Backlash 2004

Backlash 2004 Review



This has always been one of my favourite shows growing up, but it's been a long time since I watched the whole thing, and obviously there will be some uncomfortable moments involving Chris Benoit. Right, let's get this thing going without depressing everyone.




Shelton Benjamin vs Ric Flair 
Triple H seemed to have been on a jobbing role since Wrestlemania XX, as he put over Benoit at Mania, and then Benjamin twice on Raw, so Shelton was on quite a role at the point. If he had talking ability he could have been huge. This was a good match that kept up a nice pace while it lasted. The finish did seem to come out of nowhere though. Good start to the night. ***



Jonathan Coachman vs Tajiri
If Shelton Benjamin was the good example of how to make a superstar look good, then Tajiri is the bad example. In Tajiri's first PPV for Raw, he loses to a guy that's not even a wrestler, and even has to sell some of his offense. Reminds me a lot of Lawler vs Cole. No wonder Tajiri went nowhere after this. Pretty dull match except for a few good kicks from Tajiri. 1/2*



Chris Jericho vs Christian & Trish Stratus
These guys had what I thought was a very underrated match at Wrestlemania, and this one is quite a forgotten little gem as well. Jericho used a running enzenguri as a finisher for (I think) the first time here. The crowd was into this match, and they became hot when Jericho and Trish were going one on one. This wasn't as good as the Mania match, but it was still a ton of fun with a good back and forth battle between the guys, and the Jericho/Trish sections. ***1/2



Victoria vs Lita
Women's Title is on the line. Seeing the crazy version of Victoria going against Lita would have been pretty cool, but a face vs face match is fine too. This was pretty good divas match even if Lita was sloppy out there. I now realise how good we had it ten years ago before the days of the Total Divas. Solid stuff here. **1/2



Randy Orton vs Mick Foley : No Holds Barred
IC Title is on the line. Mick calls this his favourite match of his career, and it's not hard to see why. These guys managed to put on a brutal match whilst also putting Orton over in a huge way. I've seen this match a few times now, and the spot with the thumb tacks still makes me mark out and wince as I see how many thumb tacks were in the back of Orton. An amazingly fun match and also one of the best hardcore matches that you'll probably ever see. This one is definitely recommended viewing. A war for the ages. ****3/4



I've just noticed that they edited out all of the stuff about Edmonton making a Chris Benoit day. Definitely the best decision there.



La Resistance vs Hurricane & Rosey
This is a No.1 Contenders match for the Raw Tag Titles. This was obviously just here for filler, but after that war, we totally needed it to cool down. The tag division during this time period was definitely lacklustre. For some reason Eugene came out during the match to disrupt things. Short tag match that would have been bad even on Raw. 3/4*



Edge vs Kane
This was Edge's return match after missing around thirteen months of action. The crowd seemed more interested in Earl Hebner rather than anything that was going on here. I'm surprised that Edge didn't get much of a reaction, but he never really got a reaction during this run until he eventually turned heel. A dull match made worse by a mostly dead crowd. At least it was kept short. *




Triple H vs Shawn Michaels vs Chris Benoit
The World Title is on the line. It's a tough task to try and make a sequel as good and memorable as the original, but this one just about managed it. It didn't have the emotional impact of the original, but the in-ring action speaks for itself. The crowd was totally behind Benoit (surprised that wasn't edited) and absolutely against HBK, as they bombarded him with the usual 'You Screwed Bret' chants. Even if this wasn't as good as the Mania triple threat, it's still one of the best three way matches ever, and an exceptional main event to cap off one hell of a show. ****1/2




9/10. If it wasn't for Wrestlemania XX, this would be the best PPV of 2004. Two matches nearing five stars make for an easy recommendation, but add in a great handicap match and a good opener and you've got one hell of a show.  There are a few bad matches that you should skip, but at least they're all kept short.