10 Things You Didn't Know About WWE Backlash
3. Scotty's Big Night
An underrated all-rounder for most of his career, Scott Garland had few opportunities to build on over a decade of experience and nearly as long working as talent enhancement for WWE. Finally elevated beyond jobbing duties in 1998, 'Scott Taylor' was paired with the obnoxious 'Too Sexy' Brian Christopher, with the duo forming the equally repugnant 'Too Much' lower card tag team.
A 1999 injury to Christopher briefly shelved the act but triggered a rebirth as hip hop-themed buffoons 'Too Cool' rechristening Christopher and Taylor as 'Grandmaster Sexay' and 'Scotty 2 Hotty' respectively. Fortuitously joining forces with Rikishi, the tandem became inexplicably popular for their post-match dance routines with the rotund Samoan.
Aside from ensuring a steady income on the independent scene for the rest of his life, the sudden push gifted Scotty unbridled success as a performer, with his wild hair and farcical 'Worm' chop drawing unthinkable responses from hugely enthusiastic crowds. His skilled in-ring efforts were at long last rewarded at Backlash 2000, where Scotty fought to regain the WWE Light Heavyweight Title from former WCW Cruiserweight doyen Dean Malenko.
The two crafted an utterly spectacular affair. The 'Man of 1,000 Holds' played spoiler throughout, with Scotty trying to use his high flying expertise and babyface guile to outmatch Malenko's phenomenal technical prowess. The twelve minute thriller concluded when Dean countered Scotty's attempt at a superplex with a wicked top rope DDT that brought the house down. It was a memorable finish to a similarly unforgettable clash.