WWE Backlash

Backlash is an annual WWE event, which started in 1999. As of 2004, Backlash is a Raw exclusive pay-per-view event.

1999

1999 was the first installment of Backlash; the event took place in Providence, Rhode Island. In the event the Ministry (Bradshaw, Faarooq, and Mideon) took on the Brood (Edge, Christian & Gangrel) in a 6-man tag team match, the ministry came out of the match victorious. Also, Al Snow defeated "Hardcore" Bob Holly to win the WWE Hardcore Title. The Intercontinental Champion, the Godfather, successfully defended his title against Goldust. The tag team of the New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg & Billy Gunn) defeated the team of Jeff Jarrett and the late Owen Hart. In a "Boiler Room Brawl" Mankind defeated The Big Show. Also, Triple H defeated longtime friend X-Pac in a grudge match. The Undertaker defeated Ken Shamrock, and in the night's main event, WWE Champion, Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated The Rock to successfully defend his title.

2000

The 2000 edition of Backlash took place in Washington, DC. The tag team champions, Edge & Christian, successfully defended their tag team titles against D-Generation X member Road Dogg & X-Pac. The Light-Heavyweight Champion, Dean Malenko, defeated Scotty 2 Hotty to successfully defend his title. The tag team of the Big Boss Man & Bull Buchanan defeated the Acolytes (Faarooq & Bradshaw). In a Hardcore Battle Royal, involving Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, Hardcore Holly, Perry Saturn, Tazz, and Hardcore Champion Crash Holly, Crash came out victorious when he pinned Tazz. The Big Show defeated Kurt Angle. The tag team of Test & Albert defeated the Dudley Boyz. European Champion, Eddie Guerrero defeated Essa Rios to successfully defend his title. Chris Jericho was disqualified in his match against Chris Benoit, enabling Benoit to keep his Intercontinental Title. And in the night's main event, The Rock, with Stone Cold Steve Austin in his corner, defeated Triple H, with Vince McMahon in his corner, for the WWE Championship. Shane McMahon was the guest referee for this contest.

2001

The 2001 edition of Backlash was live from Chicago, Illinois. To open the night X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible & Albert) defeated the Dudley Boyz (Bubba, D-Von & Spike) in a 6-Man Tag Match. Rhyno defeated Raven to successfully defend the WWE Hardcore Championship. William Regal defeated Chris Jericho in a Dutchess of Queensbury Match. In a 30-Minute Ultimate Submission Match, Chris Benoit defeated Kurt Angle 4-3 in overtime. Shane McMahon defeated The Big Show in a Last Man Standing Match. European Champion, Matt Hardy defeated Christian & Eddie Guerrero in a triple threat match to successfully defend his title. In a tag team match with the WWE Championship, Intercontinental Championship, and Tag Team Championships on the line, WWE Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Intercontinental Champion, Triple H, defeated Tag Team Champions, The Undertaker & Kane to win the Tag Team Titles.

2002

In 2002 the WWE brought Backlash to Kansas City, Missouri. This was the first edition of backlash since the roster split which had occurred just weeks before. To open the night, Tajiri defeated Cruiserweight Champion Billy Kidman to win the title. Next, nWo member Scott Hall defeated Bradshaw. Women's Champion Jazz defeated Trish Stratus to successfully defend her title. Brock Lesnar defeated Jeff Hardy when the referee called for the match to be stopped. Kurt Angle defeated Edge in a grudge match. Eddie Guerrero defeated Rob Van Dam to become the new WWE Intercontinental Champion. The Undertaker defeated Stone Cold Steve Austin to become the Number 1 Contender for the WWE Championship. Tag Team Champions, Billy (Gunn) & Chuck (Palumbo) defeated Maven & Al Snow to successfully defend the WWE Tag Team Titles. Hulk Hogan defeated Triple H for the WWE Undisputed Championship.

2003

Worcester, Massachusetts played host to the 2003 edition of Backlash. Team Angle (Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin) defeated Los Guerreros (Eddie & Chavo Guerrero) to keep the WWE Tag Team Titles. Sean O'Haire, with Roddy Piper in his corner, defeated Rikishi. World Tag Team Champions Rob Van Dam & Kane defeated the Dudley Boyz to successfully defend their titles. Jazz defeated Trish Stratus to become the new WWE Women's Champion. The Big Show defeated Rey Mysterio. WWE Champion Brock Lesnar defeated John Cena to successfully defend his title. The team of Triple H, Ric Flair & Chris Jericho defeated Shawn Michaels, Kevin Nash & Booker T in a 6-Man Tag Team Match. In the night's main event, Goldberg defeated The Rock.

2004

The next edition of Backlash was held on April 18, 2004 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It was the first RAW-exclusive edition of Backlash. Results were:

• Shelton Benjamin defeated Ric Flair
• Jonathan Coachman defeated Tajiri after a run-in by Garrison Cade
• Chris Jericho defeated Christian & Trish Stratus in a handicap match
• Victoria defeated Lita to retain the WWE Women's Title
• The Hurricane and Rosey defeated La Résistance (Sylvain Grenier and Rob Conway)
• Edge defeated Kane
• Randy Orton defeated Cactus Jack in a No Holds Barred Match to retain his Intercontinental Title

In the final encounter, Chris Benoit retained the World Heavyweight Title, forcing Shawn Michaels to tap out to Bret Hart's Sharpshooter submission hold to win a Triple Threat Match. Triple H also participated in this WrestleMania XX rematch.