It’s Saturday afternoon and that means a special-pre WWE Backlash edition of Wrestling Observer Live.
WWE should make Dominik Mysterio wrestling’s ultimate nepo baby and put the first WWE World Heavyweight Title on him. Why? I tell you.
How can AEW have the lowest TV ratings of the year for Dynamite and then sell over 60,000 tickets for August’s All In at Wembley Stadium in the same week? Fans today know what’s up. Most people who watch wrestling are able to pick and choose what to watch and which shows to skip based on what they see as important. I discuss.
Plus, I think long title reigns are getting boring, I recap Friday’s WWE Smackdown and AEW Rampage, and look ahead to tonight’s WWE Backlash.
It’s ok though as the stories never truly end in WWE, or so we have been told. The next chapter in Cody Rhodes’ unfinished story has him facing Brock Lesnar in front of what will be a lively sold-out crowd in Puerto Rico. Whatever WWE’s plan is for him moving forward, it will really start to take shape at Backlash Saturday night.
There is a path for Rhodes to go from losing to Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39 to becoming an even bigger star than he would have been. I’m definitely not saying it was a good idea or that I have confidence in WWE to craft a beautiful multi-year storyline, but it is possible. What if WrestleMania 39 was The Empire Strikes Back and WrestleMania 40 is Return of the Jedi? They might not even blow up the Death Star until Mania 41, 42, or even higher.
If this was NJPW, the booking wouldn’t even be considered controversial. Kazuchika Okada lost to Hiroshi Tanahashi in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom twice before finally beating him. Then, Tetsuya Naito lost to Okada at WK12 before beating him at WK14. The idea is fans witness the wrestler grow, learn, or find something deep within themselves they didn’t know was there previously, and this helps them overcome an obstacle that once proved too great.
If done right, these can be inspiring stories to see play out in wrestling and in life (which are different).
And sometimes, the story is about getting up after you’ve been knocked down and never giving up on your dreams or something cheesy like that. Rhodes is perfect for that role. If that’s where WWE wants to go with him post-Mania, it will start Saturday when he faces “The Beast.”
Also, I think Bad Bunny is on the card.
Here are previews and predictions for WWE Backlash 2023:
Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
Heading into WrestleMania 39, Rhodes was a -800 favorite to dethrone Reigns. However, he’s only a -300 favorite to beat Lesnar. Although some of this drop is due to the greater potential for a screwy or DQ finish, I’m sure it’s also in part due to there being less confidence that Rhodes is “the guy.” Nonetheless, I’d say it’s pretty likely that WWE still has him listed as their top babyface.
It might be the case that Rhodes lost at WrestleMania in order to send him onto a hero’s epic journey of sorts. He’ll spend the next year, maybe even longer, overcoming a series of obstacles and then cutting passionate promos about said obstacles until he finally wins the big one. That doesn’t necessarily mean he wins at Backlash, though.
If he and Lesnar are only ever having one match against each other, Rhodes likely wins on Saturday. If this is a story playing out over multiple PPVs, Lesnar could win. The former winning seems more likely, though.
Prediction: Cody Rhodes
Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest
Bunny is currently listed as a -2000 favorite to beat Priest. This was once rumored to be a tag match with Bunny and Rey Mysterio vs. Priest and Dominik so if it has been changed to a singles match, WWE must have faith in what the musician is going to be able to do in the ring.
The crowd is going to be super into this one and that should create a fun environment. It will be a well-choreographed and, also, entertaining match. Judgment Day and the LWO will get involved but when the smoke clears, the hometown favorite will be the winner and everyone will have had a lovely time.
Prediction: Bad Bunny
Matt Riddle, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso)
With these two teams having been drafted to separate brands, I guess this is it for now between Zayn, Owens, Riddle, and The Bloodline.
There are a couple of storylines to watch for that could play out during this match. WWE is teasing that Reigns (through Paul Heyman) may give the word at any moment to Sikoa to turn on one, or both, of the Usos. There is also the possibility of Jey Uso eventually turning against his family and going babyface as that seed has been planted in his head by Zayn. These are the stories fans will watch play out on SmackDown over the next year.
The finish here will likely involve the brewing inner turmoil of The Bloodline costing them the match somehow. Zayn can then run off to Raw knowing that his goal of dismantling The Bloodline has been accomplished as the faction crumbles from within. The Tribal Chief will not be pleased.
It should be interesting to see what happens with The Bloodline storyline after this too. It’s possible by this time next year, Jey Uso will be one of the biggest babyfaces in the company.
Oddsmakers have the babyfaces as a -300 favorite and I don’t disagree.
Prediction: Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn & Matt Riddle
WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Zelina Vega
Vega is not going to win, but the possibility of her becoming a much bigger star definitely exists here.
Zelina will get a huge reaction from the Puerto Rican crowd. She doesn’t have to win to maintain that crowd support after Backlash, though. She just has to perform well in a big opportunity. If the crowd starts to believe there is a chance she can win (even though there really isn’t) or if they bite on a few near falls, it could make for a really exciting atmosphere.
The most likely end has Zelina getting a series of nearfalls before Ripley does something underhanded to gain an advantage and get the win shortly after. Zelina won’t get her hand raised but everyone will see her as a bigger star and one who can possibly hang with the wrestlers at the top of the division more frequently.
Oddsmakers have Ripley as a whopping -10000 favorite, the biggest of the night.
Prediction: Rhea Ripley
WWE Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against IYO Sky
Belair has just ripped through Damage CTRL over the last year.
In storyline, aside from a few runs with the Women’s Tag Team titles, Damage CTRL has been a largely unsuccessful faction. Belair has retained her title over Bayley on PPVs twice, they lost at WarGames to a bunch of babyfaces and then they did the same at WrestleMania.
If the rumors are true, Bayley’s faction is on a path to being broken up. Based on comments she made to Ariel Helwani earlier this year, it seems like creating a large and successful faction of female wrestlers was really important to Bayley. Also during that interview, she mentioned that Triple H once told her there needs to be a reason why her faction has joined together in order for it to be successful.
I’m not sure if we ever learned why Damage CTRL was together. To me, it has felt as though they are just three wrestlers who have joined together for the sake of joining together even if all three are great.
Perhaps there is still hope for the group. A new member or a shakeup of current members could change its course.
The likely end has Bayley somehow costing IYO the match and it leading to more turmoil within Damage CTRL.
Oddsmakers have Belair as a -2000 favorite and it’s pretty hard to disagree with that.
Seth Rollins vs. Omos
This match appears to be happening for no reason, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be bad. Rollins is a pretty creative wrestler and a match with Omos will give him some unique ideas to play around with.
Rollins is currently the betting favorite to win the new World Heavyweight Championship so if that’s where he’s headed, it’s unlikely he’s going to lose here.
Where Omos stands in the company right now is anyone’s guess. He was given one of the peculiar “free agent” designations in the draft and it’s not clear if that’s a good thing or a bad thing. If WWE wants to make Omos more of an attraction, he will have to start winning big matches at some point.
Oddsmakers have Rollins as a -1000 favorite and that does seem about right.
Prediction: Seth Rollins
WWE United States Champion Austin Theory defends against Bobby Lashley and Bronson Reed in a triple threat match
Theory is currently listed as a -2000 favorite to retain and I certainly wouldn’t recommend betting against him.
Theory will end up stealing the pin from either Reed or Lashley. He’ll run cowardly into the night with his title while the two big heavyweights are left fuming at each other. At first, I figured this match would likely further the rivalry between Lashley and Reed but then they got drafted to separate brands, so who knows? They went to a double countout on the April 10th Raw and I guess we’re just not getting another singles match between them now.
Prediction: Austin Theory retains
Follow along with our live coverage on Saturday night.
Wrestling Observer LIVE~! with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including the ticket sales for AEW in Wembley which are sky high, the WWE World Title tournament which is stupid and why, WWE Backlash tomorrow, Smackdown tonight, more details on CM Punk and the new Collision show, and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Andrew and Rich are back with another packed episode of Mat Men, talking about the latest in professional wrestling.
Tickets went on sale for AEW All In at Wembley Stadium in London, and the early numbers are leading to some records for a non-WWE event.
WWE held their Draft this past week. We talk about the new rosters and who might do well on their new brand.
WWE Backlash is this Saturday so we run through the card and wonder if Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest might actually main event since they are in Puerto Rico.
On AEW Dynamite this week, the main event was set for Double or Nothing, but will MJF vs. Darby Allin vs. Jungle Boy vs. Sammy Guevara be the big draw for the show?
Plus, we talk changes to AEW programming, WWE financials, your questions, and a special appearance by everyone’s friend, “French Tony Khan.”
John LaRocca and I are back with a brand new Fight Game Podcast.
We kicked off the show by talking about the Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar main event at Saturday’s WWE Backlash and gave our thoughts on who should win.
