WWE SmackDown’s first PPV after the brand split, Backlash came live from Richmond, Virginia with tons of hype leading up to the show. This PPV was the stage for reigning champions to defend their titles and the news ones to rise. We at Sportskeeda, bring you the highlight reel of Backlash
The match card looked quite spectacular and promising, to say the least-
Intercontinental Championship: The Miz(C) vs Dolph Ziggler
Randy Orton vs Bray Wyatt
The Usos/Hype Bros vs Heath Slater & Rhyno
WWE Championship: Dean Ambrose(c) vs AJ Styles
Smackdown Women's Champion: Nikki Bella vs Becky Lynch vs Natalya vs Naomi vs Alexa Bliss vs Carmella
Overall the show lived up to its hype and had quite a few surprises for the fans. The first one being an impromptu match between Apollo Crews & Baron Corbin after the latter expressed his frustration for not being booked on the PPV match card to the General Manager, Daniel Bryan.
1- Baron Corbin vs Apollo Crews
2- Six Pack Challenge for the Women’s Championship
This match was one hell of a swift brawl. The only way to eliminate the opponent was either through pinfall or submission.
Just before the match started, SmackDown Live Commissioner, Shane O Mac and the General Manager, Daniel Bryan come out to the ring to introduce the historic match and thank the full house at Richmond coliseum.
After eliminating Nikki, the only two competitors left were Becky and Carmella.
RESULT: BECKY LYNCH BECOMES SMACKDOWN’S FIRST EVER WOMEN’S CHAMPION
3- The Usos vs The Hype Bros
The winner of this match went on to battle it out with the tag team of Heath Slater & Rhyno for the Tag team titles.
RESULT: Usos Won and Earned a place in a match against Heath Slater and Rhyno
4- Intercontinental Champioship Match: The Miz with Maryse Vs Dolph Ziggler
After a backstage segment with Daniel Bryan about his contract and the money he should be paid, The Intercontinental Champion strode his way into the ring with his beautiful wife, Maryse
RESULT: The Miz retained the WWE Intercontinental Championship
5- Bray Wyatt Vs Randy Orton
It is announced that Randy Orton won’t be participating in the match after a backstage brawl in which Wyatt injured his leg. The Viper wasn’t declared fit to participate in the bout and the referee started counting the count and adjudged Wyatt the winner after Orton didn’t turn up.
Wyatt's celebrations didn't last long as an announcement was made that Wyatt would face an unknown wrestler in a No Holds Barred match. An that ‘unkown’ star turned out to be Kane.
Orton came out in the later stages of the match to get some retribution against Wyatt. He RKO’ed Wyatt and helped Kane in landing the chokeslam and the subsequent pin for the win.
RESULT: Kane def. Bray Wyatt in a No Holds Barred Match
5- The Usos vs Rhyno and Heath Slater
The Usos having won their qualifying match against the Hype Bros had a chance to win the Tag Team titles if they won against the tag team of Heath Slater & Rhyno. Also, if Slater & Rhyno won, Slater stood a chance of getting a SmackDown LIVE contract
RESULT: Heath Slater and Rhyno def. The Usos
6- MAIN EVENT: AJ Styles vs Dean Ambrose(C) for the WWE World Championship
This match was bound to be a classic as the new ‘Face That Runs The Place’ took on ‘The Lunatic Fringe’. Both men received equal reactions from the crowd and the main event sure lived up to its hype.
“HOLY SHI**T”
After a cheap low blow, Styles delivered the Styles clash and this is what followed:
After what was a remarkable first PPV, Backlash came to an end. This has set up some tantalizing angles and storylines for Smackdown Live.
One of Samoa Joe's colleagues had harsh words for him HERE
