WWE Backlash 2001
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Movie Reviews of WWE Backlash 2001
Movie Review: The WWF's Strangest PPV of 2001
Summary: 4 Stars
Just about every match in "Backlash 2001" is something you wouldn't ordinarily see on WWF TV back then, let alone today. It's one of those events that throws everything at the wall to see what sticks. The good news is that most of it works, making this 3 hours well spent.
1) The Dudleyz (Bubba Ray, D-Von, Spike) v.
X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, Albert)
---This opener was fairly by-the-numbers back in 2001, because these curtain jerkers are meant to get a crowd going more than anything else. On that basis, this 6-Man Tag Team match still works. The whole match moves along at a nice pace, and isn't boring at all. That said, if you've followed some of the WWF's programming from 2000-2002, The Dudleyz' table gimmick was getting predictable by now (in my opinion, anyway). But on the whole, the night gets off on a fun note; if not for you, it'll be over before you know it.
"6.5 / 10"
2) Hardcore Championship
Rhyno (champion) v. Raven
---"OUCH" is the key word here. Man, these two just wail on each other with weapons, and cause almost as much harm to themselves when they fail to pull off a deadly attack. Some could call this a "garbage match", meaning there's not much in the way of storytelling, and it's all about props and exciting action. I have to admit that I used to love this match a lot more, but that was back when I wasn't into slower-paced technical wrestling. Now I see two tough guys just beating each other senseless. I still really like it, and commend the grueling effort, but have to admit that hard-hitting action is all this Hardcore Title bout is.
"7.5 / 10"
3) Duchess of Queensbury Rules
William Regal (WWF Commissioner) v. Chris Jericho
---I love this whole storyline, honestly. Jericho is going to compete in a match that only William Regal knows the rules! That's is hilarious, in my book. But all the ringside shenanigans aside, the match is just as crisp and balanced as their "WrestleMania X-Seven" opener. It's easy to forget how great Regal used to be in his prime; Jericho, on the other hand, was always extremely talented. I think this grudge match is a strong athletic matchup with some good comedy thrown in.
"8.0 / 10"
4) 30-Minute Submission Match
Kurt Angle v. Chris Benoit
---The concept is simple but gutsy: The wrestler who can make his opponent submit (or "tap out") the most times will win the match. I have to admit that I used to find this match very overrated when I was a younger viewer. I loved both of these superstars, but just found this whole match to be slow. But later in life, I rewatched this beloved classic, and realized just how difficult it was to execute, and how creative it really was. It asks the audience to sit down, be patient, and pay attention to every single hold and maneuver. After all, a submission score could happen at any moment. I've watched this match many times, and am constantly amazed at how these two managed to pull it off, because there's very little in the way of striking or high-spots. It's a pure grappling contest in the spirit of MMA, and I doubt anyone but Angle & Benoit could've delivered. I will admit that around the 25-minute mark, I've had my fill of this Ultimate Submission Match. Only when a few minutes remain do I sense any kind of stalling. It's a small gripe, but I don't want to give the impression that this is a perfect match, by any means. Frankly, this is one of the toughest matches to recommend because, from my point of view, it requires a particular audience. But if you wanna see how tough these guys are, and want to watch a match that tests what kind of WWE fan you are, then sit back and watch it unfold.
"9.0 / 10"
5) Last Man Standing Match
Big Show v. Shane McMahon (WCW Owner)
---I have to admit that as much as I admire Shane's courage and toughness, I enjoy very few of his matches (yes, the KOTR 2001 Street Fight is definitely a classic). I kinda liked the storyline, where Vince McMahon is still bitter over losing at "WrestleMania X-Seven", not to mention the WCW contract (in the script, anyway). I was enjoying myself when Shane was making a strong first impression, and finding creative ways to keep Big Show down. But once Show gained the upper hand, this became a very boring match for me. And when Test interferes, he basically does all the work, until Shane does a daredevil highspot that no man should attempt. I guess if you're a Shane-O-Mac fan, or just wanna see Big Show beaten around, then this'll be a good one. I personally got tired after awhile, and wasn't wowed enough when all was said and done.
"5.5 / 10"
6) European Championship
Matt Hardy (champion) v. Christian v. Eddie Guerrero
---And the award for most random match goes to...THIS ONE! I don't even think this title bout was advertised before the PPV began. In all seriousness, this is a decent 3-way match with some neat spots and a breezy pace. I just wish it didn't feel like it was thrown together at the last minute. There's really just nothing to say about this match. It's there. It's fairly enjoyable. It's over. You don't remember a whole lot about it afterwards.
