WWE Backlash France was, indeed, a historic Premium Live Event. May 4 saw the sports entertainment juggernaut bring its 19th Backlash event to Décines-Charpieu in Lyon Metropolis. Nearly 12,000 fans packed the LDLC Arena making it the “largest gate of any show in WWE history.”
The five-match card featured three title bouts. SmackDown had both the men and women’s world titles on the line. So, without further ado, let’s recap the exhilarating night of action that was WWE Backlash France.
Kevin Owens & Randy Orton vs. The Bloodline opened WWE Backlash France
The crowd went nuts when Kevin Owens’ music blasted through arena speakers. The Prizefighter shared a moment with the fans before making his way to the ring. Randy Orton showed up next to the sight of nearly 12,000 people singing his theme song. Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga arrived to a chorus of boos.
All four men entered into a brawl before the opening bell. Security tried to intervene but were taken out as well. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis showed up and turned the match into a Street Fight. The competitors used everything they could get their hands on to dish punishment on each other.
Bodies were battered, Prime bottles were thrown, and tables were broken. Randy Orton, with his history of back injuries, took some brutal-looking bumps. The babyfaces had the match won until a familiar face appeared to ruin their win. Tama Tonga’s brother Tanga Loa (formerly Camacho) took out Orton and Owens with ringside steel steps – allowing The Bloodline to claim the win.
Result: The Bloodline def. Kevin Owens & Randy Orton
Triple threat match for the WWE Women’s Championship
Bayley walked into Backlash France as the reigning and defending WWE Women’s Champion. The Role Model went up against Naomi and Tiffany Stratton. Bayley had previously retained her title against Naomi on the April 19, 2024, episode of SmackDown.
Stratton was arguably the star of the match. Her impressive athleticism and character work made for a great foil to both Bayley and Naomi. There were some missed spots but, overall, it was a solid match. Bayley retained her title by reversing Naomi’s pinfall attempt into an pinfall of her own.
Result: Bayley retains her title by pinning Naomi
Damian Priest (c) vs. Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Title
Jey Uso’s entrance at Backlash France might be the coolest WWE visual of 2024. The Yeet Master had the entire arena doing his dance routine. Prior to the match, Jey had a stare down with the new Bloodline backstage. Paul Heyman didn’t say a word but his eyes told everything.
The match itself was formulaic with Jey’s strength being his ability to work the crowd. Priest pulled off some big moves. The Judgment Day’s arrival fueled Priest’s inevitable face turn and departure from the group.
The Archer of Infamy picked up the win following an avalanche South of Heaven.
Result: Damian Priest def. Jey Uso
WWE Women’s Championship match at Backlash France
The penultimate match of the night saw Kabuki Warriors defend their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship against Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. This was arguably the weakest match of the night with plenty of botches and miscommunication.
Jade had some solid hot tag moments. Her powerhouse persona was used effectively to clear house. That said, the referee clearly forget the script especially when he called Kairi Sane’s tag illegal only to declare her tagging Asuka as legal less than a minute later.
Also, the babyfaces would’ve done the job in 12 minutes. The match didn’t need to clock at 17 minutes and 22 seconds. It was a predictable win for Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill and they now reign supreme over WWE’s tag team division.
Result: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill win WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
Cody Rhodes (c) vs. AJ Styles for the Undisputed WWE Championship
There’s a video on the internet where the camera is literally shaking from the crowd’s thunderous ovation for AJ Styles. This was the reception from an arena crowd. Now imagine the reaction if WWE decide to hold a PLE in a stadium in France.
From the in-ring action to crowd reaction, Cody Rhodes versus AJ Styles is my pick for the match of the night from Backlash France. Both men went back and forth for nearly 28 minutes, delivering an instant classic in the process.
Styles reminded everyone why he’s Phenomenal. As for Cody Rhodes, the American Nightmare solidified his Undisputed WWE Championship run with an incredible title defense against one of the best in the world.
Result: Cody Rhodes def. AJ Styles
Also read: Cody Rhodes On Potentially Facing LA Knight: There’s A Flavor There, There’s Something About It
