WWE Backlash 2018, held on May 6th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, was a mixed bag event that followed the grand spectacle of WrestleMania 34. Despite being promoted as a dual-branded pay-per-view after the brand split, the show struggled to maintain consistent momentum and received mixed reactions from fans.
The night opened with a solid match between Seth Rollins and The Miz for the Intercontinental Championship. This was easily the match of the night, with both superstars delivering a thrilling and competitive bout that kept the crowd engaged throughout. Rollins retained his title in an action-packed contest that showcased their in-ring chemistry and athleticism.
However, the energy quickly dipped as the event progressed. Matches like Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship lacked intensity, though it carried a message of anti-bullying. Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton for the United States Championship was decent but failed to excite the live audience.
One of the most hyped matches, the WWE Championship No DQ rematch between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura, ended in controversy with a double low blow and a double count-out. This third consecutive non-decisive finish between two top-tier talents left fans frustrated and disappointed.
Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe, which closed the show, was also poorly received. It was slow-paced, and the crowd noticeably lost interest, even chanting "beat the traffic" during the match. Reigns won, but the match failed to deliver as a main event, ending the night on a low note.
Overall, WWE Backlash 2018 had a strong start but declined rapidly in quality and excitement. The lack of clean finishes, slow match pacing, and questionable match order hurt the show's momentum. Aside from Rollins vs. Miz, the event lacked standout performances and left many fans disappointed.
