Tye Dillinger vs Aiden English
Prediction: Tye
Result: Tye wins via pinfall after the Tye-Breaker
Grade: C+
Thoughts: While this was nothing special; it was better than the previous few matches these two have had in recent weeks so that can only be viewed in a positive light. Tye, as he has been for around 12 months, was over as hell but honestly, the big talking point of this match was English.
I honestly feel, if the character is allowed to develop and provided with an actual story instead of being a singing Kurt Hawkins, then schizophrenic, unhinged Aiden English could get massively over. His entrance drew real heat- which is made even more impressive when you realise he got his own hometown fans to boo him. Fun match where the right person won. Decent start.
Dolph Ziggler vs Shinsuke Nakamura
Prediction: Nakamura
Result: Nakamura wins via pinfall after the Kinshasa
Grade: B-
Thoughts: I’m not sure if it was just me but this match felt weirdly slow? In no, no way was this a bad match but I just expected it to be, especially with those involved, to be incredibly explosive and highly exhilarating from bell to bell. Like I said; still a very good match. Nakamura looked dominant with his hard-hitting strikes whereas Dolph came across as the cocky heel who got his comeuppance.
Where both men go now is what is interesting; hard-core fans want Shinsuke to go straight to the main event picture but I have a feeling he will go for the US Championship which will undoubtedly create fantastic matches. Dolph on the other hand must not go back into limbo; he has shown during this feud that he can still go so hopefully will be put into a decent program.
The Usos vs Breezango – WWE Smackdown Live Tag Team Championship Match
Prediction: The Usos
Result: Jey Uso wins via pinfall after a superkick
Grade: B
Thoughts: How on earth was a match where one of the wrestlers dressed up as a janitor and a grandmother more entertaining than Nakamura’s debut you may ask? Fandango and Tyler Breeze is the answer. They are honestly hilarious and showed that even with horrendous ideas- they can make it work.
Aside from that- they showcased how absolutely fantastic they are in the ring AND on the mic thanks to this feud. The Uso’s winning did make more sense in terms of the long-term future with a potential New Day feud coming up but…god I wanted them to win. The Fashion Police have consistently the best part about Smackdown Live in recent weeks so hopefully- they don’t just fall right back down the card after tonight. Really, REALLY enjoyable.
Use the buttons below for more letter grades on our WWE Backlash 2017 review.
I feel like I wrote this list, especially that last entry about Jinder, because the match was /ok/ at best, but it’s just a shameless plug to the Indian consumers…. Why not foster interest with an Indian tournament like they did with the UK? And then get some really good guys in, guys with talent who can be molded to fit the WWE style much better than Jinder, stick them in NXT with guys like Roode and make something special? But nah, don’t hinder Jinder… Goddamn Singh brothers or whatever, I just don’t care about them. The RAW champ might not show up but at least he’s a draw.
I hate wrestling sometimes.