Backlash is all gas, no brakes with it!

Jacob Fatu doesn’t just want the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, he NEEDS it! But will he get it? Or must he ACKNOWLEDGE Roman Reigns?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Seth Rollins VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman; Bron wins.
• WWE United States Championship: Trick Williams w/ Lil Yachty VS Sami Zayn; Trick wins and retains the title.
• The Miz & Kit Wilson VS Danhausen & Minihausen; Danhausen & Minihausen win.
• Asuka VS Iyo Sky; Iyo wins.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns VS Jacob Fatu; Roman wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Backlash Countdown Show!

Join Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Big E, and Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing, and predicting all the action that’s about to go down in Tampa!

Retired Air Force Technical Sergeant Sonya Bryson-Kirksey sings the Star-Spangled Banner.

Tonight, at Backlash…

Just as the song says, Tampa, Florida heats up as WWE starts to cook. An Empress looks to teach The Genius a lesson. An Architect looks to tear down the Badass he shared his Vision with. A ginger snaps back at the lemon pepper steppers that stepped on his moment and took his title. A Very Nice, Very Evil Overlord is bringing someone, or something, to help him outshine the Hollywood A-Lister and his new protege. And a Samoan Werewolf doesn’t just want what the Tribal Chief has, he NEEDS it! But when you cook, you have to be careful not to get burned. Who serves and who eats their fill tonight at Backlash?

Seth Rollins VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman!

Tampa is ready to #BurnItDown, just as The Visionary, the Revolutionary, Seth Freakin’ Rollins, is ready to burn down the faction he created. But even with his Mortal Kombat inspired ring gear, will Rollins win this match? Or will it be the Unpredictable Badass that scores the fatality?

The bell rings and the fans bark as Bron runs up already! Rollins LEAPS the spear, Bron hits buckles, and then Rollins BOOTS him outside! Rollins hurries to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and Rollins fires off shots! Rollins throws Bron into barriers on one side, then the other, before putting him in the ring. Rollins LARIATS Bron up and out, then DIVES again! Bron hits desk then the floor, and the fans fire up as Rollins rains down more fists! The fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as Rollins stalks Bron. Rollins stands Bron up but Bron KNEES low! Bron ROCKS Rollins, brings him around, and THRWOS him over barriers!

The fans are torn but Rollins is right back up! Rollins LEAPS over barriers to tackle Bron! Rollins fires more hands, then chases Bron into the ring. Rollins goes up the corner, leaps at Bron, but Bron catches Rollins! Rollins fights but Bron BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Rollins up and out! The fans bark again while the ring count climbs. Bron goes out to ROCK Rollins, and fans duel as Bron stalks Rollins around the way. Bron KNEES Rollins again and again, then SMACKS him off the apron. Rollins CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! But Bron TACKLES Rollins and rains down fists! Bron puts Rollins in the ring, then storms up in the corner.

Bron RAMS into Rollins, RAMS again, and again! The ref counts, Bron backs off, and he looms over Rollins. Bron brings Rollins up, Rollins fights the suplex, but Bron fires body shots. Bron suplexes high and hard, then covers, ONE! Rollins is tougher than that, and he pushes Bron as he goes to ropes. Bron storms up but Rollins throws hands! Bron gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans bark again while Rollins tumbles to a corner. Bron storms over to Rollins again, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Perhaps Bron is looking to inherit Suplex City, but then he clamps on a SLEEPER! Rollins fights around but Bron has the body scissors even!

The fans rally a Rollins fights up, then JAWBREAKERS free! The fans cheer while Heyman is worried. Rollins CHOPS Bron, then CHOPS again! The fans “WOO~” as Rollins CHOPS again. Rollins whips, Bron reverses, tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Rollins is still tougher than that, but Bron clamps onto him again. Bron digs a knee into Rollins’ back while he bends Rollins back! The fans rally and duel, and Bron tells Rollins he should’ve just given The Vision a chance. Rollins just chose himself over everything else! Selfish piece of trash! Bron clamps on with a chinlock now and he squeezes tight.

Rollins endures, fights up, and fights around, to then hit a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer while both men are down. Rollins rises, he eggs Bron on, and he counter punches! And counter punches again! And again! Rollins fires hands, then whips, but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and builds up speed to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rollins survives that 23 mile per hour collision, but Bron GERMAN SUPLEXES him again! And again! Rollins flounders, rises up, and staggers into another waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Then Rollins SLAPS Bron from below! Bron eggs Rollins on, Rollins SLAPS him again, so Bron grinds his forearm into Rollins’ face!

Bron drags Rollins up, shoves him to a corner, and RAMS into him! And RAMS him again! Bron hoists Rollins up top, climbs up to join him, but Rollins CLUBS away at Bron’s leg. Then Rollins BITES Bron’s forehead! Bron staggers back, but he’s right back up! BREAKKER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Rollins survives and Bron is beside himself! The fans duel harder now while Heyman coaches Bron up. Rollins rises up at the ropes, Bron brings him around, and Bron fires knee after knee. Bron TOSSES Rollins out, then takes his time going out the side. The fans bark and boo as Bron locks on target! Bron runs in, but Rollins SUPERKICKS first!!

