5 greatest WWE Backlash matches of all time

WWE Backlash started off as a part of the “In Your House” PPV series in 1999.

However, from the year 2000-onwards, Backlash became an annual event that has since served to bring fans several memorable matches—some violent, others cerebral, as well as a few star-making moments that changed the course of WWE history.

Today, we take a look at the best WWE Backlash matches…grab your popcorn, folks!

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#5 John Cena vs. Randy Orton vs. Edge vs. Shawn Michaels (Backlash 2007)

John Cena prevailed at Backlash 2007

One of the greatest multi-person matches in WWE history; this Fatal 4-Way matchup saw John Cena put his WWE Championship on the line against Randy Orton, Edge and Shawn Michaels.

The initial stages of the matchup were absolute pandemonium, as Shawn Michaels took a high-risk, high-reward approach to the showdown—with HBK’s in-ring brilliance truly stealing the show at Backlash. However, it was Randy Orton who came on strong down the stretch.

The finishing sequence of this matchup is what’s oft-credited for the match’s legendary status, as Orton’s RKO attempt was countered with a push by Cena, following which Edge speared Orton, Cena hit Edge with an FU (Attitude Adjustment), and Michaels hit Cena with a Superkick only for Cena to fall on Orton and secure the pinfall victory and successfully defend his WWE Championship.

Honestly speaking, this match and the match we’ve listed at number-1, are indeed the cream of the crop as regards WWE classics…

#4 The Rock vs. Triple H (Backlash 2000)

The Rock and Triple H left it all inside the ring at Backlash 2000

A highly-important match from a historical perspective, saw The Rock challenge Triple H for the WWF Championship, with Shane McMahon serving as the “Special Guest Referee”.

The match has time and again been praised by fans and critics for its brilliant storytelling as well as the sheer emotion of the feud taken to another crescendo by The Rock and Triple H. Vince McMahon played a significant role in the match, as he attacked The Rock on multiple occasions as things got underway—initially tagging Rocky with the WWF title belt.

Meanwhile, fed up with Shane McMahon’s biased officiating, The Rock hit Rock Bottoms on both Shane and Triple H through an announce table. Triple H then came back strong, and hit a beautiful Pedigree on Rocky, following which Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco came down to the ring so as to officiate the match.

Vince then attacked The Rock with a steel chair and called for the officials to make a quick count, however, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin marched out to the ring and attacked Triple H, Shane, Vince, Patterson and Brisco with a steel chair. Following this, Linda McMahon appeared with referee Earl Hebner in tow, as The Rock hit a People’s Elbow on Triple H to win the WWF Championship.

Austin then drove out his truck with a burnt-out “DX Express” in tow, and proceeded to engage in a beer celebration with Rocky as the fans went wild at the MCI Center in Washington, DC.

#3 Edge vs. John Cena (Backlash 2009)

John Cena was stretchered from the arena after his match at Backlash 2009

One of the PG era’s most iconic moments came at Backlash 2009, during a match that saw Edge challenge John Cena for the latter’s World Heavyweight Championship.

Edge took on Cena in a Last Man Standing Match, which saw both Superstars break the moulds of traditional professional wrestling—so to speak—and channel their inner brawlers, much to the delight of the WWE Universe. Edge and Cena fought all over the arena that night and hit each other with their best signature moves, but to no avail.

The match finally came to a close when they made their way to the entrance ramp, and the Big Show appeared out of nowhere—chokeslamming Cena right through a spotlight which exploded! A raucous fan-reaction then saw Cena being counted out, as Edge won the Last Man Standing Match and was crowned as the new World Heavyweight Champion.

If you think that was legendary, wait until you read about the next two showdowns…

#2 “Stone Cold” Steve Austin vs. The Rock (Backlash: In Your House 1999)

Steve Austin and The Rock engaged in a highly-entertaining showdown at Backlash: In Your House

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin defended his WWF Championship against The Rock in a No Holds Barred Match at Backlash: In Your House in 1999.

Shane McMahon served as the “Special Guest Referee” for this matchup, as Austin and The Rock engaged in a highly-physical brawl that spilt over to the outside of the ring. One of the most memorable moments of this legendary showdown, came when The Rock—having just put Austin through the Spanish announce table with a Rock Bottom—chose to don a Spanish headset and camera.

Rocky panned the camera toward the crowd, and while still standing on an announce table with the camera in hand, Rocky turned the camera toward Austin—only for The Rattlesnake to flip him off and deliver a Stunner to Rocky through the table.

After an outside interference from Vince McMahon, that saw McMahon hit his own son Shane with a title belt—a series of insanely thrilling momentum shifts, saw Austin hit a Stunner and then attack Rocky with a title belt to secure the pinfall victory.

Austin then went on to celebrate with both the normal WWF title as well as his version of the WWF title aka the Smoking Skull belt. Up next, is perhaps a match that created a bonafide star…

#1 Randy Orton vs. Cactus Jack (Backlash 2004)

Randy Orton proved his mettle at Backlash 2004

A star was born at Backlash 2004, when “The Legend Killer” added yet another legend to his list of victims—defeating Cactus Jack (Mick Foley) in a Hardcore Match.

Randy Orton’s Intercontinental Championship was on the line, as he was beaten from pillar-to-post in this incredibly violent matchup. Cactus Jack notably placed a barbed wire baseball bat between Orton’s legs and performed a huge leg drop—leaving the young “Viper” writhing in pain.

In fact, Jack also planned on attacking Orton with a flaming barbed wire baseball bat, only for Eric Bischoff to interfere and cause a distraction—following which, Orton took advantage and hit an RKO on Jack right on the barbed wire baseball bat.

While Orton successfully retained his Intercontinental title, his performance against Cactus Jack cemented the young Superstar’s place as a mainstay in WWE for the years to come—whilst simultaneously giving the WWE Universe the possibly the best Backlash match of all time.