The WWE Backlash Premium Live Event has been delivering thrilling matches for over two decades. From grudge matches to championship bouts, this event has presented many exciting clashes that are definitely worth looking back on.
Best Backlash Main Events
Main events are often the main attraction of the show. Backlash, which is generally the first premium live event after WrestleMania, has been headlined by several high-stakes matches, and here are 5 of the must-see:
#5. Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles – Backlash 2024
Cody Rhodes headed into Backlash last year as WWE’s top face after defeating one of the greats, Roman Reigns, at WrestleMania XL to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. There was a lot of hype around his first title defense, and fans weren’t left disappointed. The superstar who stepped in to challenge him was none other than AJ Styles.
The show was hosted in France, and overseas crowds are known for their electric reactions, which made the event—and especially the Styles vs. Rhodes main event—even more memorable. The Phenomenal One put up a tough fight, but The American Nightmare managed to successfully defend his title.
#4. Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels – Backlash 2004
Chris Benoit, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels clashed in a triple threat match at WrestleMania XX with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line. Benoit came out on top and took the title from The Game. The intense rivalry among the three continued even after WrestleMania.
At Backlash 2004, the same three superstars squared off again in the main event for the title, and once again, Benoit was the winner. Repeating the same match so soon was a risky move, but they impressed the fans both times.
#3. The Undertaker vs. Batista – Backlash 2007
Since Backlash is the first premium event after WrestleMania, it often continues the rivalries from it. Another rivalry that continued was The Undertaker vs. Batista. They faced each other in a Last Man Standing match for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash 2007.
The Undertaker had defeated Batista at WrestleMania to win the title, and Batista was looking to take it back. Despite an intense performance and giving it everything he had, the match ended in a draw as both men were unable to answer the count of ten. The Deadman retained his title thanks to the champion’s advantage.
#2. AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose – Backlash 2016
2016 was a big year for AJ Styles. He made his debut at the Royal Rumble and quickly became a top name. In the main event of Backlash that year, he faced off against WWE Champion Dean Ambrose.
Unlike the usual schedule, Backlash took place in September and was the first SmackDown-exclusive PLE after the brand split. Styles gave a standout performance and captured the title. It was one of the biggest moments of his WWE career and solidified his place as the face of The Blue Brand.
#1. Steve Austin vs. The Rock – Backlash 1999
The 1999 Backlash main event featured two of the biggest stars of the Attitude Era—Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. The two legends were battling for the WWF Championship in a No Holds Barred match, with Shane McMahon as the special guest referee.
This was a chaotic rematch from WrestleMania, and Shane made it clear he was siding with The Rock. But things took a turn when Vince McMahon stepped in and hit his own son with the championship belt, allowing Austin to take control and win the match to retain the title.