WWE Backlash 2016: 10 Things We Learned

4. Randy Orton Vs. Bray Wyatt Didn't Happen

bray wyatt
WWE.com

Those innocently scanning Twitter for wrestling content before watching Backlash may have been surprised to learn of reports claiming Randy Orton wouldn't be working as advertised on the pay-per-view. Not cleared in time by doctors, Orton therefore wouldn't be able to step between the ropes and square off against Bray Wyatt.

Unfortunately, that proved to be the case come show time. An angle was shot backstage, showing a brutal attack by Bray on his enemy. As Orton was then unable to compete (now in storyline too), Wyatt ordered that the referee start the match and count to ten. Charles Robinson did so, and it was ruled that Randy had lost by forfeit.

A match against Kane (fought under No Holds Barred rules) was hastily tacked onto the card last minute, almost as an apology to those who had been looking forward to seeing Bray against Orton. As decent a bout as that turned out, it couldn't hold a candle to what people had been expecting.

In the end, WWE handled a tricky situation the best they could, but fans lost out on one of the marquee matches Backlash had to offer.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.