| Date: April 29, 2001
| Venue: Allstate Arena | City: Rosemont, Illinois
| Attendance: 15, 592 | Buyrate: 375, 000

The Backlash of Wrestlemania is always a great time of year as some new feuds get started and some continue from the biggest show of the year. The biggest story coming out of Wrestlemania was “Stone Cold” Steve Austin turning heel and joining forces with Vince McMahon and later, Triple H. Austin and Triple H call themselves “The Two Man Power Trip” and they have been raising hell in the WWF. Triple H beat Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental title and although he briefly lost the belt to Jeff Hardy, he won the title back and so both Austin and Triple H hold gold. Since Wrestlemania, The Undertaker and Kane won the Tag Team Titles and have come to the aid of The Hardy Boyz and Lita on a number of occasions. The two teams meet tonight in a tag team match with all the gold on the line. Should Undertaker or Kane win then they get the title of the man they beat but if Triple H and Austin win then they become the new tag team champions. Much like at In Your House 3, all the gold is on the line tonight!

Another big match tonight sees Shane McMahon against his old friend and foe, The Big Show in a Last Man Standing match. Shane McMahon thought he had The Big Show signed to wCw but Vince McMahon got in Big Shows ear and Show attacked Shane, chokeslamming him in the middle of the Smackdown ring. Vince then made the match between Shane and Show for Backlash. We’ll also get a six man tag team match tonight as The Dudley Boyz made up of Bubba Ray, D-Von and Spike go head to head with X Factor, the group made up of X Pac, Justin Credible and Albert. X Factor attacked Spike backstage, almost bullying the new superstar which lead to this match.

Also tonight, we’ll get a couple of Wrestlemania rematches. The rivalries between Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho and William Regal have continued over the past month and we’ll get two singles matches tonight with very special stipulations. Benoit and Angle both claim to be the better submissions wrestler and so tonight they will meet in a 30 minute ultimate submissions match which is the same as an iron man match except only submissions apply. Chris Jericho and William Regal will meet in a Duchess Of Queensbury rules match. What does that mean? I have no idea. William Regal has been cagey with the meaning of this match but I’m sure we’ll find out tonight.

Also tonight is a confusing situation with the European and Hardcore titles. We were scheduled to see Eddie Guerrero defend his European title against Raven tonight but Eddie lost his European title to Matt Hardy on Smackdown. Eddie wants his rematch tonight at Backlash and somehow Christian managed to beg his way into the match. Raven will instead get a Hardcore title match against the new Hardcore champion, Rhyno who beat Kane on Smackdown a couple of weeks ago. On Heat before the show, Jerry Lynn defeated Crash Holly for the Light-Heavyweight title and Lita beat Molly Holly to become number one contender for the Women’s belt. So let’s get to it.

A video package kicks us off with the message that he who has the power has the gold and he who has the gold has the power. They’re talking about Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H, the two man power trip. They’ve got the Brothers of Destruction to deal with tonight though! It’s a short video package before the pyro goes off in the arena and Jim Ross welcomes us to the All Star Arena. He’s joined by Paul Heyman.

The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray, D-Von & Spike) vs. X Factor (X Pac, Justin Credible & Albert)

Spike Dudley and Justin Credible make their official in-ring debut tonight (not forgetting Credibles previous run as Aldo Montoya). These 6 men get right into it and the Dudley Boyz quickly clear the ring of X Factor. Spike and Justin start the match off and Spike gets the first 1 counts of the night. Credible tags in Albert who misses with an elbow drop. Spike then goes for the Dudley Dog finisher but Albert just launches him across the ring. Albert tags Justin Credible back in and he hits a sit-out powerbomb for the first near fall of the match. Credible misses with a baseball slide in the corner allowing Spike to tag out to D-Von. X Pac is also tagged in and D-Von takes both X Pac and Justin Credible down. Albert gets involved to give X Factor the advantage. Albert then tags in and hits some big right hands on D-Von before throwing him outside. X Pac and Justin Credible then ram D-Von into the ring post, groin first.

X Pac tags in, he’s wrestled on the previous two Backlash PPVs and lost on both. He applies a sleeper to D-Von. The Dudley Boyz lost to T & A last year at Backlash so Albert will be looking to double that win record tonight. X Pac tags in Justin Credible after hitting D-Von with a spinning heel kick. Credible, like all 3 Dudley Boyz is an ECW alumni. He hits D-Von with a sidewalk slam and tags in Albert. Albert hits a double underhook suplex and covers D-Von but Spike breaks it up. No sign of Bubba Ray Dudley yet. D-Von takes both X Pac and Justin Credible down with a double clothesline. D-Von finally tags in Bubba Ray who hits powerslams and Bubba Bombs on Justin Credible and X Pac. He hits a sidewalk slam on X Pac for a two count. All 6 men then get involved! Bubba and D-Von hit the Wassup Drop on Justin Credible and then Bubba calls for the tables! Albert hits a big kick on D-Von before he can get the tables though. Albert then hits a big splash in the corner on Bubba Ray before X Pac and Justin Credible hit him with superkicks. X Pac pins Bubba Ray and it’s over! X Factor win the match tonight!

After the bell X Pac and Justin Credible set up a table in the ring. Albert looks to throw Bubba Ray through it but D-Von makes the save. Spike hits a low blow on X Pac and The Dudleyz hit 3D on him through the table! The Dudleyz don’t win many PPV matches and this one is no different. Big win for X Factor.

Rating: 6.5/10

A limo pulls up and William Regal welcomes the Dutchess of Queensbury. She’s not happy to be in Rosemont. Her bodyguards take her to her quarters.

Lilian Garcia is backstage with Kurt Angle who is confident tonight. He says that Benoit being the best technical wrestler today is a crock. He then gets back to shining his medals.

We get some footage from Heat with Jerry Lynn, another ECW alumni, beating Crash Holly for the Light-Heavyweight title.

Rhyno (c) vs. Raven – Hardcore Championship Match

Well this was unexpected. Raven was due to get a European title shot tonight against Eddie Guerrero and Rhyno would have presumably fought Hardcore Holly. This is a PPV debut for Rhyno whilst Raven looks for his first PPV victory. Raven brings a load of weapons with him but Rhyno goes for a Gore early which Raven avoids. Raven then hits Rhyno with a trash can for a two count. Rhyno gets back into it with a big shoulder block and then he hits Raven with a trash can. Two former ECW guys here, can you see a theme emerging? Rhyno gets a near fall on the outside and then sets up the ring steps before smashing Raven into them. Rhyno was the final ECW Champion and he sits Raven down in a chair before launching himself off the ringsteps and flying right into the chair as Raven moved. Raven then hits a clothesline off the steps for a two count.

Back in the ring and Raven hits some jabs on Rhyno, sending him back out of the ring. Raven throws Rhyno into the barricade and then some weapons, including the kitchen sink into the ring. Rhyno gets up and sends Raven into the ring post before hitting him with a trash can lid and a metal sign. Raven kicks out of the pinfall attempt. I like the ECW guys taking over the Hardcore division. Rhyno gets another near fall and then throws Raven back into the ring before hitting him with a shopping trolley! Raven has been a big part of the Hardcore division in 2001 and he drop toe holds Rhyno into the shopping trolley! Raven then uses a metal sign on Rhynos head four times and follows it up with a bulldog for a two count. Rhyno grabs the shopping trolley but Raven jabs him with a trash can for another two count! Raven then gores Rhyno with the shopping trolley!Rhyno gets back into it with a trash can before setting up for the Gore but Raven sidesteps it and Rhyno goes right inside the shopping trolley! Raven leathers Rhyno with the kitchen sink and pins him but Rhyno kicks out.

Rhyno then hits the Gore from nowhere and that’s all she wrote! Rhyno wins the match and retains his Hardcore Championship tonight! Raven continues to look for his first PPV victory whilst Rhyno starts his PPV record with a big win. A good Hardcore title match between these two.

Rating: 6.5/10

There’s an advert for a WWF CD which includes The Rocks music debut.

We see some footage from Smackdown with Shane McMahon reading from “Shane and the beanstalk”. He has some good rhymes concerning Vince and the Big Show.

Michael Cole is backstage with Shane McMahon asking him how wise it is to poke the Big Show. Stephanie then walks in and says Shane should apologise because she’s scared of what Big Show will do to Shane tonight.

Steve Austin and Debra show up at the arena with Austin grabbing onto Debras arm. He tells Kevin Kelly that he’s not afraid of losing his title tonight.

Jonathan Coachman is backstage with William Regal and the Dutchess of Queensbury. The Coach asks what the rules are tonight and Regal is quick to dismiss him and get rid.

There’s a VT next for William Regal and Chris Jerichos rivalry.

William Regal vs. Chris Jericho – Dutchess Of Queensbury Rules match

I have no idea what the rules are for this match. I have a feeling that nobody does except for Regal. This is of course a rematch from Wrestlemania where Jericho retained his Intercontinental title against William but this time there are no titles involved. Regal introduces the Duchess and she sits down on a throne next to the announcers. Jericho gets on the mic as he makes his entrance and insults both Regal and the Duchess. The bell rings as Jericho knocks Regal down early. We get some nice wrestling from both men, wristlocks and takeovers. Jericho goes up top and hits a single axe handle and follows that up with a dropkick. The fight goes to the outside where Jericho throws Regal into the barricade and lays into him with right hands. The former Intercontinental champion then throws his opponent back into the ring and attempts to hit a missile dropkick but Regal gets out of the way.

Jericho wrestled on every PPV in 2000 and so far every PPV in 2001. Regal hits a suplex for a couple of near falls. I’m not sure what the rules are in this one but it just seems like a regular singles match at the moment. William applies a sleeper but Jericho gets out of it only to run into a boot. Regal then goes up to the middle rope but wastes too much time waving and gets hit with a hurricanrana. Jericho hits some knife edge chops and a flying forearm as he picks up the pace. He hits a bulldog and a Lionsault but as he hooks the leg, the bell rings! The Fink then passes on the message from the Duchess that the time limit for the round has expired. That is how British wrestling works.

So, the second round now and Regal catapults Jericho onto the ropes and follows it up with a suplex. Regal then looks for the Regal stretch and he locks it on but Jericho gets to the ropes. Jericho rolls up Regal and then looks for the Walls of Jericho and he locks it on. Regal taps straight away! Jericho’s music hits but quickly stops as The Fink updates us of the rules that you cannot win by submission! So the match continues! Jericho smashes Regal into the announce desk and then Regal hits Jericho with the Duchess’ scepter! The bell rings but guess what? It’s no disqualification. Regal rolls Jericho back into the ring and hooks the leg but Y2J kicks out. Regal hits a tiger suplex for a two count. Jericho gets back into the match with an enzeguri. The two men get up and slug it out and Jericho hits a clothesline and a low blow to the commissioner! Regal exits the ring but finds himself face down in the Duchess’s crotch! Jericho then throws her into the ring and locks on the Walls of Jericho! Regal gets in the ring and smashes Jericho with a chair three times. He pins him and this one is over. William Regal wins tonight due to his suspicious rules. An entertaining enough match between these two.

Rating: 7/10

Vince McMahon is backstage with The Big Show telling him not to hold back on Shane tonight. Big Show has no intention of holding back tonight.

There’s a VT for Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit next.

Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit – 30 minute Ultimate Submission match

Kurt got a lot of cheers during his entrance. He cuts a heel promo to turn the fans on him though. Angle has beaten Benoit twice on PPV before, Benoit is looking to beat Angle for the first time on a big show tonight. Kurt wrestled on every PPV in 2000 and so far every PPV in 2001, Benoit hasn’t missed a PPV since his debut at No Way Out 2000. The timer for this one is in the bottom right hand corner. Their match at Wrestlemania started with a lot of chain wrestling and this one starts with a few lock ups. Benoit goes for an arm bar but Angle escapes. Angle lost to The Big Show at last years Backlash event. Benoit beat Jericho by disqualification. Angle goes for a takedown but Benoit reverses it into an arm bar. Both men scramble round to attempt submission holds and Benoit gets the Crippler Crossface on but Angle is already at the ropes. Angle takes a breather out of the ring and Benoit once again applies the Crossface but again Angle is at the ropes. Angle escapes again and this time Benoit locks the Crippler Crossface on outside the ring! Angle taps but it’s not going to count outside the ring!

