Backlash Recap

Backlash was last night. Let's take a look at what went down in Baltimore.

1. Matt Hardy vs. MVP
Definitely the right choice as the opener and the crowd seemed to love it. Very solid match and even though the US title doesn't mean much anymore, I still do think it is a big step forward for Matt Hardy to win the title. I'm not sure where they'll go with MVP from here, but I say he definitely deserves a push. Good, solid match as Hardy wins by pinfall.

Unofficial Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

2. Kane vs. Chavo Guerrero
People seem to be down on this, but I thought this definitely exceeded my (minimal) expectations. Kane seemed to be working hard and Chavo was his usual self. Kane picks up the victory in another clean finish.

Unofficial Rating: 2 (out of 5)

3. Big Show vs. Great Khali
This was about what we expected. I was hoping they'd keep it around 5 minutes, but I guess 8 minutes isn't too bad. Big Show won, which of course is the right move and should boost him up to a title program with the Taker.

Unofficial Rating: .25 (out of 5)

4. Mickie James, Maria, Ashley, Kelly Kelly, Michelle McCool, + Cherry vs. Beth Phoenix, Natalya, Melina, Layla, Victoria, + Jillian Hall
This was what it was, which was a mess, but not completely horrible. The divas all performed well in their limited roles and had an okayish match. Not much more could be asked of them. The heels pick up the victory.

Unofficial Rating: 1 (out of 5)

5. Batista vs. Shawn Michaels
I expected this to steal the show, and while it was a very good contest, it was not the match of the night. I was very surprised to see Michaels get the majority of the offense AND pick up the victory. I'm not quite sure why Jericho was the ref for the match, unless Michaels was actually hurt. I have to say if the knee was a work, they sure pulled it off well.

Unofficial Rating: 3.5 (out of 5)

6. Edge vs. Undertaker
These two stepped it up again, and from my first impression, slightly topped their WrestleMania main event. Of course we knew Edge wouldn't win, but there were some nice nearfalls in this matchup. When Undertaker is motivated, it seems he really can put on a great match.

Unofficial Rating: 4 (out of 5)

7. JBL vs. John Cena vs. Triple H vs. Randy Orton
People seem to not have liked the first half of this match, but I thought the multiple man part was fun. It was shocking to see Cena eliminated so quickly, but if he wasn't going to win, he had to go some time. It has been awhile since Trips has been champ, but I don't know if he'll make it past SummerSlam. It should be interesting where Cena goes from here.

Unofficial Rating: 3.75 (out of 5)

Overall, this was the weakest show of the year, but in most years this show would be towards the top. A lot of wrestling and they were 7 for 7 on clean finishes making this a solid show.

Overall Rating: 82%

Backlash Rankings
2000
2007
2004
2008
2006
2005
1999
2003

Match Of The Year Tracker
WrestleMania XXIV - Ric Flair vs. Shawn Michaels (4.75)
No Way Out - Raw Elimination Chamber (4.5)
WrestleMania XXIV - Money In The Bank Ladder Match (4.5)
Backlash - Edge vs. Undertaker (4)
Royal Rumble 2008 (4)
WrestleMania XXIV - Edge vs. Undertaker (4)
Raw March - Jeff Hardy vs. Chris Jericho (3.75)
WrestleMania XXIV - John Cena vs. Randy Orton vs. Triple H (3.75)
Backlash - John Cena vs. JBL vs. Triple H vs. Randy Orton (3.75)

Pay-Per-View Scores
WrestleMania XXIV - 93%
No Way Out - 91%
Royal Rumble - 88%
Backlash - 82%