Will Backlash be truly phenomenal?

Cody Rhodes’ first defense of THE WWE Championship could also be his last, because he is up against The Phenomenal A J STYLES! Will The American Nightmare have finished his story only for the next chapter to be cut short?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Randy Orton & Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga w/ Paul Heyman; turned into…
• Street Fight Tag: Randy Orton & Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga w/ Paul Heyman; Solo & Tama win.
• WWE Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; Bayley wins and retains the title.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest VS Jey Uso; Priest wins and retains the title.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors VS Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill; Bianca & Jade win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
• Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS AJ Styles; Cody wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Backlash in France Kickoff Show!

The countdown to showtime is on! Join Jackie Redmond, Big E and CM Punk as they discuss, analyze and predict what happens at the first-ever Premium Live Event to ever air from France!

BREAKING NEWS!

Make sure to watch the Kentucky Derby’s kickoff show on NBC today, right after Backlash, because there will be news about WWE WrestleMania 41!

Backstage interview with Jey Uso.

Byron Saxton brings up that Jey Uso was Raw’s number one draft pick. Now he can build on that by becoming the NEW World Heavyweight Champion. How is he feeling? Jey says he’s got goosebumps, Uce. You can’t see ’em, but he’s got ’em. He appreciates Byron being there from day one on Jey’s career, to tonight. This is a career defining moment. Damian Priest is a beast, but Jey’s gotta prove he can stand on his own two feet. And by the end of tonight, Lyon, France and the world will YEET with the new champion, Main Event Jey Uso! Gimme a yeet. Byron says “YEET!” and says we could be looking at the new WHC. Will Jey finally have his moment?

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill.

Byron is now with the strongEST duo, and says they are going after Damage CTRL and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Bianca immediately says she is so tired of talking about DMG CTRL. She is done, ready to be done with Kairi, with Asuka, with Iyo, with Dakota, and even Bayley. Taking those titles means DMG CTRL gets stuck on Raw. Why does she have to keep repeating herself? She is tired of hearing herself talk about it! She wants to be done! Jade steps in and says they’re just excited to be NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. They don’t have time for this, they gotta go. Jade & Bianca head out, will they soon be the newEST champions?

WWE shares a special interview with AJ Styles.

Kayla Braxton sat down with The Phenomenal One, and wanted to talk about his new attitude since returning. Styles seems confused as to that phrasing, and she asks what brought this on. New attitude? No, this is focus. He was out, got his mind right, dialed in, that’s where he’s at right now. Then to her next question, he hasn’t been world champion in six years. Is frustration over that what brought this change about? Styles says he looked back and realized he’d gotten complacent. So again, he got his mind right and focused himself. Kayla knows Styles and Cody have never faced each other. Styles says he still respects Cody, but that won’t stop him from beating him.

Then to add to that, these two have been ships in the night. Styles comes into WWE, Cody makes his way out. Does this match resonate on a personal level? Styles say sit isn’t personal, it’s business. But he also takes this business personally. He doesn’t wanna beat Cody, but he has to. Then what happens if he doesn’t? That possibility isn’t in Styles’ mind. He doesn’t want this, he needs this, and he needs it much more than Cody. It took Cody two YEARS to get this title, but it’ll only be 27 days when he loses it. Will Styles bring about a phenomenal end to The American Nightmare’s dream?

Now this is cinema.

Time to make hot, new headlines, and to start some new stories. When the stakes are this high, the world tunes in, and the superstars turn it up. “When one good story ends, an even better one begins.” Are you ready? Ready for war!? History is being made before your eyes as WWE is live from France! Welcome to Backlash!

Randy Orton & Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga w/ Paul Heyman!

The Viper and the Prizefighter have proven to be a powerful duo, and they’ve both had their beef with The Bloodline, plus they have initials that line up, so this just seemed like a natural move! Will #R-KO #JustKeepFighting until they’ve torn down the Enforcer and the Good Bad Guy? Or will The Wise Man’s warning from last night come true?

The fans chant “WE WANT ROMAN!” but Solo tunes that out. The teams stare down, the ref wants them to sort out, but Kevin gets righ tin Tama’s face! And then the brawl is on! The fans are thunderous as the hands fly fast and furious! Tama and Kevin tumble out one side, ORton and Solo on the other! Kevin fires off fists on Tama against the desk! Then he dumps Tama over barriers! Orton SMACKS Solo off the apron, throws more hands, then brings SOlo over to the desks! Solo stops that, SMACKS Orton,m and Tama fires hands on Kevin! Refs and produers rush out here to try and get this intno a match but the fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!”

Security now has to get involved, this is just like last night at the end of SmackDOwn! Kevin and Tama are in the ring, Kevin hits a sTUNNER on a guard! STUNNER again! Kevin grabs at Tama, Tama grabs at Kevin! Nick Aldis storms out here as SmackDown GM, and tells his superstars to stop it already! But alright, if they wanna disregard rules, throw out stunners, then fine! Do whatever you want! Thi sis now a STREET FIGHT!!

Street Fight Tag: Randy Orton &

The fans are thunderous as the bell rings and the brawling continues! Tama CHUCKS the Prime at Kevin! Orton and Solo brawl in the crowd! Kevin fires hands on Tama against the French commentary, then SMACKS him with a bottle! Kevin CHUCKS the Prime jug, shoves the cart over, then SMACKS Tama with the Prime sign! Kevin then SPITS on the sign, throw sit down, and keeps after Tama. Meanwhile, Solo and Orton have brawled up into the bleachers! Solo HEABUTTS Orton, throws up the one, but Orton pokes him in the eyes! Kevin and Tama brawl their way through the crowd, Kevin JAMS Tama up with a fan’s chair!

Kevin SMACKS Tama with the chair, then grabs some railing to SMACK him with that, too! Orton has Solo down, but drags him back up to return to ground level. The fans are thunderous for “K O! K O!” as Kevin keeps after Tama. Solo DECKS Orton in return but then Kevin runs over to attack Solo! We’re getting picture in picture of the same beating! Kevin rains down fists and fans count all the way to TEN, or whatever that is in French. But then Tama grabs Kevin in a SLEEPER! Orton is looking for him in the wrong place! The Bloodline mugs Kevin, the fans taunt them, but Orton doubles back!

Solo whips Kevin into barriers, but then Orton attacks him and Tama! Orton HEADBUTTS, but you never headbutt a Samoan! Solo UPPERCUTS Orton down, but Kevin SUPERKICKS Solo! Kevin TOSSES Solo to ringside! The fans are thunderous again as Kevin gets up on the barriers. Kevin walks along, to then FROG SPLASH Tama on the floor! Orton goes up!? Then he hops down. Orton brings Tama up to SMACK him off steel steps! Orton drags Tama along, back to the desks! The fans fire up for the DESK BACK SUPLEX! Tama writhes on top of the French team’s monitors, but then Orton brings Tama to DESK BACK SUPLEX on the English commentary table!

Kevin SMACKS Solo off steel steps, then pulls the steps apart so he can DDT Solo on the steel! Orton goes looking under the ring, and fans cheer! They bring out trash cans and their lids! Lyon wants tables but they’ll have to wait a moment. Orton SMACKS Tama down with a trash can! Solo staggers up, staggers his way over, and Kevin SMACKS him with the lid! The fans cheer for “E C DUB!” as Orton gives Kevin a kendo stick! Kevin SMACKS, JAMS, then SMACKS Solo again! Solo staggers around, into a TRASH CAN SHOT! The fans are still thunderous as Kevin drags Tama up to put him on the desk. Orton SMACKS Tama! And SMACKS him again!

Orton SMACKS Solo off a desk, throws hands, then he and Kevin go looking for something more. The fans are electric as they each bring out a TABLE! “OUI! OUI! OUI!” echoes out as Orton puts his in the ring while Kevin sets his up ringside. Orton throws hands down on Solo, Kevin fetches Tama, and Kevin drags Tama over to the ring. Tama fights back with fast hands! Kevin SMACKS Tama off the apron, then puts him on the table! Orton finishes setting his table up at the center of the ring, and Kevin goes up to the apron! “SUCK IT!” FROG SPLASH through the table!! Kevin roars right in Tama’s face!

Orton gets Solo in the ring and the fans are loving all of this! Orton grins as he brings Solo up, but Solo UPPERCUTS! Orton wobbles, Solo fireman’s carries! SAMOAN DROP through the table! Orton writhes out of the wreckage but Kevin hurries in! Solo stands, roars, but turns around into haymakers! The fans fire up as Kevin kicks, but no stunner! Solo LARIATS Kevin inside-out! The fans boo and taunt Solo, but Solo tunes that out to call to Tama. Tama rises, he and Solo beat Kevin down. Kevin kicks back but Tama fires stomps and fists! Tama just hammers away on Kevin, then rains down HEADBUTTS!

The fans boo and Tama finally lets off. Solo tosses a kendo stick in, Kevin grabs for it but Tama takes it from him! The fans tell Tama off, but Tama SMACKS Kevin! Solo steps in, Tama hands him the stick. Solo stalks Kevin, then SMACKS him in the ribs! Kevin sits down in a corner, Solo rains down fists on him! The fans rally for Kevin but Tama has a trash can lid. Solo lines up a shot first, and he goes corner to corner for the HIP ATTACK! The fans boo as Solo roars, but now Tama takes his turn. Tama SMACKS Kevin with the lid! And then SMACKS him again! And again! Solo has him stand down, then Solo throws down hands!

Tama returns with a trash can, but Kevin TACKLES him first! Solo SMACKS Kevin with the can! And again! Kevin grabs at the kendo stick but Solo takes it from him to SMACK away again and again! The fans boo as Solo holds up the one. Solo tells Tama to fetch more things, and Tama looks under the ring. Tama brings out another TABLE! The fans cheer the table but The Bloodline is setting it up. Kevin manages to stand while the table is propped up in a corner. Kevin BOOTS Tama then TOSSES him out! But Solo ROCKS Kevin back! Solo gets in Kevin’s face and grins a sinister grin before he throws HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT!

Solo brings Kevin around, whips him corner to corner, but Kevin reverses! Solo crashes through the table!! But Tama LARIATS Kevin back down! The fans rally for Randy, wherever he’s disappeared to, but Tama brings in chair after chair. Tama stalks Kevin as he goes to ropes, but Orton returns! Tama hears the fans cheering and turns around. Orton and Tama stare down, they circle, and Tama fires up! Tama swings, Orton dodges! LARIAT! LARIAT! Orton then dodges to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans are electric again, and Orton puts Tama through ropes! The fans cheer for the DRAPING DDT!

Even with 11 THOUSAND cheering him on, Orton hears those voices now! R K O!! Cover, Solo breaks it!! Solo throws HEADBUTTS until Orton tumbles out of the ring! Solo goes after him, SMACKS him off the desk, then clears it off! English commentary might end up off the air as Solo drags Orton over. The fans chant “SOLO SUCKS! SOLO SUCKS!” but Solo ignores that again to stand Orton up. Solo HEADBUTTS Orton onto the desk, then climbs up after him. Solo drags Orton up, powers up the thumb, RKO ON THE DESK!!! The fans are thunderous as The Viper strikes outta nowhere! But it was also double-edged given the landing!

Kevin drags himself back up in the ring and the fans fire up as he has Tama to himself! Kevin grabs a chair, “This is Awesome!” as Kevin SMACKS Tama on the back! Kevin sets that chair up, SMACKS Tama with another chair, then sets that chair up. Kevin SMACKS Tama with a third chair, then sets that one up. And then SMACK with a fourth chair, and another SMACK, and another SMACK, before the chair square is complete! The fans are thunderous again as Kevin makes Tama recline back on all those chairs! Kevin goes up, but Tama goes after him first! Tama fires hands, then grabs at Kevin. Kevin fires hands in return!