We then went to our thumbs up/thumbs down segment talking about MJF, Britt Baker’s controversial t-shirt, the pre-sale numbers for AEW All In at London’s Wembley Stadium, and Tony Khan’s hiring of Will Washington.
We then moved onto our big picture look at AEW Dynamite and discussed the following:
How they got to the four way for MJF’s AEW World title
Setting up Jon Moxley vs. Kenny Omega in a cage match next week
Roderick Strong’s AEW wrestling debut
Britt Baker slapping Chris Jericho
Hikaru Shida showing up to help the babyfaces in their fight against The Outcasts
You can subscribe to The Fight Game Podcast on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify or click below to listen.
Bad Bunny will return to the ring at WWE Backlash.
As announced on Monday’s Raw episode, Bad Bunny is set to take on Damian Priest of The Judgment Day in a street fight at the Saturday, May 6 Backlash pay-per-view in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It will be the third career match for Bad Bunny.
Bunny appeared on Monday’s Raw, saving Rey Mysterio from a Priest attack. Bunny hit Priest with a kendo stick, then announced that he was no longer hosting Backlash, but instead would be facing Priest in a street fight at the event.
Bunny last wrestled in the 2022 Royal Rumble match. Prior to that, he teamed with Priest to defeat John Morrison and The Miz on night one of WrestleMania 37 in April 2021.
A Raw Women’s Championship match has also been added to the Backlash card.
Bianca Belair will defend the Raw Women’s title against number one contender IYO SKY at Backlash. SKY won a number one contender’s match on the April 10 Raw, defeating Michin and Piper Niven to set up the title bout.
The updated Backlash lineup:
WWE Backlash, Saturday, May 6, 8 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock & WWE Network —
Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens & Matt Riddle vs. The Usos & Solo Sikoa
Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
Street fight: Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest
Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair defends against IYO SKY
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley defends against Zelina Vega
Triple threat match for the United States Championship: Austin Theory defends against Bobby Lashley & Bronson Reed
Three new matches have been added to next month’s Backlash event in Puerto Rico
The SmackDown Women’s title will be on the line on May 6, as Rhea Ripley will defend the championship against Zelina Vega. Friday’s SmackDown saw Vega ask Adam Pearce for a title match, saying that as a Puerto Rican, she deserves a chance to defeat Vega in the country. The match was confirmed later in the show.
Seth Rollins and Omos will also meet. Rollins was last seen on Monday’s Raw, defeating The Miz.
A three-way for the United States title has also been added, with champion Austin Theory defending against Bronson Reed and Bobby Lashley. Theory and Lashley were wrestling for the title on Monday’s Raw when Bronson Reed, who faced Bobby Lashley in a match that ended in a double count out the previous week, attacked Lashley for the DQ.
Here is the card so far for Backlash:
The Usos & Solo Sikoa vs. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Matt Riddle
Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
WWE United States title: Austin Theory (c) defends against Bronson Reed and Bobby Lashley
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) defends against Zelina Vega
Andrew Zarian and Rich Stambolian are back with the latest episode of Mat Men, discussing the latest news in professional wrestling.
The big story this week is the rumors of a plan to bring CM Punk back into AEW. Andrew goes into detail as to what he’s heard and how real this is. A lot of this is centered around a new Saturday show that looks to be starting this summer and would likely feature Punk exclusively.
Also, how do The Elite and others feel about him returning?
Plus, we talk ticket updates on both WWE SummerSlam and AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, an update on the WWE Draft, an extended Q&A session, and more.
Cody Rhodes has issued a challenge to Brock Lesnar for WWE Backlash.
In a promo on Monday’s WWE Raw, Rhodes addressed last week’s attack against him by Lesnar in the main event segment of the show, ending with a challenge for Lesnar to face him at Backlash.
Rhodes said that being as honest as he could be, that he was scared of Lesnar, but that he wanted Lesnar to look in the mirror and see a victim, Rhodes’ next victim. He demanded that Lesnar “answer the call” for his challenge at Backlash.
Backlash is set for Saturday, May 6 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It will air on Peacock in the United States, and on WWE Network internationally.
Rhodes also spoke directly on his WrestleMania 39 loss to Roman Reigns during his Raw promo.
“I lost and I’m sorry,” Rhodes said.
Rhodes also called attention to the viral moment of a rubber chicken being thrown into the ring as he lay defeated at WrestleMania, saying that being turned on by Lesnar last week after offering Lesnar a partnership was more embarrassing than laying next to a rubber chicken when he had expected to be holding the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.
