WWE Backlash 2025 is a really fun event. With all matches having a logical reason for happening within the storyline landscape of WWE. All matches truly were solid and did deliver. The Fatal Four Way being the highest rated of the night with a shocking debut of Jeff Cobb. Jacob Fatu retaining after a war with all men and great highlights to continue establishing himself. Fatu also not impressed with Solo bring in Jeff Cobb is a good way toa advance his tensions with Solo.
Lyra Valkyria overcomes Becky Lynch but Becky is unhinged as it comes. Dominik gets the win after Judgment Day failed to interfere but El Grande Americano headbutted Penta. Gunther destroys Pat McAfee for a prolonged amount of time while Pat barely gots anything. Pat earned his respect though? John Cena continues to fulfill his promises and made sure Randy Orton lost in St. Louis with the help of R Truth.
As a whole its a solid and enjoyable watch, with the show flying by with ease. A very hot crowd which is fully needed as a whole. Nothing really stands out as something that makes Raw/Smackdown a must see show, but everything had logical endings so good storytelling for a PLE was absolutely displayed.
WWE Backlash 2025 brings four championship matches and a grudge match. Jacob Fatu facing Drew, Domain and LA Knight. Lyra Valkyria making history with a first ever championship defense on a PLE against Becky Lynch. Dominik Mysterio faces Penta once more. Defending the honor of Michael Cole is Pat McAfee as he faces Gunther. And John Cena Vs Randy Orton One Last Time in St. Louis.
MUST WATCH Jacob Fatu Vs Damian Priest Vs Drew McIntyre Vs LA Knight – United States Championship: WWE Backlash 2025 Opening Match
Fundamentals: 0.75
Atmosphere: 1
Storytelling: 1
Psychology: 1
Innovation: 0.75
For what this was, it very easily kicked off the event with a bang. Each man gets their spots in. Jacob Fatu being the absolute star he is. The crowd is hot for all men involved, cheering for Drew with the 123, Fatu getting great reactions and chants, LA Knight having his strong reactions as always. Damian gets a little heat but is cheered as well. The way the match was laid out gave each man moments to shine. Each controlling portions of the match. Great sequences throughout the match. Tensions between LA and Priest were explored, while Priest and Drew continue to have issues. Damian costs Drew the match by pulling the referee out. McIntyre and Priest brawl in the crowd a big South of Heaven out of some equipment boxes that took them out of the match.
As Knight is about to get a diving elbow through the announce table, Solo Sikoa makes the save. Jeff Cobb also debuts for WWE helping Solo. The best part about this is using the fact that Solo did this by himself. Jacob Fatu knew and stated the plan was to dog walk everyone in the match. Jeff and Solo presented Knight in the ring but Jacob clearly was like what is this. A man of great emotions. Jacob goes and finishes Knight regardless, not impressed with Solo bringing in a heavy. Brilliant Fatal Four Way with great work all around. A rough table spot on the outside and a very solid ending.
Results: Jacob Fatu by Pinfall via Springboard Moonsault
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 4.50 Stars
AMAZING Lyra Valkyria Vs Becky Lynch – Women’s Intercontinental Championship:
Fundamentals: 0.75
Atmosphere: 1
Storytelling: 0.75
Psychology: 1
Innovation: 0.75
Really solid match that gets the time it needs. Lyra and Becky have a technical match, Becky controlling the pacing and making Lyra fight from below. As a whole there is great psychology, both having armbars in their moveset, so trading submissions. The call back to how Lyra ended up beating Becky in NXT was kicked out of. Both trade finisher kick outs as well. The crowd is firmly behind each moment and each kickout by the end of it. Becky tries to use the turnbuckle to cheat but fails. Trading roll ups after Lynch eye pokes Lyra, Lyra gets a sneaky win.
Becky beats Lyra down after the match for a length Disarmher, really breaking down Valkyria. Producers needed to escort her to the back.