Kevin ROCKS Tama, adjusts position, but Tama goes up after him! Tama fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, then goes to the very top! But Kevin turns that around! SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER through the chairs!!! The fans are absolutely losing it as both men are down in the wreckage! Kevin crawls to a cover, but TANGA LOA drags the ref out of the ring?!? Tama’s brother is here?! Since when!? The Silverback has the steel steps, and he CLOBBERS Randy!! And then he CLOBBERS Kevin! Solo hits an URENAGE on a chair!! The fans boo as Solo drags Kevin up, to SAMOAN SPIKE!!! Cover, Bloodline wins!!

Winners: Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga, by pinfall

Just when the Bloodline looked like they were at their most dangerous, they got even MORE dangerous! Solo leads the OG Guerrillas of Destiny forward in the WWE, is there going to be no stopping them now?

WWE Women’s Championship Triple Threat: Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!

They say all people are created equal, but when a champion is in a Triple Threat, their odds drastic go down! The Role Model only just got this title off Iyo Sky at WrestleMania, but now things have gotten complicated. Bayley and Naomi are friends, and Tiffany is anything but. Will Bayley survive to bring this belt back to the States? Or will there already be a new Women’s Champion on SmackDown?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the numbers spell disaster at Backlash!

The bell rings and the fans sing for Bayley. But Tiffy stays it is still Tiffy Time, and the fans join in on that, too! Then Tiff kicks Naomi, swing son Bayley but Bayley dodges to arm-drag! Bayley runs up on Naomi but Naomi arm-drags! Naomi blocks Tiffy’s arm-drag, whips her away, then splits, but Tiffy handsprings over! The fans cheer this opening exchange, and ‘TIFFY TIME!” echoes out. Bayley shoves Tiff, rolls her up, but Naomi rolls Bayley! Tiff rolls Naomi, but Bayley breaks it! The fans cheer, “That was Awesome!” Bayley runs to ELBOW Tiff in the back, then SLIDING LARIAT from the front! Naomi runs up, into a sweep! Cover, TWO!

Bayley keeps going, she ELBOWS Naomi, but Naomi catches the sliding lariat to a ghost pin! TWO, Bayley cradles, TWO! Tiff gets a DOUBLE JACKKNFIE! TWO!! The fans cheer this second exchange as all three women cool off. Bayley smiles, digging the energy from the fans, and then Bayley and Naomi both kick Tiff! They double whip but Tiff KICKS Bayley! Naomi waitslocks, Tiff elbows free, then Tiff sends Bayley into buckles! Tiff whips Naomi, Naomi slides under, then mule kicks back! Naomi runs but Tiff dodges, Naomi SHOTGUNS Bayley! Tiff kicks Naomi, bumps her off buckles, then runs corner to corner to handspring and BACK ELBOW!

The fans fire up as Tiff snapmares Naomi, runs, but Bayley DECKS her! Bayley runs at Naomi, sunset flips, but Naomi stays up! But Tiff SHOTGUNS Naomi, then STOMPS Bayley! Cover on Bayley, TWO! Tiff covers Naomi, TWO! Tiff is annoyed but the fans are still loving this. Tiff TOSSES Naomi out, brings Bayley up to bump her off buckles. Tiff wrenches and whips then ELBOWS Bayley down! The fans applaud and Tiff brings Bayley up. Tiff CLUBS Bayley, CLUBS her again, but fans sing for Bayley again. Tiff puts Bayley in ropes to CHOKE her! And she doesn’t have to let off in a Triple Threat!

Tiff YANKS the ropes to jam Bayley up, but Bayley fires body shots and forearms! Bayley runs, but Tiff LARIATS her down! Cover, TWO! Tiff is annoyed again but the fans continue to cheer. Tiff stomps Bayley, ROCKS her, and Bayley goes to ropes. The fans rally for Bayley as Tiff CHOKES her again! The erf reprimands but that’s all he can do. Tiff brings Bayley around but Bayley fires body shots! Bayley fires forearms but Tiff knees low! Tiff whips but Bayley goes up and over the corner to roll Tiff up! TWO and Tiff CLOBBERS Bayley! Cover, TWO! The fans have not stopped chanting as Tiff brings Bayley up and around.

Tiff whips again, Bayley ends up in the corner. Tiff then handsprings, but Bayley catches her! For a BIG back suplex, but Tiff lands out! Cartwhele and Alabama SLAM! High stack, TWO! Naomi CLOBBERS Tiff, too! The fans are still thunderous like they have since last night on SmackDown, and Naomi whips Tiff. Tiff holds ropes, BOOTS back, but Naoim comes back to SPEAR Tiff through the ropes! Naomi fires up and the fans fire up again, too! Naomi fires forearms on Tiff, then brings her around to whip. Tiff reverses and Naomi hits barriers! Tiff runs and handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Tiff SHOVES Naomi over into the timekeeper’s area!

Tiff says it’s Tiffy Time, but Bayley DIVES onto her! The fans are thunderous as Bayley rains down fists! Bayley finds Naomi, brings her up, but Naomi ROUNDHOUSES her! Naomi goes up onto the barrier, and then BLOCKBUSTERS to the floor! The fans cheer as Naomi finds Tiff and puts her in. “This is Awesome!” as Naomi KICKS Tiff in the ropes, then twerks right on her! HEATSEEKER! Naomi then hits the SPLIT-LEG MOONSAULT! Cover, Bayley breaks it! All three women slowly rise, and Naomi mule kicks Bayley! Naomi then runs Bayley to BUCKLE BULLDOG in the corner!

Naomi puts Bayley up top, climbs up after her, but Bayley fires hands! Tiff YANKS Naomi down, then climbs up after Bayley! Bayley fights with body shots again, and then Naomi CLUBS Tiff! Naomi brings Tiff out for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Into the BUTTERFLY STRETCH!! Tiff endures, but Bayley MACHO ELBOWS!! Cover on Naomi, TWO!! Bayley hurries to cover Tiff, TWO!! The fans continue to rally, all three women rise up again. Bayley has targets in both corners, so Bayley sunset BUCKLE BOMBS Naomi! Bayley runs to sunset Tiff, but she sits on it!! TWO!! Tiff swings, into a BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!!

