10 Things WWE Regrets About Backlash

7. Booking THAT Finish In 2018

John Cena Backlash
WWE.com

At Backlash 2018 - one of WWE's most piss-poor and damaging modern pay-per-views - they booked a non-finish in a No Disqualification match, the likes of which are (or were) only ever booked to guarantee the fans a finish.

The No Disqualification match is a mea culpa of sorts, offered up by the peace-seeking carny wrestling promoter. OK, OK they say.

We've f*cked you a little bit with these run-ins: here, have some blood and a conclusion.

This promise of resolution and violent retribution has sustained the booking cycle since the days of the WWWF, but WWE broke it, the trust of the audience, and, of course, the four collected testicles of Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles at Backlash 2018. They ran into one another's balls shin-first and collapsed together, failing to get up for the referee's ten count. Wouldn't you just know it?

WWE had cause to run this match back for a fourth time, the lazy convenience of which held your time, money and emotional investment in complete contempt. Everybody naturally asked why AJ, the victim of so many targeted attacks, couldn't just wear a cup.

Because that way, WWE would have to tell a different story with its writing staff of 30-plus people.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!