Backlash (2009): Difference between revisions
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|caption = Promotional poster featuring [[Randy Orton]] |
|caption = Promotional poster featuring [[Randy Orton]] |
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|promotion = [[ |
|promotion = [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |
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|brand = [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]]<br |
|brand = [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]]<br>[[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]]<br>[[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW]] |
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|date = April 26, 2009 |
|date = April 26, 2009 |
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|venue = [[Dunkin' Donuts Center]] |
|venue = [[Dunkin' Donuts Center]] |
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|attendance = 8,357<ref name="PWH">{{cite web|url= |
|attendance = 8,357<ref name="PWH">{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2009|title=Backlash 2009|access-date=September 26, 2008|work=Pro Wrestling History|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628001436/https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html|archive-date=June 28, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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|buyrate = 182,000<ref name="Buyrate">{{cite journal|title=WWE Reports 2009 Second Quarter Results| |
|buyrate = 182,000<ref name="Buyrate">{{cite journal|title=WWE Reports 2009 Second Quarter Results|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=August 6, 2009|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/documents/PressReleaseQ209FINAL0805Clean.pdf|format=PDF|access-date=August 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090824034922/https://corporate.wwe.com/documents/PressReleaseQ209FINAL0805Clean.pdf|archive-date=August 24, 2009}}</ref> |
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|city = [[Providence, Rhode Island]] |
|city = [[Providence, Rhode Island]] |
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|lastevent = [[WrestleMania 25]] |
|lastevent = [[WrestleMania 25]] |
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|nextevent2 = [[Backlash (2016)|2016]] |
|nextevent2 = [[Backlash (2016)|2016]] |
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The 2009 '''Backlash''' was the 11th [[WWE Backlash|Backlash]] [[professional wrestling]] [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|event]] produced by [[ |
The 2009 '''Backlash''' was the 11th [[WWE Backlash|Backlash]] [[professional wrestling]] [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) [[List of WWE pay-per-view events|event]] produced by [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]], [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]], and [[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW]] [[WWE brand extension|brand divisions]]. The event took place on April 26, 2009, at the [[Dunkin' Donuts Center]] in [[Providence, Rhode Island]]. It was the final Backlash held until [[Backlash (2016)|2016]], as in 2010, Backlash was replaced by [[WWE Extreme Rules|Extreme Rules]]. The concept of the pay-per-view was based around the backlash from [[WrestleMania 25]]—despite the event's revival in 2016, the 2009 event would be the final Backlash to carry the post-WrestleMania theme until the [[WrestleMania Backlash (2021)|2021 event]]. |
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The [[Card (sports)|card]] comprised seven matches. The main matches saw [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] defeating [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[John Cena]] in a [[ |
The [[Card (sports)|card]] comprised seven matches. The main matches saw [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] defeating [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]] [[John Cena]] in a [[Last Man Standing match]] to win the title and [[Randy Orton]] won the [[WWE Championship]] in a [[six-man tag team match]] pitting defending champion [[Triple H]], [[Dave Batista|Batista]], and [[Shane McMahon]] against [[The Legacy (professional wrestling)|The Legacy]] (Orton, [[Cody Rhodes]], and [[Ted DiBiase, Jr.|Ted DiBiase]]); Orton pinned Triple H to win the title. The card also included [[Jeff Hardy]] defeating [[Matt Hardy]] in an [["I Quit" match]] and [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]] winning the [[ECW Championship]] by defeating [[Jack Swagger]]. The event received 182,000 buys, down on the [[Backlash (2008)|previous event]] figure of 200,000 buys. |
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==Production== |
==Production== |
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===Background=== |
===Background=== |
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[[File:DunkinDonutsCenter1.jpg|thumb|The event was held at the [[Dunkin' Donuts Center]] in [[Providence, Rhode Island]].]] |
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[[WWE Backlash|Backlash]] is a [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) event that was established by [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) in 1999. The concept of the pay-per-view was based around the backlash from WWE's flagship event, [[WrestleMania]].<ref name="History of WWE Backlash Results">{{cite web|url= |
[[WWE Backlash|Backlash]] is a [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) event that was established by [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) in 1999. The concept of the pay-per-view was based around the backlash from WWE's flagship event, [[WrestleMania]].<ref name="History of WWE Backlash Results">{{cite web|url=https://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/backlash.htm|title=WWE Backlash|work=The History of WWE|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206214249/https://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/backlash.htm|archive-date=February 6, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2009 event was the 11th Backlash and featured the backlash from [[WrestleMania 25]]. It took place on April 26, 2009, at the [[Dunkin' Donuts Center]] in [[Providence, Rhode Island]] and featured wrestlers from the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]], [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]], and [[ECW (WWE brand)|ECW]] [[WWE brand extension|brands]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/schedules/events/|title=WWE Events Calendar|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=January 11, 2009|quote="04-26 Backlash" (Calendar image located on the right)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115211845/https://www.wwe.com/schedules/events/|archive-date=January 15, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2007/2007_03_14.jsp|title=WWE Pay-Per-Views To Follow WrestleMania Formula|access-date=January 11, 2009|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108060708/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2007/2007_03_14.jsp|archive-date=January 8, 2009}}</ref> |
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===Storylines=== |
===Storylines=== |
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Backlash comprised [[Professional wrestling match types|professional wrestling matches]] involving different wrestlers from pre-existing [[Screenplay|script]]ed feuds and [[Narrative thread|storyline]]s that played out on ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'' and ''[[ |
Backlash comprised [[Professional wrestling match types|professional wrestling matches]] involving different wrestlers from pre-existing [[Screenplay|script]]ed feuds and [[Narrative thread|storyline]]s that played out on ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'', ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown]]'', and ''[[WWE ECW|ECW]]'' — WWE's primary television programs. Wrestlers portrayed either a [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villain]] or a [[Face (professional wrestling)|hero]] as they followed a series of events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches.<ref>{{cite web|title=How Pro Wrestling Works|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|last=Grabianowski|first=Ed|work=HowStuffWorks|date=January 13, 2006|publisher=[[Discovery Communications]]|access-date=March 5, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129050844/https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Live & Televised Entertainment|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218142749/https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|archive-date=February 18, 2009}}</ref> |
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[[File:The Legacy.jpg|left|thumb|The Legacy: Randy Orton (center), Ted DiBiase (right) and Cody Rhodes (left), competitors in the six-man tag |
[[File:The Legacy.jpg|left|thumb|[[The Legacy (professional wrestling)|The Legacy]]: [[Randy Orton]] (center), [[Ted DiBiase Jr.|Ted DiBiase]] (right), and [[Cody Rhodes]] (left), competitors in the [[six-man tag team match]] for the [[WWE Championship]].]] |
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The main [[Feud (professional wrestling)|rivalry]] heading into Backlash pitted [[Triple H]] against [[Randy Orton]] over the [[WWE Championship]]. The feud had started on the February 16 episode of ''Raw'', when Orton [[Professional wrestling attacks#Punt|punted]] Triple H's brother-in-law, [[Shane McMahon]] and then performed the [[Cutter (professional wrestling)|RKO]] on his wife [[Stephanie McMahon]]. As a result, Triple H convinced Orton to challenge him for the WWE Championship at [[WrestleMania 25]]. At WrestleMania on April 5, 2009, Triple H defeated Orton to retain the WWE Championship. The following night on ''Raw'', WWE chairman [[Vince McMahon]] announced that a [[ |
The main [[Feud (professional wrestling)|rivalry]] heading into Backlash pitted [[Triple H]] against [[Randy Orton]] over the [[WWE Championship]]. The feud had started on the February 16 episode of ''Raw'', when Orton [[Professional wrestling attacks#Punt|punted]] Triple H's brother-in-law, [[Shane McMahon]] and then performed the [[Cutter (professional wrestling)|RKO]] on his wife [[Stephanie McMahon]]. As a result, Triple H convinced Orton to challenge him for the WWE Championship at [[WrestleMania 25]]. At WrestleMania on April 5, 2009, Triple H defeated Orton to retain the WWE Championship. The following night on ''Raw'', WWE chairman [[Vince McMahon]] announced that a [[six-man tag team match]] would take place at Backlash between Triple H, Shane McMahon, and himself against [[The Legacy (professional wrestling)|The Legacy]] (Orton, [[Cody Rhodes]], and [[Ted DiBiase, Jr.|Ted DiBiase]]) which was later turned into a WWE Championship match by new general manager of Raw, [[Vickie Guerrero]]. That same night, Shane and Triple H were attacked by The Legacy, but were saved by a returning [[Dave Batista|Batista]]. Vince announced that Batista would be taking his place at Backlash.<ref name="McMahonsLegacy">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9808790/results/|title=Results:Punter's quarry|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=April 26, 2009|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=April 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430114606/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9808790/results/|archive-date= April 30, 2009}}</ref> On the following week's episode of ''Raw'', after returning to WWE the week before, Batista arrived on the night of the WWE Draft lottery. Batista made clear his desire to face Orton on ''Raw'' and take revenge for the punt that kept him from the ring for four months. He was later joined in the ring by both Shane McMahon and WWE Champion Triple H, who both wanted to get their hands on Orton for his attacks on Stephanie McMahon and the WWE Chairman himself, Mr. McMahon. As the three argued over who would get first dibs on Orton, they were interrupted by Vickie Guerrero, who announced that only one of them would get the opportunity to face Orton before Backlash, and that they would have to earn it. Guerrero then placed Triple H, Batista and Shane McMahon in a three-on-two [[handicap match]] against The Legacy for later in the night. Whichever one of them would score the pinfall on either Rhodes or DiBiase will have earned themselves a match against Orton on the next ''Raw'', but if The Legacy prevailed, then none of the three would be able to get their hands on him. Triple H pinned DiBiase to win the match. On the last episode of ''Raw'', Orton defeated Triple H in a [[No Disqualification match]] despite their teammates interfering during the match. Then a few days later on ''SmackDown'', Batista and Shane McMahon defeated DiBiase and Rhodes in a tag team match. |
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Another rivalry heading into Backlash brought together [[John Cena]] and [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] over the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]]. At |
Another rivalry heading into Backlash brought together [[John Cena]] and [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] over the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]]. At [[No Way Out (2009)|No Way Out]] on February 15, 2009, Edge attacked [[Kofi Kingston]], who was due to compete in an [[Elimination Chamber match]] for Cena's World Heavyweight Championship. As a result, Edge took his spot in the match and won the World Heavyweight Championship by last eliminating [[Rey Mysterio]]. At WrestleMania 25, Cena defeated the defending champion Edge and [[Paul Wight|The Big Show]] in a [[triple threat match]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship back. On the April 6 episode of ''Raw'', Vickie Guerrero announced that Cena would defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Edge in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Last Man/Woman Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] at Backlash.<ref name="CenaEdge">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9808960/preview/|title=Preview:World Heavyweight Champion John Cena vs. Edge|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=April 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410144315/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9808960/preview/|archive-date= April 10, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[File:Christian - September 2008.jpg|right|upright|thumb|Christian, challenger for the ECW Championship at Backlash]] |
[[File:Christian - September 2008.jpg|right|upright|thumb|[[Christian Cage|Christian]], challenger for the [[ECW Championship]] at Backlash.]] |
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Interim General manager [[Taryn Terrell|Tiffany]] announced on the April 7 episode of ''ECW on Sci Fi'' that [[Jack Swagger]] would defend his [[ECW Championship]] against the winner of the "elimination chase", which commenced on that night and involved [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]], [[Tommy Dreamer]], [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]], and [[Mark Henry]]; the participants in the chase would have a [[ |
Interim General manager [[Taryn Terrell|Tiffany]] announced on the April 7 episode of ''ECW on Sci Fi'' that [[Jack Swagger]] would defend his [[ECW Championship]] against the winner of the "elimination chase", which commenced on that night and involved [[Christian (wrestler)|Christian]], [[Tommy Dreamer]], [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]], and [[Mark Henry]]; the participants in the chase would have a [[Fatal four-way match|four-way]] that night. Henry got pinned the same night and was eliminated from contention. The remaining three wrestlers competed in a triple threat match on the April 14 episode of ''ECW on Sci Fi'' with the person being pinned or forced to submit being eliminated from contention; Dreamer was pinned in this contest, leading to a singles match between Finlay and Christian on the April 16 episode of ''WWE Superstars'', which saw Christian get the victory, thus allowing him to face Swagger for the title at Backlash.<ref name="ECW">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9826616/results/?cid=2009EP-00|title=Results:Now Christian has a swagger|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=April 26, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430143251/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9826616/results/?cid=2009EP-00|archive-date=April 30, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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After [[Matt Hardy]] betrayed his brother, [[Jeff Hardy|Jeff]], at [[Royal Rumble (2009)|Royal Rumble]] — costing the latter the WWE Championship against Edge — the two embarked on a feud that saw Jeff initially reluctant to fight his brother; after much goading, they had a match at WrestleMania 25, which saw Matt win; however, with Jeff not fully incapacitated after Matt had vowed to "erase Jeff from WWE", a [[ |
