Pre-Show:
The 2018 WWE Backlash Kickoff pre-show opens live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey as Renee Young welcomes us. She’s joined by David Otunga, Peter Rosenberg and WWE Hall of Famer Booker T. The panel hypes the show and goes over the card for tonight. We go backstage to Charly Caruso, who talks about the drama between Shinsuke Nakamura and WWE Champion AJ Styles. They have been placed on opposite sides of the backstage area as one wanted to be nowhere near the other. The hope backstage is that they can keep them apart before tonight’s match. Charly tells fans to use the “#AskTheGMs” hashtag on Twitter as Paige and Kurt Angle will be taking questions in the Social Media Lounge during the Kickoff. Renee sends us to a preview for Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe.
The panel discusses Reigns vs. Joe next. Booker and Rosenberg predict Joe to win but Otunga goes with Reigns. We go to another break and come back to a promo for Big Cass vs. Daniel Bryan. We get more discussion from the panel. Booker says he can’t wait to see Cass rip Bryan “from limb to limb.” Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel are backstage going over potential Superstars to join up with when The Miz walks in and says daddy’s home. He gives them props for the mind games they have been playing with Finn Balor and Seth Rollins on RAW. They all reminisce on the great times they have had. Miz says he’s happy the band is back together and they can work together for his match with Rollins tonight. Miz tells them they’re up first and he goes to leave but they’re not following him. Dallas says they’re sorry but they’re no longer the supporting cast in his story. Miz looks stunned as they walk off. We go back to the panel fore more discussion on the WWE Intercontinental Title match. Rosenberg believes The Miz will take the title tonight and Renee agrees. The others go with Rollins to retain. Renee leads us to a promo for tonight’s SmackDown Women’s Title match.
We go back to the panel for talk on the blue brand women’s match but out comes The IIconics to interrupt, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce. They mock the panel and pick on Rosenberg, saying he sounds like one of the Jersey Shore guys. They give some props to Carmella and say Backlash could get iconic. They finally leave the panel and Booker asks what the hell that was. Booker goes with Charlotte Flair to take the title while Rosenberg picks Carmella to retain. We go backstage to Sasha Banks and Bayley. Bayley apparently wanted to talk. She says she’s done fighting with Banks and thinks Banks should be in her corner for the match with Ruby Riott. Banks says now Bayley wants her in her corner after not being there for her, including when The Riott Squad attacked her. They have some words and Bayley says Banks is wrong, but she doesn’t need her tonight. Bayley says forget it, she was trying to offer an olive branch and let Banks get back at The Riott Squad but if she’s too pig-headed to see that, that’s her problem. Banks says Bayley can try to spin this anyway she wants but she’s on her own tonight. She walks off and we return to the panel. The panel talks about Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley vs. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens now. Renee asks if Braun and Bobby will be able to jell together. We get a promo for tonight’s RAW Women’s Title match.
Back to the panel and everyone picks Nia Jax to retain over Alexa Bliss. Renee welcomes RAW General Manager Kurt Angle and SmackDown General Manager Paige, who are taking social media questions from backstage. Angle is asked his dream opponent from today’s era and he names Daniel Bryan. He’s wanted to wrestle Bryan for a few years now and hopes we will see it happen down the road. They’re asked a few more questions and then what they think will steal the show tonight. Paige is looking forward to Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles and Flair vs. Carmella because Carmella is one of her favorite wrestlers to watch. Angle is looking forward to Jax vs. Bliss and Reigns vs. Joe the most. Renee thanks them and sends us to the announcers at ringside.
Bayley vs. Ruby Riiott
We go to Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Jonathan Coachman at ringside. Bayley is out next for the first match of the night. Out next comes The Riott Squad – Ruby Riott with Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan.
The bell rings and they lock up to start. Bayley takes Ruby down first as they trade holds. They get up and Ruby slams Bayley right back to the mat. Ruby drops Bayley again and talks some trash. Bayley ends up rolling Ruby for a 2 count. Bayley with two more quick pin attempts. Ruby keeps control and slams Bayley’s head into the corner a few times. We see Sasha Banks backstage watching the match.
Bayley with offense in the corner. Bayley charges but gets sent to the apron. Bayley keeps control and kicks at Logan as she approaches from the apron, but misses. Ruby takes advantage of the distraction and slams Bayley on the mat. Bayley ends up out on the floor, selling the offense from Ruby. Logan and Morgan taunt Bayley on the outside as we go to a break.
