If there’s one thing that WWE Backlash will be remembered for, it will be for its fair share of surprises.The biggest surprise was, of course, Jinder Mahal’s WWE Championship win in the main event over Randy Orton. Nobody could’ve predicted his rise to the top of the card just a few short months ago let alone his capture of the brand’s top title. Yet, here we are, for better or for worse. Here’s rooting for him growing into this important role.
In addition to Mahal, a few lesser surprises included Sami Zayn’s upset of Baron Corbin as well as Tyler Breeze’s outrageous wardrobe choices. Somehow, the Fashion Police member took a lighthearted approach and won over the Chicago crowd big time.
There was a moderate amount of fun to be had on this card, even if it felt like it all paled in comparison to the TakeOver event that proceeded it one day prior.
There were a few missteps from this SmackDown-exclusive card and we count down those moments. There’s some silly stuff as well as blatant mistakes that need to be dissected, including a huge one that could affect the validity of the reign of the new WWE Champion. You’ll definitely want to see that dose of controversy.
Continue on to relive the botchiest and most outrageous moments from this night.
#5 Hitting JBL with a grandmother’s dress
Tyler Breeze is no stranger to dressing up like a woman. Earlier this year, he infamously donned a Brie Bella-inspired wardrobe in an attempt to become “Breezy Bella.” It was a strange time for him, and it will apparently continue to get stranger for him.
During the Tag Team Championship Match against The Usos, he dressed up in a couple of different disguises, including that of a grandma. When that particular gag ran its course, he was stripped of the womanly attire he was wearing. The dress was then chucked straight into the face of everyone's favourite source of controversy at the announcers’ table – JBL.
As goofy as this moment was, JBL followed it up with a hilarious take on it: “Last time that happened, I paid for it!” TMI, John.
#4 A flat ending
Kevin Owens vs. A.J. Styles for the U.S. Championship was far and away the best thing about this Backlash show. It was a hard-hitting affair that showcased the exceptional talents of both men. Sadly, it left a bad taste when it was over.
Styles tried to hit the champ with a move on top of the announcer’s table, but it didn’t work out for him. He got his foot caught inside an opening, which apparently housed a bear trap or quicksand or something that will cause someone to be terrifyingly stuck. A.J. was utterly immobilised, dangling there until the ref came by to assist him out of the Rubix cube he found his foot inside.
Hopefully, these two get a slightly more definitive ending the next time they face off.
#3 Did he kill him?
Randy Orton has recently decided to become a bubbling source of character and emotion. A few days ago we witnessed how sassy he could be when getting into a spat against the younguns who refuse to learn how to work a proper rest hold.
During the final moments of his WWE Championship defence on SmackDown, he delivered a facial expression so impressive that it likely had even Alexa Bliss taking notes.
Orton was in the process of beating on the Singh Brothers, breaking their comparatively much smaller bodies across the announce tables. It was during the final throw that he made one of his targets land awkwardly on his head and neck.
As Randy turned to walk away, his face was priceless. His look indicated that he was aware of the damage he might’ve caused and he would just have to live with it.
#2 Jinder won
Even though the betting odds were shifting in Jinder Mahal’s direction during the days leading into Backlash, it still seemed improbable. Even so, this former 3MB member successfully pinned the legendary Randy Orton to capture the historic WWE Championship.
It’s shocking and completely outrageous. Just watch the fan reactions as they panned to the crowd after the final bell rang to see the faces of everybody trying to process what they just saw.
Personally, I’ll give Jinder Mahal a chance. He’s got a great look and this contest with Orton was a perfectly acceptable attempt at a main event. And even though there was some involvement by the Singh brothers, Jinder at least scored his win cleanly and without any shred of controversy...
...or did he?
You definitely want to proceed on to the Number One entry to witness what topped this countdown.
#1 The left shoulder was up!
JBL ecstatically proclaimed that dreams can come true and that Hell has frozen over after witnessing Jinder Mahal win the WWE Championship, but all of that ballyhoo might be for nought. When the final pinfall was given a closer look, it becomes blatantly obvious that Randy Orton’s left shoulder raises off of the mat before the third count.
Sorry to rain on your parade, Jinder, but this title win is now mired in controversy. Will WWE address this bad call by a referee whose eyesight was likely too impaired to have been officiating in the first place?
Maybe not, but that doesn’t change the fact that Jinder Mahal did not keep The Viper’s shoulders down for a three count.
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