WWE’s first PLE event in France did not disappoint, as a sold-out crowd at LDLC Arena brought all the energy to Backlash. More than 11,000 fans cheered from beginning to end, with the event having the largest gate of any arena show in WWE history.
The main event saw Cody Rhodes compete in his first title defense as the Undisputed WWE Champion since dethroning Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. After "finishing the story," Rhodes faced AJ Styles, the first wrestler to fight Cody and Dusty Rhodes for a world title.
Styles wore purple for this match, just as he did against Cody's late father in TNA Wrestling. Both gave it their all in a fight that saw broken tables, hard shots, and a passionate crowd. The former Bullet Club leaders worked overtime to prove they deserved to hold gold.
They also felt the spirit of the crowd, resulting in a great match.
Following several Cody Cutters and a Cross Rhodes, Rhodes retained. In a refreshing change of pace from previous years, Rhodes is ready to defend at every event. He is the official leader of WWE’s New Era. Where does he go from here?
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In the co-feature, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill beat Asuka and Kairi Sane to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Cargill won her first taste of gold in WWE following a start in AEW. Belair and Cargill showed off their power against The Kabuki Warriors, bullying the now-former champions for several minutes.
Cargill’s progression as a singles star may take time, but her run as a tag team champion could help in getting comfortable with WWE’s style. Damage CTRL, once on top of the world, no longer has a champion within its ranks.
“Main Event” Jey Uso tried his best but could not take down World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest. Uso had the crowd in the palm of his hands, with “Yeet” chants with each move he made. In his first title defense, Priest looked the part of a champion. He wanted to win by himself, but JD McDonagh and Finn Balor interfered on his behalf. Priest did not appreciate it.
Priest won the battle against Uso, but there appears to be another on the horizon with The Judgement Day.
Bayley fought against all the odds and retained her WWE Women's Title against Naomi and Tiffany Stratton. As a face, Bayley returned to her roots, and with the crowd behind her, nothing could have stopped her. That includes Stratton, the young phenom who looked like a star. Bayley pinned Naomi to retain the belt.
Opening the show, the new-look Bloodline looked stronger than ever. Solo Sikoa, seemingly taking the mantle as leader in Roman Reigns’ absence, teamed with Tama Tonga to face Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. It went from a regular match to a Street Fight, with tables, chairs, and kendo sticks coming into play.
The match ended with Tanga Loa, the former Camacho and brother of Guerrillas of Destiny teammate Tonga, making his presence felt. Joining The Bloodline, Sikoa and Tonga won with a concerned Heyman looking on.
Where is Roman Reigns, and what's next for The Bloodline, who look deadlier than ever?
The Sporting News provided full card results from WWE's Backlash event.
WWE Backlash 2024 full card results
- Cody Rhodes (c) def. AJ Styles for the Undisputed WWE Title
- Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill def. The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) (c) for the WWE Women's Tag Team Titles
- Damian Priest (c) def. Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Title
- Bayley (c) def. Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women's Title
- The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga) def. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens