8 Match Star Ratings For WWE Backlash 2020
1. Edge Vs. Randy Orton
It wasn't the Greatest Wrestling Match Ever.
But ultimately, Edge and Randy Orton had to work a match promoted as the Greatest Wrestling Match Ever and it wasn't remotely laughable, even with the hideous crowd noise. That's outrageous, really.
This was a true joy to watch unfold. A stunningly crafted epic, everything that was whispered pejoratively in the build-up as ironic euphemisms - "Two old pros working smart..." - actually materialised wonderfully across a match that built beautifully to the finish. Worked with animosity, emotion and clinically sumptuous pro wrestling - Jesus Christ, has Edge's way with a reversal been missed - the story, drawing on their respective journeys to put this over as the pinnacle, was so exceptionally told that it restored tropes to beats. There's a major disconnect between Orton's perception amongst fans and peers, but he proved himself selectively brilliant here. His body language in particular was so quietly, convincingly sinister.
But of course, the Fed sucks sh*t, and they pumped in patently fake and incredibly distracting crowd noise. You dumb f*cks couldn't get away with this sh*t on SmackDown, and now we're meant to buy arena atmospherics in a virtually empty gym?
The work was mostly faultless, though the self-conscious quality of the presentation did rub off on the performers with the use of the Pedigree/Rock Bottom trade-off.
There's something in Edge and Randy Orton working a tremendous, quintessentially 'WWE' match, proving there is still an inherent and timeless appeal somewhere in that company's core, and WWE conspiring to undermine it with the weird, dumb sh*t that has come to redefine them. It's as if they actively undermine that which can't not be objectively great. On wildly opposing ends of the spectrum, everybody outdid themselves here.
Undermine, not ruin; this should be remembered for Edge and Orton's towering achievement.
Star Rating: ★★★★¼