After [[Matt Hardy]] betrayed his brother, [[Jeff Hardy|Jeff]], at the [[Royal Rumble (2009)|Royal Rumble]] — costing the latter the WWE Championship against Edge — the two embarked on a feud that saw Jeff initially reluctant to fight his brother; after much goading, they had a match at WrestleMania 25, which saw Matt win; however, with Jeff not fully incapacitated after Matt had vowed to "erase Jeff from WWE", a [[stretcher match]] took place between the two, which Matt also won. As a result of their feud, the SmackDown general manager, [[Theodore Long]], announced an [["I Quit" match]] between the two at Backlash.<ref name="I Quit">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9921978/results/|title=Results:Extreme Surrender|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|last=Burdick|first=Michael|date=April 26, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428163915/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9921978/results/|archive-date=April 28, 2009|url-status= live}}</ref> |
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After the release of the film, ''[[The Wrestler (2008 film)|The Wrestler]]'', and the film's actor [[Mickey Rourke]] backing out of a challenge that he had earlier issued to [[Chris Jericho]] to a match at WrestleMania 25, Jericho started targeting WWE's legends and [[WWE Hall of Fame|Hall of Famers]] by insulting and beating them over many weeks on ''Raw''. (These legends included the likes of [[Ric Flair]], [[Roddy Piper]], [[Jimmy Snuka]] and [[Ricky Steamboat]].) At WrestleMania 25, Jericho defeated Piper, Snuka and Steamboat in a |
After the release of the film, ''[[The Wrestler (2008 film)|The Wrestler]]'', and the film's actor [[Mickey Rourke]] backing out of a challenge that he had earlier issued to [[Chris Jericho]] to a match at WrestleMania 25, Jericho started targeting WWE's legends and [[WWE Hall of Fame|Hall of Famers]] by insulting and beating them over many weeks on ''Raw''. (These legends included the likes of [[Ric Flair]], [[Roddy Piper]], [[Jimmy Snuka]], and [[Ricky Steamboat]].) At WrestleMania 25, Jericho defeated Piper, Snuka and Steamboat in a handicap [[elimination match]]. After winning, Jericho called Rourke out in the ring. During the confrontation between the two, Rourke knocked Jericho down with a punch. Then, on the April 20 episode of ''Raw'', it was announced that Jericho would face Ricky Steamboat in a singles match at Backlash. |
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==Event== |
==Event== |
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|[[Charles Robinson (referee)|Charles Robinson]] |
|[[Charles Robinson (referee)|Charles Robinson]] |
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===Preliminary matches=== |
===Preliminary matches=== |
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The |
The actual pay-per-view began with Jack Swagger defending the ECW Championship against Christian. Swagger controlled the match with takedowns, [[suplex]]es and [[Powerslam|slams]]. After both men removed the padding on a turnbuckle, Christian avoided Swagger, causing Swagger to collide with the exposed turnbuckle. Christian then executed a [[Facebuster#Inverted double underhook facebuster|Killswitch]] to win the ECW Championship.<ref name="Backlash2009"/> |
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[[File:Dragon backlash.jpg|thumb|left|Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat jumping toward Chris Jericho]] |
[[File:Dragon backlash.jpg|thumb|left|[[Ricky Steamboat|Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat]] jumping toward [[Chris Jericho]].]] |
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The following contest involved |
The following contest involved Chris Jericho and Ricky Steamboat — the latter competing in his first singles match since 1994. As Steamboat attempted a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving crossbody|diving crossbody]], Jericho countered with a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Double knee facebreaker|Codebreaker]] and forced Steamboat to submit to the [[Boston crab|Walls of Jericho]] for the win. Following the match, Steamboat was given a standing ovation from the crowd in attendance.<ref name="Backlash2009"/> |
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[[CM Punk]] wrestled [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] next, with Punk mainly attacking Kane's arm with kicks and [[Professional wrestling holds# |
[[CM Punk]] wrestled [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] next, with Punk mainly attacking Kane's arm with kicks and [[Professional wrestling holds#Armbar|arm bars]] to prevent him from performing the [[chokeslam]]. After Punk tried to incapacitate his opponent, Kane managed to execute a [[Chokeslam#Leg trap chokeslam|leg-trap chokeslam]] for the win.<ref name="Backlash2009"/> |
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Next was the I Quit match pitting |
Next was the I Quit match pitting Matt Hardy against Jeff Hardy. The two attacked each other with a number of heavy shots and submission holds during the match. After Jeff placed Matt on a table, he tied him to the table and set up a ladder in the corner of the ring. When the referee asked Matt if he wanted to quit, he took the opportunity to talk down Jeff, bringing up the case of what his father and late mother would think of this before quitting, meaning Jeff won the match. After the match, Jeff vaulted over the ladder and performed a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Leg drop|leg drop]] through the table on Matt.<ref name="Backlash2009"/> |
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[[Santino Marella|Santina Marella]] (really Santino Marella in [[drag (clothing)|drag]] posing as his fictitious twin sister) came down to the ring after the match, and proclaimed her prowess before [[The Great Khali]] entered in the hopes of kissing Marella, only to have Marella refuse, claiming to love another man, ''SmackDown'' commentator, [[Jim Ross]], who sat at ringside with [[Jerry Lawler]] and [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]]. [[Beth Phoenix]] came to the ring and challenged Marella for her title of ''Miss WrestleMania''. Before the match started, Khali attacked Phoenix with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Overhead chop|brain chop]], leading to Marella pinning Phoenix to retain her title. |
[[Santino Marella|Santina Marella]] (really Santino Marella in [[drag (clothing)|drag]] posing as his fictitious twin sister) came down to the ring after the match, and proclaimed her prowess before [[The Great Khali]] entered in the hopes of kissing Marella, only to have Marella refuse, claiming to love another man, ''SmackDown'' commentator, [[Jim Ross]], who sat at ringside with [[Jerry Lawler]] and [[Michael Cole (wrestling)|Michael Cole]]. [[Beth Phoenix]] came to the ring and challenged Marella for her title of ''Miss WrestleMania''. Before the match started, Khali attacked Phoenix with a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Overhead chop|brain chop]], leading to Marella pinning Phoenix to retain her title.<ref name="Backlash2009"/> |
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===Main event matches=== |
===Main event matches=== |
