely keeping the 40-year-old out for up to nine months.
He got the injury in his lumberjack match with Damien Priest Sunday as Priest landed on Miz’s legs after a spinning kick off the top rope. Miz was still able to work the remainder of the match, but was selling his knee repeatedly. He eventually lost to Priest and was then “eaten” by actors playing zombies as a cross-promotion for a Netflix movie.
On Monday’s Raw, Miz’s partner John Morrison dedicated his match to Miz’s memory and subsequently lost to Priest in another lumberjack match.
Conversely, Meltzer said he is unsure if Braun Strowman’s rib injury suffered in the three-way WWE title match involving Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre Sunday is a storyline injury or not. Strowman was not on Monday’s Raw as Lashley’s manager MVP played it up as if Strowman was too injured to appear.
In what ended up being a bizarre match featuring zombie lumberjacks, Damian Priest defeated The Miz at WrestleMania Backlash.
Prior to the match, John Morrison attempted to curry favor with the lumberjacks by entering their locker room, but quickly found out that they were zombies. After Miz and Priest entered the ring, the zombies arrived. Throughout the match, the zombies would go after both Priest and Miz. The finish of the match had Morrison stand on the guardrail in an attempt to take out the zombies, but was dragged down by zombies hidden in the barricade. Priest then grabbed a distracted Miz and hit the lights out for the win.
After the match, the zombie horde piled on the fallen Miz, with the assumption being that they were consuming him.
The zombies were part of a promotional tie-in for the upcoming movie Army of The Dead, which stars Batista. It was released in theatres on May 14 and will stream on Netflix starting May 21. Batista tweeted prior to tonight’s show that he was sending some of his friends to tonight’s pay-per-view.
The Mysterios are the first father-son Tag Team Champions in WWE history.
At tonight’s WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view, Rey & Dominik Mysterio defeated Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode to win the SmackDown Tag Team titles. After an angle where Dominik was attacked backstage by Ziggler and Roode during the pre-show, he returned during the match and pinned Roode to get the win.
The Tag Team title match started as Rey facing Ziggler & Roode on his own after Dominik was too hurt to wrestle following the pre-show attack. But Dominik came out to the ring and joined the match as it was going on. After Rey hit a 619 on Roode, Dominik gave Roode a frog splash from the top rope and pinned him to win the titles. Rey also took out Ziggler with a sunset bomb into the barricade to prevent him from breaking up the pin.
Rey & Dominik were interviewed in the ring after the match. Rey said he was on top of the world after their title win. Dominik said they made history and it was an honor and a blessing to share this moment with his father.
This is the first title that Dominik has held in his career.
Prior to losing the titles tonight, Ziggler & Roode had been SmackDown Tag Team Champions since defeating The Street Profits for the titles this January.
WWE’s first pay-per-view since WrestleMania 37 takes place tonight.
For the first time in his WWE career, Cesaro will get a one-on-one World title shot as he challenges Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Reigns retained against both Daniel Bryan and Edge in a triple threat match at WrestleMania.
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley also retained his title at WrestleMania, defeating Drew McIntyre. Lashley will defend the WWE Championship against McIntyre and Braun Strowman in a triple threat match tonight.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair and Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley both won their titles at WrestleMania. Belair will make her first title defense when she faces off against Bayley tonight. Ripley will put her title on the line against Asuka and Charlotte Flair in a triple threat match.
Plus, Rey & Dominik Mysterio will look to become the first father-son Tag Team Champions in WWE history as they face Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode for the SmackDown Tag Team titles. Damian Priest and The Miz will also face off in a lumberjack match.
Tonight’s pre-show starts at 6 p.m. Eastern time. The main card then begins at 7 p.m. Eastern.
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Kick-Off Show
Kayla Braxton introduced the panel members Booker T, JBL, and Pete Rosenberg. Rosenberg started by praising Booker’s A&E Biography. They ran down tonight’s lineup.
They recapped the Roman Reigns and Cesaro feud, including Reigns beating Daniel Bryan and Jimmy Uso’s return. The panel discussed the Universal title match. JBL and Rosenberg picked Reigns to retain the title, but Booker thinks Cesaro’s leaving champion tonight.