The fans are fired up as both men are down on the outside! A standing count begins, both men are still down at 5 of 10, “This is Awesome!” We pass 7, both men rise at 8, and they lunge in at 9.5!! Rollins then LARIATS in a corner! The fans fire up as Rollins brings Bron up for short arm LARIAT after short arm LARIAT, but Bron stays on his feet! Rollins fires forearm after forearm and Bron finally kneels! The fans rally as Rollins runs, but Bron swings! Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT again! Cover, TWO! Rollins hurries to take aim, Bron sits up, Rollins KNEES him down! Cover, TWO! Heyman is stunned as Bron manages to survive!

“This is Awesome!” as Rollins grabs Bron’s hands for wristlocks. Rollins unleashes Dragon Stomps on Bron’s face! Rollins then lines up the shot, blows a kiss to Heyman, CURB- NO, Bron blocks the stomp!! Bron then stands up, snarls, and he guzels Rollins for the gorilla press, GUT BUSTER DROP!! Then Bron goes to a corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Rollins runs, slips through the lariat, but Bron dumps him down! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Rollins’ counter didn’t quite work out and it almost cost him! Bron grins, he knows he has this “old dog” where he wants him. Bron puts Rollins in a corner, then climbs up.

Bron says it didn’t have to be like this. Bron rains down fists on Rollins while the fans count. He takes his time getting to five, only for Rollins to lift him from the corner! Rollins runs to BUCKLE BOMB! And then- LARIAT!! Bron turns things back around on Rollins again and the fans are thunderous! Rollins rolls out of the ring, hobbles around the way, but Bron goes out after him. Bron SMACKS Rollins off the desk, then grins as he goes to the apron. Bron lines it up, FLYING LARIAT onto and OVER the desk!! The fans bark while Heyman smiles as Bron just about wipes himself out with Rollins! The ring count is back, Bron drags Rollins up at 4 of 10.

Bron brings Rollins around the way, puts him in the ring at 8, then grins as he goes up the corner. But Rollins springs up to get him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Then the roll through and- NO, Bron hits the FALCON ARROW first! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and Bron is in disbelief! The fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as they rally behind Rollins. Bron stands over Rollins, pie faces him, then eggs him on. Bron kicks Rollins to a corner, then RAMS into him! Bron puts Rollins up top, but Rollins fires body shots! Rollins then CLAWS Bron’s back! Bron drops down, but he snarls as he goes right back up! BREAKKER STEINER!

The fans rally as Bron and Rollins rise up. Bron runs up to fire hands, then he puts Rollins up again. Bron again goes up, up, and BREAKKER- NO!! Rollins manages to land out! The fans fire up for Rollins as Bron is shocked! Bron runs up, Rollins slips through to SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! And- NO, Bron blocks the kick, then guzels, but Rollins kicks again! Underhooks and PEDIGREE!! Rollins lines it up, CURB STOMP!! Heyman distracts from the apron! The fans boo as the Wise Man is saving his new golden boy. Rollins grins, goes outside, and brings out a chair! Rollins doesn’t even care about winning now, he just wants to do damage!

But wait, here comes The Vision! Rollins knows it, though! He JAMS Austin Theory, he JAMS Logan Paul, then SMACKS away on both! Rollins CURB STOMPS Theory! And he chases Logan off with that chair! Rollins hurries back to the ring, but Bron is locked on! SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!?! Rollins survives and no one can believe it! Even Heyman can’t explain it! Bron tries to do the math but the fans just sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Bron brings the straps down, builds up speed again, but Rollins catches the spear into a PEDIGREE!!! Rollins hurries to reload, and he even goes up the corner! FLYING CURB- SPEAR!!!

Bron turns things around on Rollins again, and Heyman says finish it! Bron builds speed to SUPER SPEAR!!! Cover, Bron wins!!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Give the assist to the pawns, but Bron still scores the biggest win of his young career! Is this the end of it all for Seth Rollins? Will The Vision soon own the entire WWE Universe?

WWE United States Championship: Trick Williams w/ Lil Yachty VS Sami Zayn!

It is rather paradoxical that Hollywood Trick mocks #BigMatchSami while Sami tries to do the right thing, and yet the fans love one and not the other. For that matter, the entirety of the Gingerbread Man’s existence nearly drove Sami insane. But is this where the ginger truly snaps? Or will he #WhoopDatTrick and get this title back?

Cathy Kelley catches Trick Yachty Gang backstage, and brings up that Sami is feeling great tonight. Their response? Trick says Sami better quit lying! He’s been lying for weeks, saying he’s the veteran. But since Sami’s met Trick, Trick’s the one running hits. Trick’s the vet, this is Trick Willy’s World. All the games are over, and you’re gonna see that now. Let’s talk about it. With that, Trick makes his entrance, with all the fans singing along, “WHOOP DAT TRICK! WHOOP DAT TRICK!” The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who doesn’t just feels great, but IS great!

Tensions are already rising as Sami tries to get at Trick but Trick shoves him back! The ref has them back off, and the bell rings. Trick and Sami tie up, Trick powers Sami to a corner, and the ref counts. Sami turns things around, pie faces Trick, but backs off to then CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! The ref backs Sami off but Trick brushes that off to reset with Sami. They tie up again, Sami headlocks, but Trick powers up and out. Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges but Trick LEAPING LARIATS! Trick has Sami in the corner to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again! The fans “WOO~” while Trick shakes out his hand. Trick then BACKHANDS Sami down!

The fans cheer Trick, then Trick stomps away on Sami, all to the rhythm of “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Trick stops as the ref counts 4, then Trick whips. Sami grabs ropes, bails out, and the fans boo. Yachty taunts Sami, Sami glares at Yachty, but Trick goes out the side, and he CLOBBERS Sami! Trick high-fives with Yachty, then whips, but Sami reverses! Trick is sent into the steel steps! The fans boo but Sami pulls the steps apart. Yachty stands in Sami’s way, but Sami storms up to Yachty. Yachty backs off while Trick gets in the ring. Sami goes after Trick to rain down fists. The fans boo but Sami just shakes his head.

Trick drags himself to ropes but Sami drags Trick up. Sami CLUBS Trick with a crossface forearm, then brings him up again for a CHOP! Trick wobbles, Sami whips, and Sami LARIATS Trick down! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A high stack now, TWO! Tampa actually duels, “Let’s Go, Sami!” “Sami Sucks!” The “Sami Sucks!” side is winning by a large margin, though. Sami shakes his head again, then he SLAPS Trick around. The ref reprimands about pulling hair, and Sami lets go. Sami warns Yachty to watch himself, but Trick EDDY GORDO KICKS, then NECKBREAKERS! The fans fire up while both men are down!

Sami and Trick rise up, and Trick fires haymakers! Trick UPPERCUTS Sami, then whips for a LEG LARIAT! Then a scoop and SLAM! The fans fire up for Trick as he stands over Sami, and Trick grabs Sami’s hand. Trick hears the fans before he cartwheels and ripcords, but Sami arm-drags free! Trick comes back to BOOT Sami down! Trick then aims from the corner as Sami stands, TRICK- NO, Sami dodges to BLUE- NO! Trick slips free of the bomb to BOOKEND! Cover, TWO! Sami survives but Trick puts him in a corner. Trick puts Sami up top, the fans rally, and Trick climbs up. Trick clinches Sami, but Sami fires elbows!

The fans boo as Sami CLUBS Trick again and again and again! Sami then adjusts position, and he SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO! Trick survives and Sami is beside himself! Trick goes to a corner but Sami goes to the other. Sami wants to rally the fans, they just boo instead. Sami runs in, but Trick BOOTS Sami first! Then SPIN- NO, Sami ducks the kick to BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Trick lives and Sami grows frustrated. Sami brings Trick up to throw hands, but fans now sing, “Sami, Sami Sucks~!” Sami frowns, whips Trick to ropes, but Trick reverses. Sami goes up and over, but his knee jams!

The fans boo and Trick isn’t sure about this, but the ref has him back off. Trick checks with Yachty, Trick goes after Sami, but Sami cradles Trick! TWO!! Sami almost tricked Trick but now he CLOBBERS him! Yachty protests, but Sami grabs the kendo stick! Sami SMACKS Trick!! Cover, TWO!?!? Trick survives and Sami is stunned! The fans cheer as Sami’s trickery didn’t work! Yachty makes sure to hold onto the kendo stick now, but Sami stalks Trick to a corner. Sami stomps away on Trick, but the ref backs him off. The fans boo Sami but Sami just goes back for more! The ref reprimands again, Sami stops at 4 again, then goes back for another round!

The fans boo as Sami just stomps and stomps and stomps! The ref backs Sami off to check Trick. Sami aims from a corner, and the fans cheer Yachty on! HE SMACKS SAMI! The fans cheer, and Sami staggers into the CYCLONE KICK! Cover, TWO?!? Sami survives and Yachty can’t believe it! Sami crawls to ropes, Trick storms over, but Sami DUMPS Trick out! Then Sami CLOBBERS Yachty! The fans boo as Sami fires off kendo stick SMACKS on Yachty! But then Trick DECKS Sami! Sami falls against the steps, so Trick gets an idea. Trick clinches, but Sami fights the Bookend! DDT on the steps!! The fans boo as Sami pushes Trick into the ring.

Sami then runs up on Yachty! HELLUVA KICK!!! The fans boo as Sami takes Yachty out again! And now he aims at Trick! HELLUVA- NO, Trick dodges! TRICK SHOT!! Cover, TRICK WINS!

Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Tampa erupts with even more “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Sami might’ve had him if he’d just focused, but Trick still reigns while Yachty makes it rain! What will be next for Trick now that he’s dealt with Sami Zayn? And speaking of Sami, what will be next for him now that he has nothing?

The Miz & Kit Wilson VS Danhausen & ???

The Hollywood A-Lister wanted to mentor someone, and that someone ended up the “Real Man of WWE,” not the strange yet strangely entertaining newcomer. However, to settle things once and for all, they are willing to take on Danhausen and whoever it is he has found (or rather, created in a lab?) to be his tag team partner. Will Teamhausen get the winhausen at Backlashausen? Or will the curse be nothing but TOXIC?

Well, speaking of Danhausen’s partner, the lights go down, and some kind of engine is pumping. Danhausen rides in on the Jeephausen, then goes to his “cloning machine” which is still just a big crate. It’s smoking… Is that a good thing? Danhausen pries it open, and from within steps out… MINIHAUSEN! Wait, are we sure that’s the right result? Well, whatever. They hop in the Jeephausen and drive down the ramp. #MizKit mocks Minihausen, and the teams sort out. Minihausen steps up against Kit, and Kit can’t believe this is happening. Minihausen says you, are- BOOT! Kit laughs as he sends Minihausen tumbling away.

Kit drags Minihausen to center, yanks him up, but Minihausen flips through! Then he dodges a kick to KICK, CHOP, CHOP, and whip! Kit reverses but Minihausen springboards to FLYING HEADBUTT! The fans cheer as Minihausen gets going, tilt-o-whirl DDT! Miz tags in, runs up, but Minihausen dodges to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! The fans cheer but Kit grabs Minihausen by his hair! Minihausen KICKS the legs, CHOPS, then knuckle locks! Minihausen CHOPS, goes up, up, and BOOTS Miz before he FLYING-NO, Kit stops the rana! Minihausen fires hands, then he RANAS through after all! The fans cheer as Kit tumbles out to join Miz!

Minihausen goes up, and he climbs onto Danhausen’s shoulders! The fans cheer for the SUPER MINI CROSSBODY! Down goes #MizKit! The fans fire up again while Danhausen fetches Kit. Danhausen puts Kit in for Minihausen, and Minihausen hurries after Kit. But Miz POSTS Danhausen! And Kit CLOBBERS Minihausen! The ref backs Kit off but Miz gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo but Kit looms over Minihausen. Kit drags Minihausen up, whips him into the corner, then tags Miz. Kit scoops Minihausen, TOSSES him to Miz, and Miz gorilla presses Minihausen for the GORILLA PRESS POWERESLAM! Miz rips off his shirt to show off his muscles!

The fans boo but Miz soaks up the heat. Miz tags Kit, they drag Minihausen up, feed and DOUBLE SUPLEX! Then Miz lets Kit hold Minihausen up by his own! Kit swivels his hips before he SLAMS Minihausen down! Cocky cover, TWO! Minihausen survives but Kit covers again, TWO! The fans rally for Minihausen but Kit clamps on a chinlock. Kit thrashes Minihausen around, but the fans rally up! Minihausen rises up, reaches out, but Kit THRASHES Minihausen more! They go to a corner, Kit puts Minihausen up top, then in a Tree of Woe! Kit KNEES Minihausen again and again, then backs off to go to the far corner.

Kit fires up, blows a kiss, then runs up, but Minihausen sits up! Kit crashes into buckles! Minihausen goes up to QUEBRADA! Down goes Kit and the fans fire up! Minihausen crawls, as does Kit, hot tags to Miz and Danhausen! The fans fire up as Danhausen atoimnc drops Miz, then LARIATS! And a wrench and NORTHERN LIGHTS for Kit! Danhausen fires up and the fans are with him! Danhausen LARIATS Miz in a corner, LARIATS Kit in a corner, then repeat! Danuausen runs out of steam already, but then he gets that second wind! The fans cheer as Danhausen LARIATS again! Then he dodges Kit to send him into Miz! GERMAN SUPLEX!

The fans fire up as Danhausen runs, tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS Miz! Danhausen roars as he rises up, and the fans join in with, “YOU! ARE! CURSED!” Kit takes the BOOT for Miz! Miz rolls Danhausen up, TWO! Miz BOOTS Danhausen down! Minihausen tags in, Danhausen dodges, and Miz gets stuck in ropes! Minihausen CLUBS Miz down, then FLYING RANANS Kit! They’re back outside again, and Minihausen DIVES! The Mini Tope takes both men out! The fans fire up as Minihausen chases Kit up the ramp! Kit is freaking out, but he suckers Minihausen into a BOOT! Kit sees the crate, and he decides to THROW Minihausen in!

The fans boo as Kit traps Minihausen in the device that made him! But wait, it powers back up!? And this time, there’s an ARMY OF MINIHAUSEN! They’re back from WrestleMania for revenge! They dog pile Kit, chase him back into the ring, and Minihausen Uno fireman’s carries! AIRPLANE SPIN!! Then a WASTELAND SLAM!! Wade Barrett is upset that his move was used. But Kit, YOU! ARE! CURSED! Wait, the mirror! It sends it back on Minihausen! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!!! Cover, Danhausen breaks it!! The fans cheer as Teamhausen is still in this! Danhausen fires up, he brings Minihausen to the corner, and Danhausen tags in!

Danhausen has Miz, but Miz SLAPS him! Danhausen scowls, and he hits a THESZ PRESS for fast hands! Miz fights free, but Danhausen LARIATS Miz up and out! Then he LARIATS Kit up and out! Danhausen goes out, high-fives his other Minihausens, but Miz BOOTS Danhausen into the desk! And he brings out a fire extinguisher! Miz says Danhausen’s cursed! Uh, no, Miz is, cuz the extinguisher doesn’t work! Miz looks at it, and it blasts Miz!! Danhausen puts Miz in the ring, then again, “YOU! ARE! CURSED!” Minihausen SUPER DUPER CROSSBODIES Kit! And Danhausen handles Miz with a PUMP KICK!! Cover, Teamhausen wins!

Winners: Danhausen & Minihausen, by pinfall

Whether or not the curse is real, that was a Very Nice, Very Evil victory for Teamhausen! They still don’t have the magical disappearing act down, though. But will Danhausen continue to take over WWE with his loony ways?

Asuka VS Iyo Sky!

The more things change, the more they stay the same. From Triple Tails to DMD CTRL to now, the Empress of Tomorrow and the Genius of the Sky always end up at odds. Asuka-senpai wants to punish Iyo for her apparent disrespect and selfishness, but perhaps does not see that in herself. But will Iyo still suffer for doing what was right? Or will she still not be ready for Asuka?

The bell rings, the fans chant for Iyo, but also “We Want Kairi!” Iyo and Asuka circle, tie up, and go around, even on the mat and back to their feet. Asuka powers Iyo to a corner, Iyo goes up and hits an arm-drag. They’re still locked up as they go to the ropes, and the ref counts. Iyo lets go but Asuka shoves her. They tie up again and now Asuka puts Iyo on the ropes. The ref counts, Asuka stops, but then they throw hands! Asuka manages a headlock and wrangles Iyo down. Iyo fights up, fires body shots, and the fans continue to chant, “We Want Kairi!” Asuka hits a takeover, Iyo headscissors, and Asuka kips free, only for Iyo to headlock back.

Asuka fights up, fires body shots, and she powers out. Iyo RAMS shoulders with Asuka, they egg each other on, then they start shoving. Then Asuka fires forearms, a SOBAT, and runs, but Iyo blows past her! Asuka avoids the handspring but Iyo trips Asuka up! Iyo runs to SHOTGUN Asuka down! The fans fire up with Iyo, she stomps Asuka in the corner, then stops as the ref counts. Asuka ROCKS Iyo, Iyo CLUBS Asuka, but Asuka fires a flurry! Asuka THROWS Iyo, but Iyo handsprings through! Iyo wags her finger, then drop toeholds Asuka into buckles! Iyo digs her boots in, then SWINGING DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO!

Asuka bails out to the apron but Iyo brings her up. Asuka ROCKS Iyo, then goes for a corner. Iyo BACKHANDS Asuka away, then goes to the apron. The fans cheer as Iyo climbs, but Asuka KICKS the legs out! Asuka has Iyo’s hair, and SMACKS her into the post! The fans boo but Asuka shows no remorse as she drags Iyo down. Asuka SMACKS Iyo off the barriers, then puts her on the apron. The fans rally for Iyo while Asuka refreshes the count. Asuka swaggers, then fires Kawada Kicks on Iyo’s face! The fans boo, the ref counts, but Asuka stops at 4. Asuka steps into the ring, drags Iyo around, and has the ANCHOR HOLD!

The ref counts and the fans boo, but Asuka lets go of the leglock Kairi created before she CHOKES Iyo on the ropes. The ref counts again, but Asuka stops, only to put Iyo in a corner. Asuka digs her knee in, stops at 4, then storms back around to scuff Iyo. Asuka kicks Iyo, slaps her around, but Iyo hits back! The fans rally for Iyo, Iyo runs, but Asuka KICKS Iyo down! Cover, TWO! Asuka is annoyed but she clamps onto Iyo’s arm. Iyo endures the armlock, fights up, and the fans rally as she fires body shots! Asuka THROWS Iyo down by her hair! Asuka slaps Iyo around while the fans boo. Asuka paces, then she brings Iyo up for a KICK!

Iyo sputters but she shakes her head. Asuka taunts Iyo, then KICKS her! And KICKS her! Iyo still shakes her head defiantly, so Asuka KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! Iyo blocks one to ROCK Asuka back! Then a victory roll, STMOP 182! The fans fire up while both women are down! The fans rally as Iyo and Asuka slowly rise up. They both run in, but Iyo dodges to URAKEN! And SHOTEI! And SHOTEI! Iyo reels Asuka in, whips her to a corner, but Asuka reverses. Iyo slips out, duck sunder, then HOTSHOTS the arm! Asuka staggers away, and Iyo goes up for the MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Iyo handsprings and does her crazy taunt!

Iyo rallies the fans, then she runs corner to corner, SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Asuka to a cover, TWO! Asuka survives but Iyo hauls her up. Iyo underhooks for a TIGER- NO, Asuka fights free, and URAKENS! SOBATS! FRONT KICKS! HAYMAKERS! MULE KICKS! Then SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! Iyo survives the strike fest but Asuka keeps her focus. BUZZ- NO, Iyo rolls Asuka up! TWO! Asuka ducks the buzzsaw but not the HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Asuka toughs it out but Iyo drags her up. Iyo waistlocks but Asuka flails! Asuka goes to ropes, Iyo pries her free, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! KIMURA!!

The fans rally for Iyo as she endures, but Asuka has her caught! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Iyo endures, rolls, and KICKS free! Asuka stumbles towards ropes, Iyo runs up, but Asuka BOOTS back! Iyo comes back, but into a POP-UP KNEE! Asuka runs up, but Iyo dodges to HEEL KICK! Asuka falls, but so does Iyo, and the fans fire up again! Asuka and Iyo crawl to opposite ends, they roar, and they run back up! Asuka hits a FLYING ARMBAR, and rolls it into the ASUKA LOCK!! Iyo fights around before the body scissors can lock in! Iyo stands, Asuka wraistlocks, but Iyo ELBOWS free! And STUNNER! Iyo runs up, but into a snap takedown!

Iyo rolls fast, but ends up in a CROSS ARM BREAKER! Iyo endures, fights around, manages to stack Asuka and roll her, into an ASUKA LOCK?!?! The fans fire up as Iyo makes Asuka suffer her own hold! Asuka flails, reaches out, but the body scissors are in! Asuka kicks, kicks, and reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! The fans rally for Iyo while Asuka coughs and sputters on the apron. Iyo goes up the corner, but Asuka SMACKS her off the post again! Asuka shakes her head, she’s still savvier than Iyo. Asuka climbs up the corner, but Iyo SHOTEIS! The fans cheer as Iyo goes up after Asuka to fire forearms! Iyo goes to the very top, for a SUPER STEINER!

