WWE Backlash 2020 continues the trend of events coming from the Performance Center due to COVID-19. See how the Greatest Wrestling Match Ever scored on our report card, along with the rest of the card.
WWE Backlash 2020 Report Card: Grades Are In!
We are following last month’s Money In The Bank pay per view and the major creative shake-up this week with Paul Heyman no longer being RAW Executive Director.
RAW Tag Team Champions: Street Profits vs. Viking Raiders
This was not a match, but it deserves a mention. While the two could have delivered an entertaining match, WWE went the cinematic route.
With what is taking place around the world, I see the value. Although, cinematic matches should be saved for huge angles.
Heading into Backlash, I did not expect to see ninjas. At the same time, who knew alligators stayed in dumpsters.
I would have rather seen a match. Yet, those 10 minutes did not hurt the show.
Grade: Not Available
#VikingProfits … now might be the time to RUN. #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/x74Hepf1dx
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 15, 2020
When your #WWERaw #TagTeamChampionship Match starts off by WRECKING @BraunStrowman‘s ride…
? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? @MontezFordWWE @AngeloDawkins @Ivar_WWE @Erik_WWE #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/SueHr4IfPX
— WWE (@WWE) June 15, 2020
WWE United States Championship: Apollo Crews vs. Andrade
In recent weeks, Apollo Crew has been given a major push. He went from chasing the 24/7 Championship to winning the United States Championship.
As for Andrade, he has been headed in the opposite direction. He was suspended for violating the Wellness Policy and then missed WrestleMania 36 due to injury.
The match was noting too special. We have seen them battle on RAW and that will probably continued for a few more weeks.
Kevin Owens getting involved was the biggest moment. Clearly, Owens is not done with Zelina Vega’s stable. Grade: B-
The former champ’s got @WWEApollo right where he wants him.#WWEBacklash @AndradeCienWWE pic.twitter.com/FUZSBE0V1g
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 14, 2020
“Slap him in the chest! Multiple times!”@FightOwensFight offers top-notch commentary as @WWEApollo defends his #USTitle against @AndradeCienWWE on the #WWEBacklash Kickoff!@AngelGarzaWwe @Zelina_VegaWWE pic.twitter.com/DYcdR3y5YZ
— WWE (@WWE) June 14, 2020
Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus
First, WWE does no favors with this kind of angle. Jeff Hardy’s demons might be public, but there is no need to exploit them.
Sheamus going after Hardy because of his past with drugs and alcohol is a strange direction. Somehow, we might see Sami Zayn enter the program as the person who blackmailed Hardy.
The past few years have seen Hardy and Sheamus focus on the tag division. Both are previous WWE Champions, although those days might have passed.
Plenty of trash talk from Sheamus, which helps solidify a heel when there is basically no live crowd.
The match felt a little exhausting and the last few minutes should have been cut. Although, the brogue kick on the outside connected nicely. Grade: B
Right in @JEFFHARDYBRAND‘s wheelhouse. #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/ZBdykhq51E
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 14, 2020
That fight that @JEFFHARDYBRAND put up tonight, though… ?#WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/u5awRr1mhk
— WWE (@WWE) June 14, 2020
RAW Women’s Championship: Asuka vs. Nia Jax
With Becky Lynch pregnant, the entire RAW women’s division needed to be redone. Asuka turned face and was awarded the title by winning MITB, with Nia Jax not thrilled about what happened.
Early on, Asuka relied on her submission skills to counter the power of Jax. After being a comedy act, Asuka is starting to show signs of that undefeated NXT version.
When the referee reached a ten count, it made me think maybe someone botched the finish. There are plenty of challengers, so the count out was a strange conclusion.
The match was picking up and then a sudden end. The grade was lowered for the poor booking to end Asuka’s first title defense. Grade: B
A parting gift for @NiaJaxWWE…#WWERaw @WWEAsuka pic.twitter.com/UzS1azu8No
— WWE (@WWE) June 15, 2020
Go ahead, @NiaJaxWWE.
Say @KairiSaneWWE‘s name.