They recapped Bianca Belair winning the SmackDown Women’s Championship and her feud with Bayley. Sonya Deville joined the panel to talk about Belair vs. Bayley.
The panel turned their attention to Damien Priest vs. The Miz in a lumberjack match. They recapped Priest beating John Morrison to pick the lumberjack stipulation. Booker picked The Miz to win because he’s old school.
They recapped the Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair feud. It highlighted Ripley winning the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 37, Flair’s return, and her suspension.
Deville joined the panel again. Braxton noted Deville lifted Flair’s suspension and added her to the title match. Deville defended her decision and praised Flair.
The panel discussed Rey and Dominik Mysterio taking on SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode. They aired clips of Mysterio beating Ziggler last Friday.
In the back, Dominik was warming up when he ran into Ziggler and Roode. He tried to walk away, but they jumped him and beat him down. They dropped some big object on top of him and ran off.
Referees ran over but struggled to get the object off of him.
Sheamus came out and made an open challenge but in a non-title match. He mocked past champions that defended the title against anyone. He pointed out he’s not one of those champions.
He issued a challenge to anyone in the back, and Ricochet accepted.
Non-Title: United States Champion Sheamus defeated Ricochet
Ricochet and Sheamus had a good kick-off show match.
Ricochet rocked Sheamus with a dropkick right at the bell. He had the brief advantage until Sheamus hit Ricochet with a clothesline.
Sheamus stomped on Ricochet and gave him the Dublin smile. He tried slowing the pace down, but Ricochet fought back. Sheamus tried to pull Ricochet out of the corner, but he held on.
Ricochet hit a springboard clothesline, standing shooting star press and Asai moonsault for a near fall. Sheamus tried to pick up Ricochet, but he rolled through. Sheamus recovered and rocked Ricochet with a knee to the face.
Ricochet regained control with a backstabber. He followed up with a springboard 450-spalsh for a very close two-count.
Ricochet missed a 450-splash but avoided the Brogue kick. He rolled up Sheamus for a near fall. Sheamus jumped to his feet and rocked Ricochet with brogue kick for the win.
After the match, Sheamus put his hat and jacket back on. He started talking about issuing more open challenges than anyone else. Suddenly, Ricochet jumped Sheamus from behind. He then put on Sheamus’s hat and jacket. Sheamus was furious and chased after Ricochet.
The panel discussed the WWE Championship match. They recapped the feud between Drew McIntrye, Braun Strowman, and WWE Champion Bobby Lashley.
Main Show
Batista narrated the opening video, which had a tie-in with his new movie Army of Darkness.
Triple Threat Match: Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka and Charlotte Flair to retain the title (15:22)
Flair, Asuka, and Ripley had a good match.
They did the special ring introductions with all three standing in the ring. Flair rolled to the floor, but Asuka and Ripley went after her.
Ripley rolled up Flair for a near fall, but Asuka broke up the pin attempt. Flair ended up on the apron, and Asuka knocked her off with the hip attack.
Ripley and Asuka went back and forth until Flair pulled Asuka out of the ring. Flair took over and isolated Ripley in the ring. Flair ended up back on the apron, and Asuka pulled at her leg.
Ripley knocked Flair off the apron. Asuka climbed up the turnbuckle, but Ripley knocked her off too. Flair recovered and knocked out Ripley on the floor. She isolated Asuka in the ring and hit a boot to the face for a two-count.
Asuka recovered and caught Flair in an armbar. Flair broke free, but Asuka locked the armbar back on. Ripley jumped back in to break up the submission. Flair fought back and regained control.
Flair was firmly in control until Ripley started running wild. She hit a series of clotheslines and knees to Flair. She followed up with a Northern Lights suplex, but Asuka broke up the pin attempt.
Asuka gave Flair two German suplexes and hit the hip attack on Ripley in the corner. Asuka hit Flair and Ripley with a series of kicks. She followed up with a sliding knee on Flair for a near fall.
Asuka caught Ripley with a missile dropkick. Ripley then pulled Asuka off the apron. Flair followed up with a moonsault of the top rope to the floor. She threw Asuka back in the ring, but Ripley cut Flair off. Ripley attempted a superplex, but Flair held on.
