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Let us say this right off the bat before we begin our post-show review. This was not the best show that WWE has put together. It could be one of the weaker go-home shows we remember. Nothing of significance happened on the show.
Therefore, we already begin on a sour note. That said, there was very little that was wrong with the episode per se. The two hours flew by fast and we were entertained by the action.
So now, we begin our 'best and worst' countdown, having put that point across to you good folks. As always, we invite you to leave a comment below.
Let us know what you thought of the show.
#1 Best: Surprisingly good main event
When we first heard that we would get a multi-woman match in the main event spot, we were honestly a little underwhelmed. This is not because the women aren't absolutely fantastic inside the squared circle. This is because multi-man matches are often meaningless with no payoff. However, the women brought it and actually put on a good show overall.
The pacing of the match was great and so were the spots. They worked the crowd masterfully and there was not a dull spot in the match. Asuka, in particular, brought the fire as a babyface.
It's nice to see Becky Lynch get a win for a change as well. Even though she wasn't involved in the finish per se, we need to cherish the moments when she gets her hands raised.
#1 Worst: Splitting up Rusev Day?
We won't even mention the fact that Lana lost her accent. Oh wait, we already have. If that wasn't bad enough, the current storyline has her seemingly playing the Yoko Ono of SmackDown Live...trying to split up Rusev Day. Does this decision really make any sense at all?
Rusev Day is one of the few acts that got over on their own and that the crowd cheers for regularly. While they should be chasing gold and glory, WWE is teasing dissension among the ranks!
#2 Best: Styles & Joe reunited
How do you get TNA chants in ? You get AJ Styles and Samoa Joe to face off. The two men who put TNA on the map are both on SmackDown Live and we know that they can work incredible matches with one another if given the opportunity.
We loved the fact that when Nakamura's music hit, Joe was ready to take him out. Joe brings a realism to his programs that is simply unmatched. He is intensity personified.
Joe has promised that he will be coming for whoever holds the WWE Championship soon. We couldn't be any more excited to see what's next.
#2 Worst: The graphics
Does anyone like the text that accompanies the promos on RAW and SmackDown Live? They make the segments look cheap and rather amateurish, in our opinion. They watered down Almas' and Zelina's promo this week, which should have been a big deal.
Also, there was no promo for SAnitY at all. We hope that by the time they eventually make their debuts, they are not forgotten by the main roster. Remember that only a fraction of the audience that watches the main roster actually watches NXT too.
#3 Best: The No DQ stipulation
While the match at WrestleMania may not have delivered per se, we love how the AJ vs. Nakamura feud has been building up thus far. We've seen how Nakamura took the low road on various occasions. We also saw that Styles had enough at the Greatest Royal Rumble and used weaponry at ringside on Nakamura.
All of this build-up culminates in a promising match at Backlash. Adding a stipulation is a surefire way to make the third match in a series entertaining for fans.
#3 Worst: Losing his matches already?
The Bar was effectively defeated by Braun Strowman at WrestleMania. They lost the RAW Tag Team Championship match at the Greatest Royal Rumble soon thereafter. Then, Sheamus, a former world champion would lose to Xavier Woods. Shouldn't Sheamus be booked more strongly considering he's come over from RAW?
We have pretty much the same complaint with RAW as well, with Roode and Corbin taking losses on TV. Some of the booking decisions are rather confusing.
#4 Best/worst: Absolution without Paige at the helm
Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville were brought up from NXT before they were ready. However, things were alright then as they were paired up with Paige. With Paige's star power, they seemed like a formidable unit. We wonder if they can shine on their own.
Of course, this gives them an opportunity to do so. Will they remain aligned as a heel act? Will they branch off and do their own thing?
Do you think Absolution has a chance without Paige? Do you think both women should become singles competitors in due time?
Let us know in the comments.