Tiff survives, the fans continue to chant and cheer, and Bayley is beside herself. Bayley CLUBS Tiff, stomps her to a corner and fires off fast hands! The fans cheer, Tiff shoves Bayley away, then POSTS her! Bayley is stuck in the ropes, Tiff drags her back out and fireman’s carries! ROLLING SENTON! Tiff goes up but Naomi YANKS her down! Naomi drags Tiff to the floor and rains down fists! Tiff BOOTS Naomi into barriers, then cartwheels for the ALABAMA- NO, they cartwheel more and more! Tiff has Naomi back up, ALABAMA SLAM on the desk!! The fans are thunderous as Tiff drags Bayley out for an ALABAMA SLAM on the French desk!!

Tiff puts Naomi in the ring, then puts Bayley in. Tiff has them lined up like weeks before, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- NO, Tiff rolls through as both opponent move! Naomi & Bayley hit a ONE D!! The fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” as Bayley and Naomi stare down. They are friends but this is about the title! They fire off forearms back and forth, and Naomi gets the edge! Naomi ENZIGIRIS Bayley down! Then Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Bayley cradles, BAYLEY WINS!!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Champion)

The Role Model snatches victory away and certainly stuns a portion of the fans! But with how fast this match was moving, will Bayley have to keep up the pace if she wants to stay champion?

Jey Uso prepares backstage.

Solo walks over, as do Tama & Loa. They don’t say anything, but the Bloodline heads out. And then Heyman walks over, shakes his head, then walks on. Can Main Event Jey keep the drama out of his head to YEET the World Heavyweight Championship right off Damian Priest? We find out, because that match is next!

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest VS Jey Uso!

Senor Money in the Bank became El Campeon at WrestleMania, but that’s about the only thing that’s gone well for him. The Judgment Day is looking lost without Mami, is this title match going to be another loss? Or will The Punisher make sure Main Event Jey doesn’t have his crowning moment?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see just who’s getting fed to who!

The bell rings, the fans fire up again and the two stare down. “YEET! YEET! YEET!” echoes out, and Jey gets the fans to bounce again, on all four sides of the ring! The fans cheer, and then they all join in, but Priest grabs Jey’s neck! Jey fires haymakers, but Priest TOSSES Jey to a corner! Jey dodges to then fire off haymakers, “YEET! YEET!” Jey whips, Priest reverses, Jey goes up and over, then “YEET!” The fans cheer again but Priest is getting annoyed. Priest runs up but Jey DUMPS him out! Jey then builds speed, but has to stop as Priest moves aside. Priest cools off, but Jey goes out to LEAP from the apron! Only for Priest to catch him!

Priest runs and RAMS Jey into barriers! Priest brings Jey around to ROCK him, but the fans rally for “USO! USO!” Jey gets in the ring, Priest storms in after him, and the “UCE! OH!” echoes out now. Priest stands Jey up but Jey fires body shots! Priest DECKS Jey! Priest soaks up the cheers and jeers, then waits on Jey. Jey goes to a corner, Priest runs in, BACK ELBOW! Priest runs to CLOBBER Jey! Priest mocks the yeet bounce, covers, TWO! Jey stays in this and the fans stay fired up, but Priest grabs Jey’s arms. Priest has a motorcycle stretch and he digs his knee into Jey’s back! The fans rally for Jey as he endures!

Jey fights up to his feet, but Priest chinlocks. Jey throws body shots, “YEET!” But Priest BELL CLAPS! Jey falls, Priest shakes his head, and Priest says Jey is not next. The fans continue to rally as Priest kicks Jey around. Jey stands, into a KICK! And another KICK! And another, and another! But he ducks the discus to hit a BIG back suplex! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Jey and Priest slowly rise, Priest stands first. Jey grins as he hruns up to HAYMAKER! And counter punch! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops ‘n’ locks then puts some stank on the HAYMAKER! Priest staggers, the fans fire up, and Jey whips.

Priest reverses, but Jey slips free of the scoop to mule kick! And UPPERCUT! Priest wobbles, Jey kicks, but Priest blocks! Only for the DRAGON WHIP to hit! The fans fire up as Priest ends up in a corner! Jey goes to a corner, the fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and bounce along. Jey runs in, but Priest puts Jey on the apron! Jey GAMANGIRIS in return, then goes up top! Jey leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! The fans continue to rally and Jey catches his breath. Priest is outside, so Jey builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Priest hits barriers! The fans fire up again and Jey nods. Jey hears the ring count, brings Priest up and puts him in at 7 of 10.

But wait, Judgment Day rushes out here! JD McDonagh messes with the ropes to trip Jey up! Priest SPEARS!! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and JD is furious that their plans still aren’t working! JD coaches Priest but Priest asks what he’s even doing here! Wait, JD is going rogue again? Priest says he doesn’t need any help here! Priest and JD argue, Jey runs up! Jey dodges Priest to SUPERKICK JD! SUPERKICK for Priest! Jey goes up top, USO SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Jey is stunned, but the fans are still fired up! Jey and Priest sit up, and Jey throws a haymaker! “YEET!” Priest gives back a forearm, “BOO!”