Back from the break and Ruby has Bayley grounded on the mat. Liv and Logan talk trash from the outside. Bayley tries to turn it around but Ruby drops her on her face in the middle of the ring. Ruby works Bayley over on the mat instead of covering for the pin. Ruby with a knee strike on the mat and a 2 count. Ruby keeps Bayley grounded in the middle of the ring now as fans try to rally.
They get back up from the mat and Ruby slams Bayley face first in the corner to keep control. Logan ends up connecting with a cheap shot from the outside. Ruby covers for a 2 count. We see Sasha backstage watching again and she may be concerned about the cheap shot. Bayley tries to fight out of the corner now. Bayley drops Ruby face first into the turnbuckle. Bayley goes on until Ruby smashes her face into the turnbuckles by pulling her in and driving her with knees. Ruby with a 2 count. Ruby keeps control and takes Bayley back to the mat as the referee checks on her. Liv and Logan look on. Bayley escapes a move and stumbles around, trying to find a break. Bayley gets an opening and barely hits a springboard crossbody from the corner for a 2 count. Ruby approaches first but Bayley clotheslines her and slams her. Bayley with a belly-to-back suplex now. Bayley ducks a clothesline and gets caught on the ropes but she ends up driving Logan into the floor as Logan interfered.
Bayley turns it around on Ruby and goes to the top for the big elbow drop. Ruby kicks out at 2. Bayley with more offense on Ruby. Liv gets on the apron but Bayley has to stop and knock her off. This leads to Ruby hitting the Riott Kick for the pin and the win.
Winner: Ruby Riott
After the match, Ruby leaves with Liv and Logan while Bayley recovers in the ring. We go back to the panel.
WWE Backlash Opener:
The show opens with a video package highlighting the main feuds heading into tonight, along with an emphasis on tonight being a co-branded show.
Michael Cole welcomes us to the show before throwing things to the ring. Miz’s music hits, and the must-see Superstar makes his way down the aisle.
Seth Rollins is out next, and the Champ gets a great reaction on his way to the ring.
WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
Seth Rollins vs. The Miz
The bell rings and both men are slow to lock up. Rollins takes in the atmosphere while Miz looks annoyed. When they do lock up, Rollins works into a hammerlock, driving Miz down to the mat with a wristlock. Miz tries to fight out, but he’s forced to grab the bottom rope to have Rollins break the hold. Miz kicks Rollins in the gut and uses the opening to stomp away at Rollins repeatedly until he’s pulled off by the ref.
Miz drives Rollins’ head into the corner turnbuckle, the he tries to whip Rollins into the ropes, but it’s turned around and Miz falls to a dropkick from Seth. Rollins chops at Miz’s chest in the corner before whipping him across the ring and charging in with a big clothesline. Rollins charges into the corner and he’s backdropped to the apron. Rollins tries to fight back, but when he goes for a springboard, Miz stops him with a big right hand that drops Rollins out to the floor.
Miz brings things back into the ring where he connects with a running kick to the face to a seated Rollins that’s good for a two count. Miz clamps on a rear chin lock in the middle of the ring, and Rollins is quick to fight his way up and out of the hold. Rollins hits the ropes and runs right into a knee to the gut from Miz that flips him over back onto the mat. Miz drives his knee into Rollins’ back, then clamps on another rear chin lock. Rollins stands back to his feet, and reverses a knee to the gut, rolling Miz up for two. Miz fights back with a quick boot to the gut and a DDT to a kneeling Rollins, but it’s still only good enough for two.
Miz chokes Rollins against the middle rope before running in with a blow to the back of Rollins’ head. Miz gloats over Rollins, and Rollins is able to recover, connecting with a facebuster on Miz. Rollins blocks a right hand and drives Miz face first into the middle turnbuckle. Rollins heads to the middle rope, leaps over Miz, and connects with a sling blade. Rollins clotheslines Miz over the top rope and out to the floor. Rollins hits the ropes and connects with a suicide dive, landing on his feet. Rollins immediately rolls Miz back into the ring and he springboards. Miz catches Rollins and tries for the SCF, but Rollins reverses with a roll up for two. Rollins connects with a blockbuster for another two count, and both men take a breather.
Miz is able to catch Rollins with a back elbow, and he tries for the Figure Four, but Rollins kicks Miz away. Rollins heads out to the apron and connects with a springboard flying clothesline. Rollins is backdropped to the apron and Miz slides to the outside between Rollins’ legs. Miz pulls Rollins off the apron and Rollins crashes face first into the side of the ring. Miz catches his breath, then rolls Rollins back into the ring. Miz goes to the top for a crossbody, but Rollins catches Miz, stands with Miz still in his arms, and slams him to the mat for two. Rollins heads up to the top rope and connects with a beautiful frog splash for another two count.
