WWE Backlash 2018 emanated from Newark, New Jersey. It’s the first “real” pay-per-view since WrestleMania (sorry, I refuse to count that glorified house show among the big shows), and while it doesn’t feel like much of anything has happened since WrestleMania 34, this card has some pretty good matches on it. Let’s give this damn thing a shot.
Kickoff Show
Ruby Riott def. Bayley – A Riott Kick after some assistance from the Riott Squad, and Ruby gets a much needed W. I figure she’s among the names they have to be considering for the next Ms. Money in the Bank. But, she could be a real cornerstone of the Women’s Division in the future. Between her PPV title match with Charlotte Flair earlier in the year and this, she’s showing that she welcomes to the bright lights and the big stage. Rating: 5/10.
Backlash Main Show
Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins def. The Miz – These two have some awesome chemistry, and it’s really a nice blend of styles. Miz has always been known for “working safe,” and Rollins is a bit of a wild man. But, for whatever reason, it really clicks with these two. These guys have really put in some work making that strap look important over the last few months. Also, the crowd screaming “BURN IT DOWN” as apart of Rollins’ entrance is one of my new favorite things.
Awesome spot where Rollins misses the knee, hits the ring post, and Miz hooks the Figure Four. Rollins reverses and the two go back and forth. The crowd is hot for this one. Rollins kicks out of two Skull Crushing Finales. Nice little exchange of roll-ups and pinfall attempts before Rollins connects with the Curb Stomp (or whatever he’s calling it these days). What an awesome match. Go ahead and pencil this one in on your WWE ‘Best of 2018’ lists. Rating: 8.5/10.
Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax def. Alexa Bliss – I like both of these superstars, but man – it is time for this story to end and both women to go their separate ways. This marks two PPVs in a row that their matches have gone on way too long. Jax gets the pin after a Samoan Drop and the match was rather forgettable. Rating: 4/10.
United States Championship: Jeff Hardy def. Randy Orton – Welcome back to Backlash 2009, folks! I’m here for the Jeff Hardy U.S. Title run, but man oh man am I over Randy Orton in 2018. This wasn’t a bad match, an effective one to get the Hardy reign started. Two of the all-time greats putting in a dependable performance. Hardy gets the win with the Swanton Bomb, and I’m ready for a new contender. Rating: 5/10.
Walk with Elias – WOW, Elias is friends with The Boss?!?! Who knew?!? Arguably the two greatest songwriters of all time, and they’re virtually bros? That’s cool. New Day, Rusev Day, No Way Jose, and a conga line featuring Titus Worldwide and Breezango interrupted. It was beautiful and brought a single tear to my eye. Bobby Roode then interrupts and hits Elias with the Glorious DDT. Conga line out, Roode twerks, everyone’s happy. Sneaky funny moment with Aiden English starting to join in before Rusev stops him. Rating: 10/10.
Daniel Bryan def. Big Cass – I get exactly why they booked this match, as John Mosley and I hashed out on the latest episode of the Checks and Championships Podcast. But, I still had some reservations. Give these guys credit – they put on a pretty fun little match that made a lot of sense. Gives Bryan a credible underdog win, and doesn’t really hurt Big Cass too much with the post-match beatdown. Rating: 7/10.
SmackDown Women’s Championship: Carmella def. Charlotte Flair – Someone else said that Carmella may not put on the best matches, but she damn sure has this heel thing down. Wish I could give you credit, but I’m a terrible journalist. Anyway, it’s true. The match wasn’t the best outing, but served its purpose. I was stunned to see ‘Mella get the pin straight up, but the knee buckling helped her. Decent title match. Rating: 5/10.
WWE Championship, No Disqualification: A.J. Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (Double Count-out) – I seem to be in the small minority that actually liked the match at ‘Mania. Left a little to be desired, but let’s be real – expectations were completely unrealistic going into the match. Still, no denying that this has been a bit of an odd feud and hasn’t really clicked the way one would think it might. I am incredibly surprised at how wrong they have gotten this entire feud. Still, this match had its moments….like when they each punted each other’s balls off. Rating: 6/10.
Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley def. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn – This is a match that happened for some reason. Rating: 5/10.
Roman Reigns def. Samoa Joe – This card looked so promising. It almost feels like the WWE had no concept of time. I can’t remember a show ever going nearly an hour over time. Coach’s commentary has been atrocious. It looked good on paper, but this show has DRAGGED ON. The pacing of these last few matches has been so poor and a show that initially looked like it could be decent ends in completely dull derailment. Reigns wins with a spear. Blah. Rating: 5/10.
Overall – A pretty boring show. Disappointed, but my God it is time for WWE to reset and feature some new programs.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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