Sami Zayn vs Baron Corbin
Prediction: Sami Zayn
Result: Zayn wins via pinfall after hitting the Helluva kick
Grade: B
Thoughts: I’m a Sami Zayn mark. Not hiding it and, if you’ve read any of my articles on this site then you’ll know this. I’ve seen many people say it doesn’t work with Zayn’s underdog story but it does; he was destroyed throughout most of the match but showed his pedigree and ability right at the end when it mattered most. That’s what an underdog does. They get it done in important matches.
Corbin still looks great after taking out Zayn for the majority of the match so I, honestly, feel that his stock hasn’t been tarnished in any form at all. Zayn makes everyone he’s in the ring with look like a million bucks and continued to do so here.
Becky Lynch, Naomi and Charlotte Flair vs The Welcoming Committee
Prediction: The Welcoming Committee
Result: Natalya wins via submission with the Sharpshooter
Grade: C-
Thoughts: There were too many bodies in this for anything to really be coherent and it was far too rushed. Much like previous matches, the match started off very slow but- importantly- it never picked up from that pace. Becky tapping out will most likely lead into a story with Charlotte being angry she ‘cost’ her the win but…we’ll wait and see.
Hopefully all the women move forward into individual programs now.
Kevin Owens vs AJ Styles- WWE United States Championship Match
Prediction: Owens Retains
Result: Owens retains via count out
Grade: A
Thoughts: Without a doubt; as many predicted before the show, this was easily match of the night. Fantastic story, beautiful in ring work and…a controversial finish judging by the reaction on Twitter but it protects both men.
Owens looks like the chicken sh*t heel who has escaped with his title whilst also allowing Styles to not eat a pin and have a legit reason for another match further down the line. The crowd seemed to die during the centrepiece of the match but clearly picked up towards the end. Lovely, lovely match- not as good as Dunne vs Bate from last night- but I eagerly, eagerly await the next matchup between these two men.
Use the buttons below for more letter grades on our WWE Backlash 2017 review.
I feel like I wrote this list, especially that last entry about Jinder, because the match was /ok/ at best, but it’s just a shameless plug to the Indian consumers…. Why not foster interest with an Indian tournament like they did with the UK? And then get some really good guys in, guys with talent who can be molded to fit the WWE style much better than Jinder, stick them in NXT with guys like Roode and make something special? But nah, don’t hinder Jinder… Goddamn Singh brothers or whatever, I just don’t care about them. The RAW champ might not show up but at least he’s a draw.
I hate wrestling sometimes.