Lesnar has yet to respond to the Rhodes challenge for Backlash.
WWE will receive $1.8 million in subsidies from Puerto Rico tourism groups to hold May’s Backlash in San Juan.
Wrestlenomics’ Brandon Thurston reported the news Friday via information from Mariela Vallines, the executive director of the Puerto Rico Conventions District Authority.
According to Thurston, the breakout is a $1.5 million subsidy and a non-monetary “in kind contribution” of $300,000 to hold the Saturday, May 6th pay-per-view/premium live event.
The $300,000 will cover use of the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot.
Vallines also noted that while there was no bidding process to host Backlash, she is under the understanding other cities were interested.
On past WWE investors calls, CEO Nick Khan had said to expect the company to earn more site fees for bringing events to cities, similar to the process with the Cardiff, Wales, government for last September’s Clash at the Castle.
Popular musician and past WWE wrestler Bad Bunny will host the event which will be preceded by SmackDown the night before in the same city and venue. It will be their first trip to Puerto Rico for an event like this since 2005’s New Year’s Revolution.
WWE will be in Puerto Rico for SmackDown the night before Bad Bunny hosts Backlash.
The Friday, May 5, 2023, edition of the show will take place from the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum of Puerto Rico in San Juan – the same venue that hosts Backlash the following night and also hosted New Year’s Revolution in 2005.
WWE released a statement in conjunction with the Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority (PRCDA) and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company on Thursday regarding the event.
“The PRCDA and the Puerto Rico Tourism Company have a phenomenal track record of delivering large-scale events to the island,” said John Porco, WWE Executive Vice President, Live Events. “Their partnership and support have allowed WWE to bring not just one – but two – nights of sports entertainment to Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot this May.”
“Puerto Rico is a world-class entertainment destination. We have proven ourselves time and time again by hosting worldwide known and recognized events. Our unique venues provide the perfect settings to receive our visitors and to guarantee them an incredible experience. We are proud and very excited to host one of the most-anticipated events of this year”, said Mariela Vallines, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Convention District Authority.
“Puerto Rico is a renowned, successful host of sporting events due to its state-of-the-art modern infrastructure, air-and-sea accessibility, variety of accommodations, experienced production staff and its warmth and hospitality. Events such as WWE’s Backlash and SmackDown provide a great venue to showcase the island’s assets both as a diverse travel destination, and an ideal location to hold international events such as this,” said Carlos Mercado Santiago, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
Two-time Grammy award-winning recording artist, Bad Bunny, is set to host WWE Backlash on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Bunny has performed twice in a WWE ring, teaming with Damian Priest at WrestleMania 37 in a win over The Miz and John Morrison, and also as an entrant in the 2022 Men’s Royal Rumble match.
Backlash will be WWE’s first premium live event to take place in Puerto Rico since New Year’s Revolution 2005. The main event of that show saw Triple H win the vacant World Heavyweight Championship in an Elimination Chamber match against Randy Orton, Chris Benoit, Batista, Edge, and Chris Jericho.
Announced on Wednesday, the music star will host WWE Backlash, set for Saturday, May 6th from Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico — his native island.
It will be the first WWE pay-per-view to be held in Puerto Rico since 2005’s New Year’s Revolution, a show headlined by an Elimination Chamber match. Presale registration has opened up, but the onsale date was not announced.
It will be Bad Bunny’s first WWE appearance since the 2022 Royal Rumble when he was a surprise participant in the Rumble match. He made his in-ring debut at 2021’s WrestleMania when he and Damien Priest defeated The Miz & John Morrison and has also appeared on Raw.
In a statement, he said, “In 2005 when I was a kid, I wasn’t able to attend New Year’s Revolution at el Coliseo. Finally, 18 years later WWE returns to the island with a massive event and this time I won’t miss it.”
WWE will run two pay-per-views this May, according to a report.
Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics reports that WWE has Backlash scheduled for Saturday, May 6, plus King and Queen of the Ring set for Saturday, May 27.
The May 27 date is on Memorial Day weekend, traditionally the weekend that AEW holds their Double or Nothing pay-per-view in Las Vegas. AEW has run on the Sunday of that weekend the past two years after running Saturday for the first two Double or Nothing events.
The report notes that this year’s Backlash will not have the “WrestleMania Backlash” title that the event had in 2021 and 2022.
