WWE might not have actually offered WrestleMania Backlash the very best build, but the show sure did provide. This was among the company's much better efforts in 2022, without any match being a straight-out flop.
The in-ring action on display screen varied from strong to splendid, as we were once again reminded of how skilled WWE's lineup genuinely is. WrestleMania Backlash featured 4 rematches from The Show of Shows, all of which were better here than in Dallas.
Six has slowly end up being the optimum variety of matches on a WWE premium live occasion card, with all of them getting adequate time to develop. Some got more than others, which is entirely natural.
So, let us look at every match at WrestleMania Backlash, grade them, and rank them from worst to best.
# 6 Omos vs. Bobby Lashley - WWE WrestleMania Backlash
While it ranks as the most lowest out of every match, Bobby Lashley's clash with Omos was an enhancement from WrestleMania. The two powerhouses laid in some shots at each other, with the vibrant being various due to MVP's presence in The Nigerian Giant's corner.
Lashley was sidetracked by his previous manager, who underwent a Hurt Lock outside the ring. The previous WWE Champion locked Omos in the deadly submission too, however got out of it.
MVP proved essential at the finish, which saw him hit Bobby Lashley with his walking stick prior to the seven-footer won with the Choke Bomb. After avenging his previous loss, he looked far better at WrestleMania Backlash. Hopefully, the 3rd match is even better if WWE goes ahead with it.
Grade: B-.
# 5 Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss.
Madcap Moss defeated Happy Corbi at WrestleMania Backlash.
Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin continued to shine in their spotlight, carried over from their fight with Drew McIntyre. The two engaged in a competitive match that featured some amazing offense from both men.
This was hard-hitting, as evidenced by Madcap's strikes and Corbin's slams. The latter even hit a senton, while Moss landed an impressive Fallaway Slam on his ex-partner. The ending was unexpected, with the babyface picking up the win with a sunset flip out of nowhere.
Both superstars brought it at WrestleMania Backlash, especially after being put in a difficult spot. The future is bright for Madcap Moss in WWE, who still needs a gimmick modification. Meanwhile, what happens with Happy Corbin remains to be seen.
Grade: B.
# 4 RK-Bro and Drew McIntyre vs. The Bloodline.
The first of four top-class matches from WrestleMania Backlash, The Bloodline's main event win over RK-Bro and Drew McIntyre, was just a bunch of enjoyable. 6 WWE Superstars who are over with the fans, showcased numerous huge spots throughout the bout's period.
Riddle and Randy Orton were in top form as leading kind as their series with The Usos stayed hot as ever. The Viper's RKO on Roman Reigns was especially excellent. However, The Tribal Chief's budding concern with Drew McIntyre was the main story here.
The two heavyweights slugged it out, with Reigns getting the upper hand on McIntyre by slamming him through the announce table. He eventually decided the match with a spear on Riddle after a blind tag on Jey Uso.
This supremely amusing WWE-style match made up in chaos for what it lacked in storytelling. A real testament to all six entertainers who made this contest with no stakes feel like a worthy main event to WrestleMania Backlash.
Grade: A-.
# 3 Edge vs. AJ Styles.
A better getaway than WrestleMania.
Edge and AJ Styles had a good night at WrestleMania Backlash. They place on a crisper variation of their previous encounter, which may have been a bit too sluggish for most fans' liking. This match made up for it, with The Phenomenal One looking more vicious.
Styles drew out the pitbull in him to reveal aggressiveness towards Edge, only for the WWE Hall of Famer to target his hurt shoulder. Although AJ would constantly resist, the Rated-R Superstar had most of the control.
Both strike their finishers for near-falls, as the previous New Japan star went to the top rope for a modified Phenomenal Forearm. Damian Priest showed up however did not get involved however was instead attacked by Finn Balor.
A hooded figure cost AJ Styles the win among the turmoil, with Rhea Ripley revealing herself as the latest member of Judgment Day. Edge choked his challenger out, keeping his momentum as the sadistic veteran of WWE.
Grade: A.
# 2 Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey - WWE SmackDown Women's Championship.
It looks like Charlotte Flair is taking a time off from WWE after losing her SmackDown Women's Championship to Ronda Rousey. She has absolutely made it.
The two women came into WrestleMania Backlash without the best build, however they delivered amazingly. Their 'I Quit' Match was supremely brutal and happened all around the arena.
From kendo stick battles on the stage to ringside brawls and even their fight in the crowd, Flair, and Rousey indeed went for each other. A few of the most unforgettable spots consisted of Charlotte's powerbomb into the barricade and an upside-down Armbar on the turnbuckle, both of which had harsh implications.
The Baddest Woman in the world got the win with a chair-assisted Armbar. It was a hard-fought bout, however Ronda Rousey is champion again in the end. Hopefully, this can help her kick on and enjoy a successful reign atop the SmackDown women's department following WrestleMania Backlash.
Grade: A.
# 1 Seth Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes - WWE WrestleMania Backlash.
WrestleMania Backlash was a fantastic show, however it might have really quickly suffered a sluggish and painful death after the incredible standards set in the opener. It is a testament to the whole event that Seth Rollins vs. Cody Rhodes was not the runaway Match of the Night because it was that great.
The two elite workers surpassed their WrestleMania match with another fantastic effort, which took pieces from it and enhanced the story. Rollins had a chip on his shoulder here, wishing to prove he's the very best after losing to Rhodes on the latter's WWE return at The Show of Shows.
We got some mind-blowing spots in the ring at WrestleMania Backlash, with this match delivering the best of them. Cody's Disaster Kick was countered into a buckle bomb while he stopped The Visionary from striking his greatest moves. The American Nightmare did kick out of a Pedigree, though.
In the end, Cody Rhodes countered Seth Rollins' roll-up with one of his own. He even got the tights, which may have been an anticlimactic finish. However, it does establish a potential 3rd match inside Hell in a Cell, with Rollins having premises to ask for a rematch. This match was just outstanding from top to bottom.
Grade: A+.
