WWE Backlash: France (2024)

WWE's first Premium Live Event post-WrestleMania, saw the company travel to Lyon, France. The expectations were for a rampant French crowd and an energetic night of performances from all involved. I for one was excited for the main event in particular.

The night started in some style with the pair of Randy Orton and Kevin Owens teaming up to face the 'new' Bloodline; Solo Sikoa and the recently introduced Tama Tonga. I knew it was gonna be good when the French crowd sang Orton's theme all the way to the ring. The match started in high-octane and chaotic fashion, and never let up from there. Together with the energetic crowd, the four men produced a thrilling and utterly bonkers no disqualification tag match. The right team won, and WWE continued to develop the new Bloodline story in intriguing and exciting ways.

Following this was the triple-threat match for the WWE Women's Championship, with champion Bayley defending against Naomi and Tiffany Stratton. The match was a pretty entertaining affair. You could tell that the three women were feeling the crowd's energy and feeding off of it. I thought there were some decent spots throughout, although there were one or two sloppy moments. Regardless, I really enjoyed it - and once more the correct person won.

The midpoint of the event saw Damian Priest defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Main Event Jey Uso. The crowd loved it, and continued to energise the wrestlers in the ring. Their reactions during Jey's entrance were magnificent. The actual match was very solid too. I think Jey continues to prove himself, while Priest gave a very solid account of himself. There was likely only going to be one result, which also happened to be the right result. I also appreciated the continuation of the intriguing divisions within the Judgement Day.

The night's penultimate match saw The Kabuki Warriors; Asuka and Kairi Sane, defend their Women's Tag Team Championships against the impressive duo of Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill. I think the crowd helped this match feel a lot better than it was. Things got a little messy - their was definitely some miscommunication between all four women and the referee. Thankfully, the crowd was loud and invested regardless, which helped them get away with it. The end of the match was well executed, with the expected winners once more.

The main event of the night saw the new Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defend against the phenomenal AJ Styles, in a bit of a dream match. The crowd was somehow still chanting, singing and dancing at full tilt two hours in, and they did not let up. The way they sang Cody's theme was wonderful. I expected a well-worked, exciting and close fought bout, and that's exactly what we were treated to. Styles may be in the twilight of his career, but he can still go better than most in their prime. Cody was also on top form, which became evident early, as the match built and built to a thrilling crescendo. Like the prior match, there was only one winner realistically, but the two men did a great job of creating an entertaining and convining match anyway.

Overall, while the results may have been rather predictable, and there were a couple of messy matches, I thought this was a really solid "B" PLE. The crowd elevated the event to a whole new level with their infectious and raucous energy, which was surreal to see. The opening and closing matches were easily the best, and made sure the audiences, both on TV and in attendance, went home very satisfied, myself included.