Rollins stomps on the mat repeatedly, waiting for Miz to sit up. Miz rolls to the outside and Rollins is quick to follow. Rollins chases Miz back into the ring, then clotheslines him back to the outside. Rollins goes for another suicide dive, but Miz stops him with a forearm to the face. Miz brings things up to the ring apron and tries for a DDT, but Seth pushes him back into the ring post. Rollins stands and runs into the big boot from Miz. Both men trade forearms and Seth goes for a knee, but Miz moves and Rollins connects with the ring apron. Miz quickly brings things back into the ring and locks in the Figure Four. Rollins screams in pain, but he stares Miz in the eye before flipping over the hold, and putting pressure on Miz’s legs.
Miz turns things over again and Rollins immediately grabs the ropes to force Miz to break the hold. Rollins is still clutching his knee in pain. Miz tries for the Figure Four again, but Rollins kicks him away. Both men trade right hands, and Miz kicks Rollins in the knee before trying for the SCF. Rollins fights it off, shrugs off a kick to the face, and connects with an enzugiri. Rollins stands, but his knee gives out and Miz hits the SCF. Miz pins Rollins, but Rollins is able to kick out at two.
Miz connects with the corner clothesline, then he heads up to the top rope. Rollins stops Miz from climbing to the top, connecting with a running forearm. Rollins follows Miz up to the top turnbuckle and he tries for the superplex, but Miz fights him off, continuing to attack the knee. Rollins stands back up and connects with the superplex right away. Rollins tries for the falcon arrow, but Miz counters and connects with another SCF. Miz pins Rollins, but Rollins still will not quit. Miz is distraught.
Rollins keeps grabbing at his knee, pulling down his knee pad and grimacing in pain. Miz picks up Rollins again, shoving him into the corner and seating him on the top rope. Miz blasts Rollins with a big right hand, then he heads up for an SCF from the second rope. Rollins fights out of it, punching at Miz until he falls to the mat. Rollins tries for the curb stomp, but Miz avoids it. Both men are able to roll up the other for a two count, and Rollins pops up with an immediate curb stomp to Miz. Rollins pins Miz and this one is over.
Winner and STILL WWE Intercontinental Champion: Seth Rollins
After the match, Rollins clutches his knee and takes the title as his music plays. Rollins gets up and raises the title to a pop while Miz is still down. We go to replays. Rollins raises the title and gets hyped up as fans cheer. We get another replay of the finish as Rollins continues the celebration.
– After a quick commercial, the announcers turn their attention to Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss, which leads right into a video package highlighting some of the recent history between these two ladies.
Raw Women’s Championship Match
Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss
Alexa Bliss is the first woman to make her way to the ring for the next match. Alexa gets a bit of a pop on her way down the aisle. Nia Jax is the next woman out, and the champion has a few fans in the audience who cheer as she’s entering the ring.
After formal ring introductions, we’re ready to begin.
The bell rings and Alexa goes right to the knee before trying for a sleeper on Nia. Nia throws off Bliss, and Alexa is quick to respond with kicks to the legs and another sleeper hold. Nia tosses her off again and grabs Alexa by the hair before slamming her head into Alexa’s face. Nia connects with a couple of Beale tosses the second of which tosses Alexa out of the ring. Back in the ring, Alexa’s able to connect with a sneaky shot before choking Nia against the middle rope. Alexa stands on Nia’s back before the ref orders her off. Alexa heads to the outside and calls Nia a bully before slamming her head into the apron. Alexa climbs back into the ring and connects with a big right hand while continuing to trash talk Nia. Nia is able to shove Alexa down to the mat and she tries for the rolling senton, but Alexa moves out of the way. Alexa slams Nia’s head into the mat, then kicks away at Nia’s shoulder. Alexa hits the ropes for a crossbody, and Nia catches her, and tosses her up on her shoulders. Nia goes to climb the ropes, but Bliss is able to counter into a sleeper. Nia backs her into the corner to break the hold. Bliss is able to lock in a front face lock, which she transitions into a sleeper while sitting on the top turnbuckle. Nia is able to break the hold by whipping Bliss across the ring. The crowd is avsolutely DEAD!
Nia backs Alexa into the corner before whipping her across the ring by her hair. Nia sets up Alexa in the corner before climbing up to the second rope. Alexa is up and she shoves Nia over the top rope and to the outside.
