TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) – It was an exciting week for fans of professional wrestling, as WWE brought its first premium live event since last month’s WrestleMania in Las Vegas to Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena.
Premium live events these days aren’t quite like the pay-per-views of old. There are only about five matches on the card, meaning the bouts go longer, and the performers have more time to showcase their talent.
That also means that a spot on the card is at a premium, and having a match means you’re doing something right.
Five matches were slated for WWE Backlash on Saturday. The night started with Seth “Freakin” Rollins taking on The Vision’s Bron Breakker. It was an intense battle to get the crowd amped, and it brought the excitement. Ultimately, Breakker’s colleagues in The Vision, Logan Paul and Austin Theory, interfered in the contest.
After Rollins dispatched of Paul and Theory, Breakker capitalized with a couple of massive spears to earn the victory over the man he excommunicated from The Vision.
The second match on the card pitted reigning United States Champion Trick Wiliams defended his title against the man he won it from at WrestleMania last month, Sami Zayn.
This was another back and forth encounter, with Williams successfully defending his championship with some help from his friend Lil Yachty and a trick shot to put Sami down for the 1-2-3.
The third match pitted the mystical Danhauswn and a mystery partner against The Miz and Kit Wilson. A very theatrical encounter that entertained the audience with smaller versions of Danhausen led to the “very evil, very nice” Danhausen and his partner getting the win.
In the fourth match, the student and master dynamic was showcased as Iyo Sky faced her senpai Asuka in a grudge match. The two have been at odds for months, and this one was a technical showcase that ended in favor of the “Genius of the Sky,” Iyo Sky. In the end the two reconciled their differences to the delight of those in attendance
John Cena appeared and thanked the city of Tampa, and announced a new showcase to have current and future stars receive the spotlight. Those in attendance seemed happy with the new venture from the 17-time world champion.
And in the main event, “The Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns defended the world heavyweight championship against his cousin Jacob Fatu.
This one was physical and violent, with the “OTC” retaining his title, but left lying after a savage post-match attack from his opponent. The conclusion of the event led many to believe this rivalry is far from over.
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