WWE Backlash

This Backlash had so many good points and bad points that it is difficult to sum up.

Poor Trish Stratus separated her shoulder in the match with Mickie James and this storyline with James fancying Trish is so out of date. The usage of 'God' in a match is in poor taste and McMahon should not present God as a joke, ie Shane drinking water then it turns to wine is so pathetic for a wrestling organisation.

Results from Backlash which was held in Lexington Kentucky are as follows: Carlito defeated Chris Masters with his feet on the ropes. Mickie James defeated Trish Stratus via DQ to retain the Women's title. The Big Show and Kane went to a no contest. Rob Van Dam beat Shelton Benjamin in a thrilling match to win the Intercontinental Championship. Vince McMahon and Shane McMahon defeated Shawn Michaels with help from the Spirit Squad. Umaga defeated Ric Flair in a crap squash. John Cena retained the WWE Championship against Edge and Triple H. After the match Tripper pounded them both with the sledge hammer much to the delight of the crowd! Overall Grade - B-

1) Carlito vs. Chris Masters. Nothing terrible here, but nothing special either. In my opinion, these two are not yet experienced enough to carry a PPV match on their own. **

2) Umaga vs. Ric Flair. Not much to say about this one. Umaga is just a Rikishi-style "wrestler", and Flair should have retired about a decade ago. *1/2

3) Trish vs. Mickie (Women's Title). This match begins aggressively, especially on Trish's part, but then she hurts her shoulder for real and we get a quick and cheap DQ ending. Disappointing. *1/2

4) RVD vs. Shelton Benjamin (Winner Takes All - MITB contract AND the IC title). Now this is what I call a match! An ideal combination of ground wrestling and aerial spots, and an amazing display of athleticism by two of the best wrestlers on the WWE roster. Match of the night. ***1/2

5) Kane vs. Big Show. Incredibly sluggish big-man match, but the "mystical" storyline surrounding it (which was meant to promote Kane's movie "See No Evil", and was completely dropped after a few weeks) is good for a few (unintentional) laughs. **

6) The McMahons vs. HBK and "God" (No Holds Barred). I didn't care at all about the Vince-HBK feud, nor am I fan of draggy hardcore brawls. HBK tries to save this match with some high-risk moves, but there is only so much you can do with Vince McMahon and the Spirit Squad in the ring. **

7) Edge vs. Cena vs. HHH. Triple Threat for the WWE title. The wrestling here is not brilliant by any means, but the dynamics of a triple threat are well-worked-out and (along with a hot crowd) make this enjoyable. ***

Footnote: Matt Striker is so good on the mic that he even makes a sketch with Eugene (almost) tolerable.