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⚫ | A six-man tag team match for the WWE Championship pitting champion Triple H, Batista, and Shane McMahon against The Legacy (Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Ted DiBiase) was next with the stipulation that if Triple H or any member of his team got counted out, disqualified, pinned or submitted, Orton would become the new WWE champion. The match started with Triple H and Orton brawling to the backstage area while Batista and McMahon continued to wrestle The Legacy. Once the two fought their way back to the ring, the match revolved around The Legacy isolating every member of their opponents, preventing any way for them to make a tag. After Batista was tagged in, the action went outside of the ring. Triple H was tagged back in, and Batista was about to use a steel chair outside on The Legacy, but per the stipulation, Triple H would have lost the title on disqualification, leading to Triple H stopping Batista. The distraction was enough for Orton to strike Triple H with an RKO, but Triple H still kicked out at two. The bell was rung without the referee signaling for it, leading to the referee being distracted long enough for Orton to nail Triple H with a devastating punt. Orton then pinned Triple H to win the title. Following the match, Triple H was taken out on a stretcher.<ref name="Backlash2009"/> |
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⚫ | A six-man tag |
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In the main event, |
In the main event, John Cena defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Edge in a Last Man Standing match. The match started as a heavy brawl between the two but ended up on the outside, with Edge and Cena using the steel steps as a weapon, as they threw each other into it, threw it at each other. Edge executed a [[Professional wrestling attacks#Spear|spear]] on Cena. After the two ended up on the broadcast table, Cena threw Edge into the crowd with the [[Professional wrestling throws#Fireman's carry takeover|Attitude Adjustment]]. The two fought around the arena, going into the surrounding lobby until they made their way to the stage, leading to interference from Big Show, who [[Chokeslam|chokeslammed]] Cena through a nearby spotlight that exploded; Cena was unable to stand, meaning Edge won the title. Cena was taken out of the arena on a stretcher as the event came to a close.<ref name="Backlash2009"/> |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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The show received positive feedback from many viewers. Canadian sportswriter, Matt Bishop, gave the show an overall score of 7/10; most of his praise for the show concentrated on the World Heavyweight title match, which he awarded 9/10.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
The show received positive feedback from many viewers. Canadian sportswriter, Matt Bishop, gave the show an overall score of 7/10; most of his praise for the show concentrated on the World Heavyweight title match, which he awarded 9/10.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2009/04/26/backlash-all-3-world-titles-change-hands/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816073019/https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2009/04/26/backlash-all-3-world-titles-change-hands/ |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |title=Backlash: All 3 World Titles Change Hands |work=Slam Wrestling |last=Bishop |first=Matt |date=April 26, 2009 |access-date=April 30, 2009}}</ref> In addition, [[Dave Meltzer]], writer of the ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'', called the show solid, and gave the main event a score of four-and-a-half stars out of five.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/wwe/backlash-09-4397.html|title=Backlash 2009 results|access-date=June 4, 2009|publisher=Internet Wrestling Database|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430133840/https://www.profightdb.com/cards/wwe/backlash-09-4397.html|archive-date= April 30, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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[[The Baltimore Sun]]'s writer, Kevin Eck, praised the World Heavyweight Championship match, calling it a "show-stealer" and praised the Jericho/Steamboat match, stating that "The booking here was well done, as Steamboat showed that he can still go".<ref>{{cite web|url= |
''[[The Baltimore Sun]]''{{'}}s writer, Kevin Eck, praised the World Heavyweight Championship match, calling it a "show-stealer" and praised the Jericho/Steamboat match, stating that "The booking here was well done, as Steamboat showed that he can still go".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2009/04/backlash_thoughts_1.html|title=Backlash thoughts|date=April 26, 2009|last=Eck|first=Kevin|access-date=May 21, 2009|work=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090531232532/https://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/wrestling/blog/2009/04/backlash_thoughts_1.html|archive-date=May 31, 2009}}</ref> |
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In 2013, WWE released a list of their "15 best pay-per-views ever", with 2009's Backlash being ranked at #13.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
In 2013, WWE released a list of their "15 best pay-per-views ever", with 2009's Backlash being ranked at #13.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/15-best-pay-per-views/page-17|last1=Clapp|first1=John|first2=Bobby|last2=Melok|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=January 23, 2014|date=September 11, 2013|title=The 15 best pay-per-views ever}}</ref> |
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==Aftermath== |
==Aftermath== |
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Following the results of the main event, |
Following the results of the main event, Big Show appeared in a match against Batista the following night on ''Raw'' to determine who would challenge Randy Orton next for the WWE Championship. During the match, John Cena came down to the ring, distracting Big Show, which led to Batista winning the match. Vickie Guerrero would subsequently announce Big Show would wrestle Cena at [[Judgment Day (2009)|Judgment Day]], when Cena would be medically cleared to compete in the match. |
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With Edge winning the World Heavyweight title, the title became exclusive to ''SmackDown'', with Jeff Hardy becoming the number-one contender to face Edge at Judgment Day by winning a |
With Edge winning the World Heavyweight title, the title became exclusive to ''SmackDown'', with Jeff Hardy becoming the number-one contender to face Edge at Judgment Day by winning a fatal four-way match against Chris Jericho, [[Rey Mysterio]], and Kane. |
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Not satisfied at how he lost the title (due to his collision with a turnbuckle exposed by Christian, which is [[Professional wrestling#Rules|technically illegal]]), Jack Swagger would invoke his rematch clause at Judgment Day, and before that match were to take place, he would make sure that no one would receive a title match before he did by interfering in Christian's matches. |
Not satisfied at how he lost the title (due to his collision with a turnbuckle exposed by Christian, which is [[Professional wrestling#Rules and other dramatic elements|technically illegal]]), Jack Swagger would invoke his rematch clause at Judgment Day, and before that match were to take place, he would make sure that no one would receive a title match before he did by interfering in Christian's matches. |
||
In 2010, Backlash was discontinued and replaced by [[WWE Extreme Rules|Extreme Rules]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pay-Per-View Calendar|url= |
