Backlash Recap

On April 29th, WWE presented it's fifth pay-per-view of the year, Backlash. Would they be able to deliver a solid show or would this be a stinker like No Way Out? Let's take a look.

1. Hardys vs. Cade + Murdoch
I don't think anyone really bought Cade and Murdoch as serious contenders to the seemingly unstoppable Hardys, but they gave a great effort. Solid opener with the Hardys going over as expected.

Unofficial Rating: 2.75 (out of 5)

2. Mickie James vs. Melina
Mickie James is my favorite womens wrestler and it was nice to see her get a shot at the title on a pay-per-view. This was a very good match and this is what should have been the Women's Championship match at WrestleMania. Melina retained her title in a match that was allowed more time than I expected.

Unofficial Rating: 3 (out of 5)

3. MVP vs. Chris Benoit
This was the surprise of the night. I thought for sure that they would give the rising star, MVP the title here after he gave a great effort at WrestleMania. Benoit wins on a small package, so I would say he may get one more chance.

Unofficial Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

4. Bobby Lashley vs. Umaga, Vince McMahon, + Shane McMahon
This was the worst match of the show, but was by no means horrible. Lashley probably got the best reception I can recall him getting. I am already dreading the Vince McMahon ECW Championship celebration.

Unofficial Rating: 1.75 (out of 5)

5. Batista vs. Undertaker
Never would I have guessed that two of Batista's best matches would be against the Undertaker. This wasn't as exciting as the WrestleMania matchup, but just as intense. The bad ending hurt it a little as well. I'm sure Judgment Day will be headlined by another stipulation match between these two.

Unofficial Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

6. John Cena vs. Edge vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Randy Orton
As expected, this was my favorite match of the night. These matches can be messy, but all four men worked well together. Cena wins on a fluke after being superkicked onto Orton by Michaels, setting up hopefully another great matchup between the two.

Unofficial Rating: 4 (out of 5)

Overall: 3.75 (out of 5)
With 4 of the 6 matches at 3 or higher, this is a definite thumbs up. That makes the WWE 4 for 5 on the year delivering solid or better shows.