It’s better late than never! PWP Original Derron Browning is back with a review of SmackDown’s first pay-per-view, WWE Backlash.
Ladies and gentlemen, back after a six month hiatus, the Browning Review is back! Today, I review WWE SmackDown LIVE’s first solo pay-per-view in six years, Backlash! Backlash took place on September 11, 2016 at the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia.
During the kickoff show, Baron Corbin defeated Apollo Crews in an NXT Takeover: London rematch with Corbin pinning Crews with the “End of Days.” This match was significantly better than their match in London. Corbin was in top form tonight and showed that he has improved significantly since his days in NXT.
I may be in the majority but I believe that it was a mistake to call up both Apollo Crews and Baron Corbin this year. Do I think Apollo Crews and Baron Corbin deserve to be on the main roster? Yes but right now, both men are just bodies on SmackDown. Baron Corbin was arguably one of the top heels on NXT and was getting better each and every match he was in. His match vs. Samoa Joe at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn last year was proof of that. Plus, you can have him as a top contender for the NXT Title. As for Apollo Crews, we get that he is athletic and has a million dollar smile but his character isn’t really established yet.
Grade: B-
We open up the show with a crawl that reminds us that “Freedom is not free” and honoring those affected by the 9/11 attacks. Instead of a national anthem, SmackDown commissioner, Shane McMahon and SmackDown general manager, Daniel Bryan welcome us to the show.
The two thank us for making Backlash possible and practically plug the show, which leads us to our opening match!
This match was a surprisingly good opener with each woman looking strong. Alexa Bliss was eliminated first by Naomi after a Blockbuster/Powerbomb combo with Natalya. Naomi would be eliminated next, thanks to Natalya’s Sharpshooter. Less than two minutes later, Natalya would be eliminated by a TKO from Nikki Bella.
Eight seconds later, Carmella would roll up Nikki Bella to eliminate her. Carmella and Becky Lynch would be the final two in the match and Becky Lynch would make her tap out with the Dis-Arm-Her to become the first SmackDown Women’s Champion! Post-match, Becky Lynch would cut a promo, thanking the fans for our support.
My only complaint about this match is that Carmella had no business in this match whatsoever. I believe that this match greatly exposed how green she still is as the match stalled near its conclusion. If it was up to me, I would have drafted her to Raw with Enzo and Cass as she could continue to get better off-screen while appearing on-screen with the duo. Also, anyone know why Carmella turned heel? It’s been a few weeks and not once did we have an interview with Carmella explaining why she is targeting Nikki Bella.
Grade: B+
Our second match was The Usos defeating The Hype Bros via submission to advance to the finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Tournament. The Usos came out with a whole new look, donning black and white and doing away with the face paint and Siva Tau before coming to the ring.
The match was a solid back and forth but ultimately Jimmy would make Ryder tap out with the Tequila Sunrise (arm-trap single leg boston crab) for the win.
This was decent, but nothing too special.
Grade: C
The Miz would defeat Dolph Ziggler to retain the Intercontinental Championship in a match that started off very slow but turned out to be a solid outing between two opponents that have faced off several times. Maryse would spray some substance in Ziggler’s eyes that would give Miz the opportunity to hit the Skull-Crushing Finale.
I like the fact that this match got quite a bit of time but I hate the fact that Ziggler got a shot for no reason. I mean, plenty of others before Ziggler, like Randy Orton defeated The Miz clean on free TV and not once he got a title shot.
I think Orton would give the championship much needed credibility like John Cena with the United States Championship. It’ll be relatively fresh since Orton hasn’t held the championship since 2004 but I digress.
Grade: B
Randy Orton was scheduled to face Bray Wyatt, but Wyatt attacks him backstage before the match began, rendering Orton unable to compete. Bray Wyatt wins via forfeit!
Instead, we get an impromptu No Holds Barred match between Bray Wyatt and Kane, which Kane would win, thanks to interference by Randy Orton. Great, Bray Wyatt loses another pay-per-view match to a guy whom he wasn’t supposed to face in the first place.
I like that we are getting a slow build towards their eventual confrontation at No Mercy but I hate the fact that this match did nothing for Wyatt. Bray Wyatt has to soundly win as he has lost time and time again against established talents (see: John Cena, Undertaker, etc). A win against Orton will help his credibility.
Grade(s): F
Our next championship match, Heath Slater and Rhyno def. The Usos to become the inaugural SmackDown Tag Team Champions after Slater pins Jimmy Uso after Rhyno goring him while the referee is distracted.
This match was actually pretty good as they went away from the formula of Slater getting beat up then Rhyno coming in for the save and winning. Slater actually stood out in this match and put up significant offense, including his finisher, the Smash Hit on one of the Usos. I bet you didn’t know he has a finishing maneuver since he loses so much?
Post-match, Slater and Rhyno are awarded the new tag team championships (which look better than Raw’s) and Slater thanks the fans and Rhyno for their support. Plus, he announces that he, his wife and kids are moving into a double-wide trailer. Like Zack Ryder before him, Heath Slater has become the lovable loser who finally got his just due. I just wonder how long this Cinderella story lasts.
Grade: B
AJ Styles and Dean Ambrose wrestled a solid, back-and-forth match. During the match, Styles would throw everything but the kitchen sink at Ambrose including a Superman Splash and attempting to make Ambrose tap out with the Calf Killer but Ambrose would survive them both. Ambrose would fight back and would try to attempt to finish Styles with Dirty Deeds but the challenger would push the champion into the referee.
Styles would capitalize and would kick Ambrose in the groin and would floor Ambrose with the Styles Clash to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion! This main event delivered and the right man won.
Grade: A
In my opinion, this was the right call as the trigger was pulled on “The Phenomenal One” as he is the best in the world right now. Also, Dean Ambrose’s entire run has gotten cold after his match with his former Shield brethren at Battleground. Backlash was a thumbs-up show as each championship match delivered and all the results were all pleasant surprises that were well-received.
The rest of the card, save for the No Holds Barred match ranged from okay to solid.
WWE Backlash gets an overall grade of a B.