WWE filed for the “King and Queen of the Ring” trademark in December 2022.
King of the Ring was a standalone pay-per-view for WWE from 1993 to 2002, and the tournament has since been incorporated into programming sporadically.
Xavier Woods was the most recent King of the Ring, winning a tournament final at Crown Jewel in 2021. Zelina Vega was the winner of the 2021 “Queen’s Crown” tournament final at the same event.
RK-Bro and The Usos will square off at WrestleMania Backlash to unify WWE’s Tag Team titles.
The “Winners Take All Tag Team Championship Unification Match” was announced during this week’s WWE SmackDown episode after first being teased on last week’s show. Raw Tag Team Champions Randy Orton and Riddle will face SmackDown Tag Team Champions Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso at the Sunday, May 8 WrestleMania Backlash premium live event streaming on Peacock in the United States, and on WWE Network in the rest of the world.
The WWE Championship and Universal Championship were unified at WrestleMania 38 when Universal title holder Roman Reigns defeated WWE title holder Brock Lesnar.
Three matches have officially been announced for WrestleMania Backlash, which will be held in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Here is the announced lineup so far:
WWE WrestleMania Backlash, Sunday, May 8 —
Tag Team Championship unification match: Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos
SmackDown Women’s Championship I Quit match: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Ronda Rousey
There were three main events at UFC 203: one man lost his fight after taking a “time out” because he hurt his finger. Another man lost after literally running away from his opponent for half the fight. And the third, he walked into the centre of the cage, put all his food on the table, and was bested by a younger and more experienced fighter.
CM Punk may not have won his fight last night. But from his preparation to his execution to his five-star post fight promo which was inspirational and humbling, encouraging kids to follow their heart even if it’s not popular and you don’t win every time out, I can’t imagine having more regard for the way he conducted himself than I do.
Yes, his first fight would have made WAY more sense to do at a local show with people of his experience and maybe even age. But he got the chance to live his dream, he had the balls to do it in front of the world, knowing the odds were against him, and he left it all on the table. That’s a winner in my book.
– Blake Norton
Thumbs up
– Best: CM Punk vs. Mickey Gall – Worst: Uriah Faber vs. Jimmy Rivera
This show was just like a SEG UFC show. Think about all that happened: A random pre show injury canceling a fight, a pull apart with a fighter and a cornerman, claims of a phantom tap which didn’t happen, a referee who doesn’t understand the rules and allows a timeout, and a total squash with an inexperienced fighter who had no business being in the cage. It made me oddly reminiscent.
How hysterically incongruous and tone deaf was CM Punk’s post fight interview? I love the sentiment behind his message but to give a speech saying “don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something” after he just literally showed he couldn’t do something was like a bad SNL skit. Taking a beating without landing a significant strike after training for almost two years isn’t an accomplishment and for him to treat it like such showed a level of self delusion that bordered between amusing and pitiful. I hope we see him back in pro wrestling and far away from the octagon.
– Nick Randall
Overall thoughts: thumbs up.
You had two 1st round finishes (I.e., Andrade over Caldwell & Miocic over…Overeem) sandwiched between 2 decisions and a mercy killing.
Best: Overeem and Miocic was a high level heavyweight fight, w/ power and ‘Reem’s questionable chin on display. The avoid punishment/Kaleb Starnes-esque performance almost paid dividends.
Worst: Werdum V Browne. Granted, it would be easy to place Galll’s mercy killing of Browne in this spot, but the rematching heavyweights managed to underperform without the charm we’ve come to expect. Not only did both fighters gas near the end of the 1st RD, Browne inexplicably called timeout, Edmond Tarverdyan lost his voice saying nothing, & Werdum kicked said head coach in the chest to close the show…just too much HW weirdness in one fight.
– Austin Grout
WWE Backlash 2016
Thumbs Up
– Best Match: AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose – Worst Match: The Usos vs. Hype Bros
Mauro doing play-by-play for an entire WWE PPV was a glorious thing. They somehow managed to get me to legit care who won the Slater & Rhyno vs. Usos tag title match. AJ Styles as WWE World Champion needed to happen and was the right call, in my opinion.
– Lou Pickney
Thumbs Down
I skipped the Sunday NFL game because I had watched enough football for the day and was looking forward to this show.
– Best Match Styles/ Ambrose – Worst Match: Both Usos matches
A few notes:
– Women’s six pack match was good. Love Alexa Bliss and Carmella. They are working real hard. – The Miz is getting better. Ziggler is in No Man’s Land, again. – The Usos (and those in power) have no clue that it’s not “heat” that they’re getting. It’s “not caring or indifference” and they play the worst thuggish heels. Kind of what Roman was forced into.