In 2010, Backlash was discontinued and replaced by [[WWE Extreme Rules|Extreme Rules]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Pay-Per-View Calendar|url=https://www.wwe.com/content/media/images/ppv.calendar.v1.png|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=October 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027035252/https://www.wwe.com/content/media/images/ppv.calendar.v1.png|archive-date=October 27, 2009}}</ref> Also in February that year, the ECW brand was disbanded<ref name="NXT">{{cite web|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38751.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Superstar TV Report 2/4: Complete coverage of Team Morrison vs. Team McIntyre six-man tag, awesome Bourne vs. Carlito match|first=James|last=Caldwell|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 4, 2010|access-date=February 5, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100207135317/https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38751.shtml|archive-date=February 7, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> and the brand extension itself was dissolved in August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Nemer|first=Paul|title=Raw Results – 8/29/11|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/26309-raw-results-8-29-11/|work=WrestleView|date=August 30, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106122439/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/26309-raw-results-8-29-11/|archive-date=November 6, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Also, in April 2011, the promotion ceased going by its full name of World Wrestling Entertainment, with "WWE" becoming an [[orphaned initialism]].<ref>{{cite press release|last1=Sacco|first1=Justine|last2=Weitz|first2=Michael|date=April 7, 2011|title=The New WWE|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2011/04-07-2011|location=[[Connecticut]]|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=November 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503100415/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2011/04-07-2011|archive-date=May 3, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2014, WWE launched their online streaming service, the [[WWE Network]], and in addition to traditional PPV, the events also became available on the Network.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hooton|first=Christopher|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-network-everything-you-need-to-know-9150052.html|title=WWE Network: Price, schedule and everything else you need to know|work=The Independent|date=February 24, 2014|access-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224200445/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-network-everything-you-need-to-know-9150052.html|archive-date=February 24, 2014}}</ref> In mid-2016, WWE reintroduced the brand split and also brought back brand-exclusive PPVs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/daily-updates/daily-update-wwe-split-brand-ppvs-roh-ppv-aries-joe-and-nakamura-debut-215206|title=Daily Update: WWE split brand PPVs, ROH PPV, Aries, Joe and Nakamura debut|date=June 24, 2016|work=[[Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]]|access-date=July 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625130914/https://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-wwe-split-brand-ppvs-roh-ppv-aries-joe-and-nakamura-debut-215206|archive-date=June 25, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to the need for more PPV events, Backlash was reinstated, and the [[Backlash (2016)|2016 event]] was held exclusively for the SmackDown-brand and was WWE's first brand-exclusive PPV of the second brand split. Backlash that year was also held in September after [[SummerSlam (2016)|SummerSlam]], thus ending its previous tradition of being the post-WrestleMania PPV.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE Backlash returning as Smackdown brand PPV|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/26/wwe-backlash-returning-smackdown-brand-ppv/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=July 26, 2016|access-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728161743/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/26/wwe-backlash-returning-smackdown-brand-ppv/|archive-date=July 28, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Backlash2016">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=9/11 WWE Backlash Results – Caldwell's Complete PPV Report|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/11/backlashppvresults/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=September 11, 2016|access-date=September 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917134241/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/11/backlashppvresults/|archive-date=September 17, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, however, the event returned to its post-WrestleMania position and was in turn titled [[WrestleMania Backlash (2021)|WrestleMania Backlash]].<ref name="WMBL">{{cite news|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=WWE Announces WrestleMania Backlash For May|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-wrestlemania-backlash-may|work=Fightful|date=April 11, 2021|access-date=April 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412025430/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-wrestlemania-backlash-may|archive-date=April 12, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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==Results== |
==Results== |
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{{Pro |
{{Pro wrestling results table |
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|times = <ref name= |
| times = <ref name="Backlash2009">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_31664.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Backlash PPV Report 4/26: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Cena vs. Edge, McMahons vs. Orton|date=April 26, 2009|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=February 17, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428155052/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_31664.shtml|archive-date=April 28, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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| |
| note1 = dark |
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|match1 = [[Kofi Kingston]] defeated [[Dolph Ziggler]]<ref name="dark">{{cite web|url= |
| match1 = [[Kofi Kingston]] defeated [[Dolph Ziggler]]<ref name="dark">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_31676.shtml|title=WWE News: Backlash PPV notes inside the arena – Dark match involving Kofi Kingston|date=April 27, 2009|access-date=February 17, 2012|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> |
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| |
| stip1 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] |
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| |
| time1 = |
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|match2 = [[Christian Cage|Christian]] defeated [[Jack Swagger]] (c) |
| match2 = [[Christian Cage|Christian]] defeated [[Jack Swagger]] (c) by [[pinfall]] |
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| |
| stip2 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the [[ECW Championship]] |
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| |
| time2 = 10:55 |
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|match3 = [[Chris Jericho]] defeated [[Ricky Steamboat]] by submission<ref name="Jericho/Steamboat">{{cite web|url= |
| match3 = [[Chris Jericho]] defeated [[Ricky Steamboat]] by [[Submission (professional wrestling)|submission]] |
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| stip3 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]<ref name="Jericho/Steamboat">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9953722/results/|title=Results:Consider "The Dragon" slain|last=Vermillion|first=James|date=April 26, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2009|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430105423/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9953722/results/|archive-date=April 30, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
|stip3 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] |
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| match4 = [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] defeated [[CM Punk]] by [[pinfall]] |
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⚫ | |||
| |
| stip4 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]]<ref name="PunkKane">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9952388/results/|title=Results:Vengeance is his|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|last=Murphy|first=Ryan|date=April 26, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428163920/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9952388/results/|archive-date=April 28, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