See what happens. @WWEAsuka #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/FJGrcGAk36— WWE (@WWE) June 15, 2020
Handicap Match For Universal Championship: Braun Strowman vs. The Miz & John Morrison
The most important rule from the match was the person who gets the pin or submission becomes champion. Therefore, WWE cannot have The Miz and John Morrison being co-Universal Champion.
As expected, great tag team work by The Miz & Morrison. With Braun Strowman’s size, Morrison’s style of wrestling was the perfect counter.
The Miz & Morrison seemingly have the title won. But, like we all knew, whoever would get the pin caused tension.
Those problems allowed Strowman to retain. Maybe, The Miz gets a singles match since Morrison took the pin. Grade: B
ALMOST a picture-perfect sequence for @TheRealMorrison. #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/bRr1DzIhGD
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 15, 2020
HEY!
HEY!@mikethemiz & @TheRealMorrison brought the fight to #UniversalChampion @BraunStrowman tonight at #WWEBacklash! pic.twitter.com/VrBl82hbGr— WWE (@WWE) June 15, 2020
WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre vs. Bobby Lashley
Ever since MVP joined Bobby Lashley, we are starting to see is full potential. Having Lana also involved could be the reason Lashley is yet to hold the title.
Lashley jumped Drew McIntyre and controlled the first half of the match. Eventually, McIntyre was able to get some offense.
I do wonder if Lashley should have added more MMA styles moves to his arsenal. Trading submission locks at the end was fun to watch.
Considering how McIntyre won, you have to think Lana and Lashley might be done. Anyway, MVP is better for Lashley. Grade: B
A PRE-EMPTIVE FULL NELSON IS LOCKED IN on @DMcIntyreWWE!#WWEBacklash @fightbobby pic.twitter.com/QPKfogo1M1
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 15, 2020
What happens when two absolute ???????? collide at #WWEBacklash for the #WWEChampionship?
Allow @DMcIntyreWWE and @fightbobby to demonstrate. pic.twitter.com/JTQCHcr3kE
— WWE (@WWE) June 15, 2020
WWE Women Tag Team Championship: Bayley & Sasha Banks vs. The IIconics vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross
The Women Tag Team Championship has been around for over a year, but only four teams have held the gold. Three of those teams met at Backlash.
Watching these six ladies made me wish WWE put more emphasis on tag team wrestling. Yea, several spots were sloppy, but overall an entreating bout.
Each team worked well together and they had no trouble getting help from others. A strong start to the main card that highlighted the importance of those titles.
I was waiting for one team to in implode. It did not happen at the pay per view, but some major break-ups are coming. Grade: B+
A double-team maneuver @ShinsukeN would appreciate.#WWEBacklash #KneeToFace @SashaBanksWWE @itsBayleyWWE pic.twitter.com/jzqLKDnNyT
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 14, 2020
Two words: ????? ?????.@AlexaBliss_WWE #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/DasCS3dFsW
— WWE (@WWE) June 14, 2020
Greatest Wrestling Match Ever: Edge vs. Randy Orton
When something is titled the Greatest Wrestling Match Ever, a few things come to mind. Mostly, a lengthy contest with rest spots and the match is destined to fall short.
Nobody can deliver the greatest match ever based off a tagline. It just happens naturally and the fans will know when they see something special.
My early thoughts, the match looked like a WWE video game with all the camera angles. And, I think a bunch of audio was added over the action.
The match was fine, but not the greatest thing since sliced bread. It was more entertaining than their WrestleMania 36 battle, even though it ran long.
Honestly, AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan on Friday’s SmackDown was better. Still, Edge and Orton went out there and did their best. Grade: B+
Is it GAME OVER for @EdgeRatedR?!#WWEBacklash @RandyOrton @TripleH pic.twitter.com/zAtSODK8np
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 15, 2020
RATED-R for … ROCK BOTTOM!#WWEBacklash @EdgeRatedR @TheRock pic.twitter.com/A7BrCJ5UME
— WWE (@WWE) June 15, 2020
PEDIGREE from @RandyOrton!
ROCK BOTTOM from @EdgeRatedR!Nothin’ but the Greatest Wrestling Moves Ever for the Greatest Wrestling Match Ever.#WWEBacklash @TheRock @TripleH pic.twitter.com/apxlDyWMxd
— WWE (@WWE) June 15, 2020
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