The NXT Takeover: Chicago show from last night was one of the more memorable events we’ve watched in the recent past. Backlash started off strong, but gradually became just another overly long pay-per-view, with very few long-term consequences, except for Jinder Mahal’s big win.
The show wasn’t awful, but it won’t go down in history as one of the better SmackDown Live pay-per-views. Like always, we bring you our critical analysis of Backlash, moments after it happened.
Presenting the Best and Worst from the lukewarm SmackDown Live exclusive event.
#1 Worst: Felt like a longer SmackDown Live show
Except for certain special attractions, this could have been just another SmackDown Live show. When you begin a pay-per-view with Tye Dillinger vs. Aiden English, put Luke Harper vs. Erick Rowan before the championship match (despite the fact that they wrestled each other on TV), and have a silly 6-woman tag team match, the overall outcome can be very underwhelming indeed.
While there was some freshness across the pay-per-view (Nakamura’s debut, Jinder Mahal’s big win), the rest of it was honestly very ‘meh' indeed.
#1 Best/Worst: Taking a huge chance
The WWE product has become stale and predictable, and therefore shocking outcomes are always welcome indeed. However, we wonder if this was the right call, from a long-term perspective.
It is clear what WWE is trying to achieve. Jinder Mahal has been elevated to cater to the Indian market so that he becomes a ‘dual’ figure – a babyface in India and a heel everywhere else. His ascent to the top was sudden and without precedent.
However, his microphone skills are average at best and his work inside the ring is lacking in several departments, from a main event perspective. While Mahal is a welcome change as champion, from Randy Orton’s awful reign, we wonder if he can rise to the challenge and carry the mantle of the company.
Now you know why we can’t slot this title change, as either ‘best’ or 'worst’.
#2 Worst: The fall of women's wrestling
Backlash 2017 had no women’s title match, instead, it had a 6-woman tag team match. We presumed then that there would be a swerve and it would have long term repercussions on the very lackluster ‘Welcoming Committee’ storyline.
Not only was it just another match, it ended with Becky Lynch tapping to the Sharpshooter, in the middle of the ring. Yes, it ended just like that.
This match did not elevate anyone, and at best, buried Becky Lynch. Any division with the talent that the SmackDown Women's roster has should not have to endure such storylines. While we are suggesting changes, can we also suggest a change in hairstyle for you, miss Becky Lynch?
#2 Best: Tyler Breeze was absolute gold
Breezango is a very entertaining tag team indeed. Now that they had a chance to shine, with the Fashion Police storyline, we saw them unleash their comedic side. Tyler Breeze came to the ring dressed first as a janitor and later, as an old lady. While the sight was absurd, it was just what sports entertainment needs to be – funny, unpredictable and awesome.
Fandango played his role to the best of his ability as well, swivelling his hips and giving the crowd a chuckle and then diving over the top rope in the absolute best spot of the match. While Breezango did not win the match, they won many hearts.
Special props to JBL for some really witty remarks during the match and all through the night as well.
#3 Worst: Dolph Ziggler got too much offence in
Shinsuke Nakamura was the pivot the whole show was built around. While he did get a very positive reaction, we felt that the match that followed was not ideal. The Nakamura-Ziggler opening contest was good, but it wasn’t the first match Nakamura should have had.
Ziggler is too far down the card to have gotten in the kind of offence that he eventually did. If anything, going so long took away some of the steam that had been associated with Shinsuke Nakamura. We hope he regains it with his charismatic, enigmatic ways.
#3 Best: The fabulous US title match
This wasn't the best match that both men have been part of. This wasn’t even the best match this weekend (take a bow, Bate and Dunne). This was a solid match with good storytelling and a finish that keeps their rivalry going. While the Owens-Styles match started off slow, it picked up steam in time and even got a ‘This is Awesome’ chant.
In conclusion, the era of The Maharaja has begun for good.
