Richmond Coliseum - Richmond, VA
Commentary team: Mauro Ranallo, JBL & David Otunga
The first brand-exclusive show of the new era! The Backlash Kick-Off show sets up Apollo Crews vs. Baron Corbin while continuing to advertise Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt as part of the card, even though it was widely reported Orton would not be participating due to injury. I need to mention that Rhyno and Heath Slater in the Social Media Lounge were hilarious and their banter felt real: "No more community pool". They need to win as the feel-good story of the whole tournament.
Kick-Off Show Match: Apollo Crews vs. Baron Corbin.
Energetic match when Crews was on offense with the match slowing down when Corbin was in front. The crowd was into the match, which is a good sign. Crews gets a near fall with the standing moonsault and even busted out the Angle Slam. Crews was very impressive in this match, but the finish comes when Corbin hits the End of Days for the pin at 9:55. Crews showed much fire, however. *** WINNER: Baron Corbin
BACKLASH Main Card
The show begins with a written 9/11 tribute which would feel classier if Stephanie McMahon had not compared the attacks to the feds coming after Vince. She will never EVER live that down.
Commissioner Shane and GM Bryan come on down to start the proceedings. Shane gives Daniel props for the buzz surrounding the show. They're going to crown at least two new champions tonight and throw to the first of the title matches.
Match #1: Becky Lynch vs. Natalya vs. Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Carmella vs. Nikki Bella - Six Pack Challenge Elimination Match - SMACKDOWN Women's Championship.
I question the decision to put this on first. Then they go out and put on a good match. We got a Tower of Doom spot, Naomi diving on the group from the top to the floor, then Naomi eliminates Bliss after a Super Blockbuster Power Bomb double team with Natalya. Very impressive. Natalya eliminates Naomi with the Sharpshooter. Nikki Bella eliminates Natalya, but then Carmella immediately rolls up Nikki to eliminate her, leaving Becky Lynch and Carmella. After a trio of t-bones, Becky gets Disarm-Her locked in for the submission and the title at 14:40. Surprisingly good match. ***½ WINNER: Becky Lynch.
We get a backstage segment with The Miz and some kid from some show on Nickelodeon. I never cared for D-list celebrity guest apperances.
Meanwhile, Bray Wyatt attacks Randy Orton in the hallway. Phase one of Operation Bait and Switch complete.
Match #2: The Hype Bros vs. The Usos - Second Chance Semi-Final Round Match - SMACKDOWN Tag Team Championship Tournament.
Both teams lost in the tournament, but because The Usos injured Chad Gable, American Alpha have been pulled and we get this match. The Usos come out without their traditional war dance and now have bad attitudes. A rather uninspired match to start with The Usos controlling for the bulk of the match on Zack Ryder. Mojo gets the hot tag and the match picks up. The Usos take out Ryder's leg just like they did with Gable and they get the submission win to advance to the finals against Rhyno/Slater. The match turned out to be passable wrestling. **½ (10:11) WINNERS: The Usos.
Renee Young speaks to Slater/Rhyno, who get a pretty good pop from the crowd. Again, they have to win. Heath Slater is quickly becoming a favorite. Why? Because he's developing a character.
Match #3: Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz (c) (w/ Maryse) - WWE Intercontinental Championship.
Before the match starts, Miz is backstage demanding Daniel Bryan renegotiate his contract as Daniel has nothing to say, but the frustration is showing there. If the payoff is anything less than D-Bry coming back to kick ass, what's the point? Ziggler impresses early with some amateur-style pin attempts. Miz takes over after catapulting Ziggler to the floor. At one point, Miz mocks the YES! chant. Ziggler makes the comeback with some near falls, but Miz gets a nice slingshot sit out power bomb for a near fall. Ziggler comes up with a bum knee and Miz attacks it with a figure four. The finish comes when Maryse sprays something in Ziggler's eyes, allowing Miz to hit the Skull-Crushing Finale for the pin. This one started off a little slow but got better as it went along. ***½ (18:22) WINNER: The Miz.
Match #4: Randy Orton vs. Bray Wyatt.
Orton doesn't show up. Referee counts to 10. Wyatt wins by forfeit. Bait and Switch complete.
BUT WAIT! It's announced that Wyatt has a No Holds Barred match with this man.....
Match #5: Kane vs. Bray Wyatt - No Holds Barred Match.
This match was a pretty decent brawl in and out of the ring. In the ring, a chair gets involved while on the outside, Wyatt puts Kane through the announce table with a senton. Kane avoided Sister Abigail by hitting a chokeslam for a near fall. Wyatt gets a near fall after a uranage on the chair. Randy Orton limps slowly down the ramp, hits the RKO on Wyatt. Kane hits the chokeslam for the pin. *** (10:55) So Wyatt loses....again.
Match #6: Rhyno/Heath Slater vs. The Usos - SMACKDOWN Tag Team Championship Tournament Final Round.
The Usos spend the bulk of the match dominating Slater with some dull offense. Rhyno gets the hot tag but misses a Gore. Slater tags in and the finish comes when Rhyno hits the Gore on an Uso and Slater falls on top for the pin and the titles. Correct booking, not-so-great match. ** (10:02) Great storytelling for Slater from the draft to this point. And I have no problem with the blue and silver straps. WINNERS: Rhyno & Heath Slater.
Match #7: Dean Ambrose (c) vs. AJ Styles - WWE World Championship.
This match was a combination of both men's wrestling styles with the physical match that Ambrose brings and the technical, high-flying style for AJ. Great back and forth action for 25 minutes. The match spilled outside for a spell with some brief brawling at ringside. The finish comes when AJ shoves Ambrose into the referee and takes advantage of the distraction by hitting the Styles Clash for the pin and the title. NEW champ! **** (25:01) Pretty damn good match. WINNER: AJ Styles.
THE FINAL WORD: A surprisingly strong showing from the Smackdown roster. Everyone gave their best effort and it showed. Ambrose-Styles gets match of the night honors, as expected, but this show is an easy winner.
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