"6.5 / 10"
7) Three Titles On The Line
Triple H (Intercontinental champion)
& 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin (WWF champion)
v. Kane & The Undertaker (Tag Team champions)
---The WWF used a similar concept at "King of the Ring 2000", but this time, every wrestler involved has something to gain and something to lose. The storyline was bizarre but intriguing: Steve Austin joined forces with Vince McMahon AND Triple H, both of whom he had bad blood with. Kane & Undertaker were apparently the only guys tough enough to take them on. Once the match starts, it takes a while for HHH & Austin to gain any kind of momentum. The Tag champs just stop them in their tracks time and again. Eventually, the Austin/HHH combo managed to gain some advantages. Like most main events from the Attitude Era, all hell broke loose, leading to a run-in or two, and a chaotic finish. So, what did I think about this main event? I liked what I saw, but I really wish we got more of a straight-up showdown where both teams looked impressive from the getgo. I can't help but think that WWF really dropped the ball with a possible all-star atmosphere. Instead, these men went for something a bit more challenging, and for the most part, it works. The match is pretty lenghty, which sometimes makes it drag, other times give you the feel of an epic battle. The match starts humorously, which is great because it's Austin & HHH getting tossed around, but is also annoying because it's freaking TRIPLE H AND STEVE AUSTIN! I like this match, was satisfied with what I saw, and recommend it to those who haven't seen it. I just think a much better match was possible if a different approach was taken.
"7.0 / 10"
To call "Backlash 2001" my least favorite event of 2001 may seem like an insult, but it's really not. 2001 was a fantastic year for the WWF, and "Backlash" is a worthwhile PPV. You get Hardcore action, a technical wrestling clinic, a couple throwaway crowd-pleasers, a comedy match, a David/Goliath fight, and a star-packed main event. The WWF took a lot of chances with this PPV, which main explain why this PPV doesn't seem to gel together like the better WWF/WWE PPVs. But then again, if it weren't for the risk-taking, we might not have been privileged to see such a diverse card.
Movie Review: The Tag Team Champs meet the 2 Man Power Trip.....
Summary: 4 Stars
The 2001 Backlash still stands as the best Backlash so far. With a last man standing match, a hardcore match, a 30 minute ultimate submission match, and four of the baddest men in the WWE fighting in the main event, this is definately worth it.
Dudley Boyz vs. X-Factor:
This was okay for an opener. The crowd was chanting for tables the whole match. I never saw X-Factor live, but they sure made a unique tag team. X-Factor wins after the "X Marks the Spot" double drop kick. After the match X-Pac gets sent through a table, courteosy of the Dudley Boyz. 7/10
Hardcore Championship Match
Rhyno [Champion] vs. Raven:
Brutal hardcore match. Raven gets hammered by a shopping cart, then both men knock each other around with steel chairs and trash cans. Painful moment was when Rhyno gored the shopping cart after Raven moved. Rhyno prevails and hits the gore on Raven to win. 8.5/10
Duchess of Queensburry Match
Chris Jericho vs. William Regal:
Okay, first of all they kept changing the damn rules everytime Jericho kept winning. First there was a time limit, then no submissions to win the match, finally no disqualifications. Jericho finally put the Walls of Jericho on the Dutchess, who was at ringside, until Regal clobbers him with a chair to win. 7.5/10 strange match because of the stipulations and the Dutchess angle.
30-Minute Ultimate Submission Match
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit:
This was one great match. These two guys had some of the best technical wrestling in 2001 and this was the highlight of their fued. The man who had the most submission victories at the end wins. Both men managed to make the other tap out to arm bars, and their own holds. At around 10 minutes left Angle had about 3 submissions and Benoit had 2. Then at the last second Benoit makes Angle tap out to Angle's own hold and the match ended.
The answer to the unclear winner was sudden death, and after a few minutes Benoit managed to make Angle tap out with the crossface. 10/10 Nice match, the best one these two had in 2001.
Last Man Standing Match
Big Show vs. Shane McMahon:
The ironic thing was that these two were allies just one year prior to this match. Some weapons were used by Shane O' Mack, including a kendo stick, a steel chair, and even an rag soaked in ether. An appearance by Mr. McMahon and Test made the match that more exciting.
The ending was unbelievable, as Shane climbs 50 feet up a scaffold and gives an elbow drop to the Big Show! Shane McMahon wins a brutal Last Man Standing Match. 9/10
European Championship
Triple Threat Match
Eddie Guerreroe vs. Christian vs. Matt Hardy [Champion]:
To tell the truth, I don't know why this match was on the card, it was the second worst match on the DVD. Edge and Jeff Hardy both make appearances and Jeff helps his brother win the match. 7/10
World Heavyweight Title/Intercontinental Title/Tag Team Titles match
Stone Cold Steve Austin [World Heavyweight Champion] and Triple H [Intercontinental Champion] vs. Kane and the Undertaker [Tag Team champions]
Winners take all:
This was a wild 20 minute plus brawl between the tag team champions and the Intercontinental champion and the World Heavyweight champion. All through the match both Stone Cold and Triple H tried to leave going through the crowd but the Brothers of Destruction chased them down. Stephanie was at ringside and gets knocked down after trying to help out her husband.