But Asuka sunset flips it?! TWO!!! Asuka almost had Iyo and she is freaking out! The fans rally harder as Asuka roars and runs in on Iyo! Iyo dodges the hip attack to DROPKICK Asuka outta the ring! Iyo shakes out her bad arm, yanks on it to get it feeling right, and she builds speed for a DIVE into a forearm! Asuka drags Iyo out, SMACKS her off the desk, then pushes her onto it. Asuka clears the desk before she climbs up. The fans rally as Asuka brings Iyo up, but Iyo fights the suplex! Asuka SOBATS Iyo for it, then winds up, but Iyo BLOCKS THE MIST WITH A NOTEBOOK! The fans cheer as Iyo outsmarts her senpai! Then she blocks a kick, DRAGON SCREW on the desk!

The fans fire up as Iyo pushes Asuka around, then goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up again as Iyo refreshes the count, climbs back up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes Asuka and the fans fire up again! Iyo drags Asuka up, puts her in the ring, and she sees Asuka going to a drop zone. Iyo drags Asuka into place, goes up and up and OVER THE MOONSAULT! But Asuka moves! And she reels Iyo in for an ARMBAR!!! Iyo flails, fights around, but ends up in a TRIANGLE HOLD! Iyo stacks it, TWO, and into the ASUKA LOCK!! Asuka has the body scissors! Iyo flails, reaches out, but Asuka has her caught! IYO fades, but springs to life! She rolls to a cover, TWO!!!

Asuka grabs at Iyo, frustrated with Iyo, but “This is Awesome!” Asuka looks Iyo in the eyes before she SLAPS her! Iyo SLAPS back, and they SLAP back and forth! Iyo fires more fast hands and the fans fire up again! Then ROUND- NO, Asuka slips under, around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Iyo ducks the buzzsaw! GERMAN SUPLEX in return! Asuka goes to a corner, Iyo runs back in, SHINKANSEN! Iyo sets Asuka back in place, steps on her, and goes up the corner! OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, IYO WINS!

Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall

After the months of Asuka being overbearing and selfish, she is the one that suffers defeat! Iyo still shows her senpai respect with a deep bow, and Asuka starts to tear up. And they HUG! Perhaps this defeat has shown Asuka the light! The fans cheer as these two stand together, and perhaps there’s hope for a new beginning. Will Iyo herself find a new path back to a championship?

JOHN CENA is here!

Tampa cheers as The GOAT is back again, dressed in another sharp suit as he goes to the ring for some business. Cena takes the mic and says, “This is just so cool, honestly. One of the great things about being on this side now is I can really lean into moments you just allowed me to be a part of, because I know there’s no one coming down to kick my teeth in. So truly, thank you so much.” The fans cheer, and Cena continues by saying a sold-out house of gratitude and energy, he loves to hear it. But it’s moments like this that had him ever thinking, what would be the next phase of his WWE career? The fans chant “One More Match!”

Cena says he expected that. And you don’t know how good that makes him feel. He does think about his last match. The fans boo, probably booing Gunther specifically. Cena gets that, there are people who were upset. But he was truly happy. Honestly, he looks back and he couldn’t be happier. What was most important to him was that they all made it something bigger. In its entirety, that night was an evening of opportunity. Cena made sure the person had to win their way into that spot. He asked the WE Superstars if they’d be gracious enough to give opportunity, which they did when they faced NXT superstars so that NXT could be in front of a crowd like this, showing what they’ve got.

And think about this: on that night, for the first time, the main roster got to see Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi! The fans certainly cheer for “O~BA! HOOT!” Cena hopes Oba is watching and listening, this is what the energy sounds like? Oba debuted in December, and four months later, he is strutting, and kicking Brock Lesnar’s ass at WrestleMania! The fans cheer that! That’s when it hit Cena: They gotta do this again! So we are. Oh? Cena is honored here tonight to announce to the world, the John Cena Classic! And entire evening of the best of today competing against the best of tomorrow!

And entire night where WWE Superstars and NXT Superstars get to give you all they have, in hopes of being crowned a champion. Yes, we’re making history with a brand new event, and a brand new championship! And not just any championship. This is an event and a title that Cena is personally putting his name on. So Cena is going to strive for a certain level of excellence, and he’ll do everything he can to make it special. Cena has said time and time again, the biggest star in the WWE is the WWE Universe! So on top of the new event, on top of the new title, for the first time in history, the voice of the fans will be heard louder than ever before.

Because you, the audience, will vote to crown the champion of the John Cena Classic! And every participant qualifies! That also means that for the first time in history, a superstar might not win their match, but their hustle, could win your respect, and win your vote to still be crowned champion! This event embodies everything Cena stands for and values, and he cannot stress enough how important this is for him. He promises to give us his all to make this event just once. No, he wants to do it two years, five years, ten years, thirty, the sky is the limit! Cena wants to thank the stars like Oba Femi who busted their ass on that Saturday Night’s Main Event to make this a relaity.

Cena lets the fans go on with “O~BA! O~BA!” Cena continues by saying he also wants to thank the WWE for being gracious enough to accept this idea. And he wants to thank everyone watching at home, and here in the City of Tampa, that there are a lot of people here that know Tampa means a lot to Cena for a lot of reasons. And they can add this to the list: Thank you so much for your attention, for your time, for your enthusiasm, for your energy, and for the NOISE~! The fans cheer that! Cena says it sounds like they’re ready, so he will see you at the John Cena Classic. And now, it’s time for your maaaaaaaain~ event!

