The expectations were high as WWE build the Backlash PPV around the tagline the "Greatest Match Ever" The PPV not only featured a possible match of the year candidate, but Championships were at stake and rivalries were renewed.
The question is did Edge and Randy Orton live up to the expectations as the "Greatest Match Ever" Plus what other matches stood out at WWE Backlash?
Let's take a look at the top matches and moments from WWE Backlash.
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#1 Edge vs. Randy Orton
This was excellent as they started the Backlash main event had Howard Finkle's voiceover do the introduction for Edge and Orton. Charles Robinson was dressed up in an old-school official attire for the match. It was a very physical and intense match as Edge delivered massive head butts to Orton and then connected with a flying clothesline to the floor.
Orton was cut open early. This didn't stop Orton as he stopped Edge's momentum by delivering his signature backbreaker.
The Viper would take control backdropping Edge on the announcers' table and then delivering his signature stomps. Orton went for the Three Amigos but Edge countered into one of his own and it was a nice tribute to Eddie Guerrero. They battled for position on the top turnbuckle as Orton connected with a Superplex for a two count.
The Apex Predator called for the Draping DDT but Edge countered into the Edge-A-Cution (DDT) for a two count.
There was a great sequence as Edge delivered an Unprettier but Orton kicked out. Orton brought out the Pedigree but couldn’t keep Edge down. Edge responded by catching Orton with a Rock Bottom for a close two-count. Orton caught Edge with a surprise RKO but The Rated-R Superstar was still alive in the match.
Orton looked for the knockout blow as he called for his Punt Kick but Edge responded by delivering a pair of Spears for a close two count. Edge went to leap off the turnbuckle but The Legend Killer caught him in an RKO for a great two count.
Edge went for one more comeback, going for the Anti-Venom but Orton caught him low. Orton followed by delivering the Punt Kick for the win at Backlash.
This match was excellent and was the main highlight of Backlash as both Edge and Orton worked extremely hard. Was this the "Greatest Match Ever" ? Well, it's up for people to decide but this match at Backlash did live up to the hype. Just a reminder, this was Edge's second match back since retiring in 2011.
#2 WWE Championship Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley (w/MVP)
This was a heated rivalry as both men came into Backlash with a lot of steam. However, Bobby Lashley got an unfair advantage before the match even started.
MVP caused a distraction as Lashley placed Drew McIntyre in the Full Nelson before the match began. McIntyre refused to quit as he continued the match and delivering a bridging Northern Lights Suplex to Lashley for a two count at Backlash. They fought on the floor as McIntyre avoided a spear and delivered a modified suplex sending Lashley into the barricade.
Lashley and McIntyre both exchanged Spinebuster spots for near falls. Lashley called for the Full Nelson but McIntyre countered with a reverse Alabama Slam for a two count. McIntyre leaped off the turnbuckle but Lashley countered into a crossface.
The WWE Champion broke free, as he showed off his submission game by applying a Kimura Lock but Lashley grabbed the ropes.
McIntyre was setting up for the Claymore Kick but Lashley countered with a spear for a close two count. This is where Lana came out as she stood on the ring apron. McIntyre delivered a Glasgow Kiss to Lashley, who knocked Lana off the apron and she fell on to MVP. This slight distraction led to McIntyre delivering the Claymore Kick to Lashley for the win and retain his title at Backlash.
A great physical match for the WWE Championship as both Lashley and McIntyre worked very hard. This closing moments of the match at Backlash was good as McIntyre remains champion and likely begins the onscreen breakup between Lana and Lashley.
#3 Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus
This was one of the most heated rivalries heading into Backlash and the match did exceed expectations.
Jeff Hardy showed off his athleticism early leaping off the ring steps and delivered a flying clothesline to Sheamus on the floor. Hardy's momentum was quickly cut off as Sheamus showcased his new aggressive style by delivering rapid elbow to Hardy.
The Celtic Warrior connected with a pair of Irish Curse Backbreakers for a two count. Hardy refused to stay down as he connected with Whisper in the Wind for a two count of his own at Backlash.
Hardy called for the Swanton Bomb but Sheamus stopped him with White Noise for a two count. Sheamus brought back the Texas Cloverleaf but Hardy grabbed the ropes. The Charismatic Enigma turned the tables on The Celtic Warrior at Backlash when side stepped and let Sheamus hit the ring post.
This is where Hardy made his comeback hitting the Twist of Fate and followed with the Swanton Bomb but Sheamus placed his foot on the ropes. The action spilt to the floor as Sheamus caught Hardy running off the barricade with a Brogue Kick. Sheamus delivered a second Brogue Kick for the win at Backlash.
The build-up for the match has faced criticism after WWE brought in Jeff Hardy's personal battles on SmackDown. Both Hardy and Sheamus are very good in-ring performers and they delivered an incredible match at Backlash.
#4 Triple Threat Match for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship: Bayley & Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs. Billie Kay & Peyton Royce
This Championship match at Backlash truly captured the imagination of the WWE Universe and exceeded expectations.
The match at Backlash began at a really quick pace as Banks delivered a Springboard arm drag to Bliss for a two count. Bliss slapped both Banks and Royce across the face.
Banks and Bayley took control soon after delivering a combo Wheelbarrow Suplex/Running Knee to Kay but Cross broke the count.
WWE's Twisted Sister connected with a combo running bulldog/clothesline to Bayley and Kay. Bliss got a hot tag as she delivered a double crossbody to Bayley and Royce. The IIconics stopped Bliss momentum as Royce delivered a running crossbody onto everyone on the floor. Billie and Royce nailed Bayley with a running knee combo attack.
The IIconics weren't done there as they delivered their new finisher a modified Magic Killer to Banks. Bliss and Cross made their comeback delivering the a modified 3D to Royce. Bliss delivered a beautiful looking Twisted Bliss to Royce. The Goddess looked to have the match won but Banks appeared from behind and applied a reverse Sunset Flip for the win at Backlash.
The rules of having three Superstars in the ring at the same time helped the match a lot. It was a really fun title match as everyone worked hard and there were some cool spots leading to the finish at Backlash. Banks and Bayley are a tremendous team and it's great to see them find creative ways to win.
#5 RAW Women's Championship Match: Asuka vs. Nia Jax
This was Asuka's first defense of her RAW Women's title and she had a formidable opponent in the form of Nia Jax at Backlash.
Thhe match was very physical and started off as Asuka caught Jax with a Hook Kick and then placed her in an Octopus Hold. Jax powered out as she delivered a Spinebuster for a two count.
Asuka applied a Guillotine Hold but Jax showed off her power as she delivered a modified Jackhammer for another two count. Jax played her role very well at Backlash as she reminded Asuka about what happened to Kairi Sane.
This was a mistake as Asuka fired up by delivering a pair of spinning back elbows and followed with a Shining Wizard for a two count. The RAW Women's Champion delivered a missile dropkick and then connected with her signature hip attack but couldn't keep Jax away. The Empress Of Tomorrow moved to send Jax into the ring post. Asuka was great showing off her submission game as she applied an armbar against the ropes sending Jax to the floor.
Asuka charged as she applied a flying armbar on the floor as the referee began his 10-count. Jax broke free by ramming Asuka against the barricade. The action continued on the floor as Asuka caught Jax with a Hook Kick. Asuka tried to make it back into the ring but the referee counted them out at Backlash.
The finish of the match was disappointing but this was a solid match at Backlash as both Asuka and Jax worked hard.
This finish should lead to a possible stipulation match at Extreme Rules or we could see Charlotte Flair being added into the equation as well. Time will tell.