Alexa follows to the outside and slams Nia’s face into the ring steps. Alexa makes sure Nia isn’t counted out by breaking the ref’s count. Alexa brings Nia back into the ring and gets a two count. Alexa connects with a couple of forearms, and Nia counters by shouldering Alexa and climbing to the second rope. Alexa is able to fight out, and she tries for a powerbomb, but Nia fights it off. Alexa is able to connects with a kick to the back of Nia’s leg that sends Nia crashing down to the mat. Alexa goes for Twisted Bliss, but Nia catches her and counters with a Samoan drop that’s good for a three count.
Winner and STILL Raw Women’s Champion: Nia Jax
After the match, Jax recovers and stands tall with the title as Bliss rolls around. We go to replays. Bliss sits with her back against the apron as Renee Young interviews Jax in the ring, asking what this win means. Jax says this means everything. It means Alexa’s moment of Bliss is over. This victory is for anyone who’s ever felt less than, never good enough. This is for everyone who’s been bullied, who’s being bullied in school, at work or on social media. Jax says you are not alone and it’s OK to be different. Who wants to be ordinary? Be extraordinary because your uniqueness makes you special and that’s beautiful. Nia goes on and says she never apologizes for who she is, this is Nia. She says be who you are, be a star and always remember – the bully gets their ass kicked in the end. Jax looks on as her music hits. Cole talks about WWE’s anti-bullying programs as Bliss leaves with a referee and Jax looks on.
– The announcers recap Lesnar vs. Reigns at the Greatest Royal Rumble, and the referee apparently has stated that his decision was incorrect, and Reigns should have won the match. Apparently the decision will stand.
Backstage:
Dasha Fuentes is backstage with Samoa Joe, asking if he thinks Roman Reigns is rattled going into their match. Joe says rattled is a word that’s not good enough. Reigns has lost his confidence , some speed, a little power and a whole lot of determination. And tonight he will lose to Joe. Joe goes on about how Reigns will feel pain and admit his failures. Joe turns The Big Dog into a whimpering puppy tonight.
U.S. Championship Match
Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton
We cut right back into the arena where Randy Orton makes his way to the ring to a nice pop from the crowd.
Jeff Hardy is out next, and Hardy gets a nice reaction on his way down the aisle.
The bell rings and Hardy goes right for a side headlock. Orton pushes him away and Hardy connects with a shoulder block. Hardy goes behind Orton and he’s caught with a back elbow to the cheek. Orton connects with a shoulder block of his own. Hardy connects with a jawbreaker and a dropkick that sends Orton to the outside. Hardy heads out to the apron and leaps off with a giant clothesline to wipe out Orton on the floor. Hardy brings things back into the ring and Orton responds with a quick right hand and a beautiful dropkick. Orton pins Hardy for a two count.
Orton ties up Hardy in the tree of woe and kicks away at him in the corner before the ref pulls him off. Hardy falls to the mat and Orton continues the assault, connecting with uppercuts that send Hardy reeling into the ropes and to the outside. Orton heads out after Jeff, and Hardy launches himself off the ring steps, sending himself crashing into Orton. Hardy slams Orton’s head on the ring steps, then sends Orton back into the ring. On his way back into the ring, Hardy tries for a springboard, but Orton dropkicks Hardy off of the ropes and to the outside. Orton slams Hardy’s arm into the ring steps before connecting with a trio of belly to back suplexes, planting Hardy’s spine on the barricade. Orton brings things back into the ring and he pins Hardy for two.
Orton stomps away at Jeff Hardy’s joints before tossing him down to the mat for another two count. Orton clamps on a rear chin lock, pulling Hardy back and wrapping him up in a body scissors. Hardy is able to fight up to his feet, and he wipes out Orton with a big leaping splash. Hardy sends Orton to the mat, then hits a low double leg drop. Orton avoids a splash in the corner, but he can’t avoid a whisper in the wind. Hardy pins Orton for two. Orton is able to block a twist of fate, and he goes right for a powerslam, pinning Hardy for two.
Hardy avoids a suspension DDT, and connects with a mule kick, but Orton avoids more damage. Orton is able to send Hardy out to the apron and connect with the suspension DDT. Orton poses for the crowd to a lot of heat. Orton teases the RKO, but Hardy is able to roll up Orton and connect with a twist of fate. Hardy climbs right up to the top rope and flies off with a swanton bomb, pinning Orton for three.
Winner and STILL WWE United States Champion: Jeff Hardy
After the match, Hardy stands tall with the title as his music hits. We go to replays. Hardy poses in the corner with the title and rolls out of the ring to greet fans at ringside.