If you would have told me a year ago that AJ would have kept his momentum and walked out Champion last night, I would have woke up and thought that they wrestled control out of Vince’s hands. Match was awesome.
– Mike Stack
Thumbs down
Best Match: Women’s Six-Way – Great match with the best heat of anything on the show. Aside from Naomi’s botch and Carmella’s slaps, the action was consistently entertaining. Didn’t get the constant breaking up of pin/submission attempts, or why everybody was throwing everybody out of the ring, but that didn’t ruin it for me. I was sure the main event would top it, but this way the only match on the show that caught and held my attention.
Worst Match: Usos vs. Hype Bros – Assuming Orton/Wyatt doesn’t count, this was probably the most uneventful match on the card. Heel Usos are doing absolutely nothing for me, though I didn’t care for them as faces either.
UFC 203
Best Fight: Miocic vs. Overeem
I can’t say much more, as I missed a few fights, and was only really paying attention to Punk/Gall and the main event. Hearing Cult Of Personality and seeing Punk come out and be so genuinely happy was heartwarming, and everything after that was profoundly sad. Seeing a good guy strive to make a dream come true and end up getting smacked back to earth was just depressing as all hell.
– Tyler Shillman
Thumbs up
– Best match: AJ vs Dean – Worst match: Usos vs Hype Bros
I loved everything about the main event. Seeing AJ, maybe the best in the world right now, have this at the top in WWE despite all the reasons you’d guess he wouldn’t get to, is really something special to watch. Women were solid and they made the right choice with Slater getting the win as well. Only real negative is the announcing. Mauro is obnoxiously bad. Over the top, corny and annoying.
– Erin Hotovy
Thumbs in the middle
– Best match: Ambrose-Styles – Worst match: Divas (too long)
The Ambrose-Styles title match was quite good,and nice to see Styles get the belt. Miz-Ziggler both tried, but in the end, this is not a marquis match. Slater’s tag title win was fun, albeit expected. Divas match was too long. Could have lived without “qualifier” tag – this is TV filler. Most of the show was actually standard TV fare, outside of the world title match. This doesn’t excite me for more watered down PPVs.
– Mike Omansky
Thumbs Up
– Best Match: AJ Styles vs Dean Ambrose – Worst Match: Bray Wyatt vs Kane
The crowd liked Ambrose but they loved AJ. Clearly he has a babyface run coming sooner rather than later, especially since the Smackdown babyface side is so weak. But then again, the heel side is also so incredibly weak. Unless they’re going to do a brand-to-brand trade of Apollo Crews for Cesaro, the only real main event option for next month is a rematch of Styles vs Ambrose, unless they’re going to somehow insert Cena and make it a three-way. If they want to be comical, they could have Ziggler demand a second chance and have Cena beat him on Smackdown to get into the three-way. But perhaps they’ve buried Ziggler far enough underground for now.
No idea if the Randy Orton injury was suspected for the past couple of weeks and that’s why Kane has been getting comic squash victories on Smackdown. But it sure feels that way now.
Miz worked harder than he has in several years. Perhaps he saw this as a wake-up call to finally get pushed back into main events. Except he’s been buried far enough underground for the past couple of years.
Becky won the other ladies title, however it feels ominously like a placeholder position until they can fluke Eva Marie into the champion, to transition to Nikki.
Slater and Rhyno seem to have lucked into the Smackdown tag belts. For Rhyno, it’s payback for years of utility work. For Slater, it’s the biggest (albeit comical) push he’s gotten with a victory since his days in the Nexxus (remember them?).
– Jeff Cohen
Thumbs in the Middle
– Best Match: Styles vs. Ambrose – Worst Match: Usos vs. Hype Bros
Corbin vs. Crews kicked things off on the preshow with a pretty decent match. Corbin picks up the win. Crews needs to get some victories, because right now he is a super athletic enhancement guy. Womens elimination starts the main show. Pretty entertaining, although a few botched things. Glad to see Becky get a title.
Usos vs. Hype Bros was nothing special. Usos win and move on as expected. Why Uso’s would be rewarded after what they did to Gable makes no sense, but at least they brought that point up on the show as well. Miz vs. Ziggler for the I-C Title was a good solid match, but Ziggler loses again even if it wasn’t clean. Not sure what they should do with Dolph at this point. He has lost too many times.
