Early Monday, the final WWE show for the ongoing season, WWE WrestleMania Backlash was delivered. Although fans had low expectations regarding the event as its match card was somehow poor, and only one title was on the line, the show was praised by the majority of the pro wrestling fans, in addition, it trended on Twitter for fine hours. Here is a full analysis and ratings for the show.
Cody Rhodes, the American Nightmare, vs. Seth Freakin’ Rollins
The majority of the WWE fans delighted with the fight and the verbal confrontations between Rhodes and Rollins, therefore, the re-match of their WrestleMania contest was highly anticipated.
Their contest, in fact, was really better than their first contest. There was a balanced performance and appearance between both stars. It seemed that they really understand each other, and the harmony between their in-ring skills is impressive.
The kid wearing The Fiend mask with full wig is brilliant 🔥 #WMBacklash pic.twitter.com/n1KMhrHzbk
— C Wrestling (@CWrestlingUK) May 9, 2022
Rhodes gave one more proof that he is way different from Cody Rhodes who left the promotion six years ago. His skills, performance, and appearance make him a suitable name for catching one of the world titles.
Since his arrival to the WWE, the American Nightmare is pushed highly. He got three different pins against three previous world champions, had his in-ring debut at Wrestle Mania, and opened RAW episodes three successive times.
The rematch between Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes was incredible Cody is now 2-0 against Rollins I preferred their match last night over their match at WrestleMania 📸 @kimberlasskick #WrestleMania #WMBacklash pic.twitter.com/p3T3WKkyl0
— BeyondThe3Count (@BeyondThe3Count) May 9, 2022
There is one thing that WWE producers could be blamed for which is the way of Rhodes’ victory over Rollins, his victory wasn’t a clean one, so, one final contest could be scheduled between both.
Rate: 4.5/5
Bobby Lashley vs. Omos (With MVP)
This match could be named the second weakest match of the night. And to be honest, none of the fans expected too much from such a match.
[Résultats] #WMBacklash
Dans une nouvelle revanche de #WrestleMania c'est Omos et Bobby Lashley qui s'affrontent ! Omos gagne sa revanche grâce à un coup de canne de MVP sur Lashley suivi de son finisher au centre du ring !#WWE #WrestleManiaBacklash pic.twitter.com/38FSvFazIK— Global Catch (@global_catch) May 9, 2022
Omos’ got a needed win over Lashley, although MVP helped the giant athlete to get the victory, it is obvious that one more match would be dropped soon.
Rate: 2/5
Edge vs. AJ Styles
Here comes, the second strongest match of the night, and the highly anticipated one. Before Wrestle Mania, Edge debuted a new gimmick and style which is Judgement Day.
Judgement Day could be named as a PG form of the Ministry of Darkness with more dark influences from other fantasies.
Edge is the PEAK of facial expressions in wrestling matches.#WMBacklash pic.twitter.com/CobM6KJte0
— Humble Wrestling (@WrestlingHumble) May 9, 2022
Edge as a leader who wanted to attract young athletes to carry the flame of judgement in the WWE Universe. Damian Priest was the first one who pledged to carry the flame to Edge and continued his feud against Fin Balor, in addition, to his role as Edge’s assistant during his fight against Styles.
AJ out here with an Io-esque springboard moonsault at 44 years old 😳 #WMBacklash pic.twitter.com/fqefDzzqCc
— Sean Slate (@slate_s42) May 9, 2022
The teaming up between Balor and Styles paved the way for forming a WWE-ish Bullet Club, especially, Balor was the original founder of the most prominent faction in the history of Pro-Wrestling.
The storytelling techniques in the match were highly suitable for the two veterans’ skills and talents. In addition, the way of Edge’s win with the assistance of a new member was praised by fans.
Rhea Ripley helped Edge win
Rhea Ripley has joined Judgement Day! #WMBacklash pic.twitter.com/1nopjgIddM— Balor Club Guy (@TheBalorClubGuy) May 9, 2022
Selecting Rhea Ripley for such a role was excellent as Ripley’s latest scenarios were poorer than her great abilities.
Rate: 4/5
I Quit: Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair for SmackDown Women’s Championship
To be honest, this contest between UFC Hall of Famer Ronda Rousey and Queen Charlotte Flair was miles better than their first fight at Wrestle Mania 38.
Superbe match entre Ronda Rousey & Charlotte Flair. J’avais déjà bien aimé leur premier match à Wrestlemania, j’avais adoré les voir s’affronter en House show à #WWEParis et là c’était la conclusion parfaite de cette rivalité. Match intense et brutal comme attendu. #WMBacklash pic.twitter.com/eMeMN9rlWJ
— Johan_Cvr (@Johan_Cvr11) May 9, 2022
The storytelling techniques in the match were impressive as they referred to real-life events such as Flair’s mother’s day wish to Rousey.
Both stars’ performance was really improved, and the hardcore style of the contest enflamed the fight between them. But, the way Flair surrendered was not acceptable as she is the face of the division now.
Happy Mothers Day @RondaRousey !!#WMBacklash pic.twitter.com/yIk5j00Rkd
— 𝐕𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐇 (@vXmichaels) May 9, 2022
Rate: 3.5/5
Happy Corbin vs. MadCap Moss
Nobody understands what were the motives of the creative team for dropping this contest as the Co-Main Event. This match and the feud were really poor to catch the attraction of the audience.
19) Madcap Moss conseguiu a vitória no oportunismo#WMBacklash pic.twitter.com/8wvB7lLq4X
— WrestleBR (@wrestlebr) May 9, 2022
Rate: 2/5
The Main Event: Six-Man Tag Team Match: RK-Bro & Drew McIntyre vs. The Bloodline
Although scheduling zero title match for the Undisputed WWE Champion of the World Roman Reigns, and cancelling the Unification match of the tag team titles was disappointing, the match overall was good. it had different episodes of control takeover, and McIntyre and Reigns teased their feud for the world titles.
That main event was UNREAL. These man wrestled a completely different style and it went off.#WMBacklash pic.twitter.com/TT3dqDM1xX
— Pro Wrestling Finesse (@ProWFinesse) May 9, 2022
It was a good match, but was not the most appropriate contest for PPV’s main event!
In addition, RK Bro and McIntyre’s loss was not good for McIntyre’s upcoming scenario for facing Reigns.
And this right here is when Roman Reigns ended Riddle. #WMBacklash pic.twitter.com/VLgkSSTDet
— mister jalen (@brandnewdrip) May 9, 2022
Rate: 3/5
Overall, the event was good, and it gave the fans a better show than was expected. Rhodes-Rollins and Edge-Styles matches saved the night for the audience.
WWE Wrestle Mania Backlash Rating: 6.5/10