5 minutes down in this one and Angle grabs a steel chair. The referee screams at him to drop the chair and the former WWF Champion obliges. Kurt sells the shoulder but takes a cheap shot before rolling Benoit through and applying a leg lock! Benoit taps out and it’s 1-0 to Kurt Angle. There’s a 30 second rest period and we’re back underway. Benoit is in a different style of tights tonight, not his usual ripped-look ones. Angle hits a chopblock, continuing to work the knee. Benoit out of nowhere locks on the Crossface which Angle gets out of but Benoit rolls it over into a cross-arm breaker! Angle taps out and it’s now 1-1.

So we’re back to square one with 21 minutes left on the clock. After the rest period Benoit goes right to work on Angle, hitting chops and s throwing him into the post shoulder first. Benoit then goes right back to the arm breaker but Angle rolls over to the ropes. Chris hits a shoulder breaker and a couple of Irish whips, sternum first. Benoit pushes the referee as he tries to break up a scrap in the ropes. Angle then nails Benoit with a steel chair! He follows that up with the Ankle Lock and the referee is up to witness Benoit tapping out! Angle is up 2-1. Angle doesn’t let Benoit rest, he takes a few shots at him. With 19 minutes left Angle locks on the Crippler Crossface and Benoit taps! Angle is up 3-1! I didn’t expect both men to tap out so much.

Angle chokes Benoit on the ropes and is much slower with his offence now. He hits a suplex and grabs the ankle but Benoit grabs the ropes. The two men battle to the outside where Angle smashes Benoits head into the announce desk. They get back into the ring but Benoit back body drops Angle back out of the ring. Benoit smashes Angle into the ring post and then Angle reverses an Irish whip into the ring steps. Angle then applies the ankle lock outside the ring but that doesn’t count. We’ve now passed the half way mark of the match as Angle rolls Benoit back into the ring and locks on an arm breaker. He can’t quite lock it on though and Benoit gets to the ropes. Kurt locks on an abdominal stretch. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody tap out to this move before. Benoit reverses the stretch but Angle breaks it and Benoit locks on a cross arm breaker! Angle manages to roll round to the ropes. Angle is first up and he stomps Benoit back down to the canvas. Benoit gets up and quickly takes Angle down and locks on a Sharpshooter! Kurt manages to crawl to the ropes to break the hold. Benoit locks on a half Boston crab from nowhere and Angle taps out so Benoit gets the submission but Kurt is still up 3-2.

After the 30 second rest period Angle rolls out of the ring. Benoit exits and follows him around the ring but angle rolls back in and right back out again. Benoit catches him and hits some hard chops before throwing him into the ring steps and back into the ring. Kurt rolls right back out and runs away from Benoit. Back in the ring and Angle catches Benoit getting back into the ring. There are 10 minutes left in this one. Kurt throws Benoit out of the ring and won’t let him back in. Benoit eventually gets back in and Angle tries for the ankle lock but Benoit gets to the ropes. Angle then throws Benoit back out the ring and follows him out. Angle hits a suplex on the outside before throwing Benoit into the barricade. Both men get back into the ring where Benoit tries for the ankle lock but angle gets to the ropes. Benoit tries for a dropkick but angle avoids it and locks on a submission I’ve not seen before. It seems to be a sleeper hold and Benoit manages to get out of it with 4 minutes left to go.

Kurt hits a big clothesline to knock Benoit down and stomps away at him. Angle then hits two belly to belly suplexes. Benoit reverses an Irish whip and then hits two consecutive belly to belly suplexes! Angle counters the three and tries for the ankle lock but Benoit reverses it and Angle taps out! We’re all tied at three all! There is a minute and a half left so the next submission will win it. Benoit hits a couple of chopblocks with one minute left to go. Benoit hits another belly to back suplex but Angle hits a low blow before Benoit can hit a second. Angle goes to the ankle lock but Benoit gets to the ropes. 20 seconds left here. Angle goes back to the ankle lock but Benoit manages to hang on until after the bell! This one goes down as a draw. The referee demands that the match continues into sudden death! Angle who has already walking towards the back heads back to the ring and hits a belly to belly suplex. Kurt locks on a guillotine but Benoit rolls it through into a Crippler Crossface and Angle taps out! Benoit wins the match in overtime!

