5 WWE Superstars who main-evented Backlash the most times

Another WWE PPV is on the horizon, but as opposed, this has a long history attached to it. WWE Backlash 2020 will be the 15th edition of the PPV and, at one point, was the next big event after WrestleMania. The first Backlash took place back in 1999 with The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin main-eventing the first PPV.

Some of the biggest WWE Superstars have made their name at Backlash

Superstars like Edge, Randy Orton, Batista, and even Jinder Mahal (depending on who you ask) have made a mark at the PPV. With that said, it's interesting to note that some names main-evented several times over that may come as a surprise to some reading this list.

Here are 5 WWE Superstars who main-evented Backlash the most number of times.

---

#5 The Rock - 3 times (WWE Backlash 1999, 2000 and 2003)

The Great One certainly made his mark with the Backlash PPVs

It's interesting to note that The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin headlined the first Backlash which, set the tone (at least, in the beginning) of what the PPV was meant to be. A follow up to WrestleMania and a chance to settle old scores. When pay-per-views have a thematic resonance to it, it makes for better viewing and a great payoff for the fans.

The Rock was the heel back in 1999 and, it served as a catalyst for him turning back and leaving The Corporation for good, in a rematch with Austin from WrestleMania 15. The following year, after losing his shot at the title against Triple H at WrestleMania 2000, The Rock won the WWE Championship with a little bit of help from Stone Cold Steve Austin.

2003 saw a dream match between Goldberg and The Rock in their only encounter to date with Da Man going over The Brahma Bull. The story was brilliant in its execution, with The Rock claiming he beat everyone there was to beat but,Goldberg had something to say about that. The main event was Goldberg's debut with WWE and allowed him to make his mark in the company in a big way.

This would also mark The Rock transitioning full time towards his Hollywood career. Looking back now, it should be noted that in each of his main-events, there was a coherent story that took place after WrestleMania. It helped shape the event in the years to come.

#4 Edge - 3 times (WWE Backlash 2006, 2007 and 2009)

Interesting that Edge features in the list (Pic Source: WWE)

One of the greatest comebacks in WWE History, Edge's return to the company has been filled with emotion and intrigue. An obvious feud with Randy Orton was the right move, even though the COVID-19 pandemic perhaps blunted the return a little bit. While he is scheduled to take on Randy Orton in a return match, it's still unclear as to who will main-event Backlash 2020.

Looking back, Edge featured in a main-event in 2006 taking on John Cena and Triple H for the WWE Championship. This match was considered one of Cena's better matches with its violence, hard knocks, and sheer excitement from start to finish. It also furthered Edge's character as The Master Manipulator, waiting for an apparent opportunity to strike.

In 2007, it was a Fatal 4-way match for the WWE Championship that included John Cena, Shawn Michaels, and Randy Orton which were a study in chaos in apparent team-ups of heels and faces going up against one another.

WWE Backlash 2009 was the Last Man Standing match for the World Heavyweight Championship with John Cena. This match was a study in brutality, big spills, and a last-minute Chokeslam on John Cena by Big Show into the spotlight. Edge getting the win that time around.

#3 Randy Orton - 3 times (WWE Backlash 2007, 2008 and 2017)

Backlash doesn't seem to do much for Randy Orton (Pic Source: WWE)

Randy Orton is still a big name today and has worked for WWE for the entirety of his wrestling career. It is no wonder that he is being billed to be (possibly) in the main event for Backlash 2020, considering that his storyline with Edge is probably the most compelling one within the company.

While it was already noted that he was in the main event for 2007, he also main-evented Backlash 2008 in a 4-way match for the WWE Championship alongside JBL, John Cena and Triple H. Much like 2007, this was another study in chaos, story, team-ups and just hard hits from everyone. Triple H was the victor in this instance.

Orton would main event WWE Backlash in 2017 against none other than Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship. This match wasn't the most memorable and had one of the more shocking endings with Mahal capturing the title

Looking back now, Orton has never won a WWE Backlash main event, so that is something to ponder as Backlash 2020 approaches.

#2 John Cena - 4 times (WWE Backlash 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

When Cena reigned supreme (Pic Source: WWE)

If there is something that WWE is missing right now, it is a singular star that defines the WWE product, and for several years, John Cena was the man. As divisive as some fans saw him as a modern-day Hulk Hogan but lacking the edginess of The Rock or Stone Cold Steve Austin, the WWE Universe now sees him in a different light.

It's indicative of the faith that Vince McMahon put in Cena that he main-evented the PPV 4 years straight before it was put on the shelf and revived in 2016. While Backlash started in the Attitude Era and encompassed much of the Ruthless Aggression Era, it makes sense that Cena was at the forefront of all of it.

His matches during this time were brutal, hard-hitting, and perhaps, a real example of his draw as a relentless Superman capable of great feats. Cena may be embracing his new Hollywood avatar, but he still occupies a spot that only a few have dared dream of.

#1 Triple H - 7 times (WWE Backlash 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008)

Enter The Game (Pic Source: WWE)

Triple H. Cerebral Assassin. The Game. The King of Kings. Vince McMahon's Son-In-Law. Ok...that last one was more tongue-in-cheek, but you get the picture. Triple H has always been front and center of the WWE product. Working both as a heel and a face in his several years with the company showcases the quality of his work provided.

He has played both a cowardly heel and an avenging hero. He has fallen to Immortals and endured. There was a reason why Mr. McMahon would keep going back to this dependable WWE Superstar. Despite all the criticism that Triple H booked himself into high-value spots, no one in the whole wide world can take away his talent, charisma, and attractiveness as a top-level star.

His work on the NXT product is indicative of his knowledge and commitment to the business. Triple H's legacy has already been written, and the Backlash PPV is a clear indicator of that. Would another Triple H match at Backlash ever happen? Never say never in WWE.