In the Arena:
After another commercial break, Elias is in the middle of the ring, bathed in a spotlight. Elias introduces himself and plays a bit of guitar before asking the crowd ‘who wants to walk with Elias?’. Elias says he’s good friends with New Jersey’s own Bruce Springsteen. Elias says he calls Elias the boss. He says his only regret is that he’s from Jersey. Elias says he gets it, this place is a toilet. Elias told Bruce to tune in tonight, because he’s got a song, and he dedicates this one to Bruce. Elias tells the crowd to turn off their phones and not clap, and when the won’t listen he threatens to not perform. Elias sits back down and teases leaving a couple more times before deciding Bruce needs to hear this. As he’s about to play, New Day’s music hits.
Woods has a mic and he says his stuff is fantastic. He asks the crowd to give it up for Elias. Elias asks if they want autographs or something. Kofi says definitely not, he asks if Elias wants to jam with New Day in a dual branded exclusive jam session baby! Woods says they don’t want to play with Elias, they want to walk with Elias! New Day lead the crowd in a ‘New Day rocks’ chant. Elias has to tell Kofi to stop banging the cymbals. Elias says maybe one day New Day can open for Elias. He says he’s going to have to take this from the top, asking Jojo to introduce him once more. The lights go out and Aiden English makes his way out to the top of the entryway. He sings for a bit before informing the crowd what day it is, Rusev Day!
Elias asks what the hell Rusev and English are doing here. The crowd is chanting ‘Rusev day’. Rusev says they’re doing whatever they want. There’s only one person here who celebrates a holiday in their honor. And it’s not bootleg Bob Dylan or the Booty Boys. Elias says Bob Dylan wishes he was Elias. Elias asks to be introduced again, asking for the light. This time Elias is interrupted by No Way Jose, who makes his way flanked by fans, Titus, Apollo and Breezango. Elias is furious, and he asks the fiesta to stop before demanding it.
Jose’s conga line includes Tyler Breeze, Fandango, Titus O’Neil, Apollo Crews and Dana Brooke. Elias yells for the fiesta to be stopped and the music cut. Elias says no more conga line, no more gang of freaks, no more Rusev Day and The New Day. This is his night and no one will ruin it. Elias is angry now. He calls for JoJo to start over one more time. “Glorious” hits this time to interrupts. Bobby Roode hits the ring out of nowhere and drops Elias with a Glorious DDT. The crowd and some at ringside go along with Roode’s “Glorious” pose. Jose’s music starts back up as he leads the conga line up the ramp. Titus Worldwide, Breezango and The New Day are in it now. Rusev Day watches the line go by. Roode is at the end and he’s also dancing. Roode dances with Titus, Jose and The New Day on the stage to end the segment.
– The announcers waste no time, throwing things right to a video package highlighting the return of Daniel Bryan, along with the later return of Big Cass who felt overshadowed by Bryan and has taken out his frustration in subsequent weeks.
Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass
Daniel Bryan is the first man to make his way out to the ring and everyone in the arena chants along with Bryan on his way down the aisle.
Big Cass is the next man out to the ring, and Cass has a cocky smile on his face as he struts down the aisle.
Bryan ducks a clothesline and kicks Cass in the back of the leg. Bryan ducks another clothesline and scores with a couple more kicks. Bryan connects with a combination of strikes to the midsection in the corner. Cass is able to connect with a straight right that allows him to take control of the match. Cass sends Bryan into the ropes and he follows, but Bryan low bridges Cass and sends him out to the floor. Bryan connects with a dropkick through the ropes and to the outside. Bryan connects with a knee off the ring apron and brings Cass back into the ring. Bryan leaps off the top rope with a missile dropkick and he connects with a series of kicks to the chest before being planted on the mat with a big spinebuster from Cass. Cass gloats for a bit before chopping Bryan’s chest, then connecting with a couple of clubbing blows to Bryan’s back and chest.
Bryan punches at Cass’ midsection but he’s put back down to the mat, and Cass drop an elbow for a two count. Cass picks Bryan up, but Bryan fights out and connects with a drop toe hold that sends Cass crashing face first into the middle turnbuckle. Bryan connects with a couple of kicks, and a couple of dropkicks to Cass in the corner. When he goes for the third dropkick, Cass stops Bryan cold and then delivers a big right hand that puts Bryan down for two. Cass picks up Bryan and hits a short arm clothesline, then a second and third. Cass waits for Bryan to stand, but Bryan ducks a big boot and connects with a kick to the side of Cass’ head. Bryan attempts to clamp on the Yes lock, and Cass tries to fight it off, but Bryan blasts Cass with right hands to the side of the head. Bryan traps Cass in the Yes lock, and Cass is forced to tap out.