|stip4 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] |
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| match5 = [[Jeff Hardy]] defeated [[Matt Hardy]] |
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⚫ | |||
| |
| stip5 = [["I Quit" match]]<ref name="I Quit"/> |
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⚫ | |||
|stip5 = [["I Quit" match]] |
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| match6 = [[Santina Marella]] (c) defeated [[Beth Phoenix]] (with [[Rosa Mendes]]) by [[pinfall]] |
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⚫ | |||
| |
| stip6 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the title of "[[Miss WrestleMania]]"<ref name="MarellaPhoenix">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9959312/results/|title=Results:Khali Kiss Scam|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|last=Adkins|first=Greg|date=April 26, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430112258/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9959312/results/|archive-date=April 30, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
|stip6 = [[Singles match (professional wrestling)|Singles match]] for the title of "[[Miss WrestleMania]]" |
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⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | |||
| match8 = [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] defeated [[John Cena]] (c) |
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⚫ | |||
| |
| stip8 = [[Last Man Standing match]] for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]]<ref name="LastManStanding">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9808960/results/|title=Results:Fueled by hatred and desperation|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|date=April 26, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428163904/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/9808960/results/|archive-date=April 28, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
|stip8 = [[Last Man Standing match]] for the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] |
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⚫ | |||
}} |
}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[ |
*[https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/ The official Backlash website] |
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{{2009 WWE pay-per-view events}} |
{{2009 WWE pay-per-view events}} |
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[[Category:Professional wrestling shows in Providence, Rhode Island]] |
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[[Category:Professional wrestling in Providence, Rhode Island]] |
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[[Category:2009 WWE pay-per-view events]] |
[[Category:2009 WWE pay-per-view events]] |
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[[Category:April 2009 events in the United States]] |
[[Category:April 2009 events in the United States]] |
Revision as of 14:17, 23 April 2024
Backlash | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() Promotional poster featuring Randy Orton | |||
Promotion | World Wrestling Entertainment | ||
Brand(s) | Raw SmackDown ECW | ||
Date | April 26, 2009 | ||
City | Providence, Rhode Island | ||
Venue | Dunkin' Donuts Center | ||
Attendance | 8,357[1] | ||
Buy rate | 182,000[2] | ||
Pay-per-view chronology | |||
| |||
Backlash chronology | |||
|
The 2009 Backlash was the 11th Backlash professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was held for wrestlers from the promotion's Raw, SmackDown, and ECW brand divisions. The event took place on April 26, 2009, at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. It was the final Backlash held until 2016, as in 2010, Backlash was replaced by Extreme Rules. The concept of the pay-per-view was based around the backlash from WrestleMania 25—despite the event's revival in 2016, the 2009 event would be the final Backlash to carry the post-WrestleMania theme until the 2021 event.
The card comprised seven matches. The main matches saw Edge defeating World Heavyweight Champion John Cena in a Last Man Standing match to win the title and Randy Orton won the WWE Championship in a six-man tag team match pitting defending champion Triple H, Batista, and Shane McMahon against The Legacy (Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Ted DiBiase); Orton pinned Triple H to win the title. The card also included Jeff Hardy defeating Matt Hardy in an "I Quit" match and Christian winning the ECW Championship by defeating Jack Swagger. The event received 182,000 buys, down on the previous event figure of 200,000 buys.
Production
Background
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a4/DunkinDonutsCenter1.jpg/220px-DunkinDonutsCenter1.jpg)
Backlash is a pay-per-view (PPV) event that was established by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 1999. The concept of the pay-per-view was based around the backlash from WWE's flagship event, WrestleMania.[3] The 2009 event was the 11th Backlash and featured the backlash from WrestleMania 25. It took place on April 26, 2009, at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island and featured wrestlers from the Raw, SmackDown, and ECW brands.[4][5]
Storylines
Backlash comprised professional wrestling matches involving different wrestlers from pre-existing scripted feuds and storylines that played out on Raw, SmackDown, and ECW — WWE's primary television programs. Wrestlers portrayed either a villain or a hero as they followed a series of events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches.[6][7]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/The_Legacy.jpg/220px-The_Legacy.jpg)
The main rivalry heading into Backlash pitted Triple H against Randy Orton over the WWE Championship. The feud had started on the February 16 episode of Raw, when Orton punted Triple H's brother-in-law, Shane McMahon and then performed the RKO on his wife Stephanie McMahon. As a result, Triple H convinced Orton to challenge him for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 25. At WrestleMania on April 5, 2009, Triple H defeated Orton to retain the WWE Championship. The following night on Raw, WWE chairman Vince McMahon announced that a six-man tag team match would take place at Backlash between Triple H, Shane McMahon, and himself against The Legacy (Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Ted DiBiase) which was later turned into a WWE Championship match by new general manager of Raw, Vickie Guerrero. That same night, Shane and Triple H were attacked by The Legacy, but were saved by a returning Batista. Vince announced that Batista would be taking his place at Backlash.[8] On the following week's episode of Raw, after returning to WWE the week before, Batista arrived on the night of the WWE Draft lottery. Batista made clear his desire to face Orton on Raw and take revenge for the punt that kept him from the ring for four months. He was later joined in the ring by both Shane McMahon and WWE Champion Triple H, who both wanted to get their hands on Orton for his attacks on Stephanie McMahon and the WWE Chairman himself, Mr. McMahon. As the three argued over who would get first dibs on Orton, they were interrupted by Vickie Guerrero, who announced that only one of them would get the opportunity to face Orton before Backlash, and that they would have to earn it. Guerrero then placed Triple H, Batista and Shane McMahon in a three-on-two handicap match against The Legacy for later in the night. Whichever one of them would score the pinfall on either Rhodes or DiBiase will have earned themselves a match against Orton on the next Raw, but if The Legacy prevailed, then none of the three would be able to get their hands on him. Triple H pinned DiBiase to win the match. On the last episode of Raw, Orton defeated Triple H in a No Disqualification match despite their teammates interfering during the match. Then a few days later on SmackDown, Batista and Shane McMahon defeated DiBiase and Rhodes in a tag team match.