Jey haymakers, “YEET!” Priest forearms, “BOO!” Both men stand, and then Jey UPPERCUTS! “YEET!” Jey shoves Priest, Priest comes back to ROCK Jey! “NO YEET!” “YEET! NO YEET! YEET! NO YEET!” Priest gets the edge, fires himself up, and swings, into an UPPERCUT! But then Priest UPPERCUTS! Jey SUPERKICKS! Priest ROCKS Jey again! Jey PELES! Priest JUMP KICKS! Both men fall and the fans are thunderous again! They stare each other down and the fans are so loud, this place is rumbling! Priest blocks a kick, kicks back, then gets Jey up for the RAZOR’S EDGE!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans continue to cheer while Priest cools off. Priest brings down the straps, powers up the hand, and waits on Jey. Jey rises slowly, turns around, into the choke grip! SOUTH OF- NO, Jey slips free, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and the fans are thunderous again! Jey thinks on what he has to do to keep Priest down, and the fans rally behind him as he goes back for a corner. Jey climbs, but now FINN BALOR is here! Finn gets on the apron, Jey SUPERKICKS! Jey then runs in at Priest, but Priest LARIATS! Priest staggers around, choke grip, and SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, TWO?!?

Jey survives Priest’s best shot and the fans are electric! Priest has no idea how, but he works to calm back down. “This is Awesome!” as Priest storms around. Priest fires himself back up, wants Jey to rise, and Jey slowly stands back up. Priest runs up to SPIN KICK! Jey flops back down but Priest tells him to get back up! Jey rises, the fans rally, and Priest SPIN KICKS again! Jey wobbles, drops to his knees, but Priest says one more time! Rise! The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as Jey makes it back to his feet, SPIN- SUPERKICK!! Jey hits another SUPERKICK! And another SUPERKICK! The fans fire up with Jey as he runs in to SUPERKICK at the corner!

Priest wobbles, Jey runs, SPEAR!! Jey goes up a corner and the fans are thunderous! USO SPLASH!!! Cover, JD GIVES HIM THE ROPEBREAK!! Maybe Priest was wrong about needing the help! Jey is beside himself, it’s like being on the other side of Bloodline antics. The fans tell JD off, but JD and Finn both coach Priest back into this. The fans chant, “F U J D!” Jey DIVES onto JD! The fans fire up again and Jey hurries around. Finn runs up, into a SPEAR! Jey leaves The Prince behind to aim at the Punisher. Jey climbs, but Priest hits ropes to trip him up! Priest goes up after Jey, choke grips, SUPER SOUTH OF HEAVEN!!! Cover, Priest wins!!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

The Judgment Day didn’t plan this as a team, but they still won as a team to keep the gold with their man! And then Finn & JD have to add on by beating Jey down! That Priest does NOT approve of! He throws JD off, and shoves Finn back! Priest tells them that is enough! Jey’s done, they can leave. Finn & JD don’t understand, but they still listen to Priest. Are things (not) going to be fine with The Judgment Day?

Phillipe Chereau is in the ring.

He thanks the fans for being here this weekend, and for setting the LARGEST GATE of ANY ARENA SHOW in WWE history! Vive la France, vive la WWE!

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The Kabuki Warriors VS Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill!

The Empress of Tomorrow & The Pirate Princess reunited under Iyo Sky’s Damage CTRL, and they took control of the Women’s Tag Division. However, the EST is about to lose control, and not in a good way! Will Bianca and Jade bring the storm that washes away the reign? Or will even the strongEST duo not be ready for Asuka & Kairi?

The introductions are made, the titles are raised, and we see who is truly in control!

The teams sort out and the fans cheer for “E S T! E S T!” as she starts against Asuka. They circle, tie up, and Bianca headlocks hard. Asuka pulls the braid and powers out of the hold, but Bianca RAMS her! Neither falls, Bianca fires up, and they start shoving! The fans rally and duel as the forearms go back and forth! Bianca gets the edge, but Asuka SOBATS! Asuka runs, but Bianca blows past her to run her over! The fans fire up and Bianca keeps moving, but Asuka drops. Bianca handsprings, and says kiss this! Asuka runs up, but Bianca bypasses her. Asuka turns hip toss into takedown, TWO! Asuka gets around, IRON OCTOPUS!

Bianca endures as Asuka pulls her arm and twists the wrist! Bianca powers Asuka around for a swinging GUTBUSTER! Asuka flounders away, Bianca runs up but ducks the kick! Asuka ducks a haymaker to drop toehold! Kairi runs up but Bianca DECKS her! Bianca dodges Asuka, reels her in, and suplexes! Bianca kips up again and the fans fire up! Jade reaches out, Bianca tags her in! The fans cheer as Jade and Kairi now face off. Kairi runs up, gets around, but Jade THRWOS her away! Jade flexes, Kairi runs up again, but Jade smothers the spear! Jade lifts, Kairi slips free and kicks Jade in the back! Kairi SLAPS Jade!

Kairi dodges the haymaker, but Jade picks Kairi up for a SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Jade then picks Kairi up for another BACKBREAKER! Kairi writhes, but Jade brings her over, tags Bianca, and they double whip to double hip toss, into a DOUBLE FLAPJACK! The fans fire up as Jade & Bianca say Wakanda Forever and Black girl magic! Bianca then handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Kairi stays in this but Bianca stays cool. Bianca drags Kairi up, fires forearms, then whips. Bianca RAMS Kairi in the corner, then climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count all the way to TEN, but Kairi slips under to CLUB Bianca!

Kairi grabs the braid, the fans boo, but Bianca backflips and DROPKICKS! Kairi tumbles out and the fans fire up! Bianca PLANCHAS but Kairi dodges! Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Bianca, then Kairi goes up the corner! Kairi grins as she aims for a SUPER CROSSBODY! The Kabuki Warriors fire up while they stand tall! Kairi gets Bianca back in, covers, TWO! Kairi rains down forearms, then drags Bianca over. Tag to Asuka, Bianca fights back but the Kabuki Warriors mug her. They reel Bianca in but she wrenches out to fire forearms! Bianca runs, but into an ELBOW! Kairi adds a SLIDING D! Asuka adds the SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!