The fans are all fired up for this massive move by not just the Greatest of All Time but by the WWE itself. Who will show they have that hustle, loyalty and respect to become the inaugural John Cena Classic Champion?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns VS Jacob Fatu!

When the OTC took this title from CM Punk at WrestleMania, everyone worried the OG Bloodline would relapse into their old ways. But before they could even address such concerns, the Samoan Werewolf stepped up and made his challenge known. Will Jacob take everything he wants so he can everything he needs? Or will he have no choice but to ACKNOWLEDGE the Tribal Chief?

Jacob wears a white lei made by his cousin, the daughter of Haku, the man who innovated the Tongan Death Grip. Surely that is a sign of Haku’s blessing on this challenge for the top spot in their family tree. Roman raises the World Heavyweight Championship for the pyro, then goes to the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the head of the table!

The bell rings and the fans sing “Roman, Roman Reigns~!” Fatu and Roman stare down, but then Fatu looks to the belt. The fans are dueling now as Roman and Fatu slowly circle. They tie up, go around, then Roman headlocks. Fatu powers up and out, but Roman RUNS him over! Roman puts up his finger, but Fatu stands right up! Roman is rather surprised, then brushes it off as the two reset. The dueling from the fans continues as the two circle again. They tie up, Fatu headlocks, but Roman endures the grind. Roman powers up, powers out, but Fatu RUNS Roman over! Roman is again surprised, but things speed up now.

Roman drops down, hurdles, and LARIATS! But Fatu stays up! Fatu LARIATS and Roman falls! The fans fire up with Fatu and he runs up again, to LARIAT Roman up and out! Fatu is feeling it, and he builds speed to DIVE! TONGAN DEATH GRIP!! Fatu uses the tope to take Roman off guard for this vice grip! Fatu POSTS Roman, puts him in the ring, then grins as he stalks Roman. Roman bails out the side but Fatu storms up to drag him up. Roman HOTSHOTS Fatu down! Roman pulls Fatu’s arm against the ropes, but he lets go as the ref counts. Roman then bends Fatu’s fingers, and SLAMS the hand against the POST!

The fans duel as the two go around the way. Roman ELBOW BREAKERS, then puts Fatu in the ring. The dueling gets hotter but Roman brushes it off. Roman wrenches Fatu to YANK the arm, and YANK the arm, and bumps Fatu off buckles. Roman pulls the bad arm against ropes, but Fatu HEADBUTS Roman away! Fatu ROCKS Roman, even with the bad hand. Fatu HEADBUTTS Roman, HEADBUTTS again, but Roman UPPERCUTS! Roman ROCKS Fatu, then puts him in a corner. Roman climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count but Fatu stops Roman at three. Roman LARIATS again and again, but Fatu stops him at five!

Fatu has the cording hold to then short arm LARIAT! The fans fire up while Roman is down! Fatu dares Roman to get up, then drags him around. Fatu HEADBUTTS Roman, HEADBUTTS again, then drags Roman up to POST him! Roman sputters in the corner but Fatu dumps him out to the apron. The fans continue to duel, and Jacob revels in it all. Fatu says he’s taking it all! Fatu sees Roman back in the corner, runs up, but Roman dodges! The splash hits the post, and Roman LARIATS! And LARIATS! Roman whips, Fatu reverses, but Roman LEAPING LARIATS! The fans fire up with Roman now, and he runs up in the corner to LARIAT!

Roman keeps moving, and he BOOTS Fatu down! Fatu flounders while Roman raises the finger to the sky. Roman locks ‘n’ loads, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, ONE?!? Fatu even stands up and geeks out! The fans are fired up and Roman’s seen a ghost! The fans rally behind Fatu as he stares Roman down. Roman runs up, but Fatu counter punches! And counter punches! And counter punches again! Fatu whips but Roman KICKS him! Fatu just fires up again! LARIAT! SENTON! Fatu goes to a corner while Roman crawls to the other. Fatu runs up, LARIAT! Fatu climbs up, and he HEADBUTTS again and again! The fans count all the way to TEN!

Fatu then runs corner to corner, and he HIP ATTACKS! Roman sputters, Fatu geeks out, and the fans are thunderous! Fatu gets moving again, but SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! Fatu survives that sudden turnaround, and the fans are dueling as hard as they have all night. Roman sees Fatu on the outside, so he rolls out and takes aim. Roman runs to DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Roman busts out a classic for this one, then he looks to the desk. Roman clears the desk, then he fetches Fatu. But TONGAN DEATH GRIP!! Fatu holds on tight, and he reels Roman in for a POWERBOMB down through the desk! Tampa loses their minds from this destruction!

Fatu clears out the armchairs, then he drags Roman up from the wreckage. Fatu puts Roman in at 7 of 10, then hurries to line up another shot! HIP- SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Roman almost ends it there, but Fatu is still tougher than all that! “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly stir. Roman sits up, crawls over to a corner, but so does Fatu. The fans rally harder and harder, and Roman stands! The fans cheer as Roman lets out the “OOOAH~!” Fatu rises, Roman runs up, but Fatu POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!! Fatu drags Roman into the drop zone! MIGHTY MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Roman survives and shocks everyone!