Rating: 8.25/10

Undertaker and Kane are shown backstage and seem to be arguing. We then see Triple H and Stephanie watching them on a monitor and Triple H thinks they’re arguing over excuses for when they lose tonight. Stephanie is also concerned for Shane tonight.

There’s a VT for Shane and Big Show next, a feud that only seems to have been going a week but has a lot of history.

Shane McMahon vs. The Big Show – Last Man Standing Match

These two men in a no holds barred match at Judgment Day last year and it was Shane that won that one. Shane runs away from Show in the early going, throwing a chair in the ring. He then crawls under the ring and out the other side before leathering Big Show with a kendo stick. Shane then jumps up on the barricade but Big Show catches him as he dives off and nails him with a clothesline. Big Show tosses Shane into the ring but Shane grabs the chair he threw in earlier and smashes him with it seven times! Shane looks under the ring again and pulls out a small bag. Inside the bag, Shane pulls out a mask and puts it on and then puts chlorophyl on a cloth and tries to gas out Big Show that way! Big Show drops to his knees and then all the way to the mat. Vince McMahon then runs out and beats Shane with a chair! Big Show gets up to his feet but as the referee counts 9, Show picks up Shane! He hits the wCw owner with a sidewalk slam but Shane gets back up.

Big Show goes back to work on Shane, throwing him across the ring and then hitting a reverse DDT type move. The referee counts to 8 and Big Show pulls Shane back to his feet. Big Show then hits a big chokeslam! The referee gets to 8 and again Big Show picks up the boy wonder into a backbreaker type move. Test then appears and hits Big Show with a big boot! Test sees to Shane but up gets Big Show and he sends Test out of the ring and into the ring steps. These two used to be buddies in The Union, remember? Test also helped Shane in the No Holds Barred match between Shane and Big Show at Judgment Day last year. Big Show lays into Test up the aisle until Shane shows up and leathers Big Show with a sign. Big show finds a steel pipe and chases Shane who climbs up the titantron! We’ve seen this before. Big Show follows him until Test pulls him down. Test sets Big Show up on the floor and beckons at Shane who dives off the top of the titantron onto Big Show! The referee counts both men until Test picks up Shane and props him up on the jib camera! The referee counts 10 and Shane McMahon has won this match!

Rating: 5/10

Vince, Stephanie and Triple H are backstage and Vince isn’t happy. He said that after tonight Vince will only have one son and his name is Triple H.

Steve Blackman is at WWF New York. He said Shane has got some guts. Grand Master Sexay then turns up and speaks some nonsense!

Matt Hardy (c) vs. Christian vs. Eddie Guerrero – Triple threat match for the WWF European Championship

An unexpected match here as Matt Hardy beat Eddie Guerrero for the European title match 3 days ago on Smackdown. Guerrero and Christian double team Matt Hardy in the early going, throwing Matt out of the ring. Christian then turns on Eddie and hits him with a big powerslam. Guerrero hits a hurricanrana on Christian to take the advantage. With Edge and The Rock not scheduled for action tonight, it means Christian has wrestled on the most PPVs consecutively at the moment with 24. Only he, Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho have wrestled on every PPV in 2000 and 2001 so far. Eddie hits a drop toe hold on Christian but Matt Hardy gets involved and throws Guerrero out of the ring. Matt then clotheslines Christian for a near fall. Guerrero pulls Matt Hardy out of the ring and Christian baseball slides both men down. Matt hits a big DDT on Christian on the outside. Guerrero then suplexes Matt back into the ring before hitting him with a brainbuster for a two count. Guerrero goes for a hurricanrana off the top on Matt but Christian stops Matt from going anywhere.

Christian goes for a superplex on Matt but Matt shoves Christian down on top of Eddie Guerrero. Hardy then comes off the top and hits both men with a clothesline before throwing Christian out of the ring and hitting a legdrop off the middle rope on Guerrero for a two count. Hardy goes to the outside  where Edge comes from nowhere and spears Matt before rolling him back in the ring. Eddie shoves Christian out o the ring and pins Matt for a two count. Jeff Hardy then shows up and attacks Edge! Christian hits the Unprettier on Eddie but Jeff hits the Swanton Bomb on Christian! Matt then hits him with the Twist Of Fate and pins Christian for the three! Matt Hardy remains European champion tonight! Not bad but something didn’t quite click.