Asuka then joined Ripley, and they gave Flair a double superplex. Ripley, Flair, and Asuka traded shots in the middle of the ring. Ripley caught Flair and Asuka with headbutts.
Asuka and Ripley gave Flair a double suplex, but Flair landed on her feet. She gave them both chop blocks and Natural Selection. Flair covered both for a close near fall.
Flair attempted a moonsault on Asuka and Ripley, but they both moved. Ripley tried to give Asuka the Rip Tide, but Flair made the save. Flair ended up back on the apron again.
Asuka charged at Flair on the apron, but Flair caught her with a boot. Flair fell off the apron, and Ripley hit the Rip Tide on Asuka for the win.
Ripley taunted Flair after the match.
They showed Bobby Lashley and MVP arriving at the arena.
In the back, John Morrison promised to talk to the lumberjacks to make sure Damien Priest falls into their thirst trap. Miz doesn’t think Morrison knows what a thirst trap is.
They recapped Ziggler and Roode attacking Dominik Mysterio on the kick-off show. Michael Cole noted The Mysterio’s dream of winning the tag team titles might not happen.
In the trainer’s room, Dominik couldn’t even stand because of his injury.
Rey told Dominik he can’t compete tonight and to stay in the back.
Rey & Dominik Mysterio defeated Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode to win the SmackDown Tag Team Titles (17:00)
This was a fun tag team match that told a good story.
Michael Cole pointed out that Rey’s daughter and wife are watching on Watch Along.
Rey decided to compete in the match without a partner because of Dominik’s injury. Rey jumped the champions to gain the early advantage.
Rey sent Ziggler to the floor and whipped Roode into the ropes. Rey then hit a sliding splash through Roode’s legs to the floor on Ziggler. Rey was firmly in control and gave Roode a senton off the apron.
Rey rolled up Roode for a near fall. Roode recovered and took over with a vicious clothesline.
The heels took over and slowed the pace down. Rey fought back and knocked Ziggler off the apron. Rey climbed to the top rope, but Ziggler knocked him off. Rey ended up in the tree of woe and injured his knee.
Roode worked over Rey’s knee. The referee asked if Rey wanted to give up, but he refused. Rey fought back, but the heels hit an assisted famouser for a close near fall.
Roode threw Rey under the bottom rope, and Ziggler caught him with a superkick. Rey beat the ten count, but the heels were firmly in control. They went for a double suplex, but Rey reversed.
Rey fought back and sent Ziggler shoulder-first into the ring post. Dominik Mysterio then walked down to the ring and got on the apron.
Dominik begged to get tagged in, but Rey refused. Rey set up Ziggler for the 619, but Ziggler recovered and hit the Zig-Zag for a near fall.
The heels isolated Rey on their side of the ring. Roode climbed to the top rope with Rey on his shoulders. Rey fought back and hit a bulldog off the top rope.
Rey crawled to his corner but hesitated to tag Dominik. Rey caught Roode with a dropkick and fell into the corner. Dominik tagged himself in and briefly ran wild.
Roode caught Dominik with a spinebuster to take over. The heels hit an assisted neck breaker for another near fall.
Ziggler set up for a superkick, but Dominik hit a superkick first. Rey got the hot tag and briefly ran wild. Roode caught Rey with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a close two-count.
Rey fought back and hit the 619 on Roode. Rey tagged in Dominik and took out Ziggler with a sunset powerbomb into the barricade. Dominik then hit the frog splash on Roode for the win.
After the match, Kayla Braxton interviewed Rey and Dominik in the ring. They celebrated winning the tag team titles and becoming the first-ever father and son SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
They aired a commercial for Army of Darkness.
In the back, John Morrison approached the lumberjacks locker room. He knocked on the door, and a bunch of zombies walked out. Yes, zombies.
Jimmy Uso entered Roman Reigns’ dressing room. Jimmy got in Jey’s face and noted that Reigns locker room is a lot better than his.
Reign showed up and approached them. Jimmy just wanted to wish Reigns good luck in his match.
John Morrison tried to tell The Miz that the lumberjacks are zombies. The Miz didn’t believe him. Morrison agreed that he must be wrong, and they walked off.