Asuka drags Bianca up while the fans rally. Asuka CLUBS Bianca, kicks her around, then stands on her face. The fans boo, the ref counts, and Asuka steps away. Asuka kicks, Bianca blocks and ROCKS Asuka! Bianca reaches out but Asuka holds her back! Bianca fiefs a forearm but Asuka KICKS! And KICKS! Tag to Kairi, and the Kabuki Warriors double whip. Bianca is int he corner. Kairi sends Asuka in to ELBOW! Kairi runs corner to corner, SLIDING D again! The fans rally while Kairi goes up, FLYING KABUKI FOREARM! High stack cover, TWO!! Bianca survives and Kairi is annoyed, but she tags Asuka.

The Kabuki Warriors stand Bianca up, but Bianca ROCKS Kairi and dodges Asuka’s leap! Bianca hurries to crawl forward, but Asuka is in her way! The fans rally, Bianca JAWBREAKERS free! Roll up, TWO! Bianca stands, into a SOBAT! Asuka snarls, reels Bianca in, but Bianca suplexes first! Kairi hurries back up while both women are down! Bianca and Asuka crawl, hot tag to Kairi, Kairi uses Bianca as a step to BLAST Jade! The fans boo but Kairi smiles. Kairi drags Bianca up, SLAPS her around, but Bianca SLAPS back! Kairi whips, Bianca reveres, but Kairi holds ropes! Kairi ELBOWS Bianca, Asuka tags in! CODE BREAKER!

Asuka holds on, Kairi BLOCKBUSTERS! The fans fire up for the KABUKI SLIDING COMBO! Cover, TWO!! Bianca stays in this and the fans continue to rally. Asuka stomps away on Bianca, drags her around by an arm, and has a MOUNTED ARMBAR! Does Becky know Asuka’s using her move? Bianca endures, fights around, and lifts Asuka up! Torture rack, but Kairi tags in first! Kairi then saves Asuka from the Kiss of Death, and Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Bianca! Kairi goes up, Asuka has Bianca, but Bianca shoves Asuka away! Kairi leaps, Bianca gets under! Kairi hurries to grab the braid! Asuka waistlocks Bianca, but Bianca fights free!

Bianca reels Kairi in to short arm LARIAT! The fans are thunderous as Bianca and the Kabuki Warriors are all down! Hot tag to Jade! And she SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODIES! She gets both Asuka & Kairi! Jade runs, LARIAT for Kairi, BOOT for Asuka! Then a STINGER SPLASHY in one corner, STINGER SPLASH in the other, repeat! Asuka falls out, Kairi runs up, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Asuka breaks it! Jade is frustrated but she stays focused on Kairi. Jade drags Kairi up, wrenches and scoops, to then trophy lift! MILITARY PRESS SLAM! The fans fire up with Jade as she storm around. But Kairi BOOTS her back!

Asuka tags in, blocks a boot, and then URAKEN! URAKEN! SOBAT! KICK! MULE KICK! URAKEN! ROUNDHOUSE! Jade wobbles, Kairi tilt-o-whirls for DESTINO!! Cover, but Kairi forgets Asuka tagged in! Kairi still drags Jade around, but Jade UPPERCUTS her down! Jade herself thinks Kairi is still legal, but she whips! Kairi holds ropes, BOOTS back, and Asuka makes it clear this time. Asuka waistlocks, Jade throws elbows, but both women kick low! Jade SUPERKICKS! Asuka falls but Jade drags her back up. Jade reels Asuka in, but Asuka RAMS Jade into ropes! The ref counts, Kairi tags in!

Kairi gets around Jade, waistlocks, CLUBS her, but Jade choke grips! CHOKE SLAM! Jade staggers, maybe running out of steam, but she still gets Kairi up. Kairi trips Jade, pushes to a cover, TWO, into an ARMBAR!! Jade endures, Asuka catches Bianca! ARMBAR!! The fans rally while the strongEST team endures double submissions! Jade clasps hands, Bianca moves around, and then they both deadlift the Kabuki Warriors! STEREO POWERBOMBS!! All four women are down and the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as Bianca bails out, and Jade has both Kabuki Warriors! But they both kick back!

The Kabuki Warriors double whip, Bianca sneaks the tag! Jade KICKS Asuka, gets around Kairi, WHEELBARROW DDT GERMAN SUPLEX COMBO!! Cover, TWO?!?! Kairi survives all that and no one can believe it! Asuka is lurking behind Jade, too! Asuka YANKS Jade down, then sends her into steel steps! Bianca is furious, but Kairi rolls her up! TWO!! Bianca escapes, to SPINEBUSTER! Bianca runs at the corner, Kairi sends her into POST! Tag to Asuka, and they get Bianca up! InSANE DDT!! Cover, JADE BREAKS IT! The fans fire up and now the Kabuki Warriors are shocked! Kairi SLAPS Jade, then tags Asuka.

The Kabuki Warriors get Jade up, URAKEN! URAKEN! SOBAT! KICK! Kairi goes up but Jade blocks a kick to SUPERKICK! Kairi still leaps, but into Jade’s arms! Jade pops Kairi up and around, then into the chicken wings! JADED!! Bianca tags in, she gets Asuka in a torture rack! KISS OF DEATH onto Kairi!! Bianca covers, she and Jade wins!!

Winners: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

And the strongEST become the newEST! Bianca has a Triple Crown in the WWE, and Jade is already a champion just three matches in! DMG CTRL is now stuck on Raw, is this truly the last time Bianca has to worry about them?

WWE announces the opening round for The King & Queen of the Ring tournaments!

Monday Night Raw has decided on their brackets! First, in the Queen of the Ring: Ivy Nile VS Zoey Stark! Shayna Baszler VS Zelina Vega! Lyra Valkyria VS Asuka! Iyo Sky VS Natalya! And then for the Kings: Drew McIntyre VS Finn Balor! Kofi Kingston VS Rey Mysterio! Ricochet VS Ilja Dragunov! Gunther VS Sheamus! A star-studded show to be sure, but who will take one step closer to WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia?

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes VS AJ Styles!

So much has already been said about this first-time-ever match-up over the last few weeks. Ships passing in the night, both men respecting each other but also both needing to win this match to solidify their legacies. Will the American Nightmare keep the dream alive? Or will The Phenomenal One end this new story before it even begins?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly undisputed!