Another rivalry heading into Backlash brought together John Cena and Edge over the World Heavyweight Championship. At No Way Out on February 15, 2009, Edge attacked Kofi Kingston, who was due to compete in an Elimination Chamber match for Cena's World Heavyweight Championship. As a result, Edge took his spot in the match and won the World Heavyweight Championship by last eliminating Rey Mysterio. At WrestleMania 25, Cena defeated the defending champion Edge and The Big Show in a triple threat match to win the World Heavyweight Championship back. On the April 6 episode of Raw, Vickie Guerrero announced that Cena would defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Edge in a Last Man Standing match at Backlash.[9]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Christian_-_September_2008.jpg/170px-Christian_-_September_2008.jpg)
Interim General manager Tiffany announced on the April 7 episode of ECW on Sci Fi that Jack Swagger would defend his ECW Championship against the winner of the "elimination chase", which commenced on that night and involved Christian, Tommy Dreamer, Finlay, and Mark Henry; the participants in the chase would have a four-way that night. Henry got pinned the same night and was eliminated from contention. The remaining three wrestlers competed in a triple threat match on the April 14 episode of ECW on Sci Fi with the person being pinned or forced to submit being eliminated from contention; Dreamer was pinned in this contest, leading to a singles match between Finlay and Christian on the April 16 episode of WWE Superstars, which saw Christian get the victory, thus allowing him to face Swagger for the title at Backlash.[10]
After Matt Hardy betrayed his brother, Jeff, at the Royal Rumble — costing the latter the WWE Championship against Edge — the two embarked on a feud that saw Jeff initially reluctant to fight his brother; after much goading, they had a match at WrestleMania 25, which saw Matt win; however, with Jeff not fully incapacitated after Matt had vowed to "erase Jeff from WWE", a stretcher match took place between the two, which Matt also won. As a result of their feud, the SmackDown general manager, Theodore Long, announced an "I Quit" match between the two at Backlash.[11]
After the release of the film, The Wrestler, and the film's actor Mickey Rourke backing out of a challenge that he had earlier issued to Chris Jericho to a match at WrestleMania 25, Jericho started targeting WWE's legends and Hall of Famers by insulting and beating them over many weeks on Raw. (These legends included the likes of Ric Flair, Roddy Piper, Jimmy Snuka, and Ricky Steamboat.) At WrestleMania 25, Jericho defeated Piper, Snuka and Steamboat in a handicap elimination match. After winning, Jericho called Rourke out in the ring. During the confrontation between the two, Rourke knocked Jericho down with a punch. Then, on the April 20 episode of Raw, it was announced that Jericho would face Ricky Steamboat in a singles match at Backlash.
Event
Role: | Name: |
---|---|
English commentators | Michael Cole |
Jim Ross | |
Jerry Lawler | |
Spanish commentators | Carlos Cabrera |
Hugo Savinovich | |
Ring announcers | Lilian Garcia |
Justin Roberts | |
Referees | Mike Chioda |
John Cone | |
Charles Robinson |
Before the event aired live on pay-per-view, Kofi Kingston defeated Dolph Ziggler in a dark match.[12]
Preliminary matches
The actual pay-per-view began with Jack Swagger defending the ECW Championship against Christian. Swagger controlled the match with takedowns, suplexes and slams. After both men removed the padding on a turnbuckle, Christian avoided Swagger, causing Swagger to collide with the exposed turnbuckle. Christian then executed a Killswitch to win the ECW Championship.[13]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/23/Dragon_backlash.jpg/220px-Dragon_backlash.jpg)
The following contest involved Chris Jericho and Ricky Steamboat — the latter competing in his first singles match since 1994. As Steamboat attempted a diving crossbody, Jericho countered with a Codebreaker and forced Steamboat to submit to the Walls of Jericho for the win. Following the match, Steamboat was given a standing ovation from the crowd in attendance.[13]
CM Punk wrestled Kane next, with Punk mainly attacking Kane's arm with kicks and arm bars to prevent him from performing the chokeslam. After Punk tried to incapacitate his opponent, Kane managed to execute a leg-trap chokeslam for the win.[13]
Next was the I Quit match pitting Matt Hardy against Jeff Hardy. The two attacked each other with a number of heavy shots and submission holds during the match. After Jeff placed Matt on a table, he tied him to the table and set up a ladder in the corner of the ring. When the referee asked Matt if he wanted to quit, he took the opportunity to talk down Jeff, bringing up the case of what his father and late mother would think of this before quitting, meaning Jeff won the match. After the match, Jeff vaulted over the ladder and performed a leg drop through the table on Matt.[13]
Santina Marella (really Santino Marella in drag posing as his fictitious twin sister) came down to the ring after the match, and proclaimed her prowess before The Great Khali entered in the hopes of kissing Marella, only to have Marella refuse, claiming to love another man, SmackDown commentator, Jim Ross, who sat at ringside with Jerry Lawler and Michael Cole. Beth Phoenix came to the ring and challenged Marella for her title of Miss WrestleMania. Before the match started, Khali attacked Phoenix with a brain chop, leading to Marella pinning Phoenix to retain her title.[13]
Main event matches