Kanes arm was a big red bullseye because in the weeks prior he was beaten up and his arm was bandaged.Then Mr. McMahon makes an appearance again with a sledgehammer and Triple H nails Kane in the head with the sledgehammer. Triple H and Stone Cold Steve Austin win the tag team titles. 9/10
The main event, last man standing match, ultimate submission match, and the hardcore match are four very good reasons why to get this DVD. And to think most people are saying this is one of the worst ppvs of 2001! 2004 would have killed for a ppv like this....
Movie Review: A Solid Undercard with a Less-Than-Impressive Main Event
Summary: 4 Stars
6-Man Tag Match: Dudleyz vs. X-Factor (X-Pac, Albert, Justin Credible)
I definitely appreciated the ECW nostalgic vibe surrounding the moments when the Dudleyz and Justin Credible got to work together. I just wish that Credible could have brought his signature barbed wire to the dance. Otherwise, it's a very solid opener with each combatant getting plenty of time to show off their skills. It's downright criminal that WWE didn't do more with Justin. Oh, well. WWE has let a lot of great talent slip through their fingers. ::cough Christian Cage cough::
6 out of 10
Hardcore Championship Match
Rhyno (Champion) vs. Raven
A tremendous hardcore match! If the WWE could have kept up this caliber of match for the hardcore title, it never would have been disposed of. This match had all the energy and excitement of an ECW title match with two of it's best competitors. Some tremendous spots including the Gore from the steel steps, the Gore to the shopping cart and some really sick chair shots. ECW! ECW! ECW!
8 out of 10
Triple Threat European Championship Match
Matt Hardy (Champion) vs. Christian vs. Eddie Guerrero
This match was the first time that I knew that these three would grow into main-eventers. They put on a tremendous show of high-risk offense with a great level of drama added with Jeff Hardy and Edge on the outside.
9 out of 10
Duchess of Queensberry Rules Match
William Regal vs. Chris Jericho
These two had a great chemistry in the ring. They made up for their all-too-quick WrestleMania X-Seven encounter by taking their time with this one. I love the gimmick behind the match with the "Duchess" showing up and JR's cynicism. A very crowd-driven match. Some great technical wrestling between these two as well.
9 out of 10
30-Minute Ultimate Submission Match
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit
This is one of the greatest wrestling matches I have ever seen or will ever see. These two, who stole any show they were on together, put on a technical masterpiece. It wouldn't have hurt my feelings if this match went another thirty minutes. It's a crying shame that this match will be forgotten now that WWE has invoked their "Pretend Benoit Never Existed" policy. The last five minutes actually made me leave my seat and almost break a sweat.
11 out of 10
Last Man Standing Match
Shane McMahon vs. Big Show
Well, as is the case most of the time in David and Goliath matches, a very boring slow start with a surprising finish. And my God, what a finish! That fall Shane takes is UNREAL!!! As for the rest of the match, it's completely forgettable and nothing worth talking about.
8 out of 10 (Only for the ending spot, without that, it would probably be 1 or 2 out of 10)
Three Titles on the Line
Stone Cold Steve Austin (WWF Champion) and Triple H (IC Champ) vs. Undertaker and Kane (WWF Tag Champs)
My, how the mighty have fallen. It's almost painful to watch Taker and Austin work together in this match. Taker moves across the ring with all the speed and ferocity of a slug on Ritalin. And it's a shame to see Austin degenerate back to his old, stale self after having two of the best matches of his career at No Way Out and Mania. Kane is decent and works pretty well with Triple H. Much better than their encounter from No Mercy the next year. And as if the match wasn't disappointing enough, the ending is cheap and rehearsed.
5 out of 10
Overall, this is a very solid PPV. Worth the buy if you can find it relatively cheap.
Movie Review: Possibably the best Backlash thus far
Summary: 4 Stars
Backlash 2001 had many awesome matches and it was a very good follow up to Mania X-Seven. This Backlash could be the best in the Backlash ppv's.