A bunch of zombies then walked by.
They showed a tweet from Batista. He noted he couldn’t be at Backlash, but some of his friends will be there. It turns out that Batista’s friends with zombies.
Lumberjack Zombie Match: Damien Priest defeated The Miz (7:00)
This wasn’t good. The zombies dragged the match down and took away all the focus.
Suddenly, this turned into a horror movie. Smoked filled the arena, and zombies came out of the crowd.
The Miz and Morrison tried to run away, but there were too many zombies.They ran over to the commentators, but a zombie came out from under the table.
The focus of the match was on the zombies at ringside. The Miz took over with a boot to the face. Miz fell to the floor, so he crawled under the ring to get away from the zombies.
Priest took advantage and scored a near fall. He followed up with a spinning heel kick off the top rope for a near fall. Miz avoided a kick and locked on the figure four leg lock.
The zombies pulled Miz and Priest to the floor.Miz and Priest then worked together to fight off the zombies. Priest rocked a zombie with a kick to the head.
Miz tried to high five Priest, but Priest hit a falcon arrow for a near fall. Morrison ran back to the ring, but Preist knocked him off the apron. The Miz then hit a running knee on Priest for a near fall.
Morrison took out the zombies with a dive. He attempted a move off the barricade, but a bunch of zombies dragged him to the other side of the barricade.
Preist then caught Miz with hit the lights for the win.
After the match, the zombies all climbed in the ring and crawled all over Miz. The idea appeared to be that the zombies were eating The Miz.
Jey Uso approached Jimmy Uso in the back. Jey was furious with Jimmy for the way he talked to their cousin. Jimmy got in Jey’s face and mocked him.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defeated Bayley to retain the title (16:00)
Belair and Bayley had a good match. They both worked hard and told a good story.
Belair had the early advantage as she caught Bayley with a dropkick. Belair chased Bayley around ringside. She avoided Bayley with a leapfrog and hit a shoulder tackle.
Belair followed up with the hand-spring splash for a near fall. Bayley grabbed Belair’s earring to take over. Bayley slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Bayley caught Belair with a back suplex for a two-count. Belair fought back and hit a suplex. Bayley recovered and used an inside cradle for a near fall.
They fought around ringside. Bayley regained control after she dropped Belair on the steps. Belair kicked out and sent Bayley to the floor. Bayley mocked Belair and laughed in her face.
Belair fired up and ran wild. She missed a charge in the corner, and Bayley regained control. Belair caught Bayley with a spinebuster for another near fall.
Bayley recovered and hit the flying elbow for another close near fall. Bayley then sent Belair into the ring post.
Bayley missed a suicide dive, and Belair drove her into the apron. Bayley used a back slide with her feet on the ropes for a near fall. She tried to cheat again, but the referee caught her.
Bayley then raked Belair in the eyes to regain control. Bayley did the ripcord using Belair’s hair. She then hit the Bayley-to-Belly for a two-count.
Bayley attempted the Rose Plant, but Belair reversed into a roll-up and used her hair for the win.
In the back, Kevin Patrick interviewed MVP. He noted Braun Strowman turned down his offer. He promised that Bobby Lashley would retain the WWE Championship tonight.
Triple Threat Match: WWE Champion Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) defeated Drew McIntrye and Braun Strowman to retain the title (14:11)
This was a good triple threat match with lots of hard-hitting action that went all over the arena.
Strowman had the early advantage as he threw Lashey and McIntrye around the ring. Lashley and McIntrye worked together and hit a double suplex on Strowman.
McIntyre took over and hit a cross body on Lashley. He scored a near fall on Strowman, but Lashley broke up the pin attempt. Lashley slammed Strowman down for another near fall.
Strowman hit Lashley with the steps to gain control briefly. McIntrye hit the Claymore kick on Storwman, which sent him over the barricade.
Lashley then gave McIntrye a suplex on the ramp to regain control. McIntrye fought back and sent Lashley into the LED board on the ramp.
He threw Lashley into the LED board again, and it exploded with sparks flying everywhere. Graves pointed out that Lashley disappeared.
