WWE Backlash 2018: 10 Things WWE Got Right
It was about damn time AJ hit back...
Previously, this writer claimed that WWE had to open with Big Cass vs. Daniel Bryan at Backlash. Whilst that match could easily have been the curtain jerker (Bryan's arrival alone would have made it worthwhile), this writer would also like to state for the record that he was wrong.
Seth Rollins vs. The Miz was a fine choice as opener. At 20 minutes in length and with a blistering pace towards the end, it set the tone for the rest of the show and had the live crowd on their feet several times. If only the main event could have learned a thing or two from the shift Seth and Miz put in.
By comparison, Samoa Joe and Roman Reigns looked like they were wading through mud.
OK, so WWE can't get everything right on every single pay-per-view, and there was enough at this year's Backlash to compliment. No, it wasn't quite the big finale for some feuds like fans expected going in, but WWE's decision to mix both brands every month is already paying off.
So, ignore the bad and focus on the positives. There were plenty of them...
10. Maintaining Jeff Hardy's US Title Reign
Quick question: who would you rather have as the reigning United States Champion? Jeff Hardy or Randy Orton?
The correct answer is, of course, Hardy. As US Champ, Jeff can look forward to great matches against a whole host of stars on SmackDown Live; Jeff vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Andrade Almas, Daniel Bryan and more feel infinitely more interesting than seeing Orton in the same spot. His brief flirtation with the belt was pointless.
It would have been again had he beaten Hardy at Backlash.
Maintaining Jeff's reign was the smart play here by WWE. Whilst Randy wasn't the man to bring the best out in Hardy, others will, and there's surely something fresh on the horizon for Jeff now he's beaten Orton cleanly on pay-per-view. Hopefully WWE will move on from this mini-feud quickly and give Hardy a proper heel to butt heads with.