The bell rings and the fans are singing and jumping around so much, this place is practically shaking! Cody and Styles circle, tie up, and go around. They break, the fans fire up again, and the two reset. They tie up again, go around, and Cody puts Styles in a corner only for Styles to turn it around. They go along the ropes, into the corner, and they break again. Styles and Cody tie up again, Cody headlocks, and he hits a takeover. Styles keeps his shoulders up, pushes his way to a headscissor, but Cody pops free. The fans rally again as the two circle. Styles shoots in, gets a leg, but Cody rolls free.

The fans duel between Cody and Styles as the two reset again. The two feel it out, tie up, and Styles headlocks. Styles grinds the hold, hits a takeover, but Cody keeps his shoulders up. Cody pushes to a headscissor, Styles kips free, but Cody hits another headlock takeover! Styles headscissors again, Cody bridges, grabs at Styles, but Styles pulls thar arm down. Cody headstands, pops free, goes for the headlock, but Styles rolls through! Cody waistlocks, Styles waistlocks, they switch and switch, but Styles puts Cody in the corner! The fans cheer the exchange but Cody steps up. Styles shoves Cody, but Cody SLAPS Styles!

Styles staggers away as Cody gets him back for last night! The fans fire up behind Cody, and he resets with Styles. They tie up, but Styles knees low! Cody still puts Styles in a corner to CHOP! Styles CHOPS! Cody CHOPS! Repeat! The fans “WOO~” with every CHOIP, and Styles gets CHOP after CHOP! Styles headlocks, Cody powers out, then Cody drops, hurdles and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up and Cody cartwheels to give the Stardust to Styles! The fans are thunderous as the two reset again. The fans chant for “STARDUST! STARDUST!” The two knuckle lock, Styles kicks low then fires off CHOP after CHOP!

Styles whips and DROPKICKS Cody! Payback for the payback and the fans sing for the Phenomenal! Styles runs, but Cody back drops him away! Styles writhes and the fans fire up with Cody! Cody covers, ONE, but he clamps on with a chinlock. Styles endures, fights up, but Cody CLUBS the arm. Cody reels Styles in, suplexes, and holds Styles up! The fans cheer as Cody goes all the way to TEN before the GOURD BUSTER! Styles sputters, Cody looms over him, then Cody brings Styles up. But Styles RAMS him into a corner! Styles hammerlocks an arm and RAMS that shoulder into buckles! Styles wrenches the arm again, to hit a AMRBAR DDT!

The fans duel again as Styles brings Cody up. Styles wrenches the arm to WRING it out! Cody writhes, but Styles hammerlocks the arm to keep Cody down. Cody endures, fights up, and the fans rally. Cody throws forearms on Styles but Styles keeps the wristlock! Cody ROCKS Styles, runs, but Styles kitchen sink knees! The fans sing again, Styles brings Cody up to KICK him! And KICK him again! Cody crawls but Styles stalks him. Styles taunts Cody, kicks, but Cody blocks to hook Styles up, BACKPACK CRADLE! TWO, Cody tries again! TWO, RHODES UPPERCUT! But Styles PELES back!

The fans continue to rally while both men are down! Styles goes to ropes, stands up, runs back in, but Cody sends Styles into ropes! Styles gets jammed up and flops out of the ring! Cody builds speed and DIVES into a haymaker! Styles drags Cody out to SMACK off the English desk! The ring count starts, but Styles refreshes that. Styles drags Cody back up, to SMACK him off the desk again! Cody flounders around, Styles looks to the French desk. French commentary asks him not to, but he still clears their desk off! Styles brings Cody over, but Cody sends Styles into steel steps! Cody gets in the ring and the fans rally back up.

Cody drags himself up with ropes, Styles flounders to the apron, but Cody brings Styles up! Styles fires hands, Cody hits back, then Cody bumps Styles off buckles! Fans chant “Too Sweet! WOOP WOOP!” while Cody drags Styles up the corner. Styles throws body shots, but so does Cody! The fans fire up, and Cody lifts Styles! Stalling- NO, Styles slips free and YANKS Cody down! A hard landing for both men and Cody scrambles to a corner. Cody stands, but Styles storms up on him! Styles Electric Chair Lifts Cody, for a SLAM! Cody writhes on the Prime logo while the fans sing for The Phenomenal again.

Styles runs to LIONSAULT onto knees! Cody saves himself there, and both men are down! The fans cheer while Styles sputters and both men sit up. Styles drags himself to a corner and stands while Cody rises at center. Styles runs up but Cody counter punches! And counter punches again! And again! And again, and again! Cody whips, Styles reverses but Cody FOREARMS! Styles stays up, runs in at the corner, but Cody goes up and over! SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again and Cody feels it! The cameras are shaking from the power of the fans! Cody runs, springboard, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER KICK! Cover, TWO!

The fans continue to rally as Cody keeps his focus. Cody rises, the fans continue to sing, and Cody throws hands. Cody springboards again, but Styles catches him to another Electric Chair! But Cody victory rolls it, TWO! Styles fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Cody stays in this, the fans cheer, and Styles grits his teeth. Styles rises again, hobbling on that banged up leg. Cody rises, Styles runs up, but Cody dodges! BULLDOG! Both men are down again but Styles rolls to the apron. Cody steps out after him, “This is Awesome!” as Cody reels Styles in! But Styles suplexes first! APRON BRAINBUSTER!!

Cody sputters while on his feet, then flops over! Both men are down on the outside, the fans sing for The Phenomenal, and the ref checks Cody. Cody is somehow still in this, and the ring count climbs. Styles rolls in at 3 of 10, then goes back out. SLIDING KNEE, BLOCKED! Cody hits a POWERBOMB through the French commentary table!! The fans chant “OUI! OUI! OUI!” while both men are down again! The ring count starts again, both men are still down at 5 of 10! The fans count along, we pass 7, then 8! Both men stand at 9, and slide in safe at 9.5!! The fans are thunderous as this main event continues!