Strowman attacked McIntrye to retake control of the match. He tossed McIntrye back in the ring and hit a senton for a near fall. Strowman missed a charge in the corner, and McIntrye hit the Michinoku Driver for a close near fall.
Strowman ran at McIntrye at ringside, but McIntrye countered with a suplex. Mcintyre attempted the Claymore kick, but Strowman caught him and power bombed him onto the announce table.
Strowman went for the running power slam, but McIntyre slipped out the back. McIntrye responded with the Claymore kick.
McIntyre had the match won, but Lashley returned. He threw McIntrye out of the ring and hit the spear on Strowman for the win.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Cesaro to retain the title (27:31)
Reigns and Cesaro had great match. They worked a fast-paced, hard-hitting match that told a really good story.
Behind the curtain, Reigns was preparing to enter for his title defense. He told Jey Uso to stay in the back. Uso noted he’s always in Reigns’ corner and said, “what if”. Reigns wanted to know what he meant by that. He compared Jey to Jimmy and noted he doesn’t need Jey. He told Jey to find his brother.
They battled over a lock-up until Reigns backed Cesaro in the corner. Reigns slowed the pace down with a headlock, but Cesaro broke free. Reigns hit a shoulder tackle for a one-count. Reigns got the headlock back on, but Cesaro broke free again.
Cesaro caught Reigns with a shoulder tackle for a one-count. Reigns became frustrated and rolled out of the ring.
Reigns tossed Cesaro to the floor, and he landed on his arm. Reigns worked over Cesaro’s arm and slammed him into the announce table. Reigns slowed the pace down with a headlock. Cesaro attempted a suplex but Reigns reversed into a suplex of his own.
Reigns slowed the pace down again. Cesaro broke free, but Reigns hit a flying clothesline for a one-count.
Reigns went back to the chin lock. Cesaro tried to fight back, but Reigns hit a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Cesaro avoided the superman punch and hit a pop-up uppercut. Cesaro followed up with a series of uppercuts in the corner. He hit a big boot for a near fall.
Cesaro targeted Reigns leg and locked on the sharpshooter. Reigns crawled to the ropes to break the hold.
Cesaro then hit a corkscrew plancha to the floor. He followed up with a running uppercut at ringside. Cesaro then hit a flying crossbody in the ring for a near fall.
Reigns fought back and worked over Cesaro’s arm. He followed up with the drive-by to the arm. Cesaro briefly fought back, but Reigns went back to the arm.
Reigns was firmly in control. He backed Cesaro in the corner caught him with a big boot. Reigns taunted Cesaro and stomped him in the corner. Cesaro fought back with uppercuts and a clothesline.
Cesaro and Reigns traded shots in the middle of the ring. Cesaro then gave Reigns a superplex from the apron for a near fall.
Cesaro attempted the sharpshooter but Reigns fought back. Cesaro then hit a double-foot stomp. Cesaro went for the Neutralizer, but his arm gave out. Cesaro fought back and went for the springboard uppercut, but Reigns hit the superman punch for a near fall.
Reigns went for the spear, but Cesaro hit an uppercut. Cesaro attempted the pop-up uppercut, but his arm gave out again.
Reigns locked on the guillotine submission, but Cesaro broke free. Cesaro then locked on the sharpshooter. He then transitioned into the cross face, but Reigns broke free. Reigns hit Cesaro with a series of shots. He then hit a sit-out powerbomb for a close near fall.
Cesaro tried to fight back, but Reigns got the guillotine submission. Cesaro lifted Reigns up and almost broke free. Reigns tightened his grip, and Cesaro passed out.
After the match, Jey Uso ran out and congratulated Reigns for his win. Reigns whispered in Jey’s ear. Jey then hit Cesaro with a superkick and beat him down.
Suddenly, Seth Rollin’s music hit, and he walked down to the ring. Rollins got in Reigns’ face. He then smiled and attacked Cesaro. Rollins threw Cesaro out of the ring. He beat him around ringside and grabbed a chair.
Rollins attacked Cesaro with the chair and targeted the injured arm. He trapped Cesaro’s arm in a chair and slammed it against the ring post. He then hit the curb stomp on Cesaro and celebrated to end WrestleMania Backlash.
