7 Match Star Ratings For WWE WrestleMania Backlash
1. Roman Reigns Vs. Cesaro - Universal Title Match
An exceptional reminder of what Cesaro was always capable of doing.
His promotion doubled as a demotion - he was beaten clean in the middle, which is both a refreshing outcome and a doomy forecast of his push - but for 27 minutes, he told a very elegant story very much removed from the broad, trope-heavy fare of the main event scene.
He tweaked his arm early to inform the narrative through-line which, while derivative of his match against Seth Rollins at WrestleMania, was sold brilliantly. He wasn't histrionic. He sold the injury subtly, as if it was an inconvenience he didn't wish to emphasise, knowing that a near-invincible killer stood opposite him. The work wasn't inconsistent so much as it was layered and realistic. He sold the gorgeous details like an athlete.
The injury informed various spots to arresting dramatic effect - the failure to execute certain moves and the defiance with which he fought through - the result of which was a very well-paced, immersive spectacle. Roman's protracted control sequences weren't particularly compelling at times - he seemed to work as if they were going an hour, it was that slow - but his smug facial expressions did effectively reinforce just how dominant a top star he is. The fireworks at the finish were creative but nuanced, and never felt like big moves at a fast pace tacked on to a match focused on limb work.
This was a great, understated slow-burn main event that only very briefly carried some of those slightly boring connotations. Sophisticated more than it was truly iconic or blow-away awesome, this was WWE match Hiroshi Tanahashi would have loved to watch.
Star Rating: ★★★★