A six-man tag team match for the WWE Championship pitting champion Triple H, Batista, and Shane McMahon against The Legacy (Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Ted DiBiase) was next with the stipulation that if Triple H or any member of his team got counted out, disqualified, pinned or submitted, Orton would become the new WWE champion. The match started with Triple H and Orton brawling to the backstage area while Batista and McMahon continued to wrestle The Legacy. Once the two fought their way back to the ring, the match revolved around The Legacy isolating every member of their opponents, preventing any way for them to make a tag. After Batista was tagged in, the action went outside of the ring. Triple H was tagged back in, and Batista was about to use a steel chair outside on The Legacy, but per the stipulation, Triple H would have lost the title on disqualification, leading to Triple H stopping Batista. The distraction was enough for Orton to strike Triple H with an RKO, but Triple H still kicked out at two. The bell was rung without the referee signaling for it, leading to the referee being distracted long enough for Orton to nail Triple H with a devastating punt. Orton then pinned Triple H to win the title. Following the match, Triple H was taken out on a stretcher.[13]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Edge_World_Heavyweight_Champion.jpg/170px-Edge_World_Heavyweight_Champion.jpg)
In the main event, John Cena defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Edge in a Last Man Standing match. The match started as a heavy brawl between the two but ended up on the outside, with Edge and Cena using the steel steps as a weapon, as they threw each other into it, threw it at each other. Edge executed a spear on Cena. After the two ended up on the broadcast table, Cena threw Edge into the crowd with the Attitude Adjustment. The two fought around the arena, going into the surrounding lobby until they made their way to the stage, leading to interference from Big Show, who chokeslammed Cena through a nearby spotlight that exploded; Cena was unable to stand, meaning Edge won the title. Cena was taken out of the arena on a stretcher as the event came to a close.[13]
Reception
The show received positive feedback from many viewers. Canadian sportswriter, Matt Bishop, gave the show an overall score of 7/10; most of his praise for the show concentrated on the World Heavyweight title match, which he awarded 9/10.[14] In addition, Dave Meltzer, writer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, called the show solid, and gave the main event a score of four-and-a-half stars out of five.[15]
The Baltimore Sun's writer, Kevin Eck, praised the World Heavyweight Championship match, calling it a "show-stealer" and praised the Jericho/Steamboat match, stating that "The booking here was well done, as Steamboat showed that he can still go".[16]
In 2013, WWE released a list of their "15 best pay-per-views ever", with 2009's Backlash being ranked at #13.[17]
Aftermath
Following the results of the main event, Big Show appeared in a match against Batista the following night on Raw to determine who would challenge Randy Orton next for the WWE Championship. During the match, John Cena came down to the ring, distracting Big Show, which led to Batista winning the match. Vickie Guerrero would subsequently announce Big Show would wrestle Cena at Judgment Day, when Cena would be medically cleared to compete in the match.
With Edge winning the World Heavyweight title, the title became exclusive to SmackDown, with Jeff Hardy becoming the number-one contender to face Edge at Judgment Day by winning a fatal four-way match against Chris Jericho, Rey Mysterio, and Kane.
Not satisfied at how he lost the title (due to his collision with a turnbuckle exposed by Christian, which is technically illegal), Jack Swagger would invoke his rematch clause at Judgment Day, and before that match were to take place, he would make sure that no one would receive a title match before he did by interfering in Christian's matches.
In 2010, Backlash was discontinued and replaced by Extreme Rules.[18] Also in February that year, the ECW brand was disbanded[19] and the brand extension itself was dissolved in August 2011.[20] Also, in April 2011, the promotion ceased going by its full name of World Wrestling Entertainment, with "WWE" becoming an orphaned initialism.[21] In February 2014, WWE launched their online streaming service, the WWE Network, and in addition to traditional PPV, the events also became available on the Network.[22] In mid-2016, WWE reintroduced the brand split and also brought back brand-exclusive PPVs.[23] Due to the need for more PPV events, Backlash was reinstated, and the 2016 event was held exclusively for the SmackDown-brand and was WWE's first brand-exclusive PPV of the second brand split. Backlash that year was also held in September after SummerSlam, thus ending its previous tradition of being the post-WrestleMania PPV.[24][25] In 2021, however, the event returned to its post-WrestleMania position and was in turn titled WrestleMania Backlash.[26]
Results
No. | Results | Stipulations | Times[13] | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1D | Kofi Kingston defeated Dolph Ziggler[12] | Singles match | — | ||||
2 | Christian defeated Jack Swagger (c) by pinfall | Singles match for the ECW Championship | 10:55 | ||||
3 | Chris Jericho defeated Ricky Steamboat by submission | Singles match[27] | 12:32 | ||||
4 | Kane defeated CM Punk by pinfall | Singles match[28] | 9:25 | ||||
5 | Jeff Hardy defeated Matt Hardy | "I Quit" match[11] | 19:01 | ||||
6 | Santina Marella (c) defeated Beth Phoenix (with Rosa Mendes) by pinfall | Singles match for the title of "Miss WrestleMania"[29] | 0:03 | ||||
7 | The Legacy (Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Ted DiBiase) defeated Batista, Shane McMahon and Triple H (C) by pinfall[8] | Six-man tag team match for the WWE Championship If Triple H or any member of his team had gotten disqualified, counted out, pinned, or submitted, Orton would win the title. Orton pinned Triple H to win the title. | 22:50 | ||||
8 | Edge defeated John Cena (c) | Last Man Standing match for the World Heavyweight Championship[30] | 28:25 | ||||
|
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