Fatu is beside himself, but he just unleashes FALLING HEADBUTT again and again! Then he rains down forearms and fists! Fatu vows to end this, and he drags Roman back to the drop zone. Fatu goes back up, says “SUCK IT!” and SWANTON BOMB but onto knees!! A double-edged way to save himself given Roman clutches his knee, but better than letting Fatu hit that directly. The fans rally up as both men crawl to each other. They stare down, and they fire haymakers! The fans rally and duel as the shots go back and forth, harder and harder, faster and faster! Fatu rebounds to ROCK Roman, but Roman rebounds to ROCK Fatu!

Fatu UPPERCUTS Roman, but Roman UPPERCUTS back! Fatu UPPERCUTS Roman to a corner, and HIP ATTACKS! Then ANOTHER HIP ATTACK! The fans are thunderous again as Fatu prepares his hand! Roman rises up, TONGAN DEATH GRIP!!! Roman grabs at Fatu’s hand but he can’t pry free! Roman is fading, dropping to his knees already! The fans duel as hard as they can as Fatu keeps his grip on Roman’s throat! The ref checks, and Roman comes back to life! Roman rises up, he CLAWS Fatu’s face, and RAMS him into the ref! The fans are torn, this looks like Tribal Chief of old! SUERPMAN PUNCH!

Fatu staggers around, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES again! Roman keeps moving, but Fatu SUPERKICKS! Roman rebounds, into a POP-UP, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES!! And SPEARS!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? No one knows what to make of this, least of all Roman! Roman argues with the ref, but then the TONGAN DEATH GRIP!!! Roman grabs at the ref, the ref shakes free, and they end up in a corner. The buckle pad comes off, the ref takes that, but Roman THROWS Fatu into the steel! SPEAR!!! Cover, ROMAN WINS!!

Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

Fatu wakes up and is furious! Roman did all of that out of desperation, and Fatu takes it up with the ref. The ref says he couldn’t do anything abut the buckle, but Fatu CHOKES Roman!! The ref tries to stop Fatu, Fatu SHOVES him down, and then he has the TONGAN DEATH GRIP back on Roman!! The ref tries again, Fatu backs off, but then POP-UP SMAON DROPS him!! TONGAN DEATH GRIP on Roman!! Producers rush out here, but Fatu SUPERKICKS Shane Helms down! And he TOSSES Adam Pearce!! The fans can’t believe it, but Fatu just puts the TONGAN DEATH GRIP back on Roman!!

The producers try but fail to pry Fatu away from Roman, and Roman is foaming at the mouth! Roman is OUT, and Fatu says he told Roman and he told us all, he’s gonna take EVERYTHING! And then he’s not done!! He shoves his way through the producers to CHOKE Roman again!!! Pearce is back up and he tells Fatu to stop! Fatu’s going cross-eyed, he’s that unhinged!! Fatu holds up the title as he stands over Roman, even though he did not win. What consequences will there be for Fatu after going this far?

My Thoughts:

A great Backlash, maybe one of the better ones in a long time. Great opening from Rollins VS Bron, though Rollins was maybe trying too hard to pull off the “land out of Super Steiner” a la Will Ospreay. Of course The Vision got involved, and that helped protect Rollins in his loss, which makes me think we’ll get a rematch over the summer. I also still think there’s going to be a Six Man Tag of Rollins & Profits VS Vision at some point, too. Great US Championship match from Trick VS Sami, and to my surprise, Trick wins rather than Sami cheating to win and make them 1-1. There’s no reason for a tiebreaker now, so both of them are likely moving on.

Danhausen’s partner being “Minihausen,” aka El Torito/Mascarita Dorada, was an interesting surprise. Not quite what anyone was expecting or hoping for, but Minihausen won the fans in Tampa over. I was expecting a “Megahausen” to step out of the crate after Kit threw Minihausen back in, but I suppose that’d be a matter of who else they’d get to cosplay Danhausen. Too bad they let go of Jeff Cobb before this… Anyway, great win for Teamhausen, but I can’t be sure if this feud with Miz & Kit ends here or not. The feud of Asuka VS Iyo is certainly over now after their great grudge match, but also because they let Kairi Sane go, denying the rightful story blowoff of Kairi standing up to Asuka. Maybe Asuka turns Face, maybe not, Raw on Monday will give us more.

John Cena’s announcement was not what I was expecting. It definitely wasn’t going to be #OneMoreMatch, I knew that. And with buzz of a revived Lucha Underground going around the internet, that was likely to be announced more by Rey Mysterio or another of the LU alumni like Penta or Rey Fenix. A John Cena Classic, where the entries are likely chosen by WWE but then the fans elect the champion(s)… This can either go very well or very poorly. My mind goes to times when like American Idol ended up with troll votes to keep the actual last place person still going. Or even WWE’s Cyber Sunday and Taboo Tuesday, where no one could be sure if the vote was shoot or kayfabe. Hopefully the title looks awesome, though, maybe with a spinner on it.

And great main event from Roman VS Fatu with the fans split pretty much 50-50. Roman did this on his own but he technically still cheated. And with Fatu going after Roman in his rage, there’s a good chance this is far from over. I don’t think they’ll do something for Clash of Italy when Cody VS Gunther for the Undisputed Championship is going to be the main event there, but something during the European tour could be good build material towards Night of Champions or even SummerSlam.

My Score: 8.9/10