Rating: 4/10

Video package now for the main event.

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin (c) & Triple H (c) vs. The Undertaker & Kane (c) – Tag Team match for WWF, Intercontinental & Tag Team Championships

All the titles are on the line in this one. If Austin or Triple H take the fall then they will lose their title to whoever beat them but if Kane or Undertaker are beaten then they lose the tag team titles to the Two Man Power Trip, much like at In Your House 3 when Shawn Michaels and Diesel beat Owen Hart and The British Bulldog. Austin and Triple H struggle to get in the ring in the early going, with Undertaker and Kane now allowing them to get in. Triple H joins Christian, Big Show and X Pac as the only 4 men to have wrestled on all 3 Backlash PPVs. Austin and Triple H head back down the aisle but here come Undertaker and Kane. They lay into the WWF and Intercontinental champions and take them into the ring. Kane smashes Triple H into the announce table as Undertaker hits Austin with right hands. The two pairs swap and it’s Kane and Triple H in the ring and Undertaker and Austin on the outside. Kane hits a big double armed chokeslam on Triple H and then the same on Austin. Kanes arm is heavily bandaged and it’s him and Triple H who officially start the match.

Triple H hits a high knee to Kane to take him down. Austin cost Triple H the WWF title against The Rock at last years Backlash. Helmsley tags in Austin and Kane tags Undertaker. Austin wants no part of Undertaker but the dead man stomps away at Stone Cold in the corner. Triple H causes a momentary distraction allowing Austin to take the advantage on his fellow Texan. Undertaker gets back into it with some big right hands and some big Irish whips. Austin goes down to his knees and offers a handshake to Undertaker who replies with a boot to the face. Undertaker reluctantly tags in Kane who hits some big right hands. Kane hits a big clothesline and then tags his brother back in. Austin tags Triple H and Undertaker takes Hunter off his feet. Undertaker hits a big boot and goes for Old School, the old clothesline off the top rope and he nails it. Undertaker then slams Austin and hits him with Old School too! Undertaker clears the ring of the WWF and Intercontinental champions! Austin and Triple H head for the back for Kane takes both men down with clothesline. Kane then throws Austin back in the ring where Undertaker goes for the Last Ride but Triple H makes sure it doesn’t happen.

Undertaker beat Triple H at Wrestlemania but these are very different conditions. Austin hits an elbow drop and tags in Triple H who hits some big shots to Undertakers ribs. Quick tags now between Austin and Triple H giving them opportunity to double team one half of the tag team champions. Triple H hits a knee to the face but Undertaker gets back into it with a DDT. Triple H tags in Austin but Undertaker chooses not to tag in his injured brother Kane. Austin hits ‘Taker with the Lou Thesz Press. There’s a bit of a miscommunication as Undertaker, Austin and Triple H all seem to clothesline each other. Kane tags himself in and takes apart the Two Man Power Trip. He knocks Triple H out of the ring and then hits a sidewalk slam on Austin. Kane then hits a clothesline off the top on Austin before throwing Triple H across the ring. The double teaming eventually gives Austin and Helmsley the advantage. Austin goes for the Stunner but Kane pushes him away but it’s the armbar takedown that gets Kane to the mat.

Austin continues to work the injured arm of Kane before tagging in Triple H who stomps away at the big red machine. Triple H throws Kane out of the ring and distracts the referee allowing Austin to smash Kanes arm with a chair. Back in the ring and Triple H applies an armbar before tagging out to Austin who continues to armbar. Undertaker is bleeding from the face, I’m not sure how that happened. Kane gets out of the armbar but Austin pushes him into the turnbuckle. Austin tags Triple H who applies a wristlock. Kane manages to throws Triple H out of the ring but just as he’s about to tag his brother, Triple H pulls Undertaker off the apron. Triple H goes to the top but Kane gets his boot up. Triple H tags Austin who tries to get a sleeper on Kane but Kane lifts him up and suplexes him down to the mat. Austin tags Triple H who drops Kane to the mat and then hits the Pedigree! I hate how Kane takes the Pedigree. Triple H then tags Austin who covers Kane but Undertaker breaks it up. Why didn’t Triple H go for the cover? Undertaker chokeslams Austin whilst Stephanie McMahon is up on the apron. Hebner pushes Stephanie down to the floor and counts Kanes pin on Austin but Austin kicks out.