Styles flounders to a corner, runs up on Cody, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Neither man falls, so they start throwing forearms back and forth! The fans are torn as the shots keep going! Cody fires hands, as does Styles, then both men ROUNDHOUSE! Both men fall and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as both men go to corners. Both men drag themselves up, fire up, and they both run in! They fire furious fists, then Cody throws body shots! Styles blocks to fire the PHENOMENAL BLITZ! Cody ducks the lariat to JAB, JAB, JAB! Flip! Flop! Fly and a little extra, BIONIC ELBOW! Cover, TWO! The fans are still electric as both men are down!

Both men sit up, Styles grabs at Cody but Cody kicks him away. Cody pounds the mat, the fans fire up with him, and Cody springboards! CODY CUT- NO, Styles dragon sleepers! Inverted suplex, into a gut wrench! Cody flips through to have Styles up! But Styles slips free! Cody runs in, into a BOOT! CORNER SNAP SUPLEX!! Cody slumps down the buckles and the fans sing for The Phenomenal again! Styles drags Cody up and around, scoops him and hits a BACKBREAKER! Cody is down in a drop zone and Styles goes to the corner. Styles aims from the apron, springboards, 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are thunderous as Cody survives and Styles is frustrated. Styles stalks Cody, torture racks, and hits a BURNING HAMMER!! Cover, ONE?!?!? WHAT?!?! Cody punches himself and is all fired up! The fans are volcanic seeing this, but Styles KICKS, punches, repeat! Cody blocks a kick, spins him around, then springboards to CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!! Styles survives and Cody is beside himself! The fans rally as Styles crawls to the apron and Cody rises. The fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” but this has to end somehow! Styles is in a corner now, Cody shakes his head. Styles tells him to bring it! They both run in, Cody LARIATS Styles down first!

The fans fire up again as Cody has a second wind! Cody storms around, calls his shot, and then dragon sleepers! CROSS- SNAPMARE! Styles ducks the lariat to PELE! Cody goes to a corner, Styles runs in, but Cody puts him on the apron! Styles ROCKS Cody and Cody staggers away! Elbow pad off, Styles springboards, PHENOMENAL- SUPERKICK!! Both men are down again and the fans continue to cheer! Cody drags Styles into a KIMURA!! Cody learned this from The Beast! Styles is caught in the body scissors, endures as Cody twists that elbow joint, and the fans duel as Styles fights up!

Styles manages to deadlift Cody off the mat, to SPINEBUSTER! Styles drags Cody up into position now, but Cody kicks free of the Clash! Cody BOOTS Styles, dragon sleepers, CROSS- NO, Styles turns things around again! Styles kicks, reels Cody in, STYLES- NO, Cody fights that off to back drop! Styles sunset flips, Cody sists on it! TWO!! Styles swings, Cody dodges to go up and up and SUPER CODY CUTTER!!! The fans are volcanic again as Cody rises! Cody says this is it! Dragon sleeper, CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Champion)

That match was Just Too Sweet! A truly phenomenal match, but that just shows how The American Nightmare is undeniable! Will Cody keep writing this incredible “sequel” to his story?

My Thoughts:

I know “Phenomenal” has been used a lot because of how AJ Styles was on this show, but it is truly a fitting adjective for this year’s Backlash. Lyon, France as a crowd definitely proved they were the right location. They were non-stop energy between both last night on SmackDown and right here for Backlash, it added to everyone’s energy, including my own, so much fun. Opening with the Bloodline match was a bit surprising, but it was a great move given it turned into a Street Fight. And the surprise of the night happened here with Tanga Loa making a debut. I did not see that coming, I honestly thought he was still with NJPW, but here he is, and that’s awesome.

The Triple Threat was a great follow-up for that tag match, especially with how WWE has learned from other places how to book a Triple Threat that almost never slows down. They didn’t constantly boil it down to 1v1 pairings until closer to the end, and it was great seeing Naomi and Bayley take Tiff out with a tag team finisher to get there. Bayley’s quick pin win is great for everyone, we can definitely get some more of Bayley and Naomi 1v1 and same for Bayley and Tiff 1v1. Great promo from Jey with The Bloodline, because it was actually more powerful that they didn’t speak. It was just Jey knowing that The Bloodline is getting more dangerous and outta control, and in a way, it’s because Jey left at a pivotal moment.

Priest VS Jey for the world title was a great match, and a solid halfway point on the card. Turns out that Judgment Day can interfere on Priest’s behalf and not muck it up, but Priest still doesn’t like that they’re beating up on people when, in Priest’s opinion, it’s not needed. I’m still sensing that Priest could be leaving Judgment Day because he’s trying to do things in a respectable way and they wanna stay vicious, “pack of wild dog” Heels. Something’s gotta give, and either way, I’d love seeing Priest VS Finn for the title. Great picks for those King & Queen of the Ring brackets, but with McIntyre VS Finn in round one, I feel like so much of the tournament is determined right there.

Great Women’s Tag Team Championship match, though it got a bit wonky in the middle when ref and Kabuki Warriors lost track of who was what. But either way, great to see Bianca & Jade defying the go-home math. They stood tall with Naomi and Bayley last night, and they still won the titles here tonight. Bianca’s grudge against DMG CTRL didn’t cost them, and now with some teams moving around, we can get some fun, fresh match-ups for these titles. And then, the fans just never stopped losing their minds during Cody VS Styles, taking what was a great match and making it feel truly awesome. But I figured Cody would retain, he just got the belt and there is any number of match-ups for him to still do.

Maybe Styles’ story after this is sorting things out with The OC since they’re all still on the same brand. There are still plenty of factions they can feud with for the Summer, like The Pride, Legado, and the Logan-Theory-Waller friends. Maybe Styles also gets in on King of the Ring, as SmackDown’s bracket wasn’t announced yet.

My Score: 9.2/10