Winner: Daniel Bryan
After the match, fans chant “yes!” as Bryan recovers while his music hits. Bryan leads a chant as we go to replays. Bryan hits the corner to pose but Cass comes from behind and decks him. Fans boo as Cass knocks Bryan out to the floor. Cass follows and tosses Bryan around a few times, slamming him hard on the floor. Fans chant “you tapped out” at Cass as he gets upset. Cass brings Bryan back into the ring as the boos continue. Cass waits for Bryan to get up again, staring him down. Cass floors Bryan with a big boot as he gets up. Cass stands tall over Bryan and raises his fist as the boos continue. We go to replays. Fans chant “asshole” as Cass leaves while the referee checks on Bryan. We get another replay and come back to Cass backing up the ramp with his fist in the air.
– After a couple of commercials, we get a video recap of the recent history between Charlotte Flair and Carmella, with Carmella cashing in her Money in the Bank briefcase and winning the title from Charlotte, and the gloating she’s done over the past couple of weeks.
Smackdown Women’s Championship
Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair
Charlotte Flair is the first woman to make her way to the ring, and she gets a nice pop in her peacock gear along with the matching robe. Carmella is out next, and the champion doesn’t get as warm of a welcome on her way down the aisle.
After formal ring introductions, we’re ready to begin the match.
The bell rings and Charlotte hits the ropes and woo’s at Carmella. Carmella returns by mocking the woo and strut. Charlotte knocks Carmella down to the mat, and Carmella ends up rolling to the outside. Carmella screams for her title, and she says she’s the champion and she doesn’t need this. When she tries to leave, Charlotte is there to give chase and pull Carmella to the floor by her hair. Charlotte is able to roll up Carmella for a couple of near falls, and Carmella tries to get a chair from under the ring, but she’s pulled back into the ring by Charlotte. Carmella heads out to the floor and avoids a splash on the outside, following up with a kick to Charlotte’s face. Carmella brings things back into the ring and she clamps on a rear chin lock.
Charlotte is able to break the hold, and Carmella is able to take Charlotte back down to the mat and right back into a rear chin lock. Charlotte is able to stand with Carmella on her back and she hits the backpack stunner. Carmella is able to recover and she stomps Charlotte’s face into the mat repeatedly and goes for another chin lock. Charlotte fights up and out of the hold. Charlotte connects with a couple of big chops, and Charlotte fights with Carmella out to the ring apron. Carmella grabs Charlotte by the hair and slams her down into the ring. Carmella wraps Charlotte around the ring apron and she moonwalks away, but when she charges in for a spear, Charlotte counters. Carmella is able to lock in the code of silence, but Charlotte stands with Carmella hanging on. Carmella rolls up Charlotte for a near fall. Charlotte goes for a moonsault, missing and tweaking her knee. Carmella kicks Charlotte in the back of the leg, then pins Charlotte for a three count. Another horrible match for the women’s division.
Winner and STILL Smackdown Women’s Champion: Carmella
After the match, Carmella immediately goes to the floor and clutches the title. We go to replays. Carmella celebrates up the ramp as Flair clutches her knee and slowly gets up in the ring.
– We get an immediate look at Nakamura vs. Styles, including clips from their first two meetings, and Nakamura’s recent inclination for hitting Styles below the belt.
No DQ Match for the WWE Title
AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura is the first man to make his way out to the ring, and Nakamura doesn’t get too much of a reaction out of the fans in attendance surprisingly. WWE Champion AJ Styles is out next for this No DQ match.
They have some words before Hamilton does formal ring introductions.
Shinsuke immediately bails to the outside when the bell rings. Styles chases Nakamura and Shinsuke heads back into the ring and tells AJ to bring it. Styles pulls Nakamura out of the ring and throws him into the barricade repeatedly. Styles throws Nakamura into the German announce table, and Styles continues the assault on his way back into the ring by slamming Shinsuke’s head on the apron. Back in the ring, Styles continues the beatdown. Styles connects with a snap suplex, but it’s only good for one. Shinsuke fights back, clawing away at AJ’s face. Nakamura hits the ropes and holds on, avoiding a dropkick from Styles. Shinsuke hits the ropes again and AJ connects with a dropkick on the second attempt. Nakamura rolls to the outside and AJ follows, sending Shinsuke crashing into the barricades again before launching himself and splashing Shinsuke against the barricade. Styles goes for another splash, but this time Nakamura moves and AJ crashing into the barricade.