1. Six Man Tag
Dudley Boyz w/ Spike vs. X-Pac, Justin Credible, & Albert
A strong and solid opener. Lots of good action for eveybody here. The Dudley Boyz including Spike all looked very good and they did not missed a step here. X-Pac gets 3D through a table after the match. 4/5
2. Hardcore Title
Raven vs. Rhyno
This is one of the best wwe hardcore title matches ever in my view. There was a bunch load of great hardcore action and weapon use. Rhyno takes a sickening shot into a shopping cart in trying to gore Raven. Great match. 4.5/5
3. Duchess of Queensberry Rules Match
Chris Jericho vs. William Regal
What a stupid concept of a match. If you ignor all of the stupid rules the Duchess was making up all through the match, this was a pretty darn good match between these two. Regal is a fine wrestler and he knows how to keep a match entertaining, same with jericho. Some nice submissions and suplexes. Regal got in some cheap shots but so did Jericho. Just take away the whole Duchess part, this is a good match to watch. 4/5
4. 30 Minute Ultimate Submission Match
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit
These two put on another classic match up once again. I wouldn't say this match is better than their Mania match but it is different. Of course both men went for submissions right away. Both was able to escape out of a lot of tap out situations and each other's finishers. The action even got taken to the outside where some brawling and action takes place. Once Angle got the upper hand he tryed to use the clock for the advantage and use it against Benoit. Benoit fought his heart out in the last closing minutes of the match. A classic bout which ended in sudden death. Match of the night for me. 5/5
5. Last Man Standing- Shane McMahon vs. Big Show
Just your standard Shane McMahon match with kendo sticks and other things. Mr. McMahon would interfere which would give Show the upper hand on Shane. Test would come out too and try to help Shane. The highlight of the match was of course when Shane jumped off a 65 foot scapfold onto the big show for the win. That move right there made the whole match for me. 3.5/5
6. European Title
Eddie Guerrero vs. Matt Hardy vs. Christian
Pretty good title match. Good action from all three men. Nice way to set up for the main event. 3.75/5
7. WWE Title Intercontinental Title & Tag Team Titles
Undertaker & Kane vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin & Triple H w/ Stephanie
This match was defiantely better than expected. Kane looked very good but he was also for sure selling his arm injury all the way through and it came into affect at the end. Lots of brawling from both teams. The match got taken to the outside a couple of times. Kane and Taker had some miscues here and there. The fans was really into this one which added more the match. Another thing, Triple H became the second grand slam champion with this match. This match defiantely surpassed all of my expectations. A very good main event. 5/5
Backlash is a good ppv. This is one I recommend.
Movie Review: Not too bad for Backlash
Summary: 4 Stars
This WWF DVD is somewhat of a mixed bag, so I gave it 4 stars.Here's my breakdown:
The menus:
One of the few animated menus we don't see in the WWF DVDs anymore. Not to mention the music to go with the theme was pretty cool.
The extras:
The interviews are pretty good to watch if you're a fanatic. It's also a good thing to add the extra matches so no one gets confused. Especially the Light-Heavyweight title match, despite the controversial ending.
6 Man Tag-Team Match: Dudleyz (all 3 of them) vs. X-Factor
Pretty impressive display by all 6 men. Especially Albert. The only disappointment is that Spike wasn't used in the match as much as the other two.
Hardcore Title Match: Raven vs. Rhyno (champ)
I'm not into ECW history but I think these two have fought before. And from what I've heard, it was one of the best. The match itself was a truly extraordinary match. But then again, whenever you hear the word, "Hardcore Match," then you're expecting a good match, right?
Duchess of Queensbury Rules Match: Y2J vs. William Regal
This is somewhat of a disappointment majorly. Not only to the fact that the whole thing was rigged right down to the controversial ending, but to the fact that there had to be a "second enforcer" to make up the rules as it went. It had it's funny moments, though.
30-Minute Ultimate Submission Match: Chris Benoit vs. Kurt Angle
Wow. This match didn't disappoint down to the last second. Never a dull moment with these two.
Last Man Standing Match: The Big Show vs. Shane McMahon
At first, I thought the match would not go anywhere since Big Show barely did any of his "earth-shattering" moves. But it picked up a whole lot with Test's interference and it picked up big time with Shane's 50-foot elbow drop that didn't connect somewhat on the Show's body, but it still had to hurt. Funny thing is, he still came back for more.
Triple Threat European Title Match: Matt Hardy (champ) vs. Christian vs. Eddie Guerrero...Guererro...aw hell, I can't spell his damn name.
An impressive match by all three of these men. Especially Matt Hardy. Considering the fact he won the WWF edition of Fear Factor and the fact that he's Lita's boyfriend. Though I didn't quite agree with Paul's comment that "Jeff won the fight for his brother," because, look, Matt helped Jeff win the IC title, why can't Jeff return the favor? That match was probably the reason I bought the DVD. That and the Submission, the Hardcore, and the Last Man Standing Matches.
3 Titles on the Line: Triple H (IC Champs) and Stone Cold Steve Austin (WWF Champ) vs. The Undertaker and Kane (Tag Team Champs)
This is really a let down. Not only to the fact that the "heels" won the match but that it had to be one in a long line of controversial decisions for the rest of the year. I mean, someone had to beat Austin for once. His one-man crime spree was getting annoying. Especially what he did to Lita. There was a lot of phisicality in the match however.
I will try to post more reviews for my other DVDs.