6 Ups And 6 Downs From WWE Backlash 2016
3. IC Title Match Delivers
With six matches on the card, one of which got scuttled by injury, Backlash needed a dark horse, an unexpected bout that really exceeded expectations. Thankfully, the Miz and Dolph Ziggler were up to the task.
The two veterans delivered a very solid Intercontinental Championship match, with Miz aping Daniel Bryan’s moveset and breaking out moves like an inverted surfboard and a slingshot powerbomb. Ziggler sold a knee injury throughout the match and rallied several times before the inevitable defeat, this time due in large part to Maryse spraying something (mace? Arrogance?) in Dolph’s eyes.
The match won’t be remembered as a classic, but on a PPV that really needed something that got fans involved and invested, this did the trick nicely. Now, let’s just hope that Ziggler doesn’t just go back to being the plucky underdog on Tuesday again. As mentioned in the preview column, something has to change with him.