5 greatest post-WWE WrestleMania pay-per-views of all time

#1 WWE Backlash 2000

4/2/00: HHH retains his title because cahoots or whatever, becoming the first time Wrestlemania closed entirely with a heel winning.This would lead to Backlash 2000, where Austin returned and The Rock defeated HHH. pic.twitter.com/nDaTKd6zLK

— OVP - Retro Wrestling Podcast (@ovppodcast) April 3, 2021

For many long-time fans, 2000 is viewed as the greatest year in WWE history. Although those 12 months featured many awesome major events, WrestleMania 2000 was not one of them.

Often viewed as a disappointment, the fatal four-way main event with a McMahon in each corner ended the show on a huge letdown. However, that was then used to deliver an even bigger main event the next month.

WWE Backlash 2000 is viewed as one of the all-time great pay-per-views, with many crediting the era-defining main event.

Triple H defended the WWE Championship against The Rock with Shane McMahon as the special guest referee. Following Vince McMahon turning on Rock at WrestleMania 2000, the chairman was in HHH's corner and looked to screw the People's Champion.

The Rock had an ace in the hole at WWE Backlash 2000 though. To counter the McMahon-Helmsley regime's plot, The Great One enlisted the help of the returning Stone Cold Steve Austin.

This sensational main event received one of the biggest reactions throughout its over 19 minute duration with the amazing pop for Austin making the save being the highlight.

After Stone Cold took out the entire McMahon-Helmsley regime, The Rock hit the People's Elbow on Triple H with Linda McMahon bringing back Earl Hebner to count the three count. The Rock finally won the WWE Championship in an encounter many have called the apex of the Attitude Era.

20 yrs ago! April 30, 2000, @TripleH VS @TheRock at WWE Backlash, w/ the return of @steveaustinBSR. Watch it & soak in not only the amazing talent on display but the total, unwavering investment in the story from the crowd. These kinds of reactions very seldom happen anymore pic.twitter.com/F5n3zjXNRa

— Gorilla Position (@WWEGP) April 30, 2020

WWE Backlash 2000 also featured an underrated gem of Dean Malenko vs. Scotty 2 Hotty for the Light Heavyweight Championship. Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho put on a technical wrestling masterclass in the semi-main event spot.

There were also two solid tag team matches with Edge and Christian defeating D-Generation X in a fun opener and T&A beating The Dudley Boys.

The card also had vintage Hardcore Championship action with Crash Holly's fondly remembered reign continuing with a win in a six pack challenge against Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Hardcore Holly, Perry Saturn and Tazz.

The remaining matches did not stand out, but the quality of everything else makes this the peak of post-WrestleMania pay-per-views.

WWE Backlash 2000 showcased the best elements of the Attitude Era in every way.

From the fun shenanigans of the Hardcore division to the multi-talented tag teams of the era to a fantastic main event that has been talked about years after, this major event delivered in every way possible. This is why WWE Backlash 2000 is the greatest post-WrestleMania pay-per-view of all time.