Kane vs. Bray Wyatt was filler really. No offense to Kane, but his time has past and Wyatt should have picked up the win despite the Orton thing. Kane isn’t going to get a push and Wyatt needs to be protected. Slater & Rhyno vs. Usos for the Tag Titles. Not great, but not bad and Slater and Rhyno are entertaining as a team and people are into it so why not. I’m sure they won’t hold the titles for too long.
AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose for the title was very good. Saved a lackluster show from being thumbs down. Not as good as the Summer Slam match with Cena, but still very good. I like Dean, but glad to see AJ get a title in WWE. I think the crowd was actually favoring AJ from what it sounded like.
Well only two weeks until Clash of Champions and then another two weeks after that until No Mercy. I think ultimately there are going to be too many shows too close together to make them feel special. But at least I don’t have to pay $50 per event because that got out of hand the last time they did this.
– Robb Block
Thumbs down
– Best: AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose – Worst: Usos vs. Hype Bros
I love that AJ Styles is WWE World Champion… And that’s about it. Everything else showed how desperately SmackDown needs some more talented workers, ASAP. Not the best start to the brand split shows.
– Nick Randall
Wow! What a great show, big thumbs up! I was very much surprised. Going into this show it appeared rather weak, I was not expecting much. I’m not really a fan of the brand split since I didn’t think it was very good the first time around years ago. Smackdown has always been treated as the “Secondary” brand, which always made no sense to me at all. But now I have to say I’m more of a fan of Smackdown so far then Raw. Smackdown seems to be the more wrestling oriented brand, less pointless promos and bad acting. And tonight was a huge surprise and a great show. I would have to say the best match of the night was the main event for the World title between Styles and Ambrose, and the worst match was probably the tag match for the tag titles, although it was ok. Just not very good compared to all the other matches of the night.
1. Women’s title match – Lynch, Carmella, Nattie, Nikkie, Alexa, Naomi – Match was good. Naomi is very impressive. Good dive to the outside on all of the women. Good choice with Becky Lynch as champ. My pick would have been Naomi as she is the most talented of this group in my opinion. Hopefully she is next as champ.
2. Hype Bros – Uso’s – Well, the tag teams in this tournament have been lacking, with the best team of American Alpha having been eliminated for seemingly no reason. Hype Brothers are annoying, Mojo gets on my nerves. Uso’s just seem to have a problem getting over regardless if they are heels or faces. But good win for the Uso’s to elevate them as heels I guess.
3. Miz VS Ziggler – Good match between the two, Miz has been really good as I/C champ and his seemingly out of control promo on talking smack was awesome. Who knew that letting these guys cut loose with a good promo is a thousand times better then a scripted promo from TV sitcom writers? lol. But Miz is doing a great job as champ and good to see the I/C title being elevated.
4. Kane VS Wyatt – Good match for what it was, last minute replacement for no Orton. Not sure why Kane got the pin, this made no sense in getting a pin over the biggest heal on Smackdown. The point is to keep one of your top heels strong, especially in the middle of a feud. Odd finish in my opinion, but good brawl.
5. Slater / Rhyno – VS Uso’s – Didn’t seem like a good match and lagged in parts, but not sure if it was because the other matches were so much better or having to see the Uso’s do the same heel gimmick in one night. But cool to see Slater and Rhyno win the titles, good pop by the crowd.
6. Styles VS Ambrose – Wow! Awesome match and was very surprised that AJ got the win and the world title. The treatment and booking of Styles has been rather lackluster since he made his debut with WWE. Was not really liking his heel push. But anyone who gets a win over Cena is already my favorite, lol. But what an awesome match. And great to see Styles get the world title. This makes him I think the only person to hold the IWGP, TNA, and now WWE World title? But not sure. Awesome match and a really good show.
– Jon Southerland
Thumbs In The Middle
Thought it was an ok show. Substandard line-up & match quality wasn’t as high as many of their other shows, for me, but it was an easy watch & had a real good main event.
Crews vs. Corbin
Thought it was a decent match. There was a couple of awkward moments, Corbin showed his inexperience/limitations on occasions, but I thought Crews did a good job leading & it was decent stuff with a fairly hot crowd for the opener.
