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#9 WWE Money in the Bank
The first WWE pay-per-view in the post-WrestleMania season, Money in the Bank suffered from the quiet setting of the Performance Center. It also had a lack of intrigue and excitement that surrounded 'Mania from a month prior, at that very venue. That being said, the primary selling point was the dual ladder matches that took place simultaneously at WWE's Corporate Headquarters.
It was a wacky cinematic production, which featured some interesting interactions between various Superstars. In the end, Asuka won the women's Money in the Bank briefcase and the men's one fell into the arms of Otis. It was enjoyable in places but bordered on pure lunacy and the comedy did not always land.
The in-ring portion of Money in the Bank hardly impressed, aside from a barnburner between WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins. Braun Strowman vs. 'Firefly Fun House' Bray Wyatt headlined the undercard, which was painfully mediocre.
Grade: C
#8 WWE Backlash
A significant improvement from Money in the Bank, Backlash featured some great matches. However, some poorly booked ones prevent it from reaching the level of some of the events taking place in the WWE ThunderDome. This was headlined by Randy Orton vs. Edge, touted the 'Greatest Wrestling Match Ever'.
The match certainly was brilliant, as WWE going all-out to make it a spectacular production. Edge and Orton managed to compel WWE fans for over 45 minutes, with The Viper coming out on top with a Punt Kick. This spectacle was supported by a hard-hitting WWE Championship match between Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley.
The undercard was inconsistent, with an enjoyable Sheamus vs. Jeff Hardy match being followed by a non-finish between Asuka and Nia Jax. Braun Strowman's two-on-one victory over The Miz and John Morrison was also not very good, as was the cinematic brawl between The Street Profits and The Viking Raiders. The contrast between the main events and the undercard makes Backlash an average outing for WWE.
Grade: B