Nakamura picks up AJ and sends him crashing into the ring steps, flipping him over to the floor. Shinsuke sets up Styles on the ring apron, connects with a knee to the side of the head, and drops a knee across the back of Styles’ head. Nakamura brings things back into the ring and tries for a pin, but he’s not able to get three. Shinsuke stomps at AJ’s chest in the corner before kicking at him. Shinsuke chokes Styles in the corner with his boot, putting him down to the mat and grinding his foot into Styles’ face. Shinsuke drops a knee across AJ’s face that’s good for another two count. AJ chops Shinsuke, and Shinsuke shrugs it off and kicks AJ in the chest, sending him to the mat. Nakamura kicks the back of Styles’ head. Nakamura sends Styles flying across the ring with a back body drop. Nakamura places a foot on Styles’ chest, but Styles kicks out at one. Nakamura plants his knee in the side of AJ’s head repeatedly before trapping AJ in a front face lock.
Styles tries to break the hold with a suplex, but Nakamura lands on his feet and kicks Styles so hard it sends him rolling out of the ring. Nakamura sends Styles crashing into the barricade. Shinsuke sends Nakamura to the timekeeper’s area. Styles lands on his feet and tries to leap off the barricade, but Shinsuke stops AJ by kicking his legs out from under him, sending him crashing legs first on barricade. Back in the ring, Shinsuke continues the assault. AJ tries for the phenomenal forearm, but Shinsuke shoulders Styles, lays him across the top rope and drives his knee into Styles’ chest. Nakamura climbs to the middle rope and leaps off with a knee to the side of the head that’s good for another two count. Nakamura stomps repeatedly at AJ, sending him to the outside.
Nakamura grabs a chair and brings it back into the ring, but Styles blocks it being used. Nakamura is able to connect with a quick combination of strikes and kicks before connecting with an exploder suplex that plants AJ on the chair. Nakamura goes for the pin, but he’s only able to get a two count. Nakamura goes for the Kinshasa, but Styles throws the chair at Shinsuke’s knee to avoid the hold. The chair bounces off Shinsuke’s knee and crashes back into Style’s face, cutting open his cheek. Styles is able to clamp on the calf crasher in the middle of the ring.
Nakamura is able to counter into the triangle, and Styles tries to turn things around with a Styles Clash, but Nakamura fights out and to the floor. Styles connects with the Pele kick and he tries for a Styles clash, but Nakamura fights out and connects with a low blow. Styles fires back with a low blow to Nakamura.
Both men are slow to return to their feet, fighting while standing back up. Nakamura drops his hands, but he responds with a head butt, and both men kick each other in the groin.
The official counts all the way to ten, and neither man is able to stand, so this match is called.
No Contest; STILL WWE Champion: AJ Styles
After the bell, the referee goes to Hamilton and explains the finish. Neither man could answer the 10 count but AJ retains. Fans boo the finish. AJ is handed the title as his music starts up. We go to replays with both Superstars still down on the mat. AJ is standing outside of the ring but Nakamura is still down on the mat. A referee helps AJ to the back and he drops to both knees at ringside as we go to another replay of the double low blow. Another referee helps Nakamura out of the ring as AJ is helped up the ramp. Styles stops and looks back to end the segment.
Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
After a commercial break, Braun Strowman is the first man to make his way out to the ring for the next match. Strowman gets a nice pop from the crowd.
Bobby Lashley is out next, and Bobby doesn’t get the same pop as Braun, but the fans do seem happy to see him.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are out next, and Michael Cole uses their entrance to introduce all of the foreign announce teams.
Sami and Lashley start the match off. They go back and forth until Owens comes in. Owens and Lashley trade shots now. Lashley with a swinging neckbreaker before Sami tags back in. Lashley floors him and nails a clothesline in the corner. Lashley unloads with back elbows to Sami in the corner now. Sami ends up going to the floor for a breather as Lashley looks on. Lashley follows and they tangle until Lashley sends him into the barrier. Lashley slams Sami’s face into the announce table and he rolls back in. Lashley re-enters, fights Owens off but gets knocked to the floor from the apron but Sami due to the distraction.
Owens with a senton to Lashley on the floor as he’s the legal man now. Owens brings Lashley back in and stomps away. Sami tags right back in and mounts Lashley with strikes as the heels keep control. Sami keeps Lashley grounded from behind now. Lashley tries to tag but Sami stops him. Lashley slams Sami but still can’t get the tag as Owens runs in. Owens has words with Braun. Braun finally gets the tag and runs over Owens with big clotheslines.
Braun with a big running shot in the corner. Braun ends up chasing Sami around the ring. Owens gets in the way and goes down. Braun sends Sami flying into the barrier. Braun goes on and brings Owens back into the ring. Braun charges but hits the steel ring post as Owens moves out of the way. Sami tags in and goes for a Helluva Kick but Braun scoops him out of the air. Sami slides out and looks to leave the ringside area but Owens talks him out of it. Sami looks to leave again but Owens yells at him and they have some words. Sami rolls Owens back into the ring and Braun decks him with a big shot. Braun yells out and stands tall over Owens.
Owens retreats to the floor and Sami tells him to come on. Owens rolls Sami back into the ring now. Sami asks Owens what he’s doing. Sami brings Owens to the apron and smacks him as things get serious. Sami apologizes and says he got carried away. Sami leaves the ring as everyone is mad at him now. Owens and Sami have words. This leads to Owens getting quickly destroyed by Braun and Lashley, then covered by Lashley for the pin.
Winners: Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley
After the match, Sami looks on from the ramp as Braun and Lashley stand tall over Owens. Sami has the chance to help Owens after the match but Braun scoops Owens and plants him with the powerslam. Sami yells from ringside as Braun stands over Owens again while his music hits. Owens is sent to the floor and he’s laid out while Sami checks on him. Braun leaves the ring and grabs Sami as he tries to run away. Braun brings Sami back into the ring and he begs them both to take it easy. Braun scoops Sami and delivers another powerslam. Braun’s music hits again as he and Lashley stand tall.
– Cole announces that Daniel Bryan will not be appearing on the Backlash post-show due to the injuries he suffered from Big Cass but Elias will replace him and he’s demanding to finish his performance from earlier.
– After another commercial, it’s we get another video package, this one for Reigns vs. Samoa Joe.
Samoa Joe vs. Roman Reigns
Samoa Joe is the first man to make his way out, and the crowd is solidly behind Joe, with lots of chants for the big man. Roman Reigns is out next, and there’s a ton of heat for Roman when his music hits.
Joe blasts Roman with a right hand and a series of knees before the bell even rings, fighting Reigns out to the floor. Joe follows and he connects with a uranagi, putting Reigns through the announcers table. Joe sends Reigns crashing over another announcer’s table, continuing to fling him around. Joe brings Roman back into the ring and the ref yells at Joe to stay back. The bell rings and Joe walks into the corner, peppering Reigns with a series of jabs. Joe pulls Reigns out of the corner and chops him in the back of the neck before kicking his chest. Joe pins Roman, but Roman kicks out at two. Joe works over Reigns’ arm, but Roman fights up to his feet. Joe pulls Roman back down to the mat.
Joe wrenches away at Roman’s head, saying that Roman just needs to go away. Joe releases the hold and kicks Roman in the arm before going right back into wrenching Roman’s head. Roman peels back Joe’s fingers and he gets up to his feet, running into the corner. Joe is behind Roman and he leaps up with a kick to the top of the head. Joe connects with more jabs to Reigns before clamping on a modified rear chin lock. Roman fights out, and he ends up being backdropped to the floor. Joe hits the ropes and flies through the ropes with a suicide dive to wipe out Reigns.
Joe brings things back into the ring and he goes back to work on Roman’s arm. Joe drives Roman down to the match and smiles at the crowd as they chant that this is boring. Roman fights up to his feet and trades right hands with Joe. Joe hits the ropes and runs right into a big boot from Roman. Roman heads to the outside, and Joe is in drive by position, so he connects on Joe. Roman brings Joe into the ring and clotheslines him repeatedly, but when he leaps off the ropes, Joe connects with an inverted atomic drop, big boot and senton combo for two. Joe picks up Roman and tries for another uranagi, but Roman blocks it and connects with a spinebuster. Roman tries for another drive by, but Joe avoids it and drags Roman back into the ring. Reigns is able to connect with a Superman punch, but it’s not enough to end the match.
Reigns goes for a spear and is caught by an enzuri, Reigns goes for another spear and connects getting a two count. Joe is able to lock in the coquida clutch. Reigns is able to fight out, but only momentarily. Reigns makes it to the ropes to force a break. Joe pulls Roman back up and seats him on the top turnbuckle. Reigns fights off a muscle buster and leaps over Joe. Roman connects with a spear and gets the three count.
Winner: Roman Reigns
The show ends with Roman celebrating his victory in the ring and Cole saying goodnight very abruptly.
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