Women’s Six Way
Thought there was a little untidiness at times, mainly involving Carmella & Bliss, as well as the flow not being perfect at times, but it was a real good effort from the women. Very happy for Becky who I’m very fond of. Think Carmella needs greater alteration to her character with the turn as well as improvements with her aggression as a heel. Athletically & offensively Naomi is really good, as well as a good bumper, & she’s much better suited to working babyface with her ability to shine on offense – if she could just iron out the kinks & remain consistent during her matches, I think she could be a real good in-ring performer.
Hype Bros vs. The Usos
Not much say about it, standard solid tag match. Like The Usos as heels, think it’s a breath of fresh air
Ziggler vs. Miz
They always have good matches & I thought this was another good solid one here. Was slightly annoyed by the backstage skit involving the celebrity child actor. For one the lack of consistency is Miz’s character – in that he seemed to have evolved into this bitter guy with a chip on his shoulder, but then here regressed back to the smug, comedic, deluded actor. Secondly, him getting “punked-out” by a little kid like that is lower-card heel stuff. If they’re going to keep the title on him, use him in the upper-card & want you to take him a little more seriously, that stuff really isn’t productive. Surely Ziggler has to be turning which is long overdue.
Wyatt vs. Kane
Nothing outstanding, but thought it was the best Kane match I’ve seen in awhile. They obviously smoke & mirrored it up with the No Holds Barred stipulation & what came with that, but regardless he worked hard, they sensibly weren’t overly generous with the time & I thought it was a good match.
Worst Match: The Usos vs. Slater & Rhyno
Much like the prior one just a standard solid tag match. Took it pretty easy building to the hot tag & enhancing reactions for when they turned-it-up in the final few minutes & it was fine. Honestly would’ve preferred an Usos victory, but people are enjoying Slater & Rhyno’s antics & I suspect it won’t be a long title reign.
Best Match: Styles vs. Ambrose
Thought it was a very good main event. Really liked the layout, paced great, flowed well, some nice spots, another crazy bump or two from Styles, Ambrose showed some good fire on a couple of occasions, tweaked his offense for the better, on the other hand there was a couple of things I felt he rushed, also there was a couple of occasions where they weren’t completely on the same wave length, but really liked it & look forward to the rematch.
– Tom Griffiths
Thumbs Up
– Best Match: Styles Ambrose – Worst Match: Usos v Hype Bros
String of solid shows continues! Especially nice on a show a lot of folks wrote off or may have passed up for a possible Super Bowl preview. Glad I watched live as was very entertainied. Slater winning was a great story. Will be interesting to see how they can keep advancing this now that hes “made it” while being a champ for a third time. I would have to go back and check but this could be best match of Miz’ career. Sure a lot may be ziggler but hes been doing a good job. Was the second best match on the card. Could be in the minority but do not like the Usos turn. Sure they could have been stale to “us” but theres only a few acts all the younger fans cheer regularly and would have liked to see them stay for that. Need to keep and grow that fan group. Me personally will be interesting to see them with an edge. Nice to see Becky have a chance to shine. Killer performance by Styles in the main event. Probably best match involving Dean since one of the Evolution-Shield matches? Welcoming the rematch either on Smackdown or whichever the next will be – Hell In A Cell?
– Michael O’Brien
I would give this pay-per-view a thumbs up.
The women’s match was surprisingly good (I’m probably in the minority for this), and it was my second favorite match of the night behind AJ and Dean. I was very surprised of the mixed reaction to Dean, but I attribute that to the all-out love that the hardcore fans give to AJ, rather than any real slight against Dean. For what it is worth, I wanted AJ to win as well, and Dean is my favorite wrestler. It just feels like his time.
– Ricky Ray
Big thumbs up for Backlash.
– Best Match: AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose
– The Women’s Six-Pack Challenge comes at a very close second.
– Worst Match: Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
There were no bad matches on this card. All around excellent PPV, best of the year so far.
– Kastros Drakan
– Best match: AJ Styles vs Dean Ambrose
– Worst match: Bray Wyatt vs Kane
Most of the show was ok at best. I am ok with Slater and Rhyno winning the tag titles, but hope it is a quick turnover to allow American Alpha and the Uso’s to feud over the belts.
Becky Lynch winning the women’s title was a good way to start the show. I though Miz and Ziggler had a good match, especially considering their rivalry is fairly played out. I had no interest in Wyatt vs Orton and even less in Wyatt vs Kane.
The world title match was one of the best WWE matches of the year. It was a great showcase for both Styles and Ambrose and I hope they continue the feud. Styles may be one of the best guys to get the title in recent WWE history. I like both Rollins and Owens in the role but Styles is probably the best in the world.