Results: Lyra Valkyria by Pinfall via Roll Up
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 4.25 Stars
AMAZING Dominik Mysterio Vs Penta – Intercontinental Championship:
Fundamentals: 0.75
Atmosphere: 1
Storytelling: 0.75
Psychology: 0.75
Innovation: 0.75
This might be the “weakest” match on the card. There are fun spots and moments including the destroyer on the apron. The LED post dive. Dom using the Oblivion is also a very fun spot. The crowd also is loudly chanting Dirty Dirty Dom. All three members of the Judgment Day attempts to get involved with Finn flubbing the interference. All men get ejected but Finn is still around. The ref is distracted as Americano headbutts Penta before Dom gets a frog splash for the win.
Results: Dominik Mysterio by Pinfall via Frog Splash
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 4.00 Stars
AMAZING Gunther Vs Pat McAfee: WWE Backlash 2025 Co Main Event
Fundamentals: 0.75
Atmosphere: 1
Storytelling: 1
Psychology: 0.75
Innovation: 0.50
Gunther toying with his food. That’s what this match is. With hard chops, with suplexes, Gunther is laughing and enjoying tossing around Pat McAfee. Pat gets some strikes, chopping Gunther himself along with punches and some kicks. During a Boston crab, Michael Cole, who has been biased the entire match, leaves the booth to cheer Pat on. Cole is pulled into the ring but Pat saves him from a powerbomb. Cole attempts to hold the ankle of Gunther while Gunther is being pinned. Soon a sleeper spells the end for Pat.
After the match, Pat goes to his feet and Gunther gives a little courtesy bow of respect to Pat? Crowd was hot, a fun story that helped make gunther look strong again. After Gunther said how much he just wants to beat up Pat, a prolonged squash like this made the most sense.
Results: Gunther by Submission via Sleeper
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 4.00 Stars
AMAZING John Cena Vs Randy Orton – WWE Championship: WWE Backlash 2025 Main Event
Fundamentals: 0.75
Atmosphere: 1
Storytelling: 1
Psychology: 1
Innovation: 0.50
It was never going to be the most innovative, the most unique or anything along those lines. Definitely dependent on what John could do at this stage of his career. The crowd is rabid hot for Randy and against John. The structure of the match was a little slow, but built in excitement. If you can get lost in the sauce, caught up in the moment and enjoying what the crowd can make you feel its a really emotional match. With nearfalls that are great. On the verge of too many finishers, none were truly bastardized or made to look weak. Pins not being counted right away saved it.
The crowd were attached to every single thing in the match. After several punt teases from both men, the last one came with R Truth stopping it. Truth gets hit with an RKO, Randy gets hit with a low blow and a title shot. The show ends with John Cena stopping the music and saying for St. Louis to drink in the Last Real Champion.
Results: John Cena by Pinfall via Championship Shot
Coby Galenzoski WR Star Rating – 4.25 Stars
WWE Backlash 2025 Overall…
WWE Backlash 2025 is a really fun event. With all matches having a logical reason for happening within the storyline landscape of WWE. All matches truly were solid and did deliver. The Fatal Four Way being the highest rated of the night with a shocking debut of Jeff Cobb. Jacob Fatu retaining after a war with all men and great highlights to continue establishing himself. Fatu also not impressed with Solo bring in Jeff Cobb is a good way toa advance his tensions with Solo.
Lyra Valkyria overcomes Becky Lynch but Becky is unhinged as it comes. Dominik gets the win after Judgment Day failed to interfere but El Grande Americano headbutted Penta. Gunther destroys Pat McAfee for a prolonged amount of time while Pat barely gots anything. Pat earned his respect though? John Cena continues to fulfill his promises and made sure Randy Orton lost in St. Louis with the help of R Truth.
As a whole its a solid and enjoyable watch, with the show flying by with ease. A very hot crowd which is fully needed as a whole. Nothing really stands out as something that makes Raw/Smackdown a must see show, but everything had logical endings so good storytelling for a PLE was absolutely displayed.
Matches: 0.75/1 Stars
Show Structure: 1/1 Stars
Atmosphere…: 1/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.75/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 1/1 Stars
Overall Rating. 4.50/5 Stars
Photo Credit: WWE – May 10 2025
For inquiries about the rating criteria check out the article announcing the new system here:
