8 Match Star Ratings For WWE Backlash 2020

8. KICKOFF: Apollo Crews Vs. Andrade - United States Championship Match

At one point in his main roster career, Apollo Crews (Apollo) had a longer name than Andrade (Andrade 'Cien' Almas).

In March of this year, Apollo was getting decimated by Sheamus in one minute and 10 seconds. In April, he was taking Aleister Black to his limit in 27 minute TV epics. He is now the United States Champion in June.

The WWE midcard is a very disposable business, a shrugs-whatever byproduct of Vince McMahon's whims that, for the pedants and cynics, is difficult to take seriously. You can't map the arc of an Apollo Crews, unless you want to depress yourself. This isn't the start of something for him. With Paul Heyman gone, his lack of charisma will see Vince McMahon tire of the push. It's this sense of inevitability that permeates the Kickoff match and its ruthless pointlessness. This is as much a title match as it is a Main Event offering in three months.

A rematch of a rematch of a rematch of a rematch - they've shared the same ring six times since April 27 - the wrestling was really good. Apollo played along with the rope holding thing, countered Andrade's stomp, and launched him headfirst into the turnbuckle with a release overhead throw. That was well thought-through. That played effectively on the idea that these two men have developed a keen understanding of one another's games.

That was perceived as disposable content.

Star Rating: ★★★