Triple H tags back in but Kane hits him with an enzeguri but it knocks the referee over. Kane then tags Undertaker who lays into both Austin and Triple H! He hits big clotheslines on both men and big boots. Undertaker then hits the Last Ride on Triple H but Hebner says that Kane is the legal man because he didn’t see the tag! Austin comes in and hits a low blow on Undertaker and a Stone Cold Stunner on Kane! Undertaker throws Austin out of the ring whilst Stephanie hands her husband one of the tag team titles. He runs at Kane with it but runs right into a big boot! Kane sets Triple H up for a chokeslam but in comes Stephanie who receives a boot to the face! Vince McMahon then runs in and gives Triple H the sledgehammer! Triple H smashes Kane with it and pins him for the three! Triple H and Steve Austin are the new tag team champions!

Rating: 7/10

 

And that was Backlash 2001. 7 matches that all in all were entertaining. The 6 man tag match that opened the show gave X Factor a big win and solidified them as a dominant team. The Dudley Boyz lose way too much on PPV and it’d be more obvious if they didn’t do so well on the weekly shows. I don’t mind X Factor, it gives X Pac a stable of his own that isn’t too dissimilar to DX. I like Justin Credible and Albert is the beef of the gorup. The Dudley Boyz will bounce back as they are an established team. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Spike in the Hardcore division before long. The Rhyno and Raven match that followed was really entertaining too. These two have a lot of chemistry and I’d like to see a full on feud between the two. There’s a lot of ex ECW guys coming in at the moment and they could make up the Hardcore division to being with to test the waters before going on to bigger things. Would definitely like to see more of these two.

Will Regal then beat Chris Jericho in what looked like a predictable outcome. The fact that the rules weren’t known before the bell made you think that something was up. Jericho and Regal are both entertaining guys who are talented in the ring and I can definitely see another match between the two. The other Wrestlemania rematch we got was between Chris Benoit and Kurt Angle. The submissions match was something special and for a lot of it looked like a shoot. This could be the end of this rivalry for now as I’m not sure how they’ll top this style of match but it definitely feels like the feud could continue. Two very talented wrestlers that will put entertaining matches on no matter what the stipulations. Then came Shanes match against The Big Show. I honestly thought we were going to see some wCw guys come in and help Shane win. We didn’t. But we got another awesome spot from Shane as he dove off the top of the titantron. It wasn’t a great match but the spot is memorable. The worry is that we’re seeing too many of these spots and they’re starting to become less impressive. Shane wins but the story going forward looks to be between Big show and Test.

Then came the triple threat match for the European championship. Something didn’t quite click here. All three men have the potential to put on five star matches but this wasn’t one of those. Hardy retained his European title which feels like he won it because his brother Jeff won the Intercontinental title. This match felt a big like filler. The one disappointment from this show is not seeing The Rock and Edge in action. Those two men have fought on more PPVs consecutively than anyone else in history but this show ends that run. Christian is now the man that has fought on the most and will be heading for The Rocks record. In the main event Austin and Triple H beat The Brothers Of Destruction to win the tag team titles. This looked like the most likely outcome with one of the Brothers winning the Intercontinental title being the only other possibility. Austin and Triple H now hold all the gold and are on top of the company. I’m not sure where they go from here but I have no doubt they’ll be main eventing the PPVs going forward. A really good show tonight.

Overall Rating: 63.2/100 (ranked 19th out of 122)

Match Of The Night: Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit
Worst Match Of The Night: Matt Hardy vs. Christian vs. Eddie Guerrero
Surprise Of The Night: Shane McMahon leaps from the top of the titantron
Worst Booking Of The Night: N/A
Superstar Of The Night: The Two Man Power Trip
Backlash 2001 Will Be Remembered For: The Two Man Power trip winning all the gold & Shane’s dive off the titantron