In the aftermath of WrestleMania 42, WWE Backlash delivered a night of action-packed matches, but it was a mixed bag of results that left fans with a lot to discuss. While some performers shone and earned their place in the spotlight, others fell short of expectations, leaving them in the shadows. Let's take a closer look at the real winners and losers of this event, and the implications it has for the future of WWE.
The Real Winners
Bron Breakker
Bron Breakker may have needed a little help from The Vision to defeat Seth Rollins, but make no mistake, this was a huge victory for the rising star. Breakker outwrestled one of the best in the business, and his performance was impactful and effortless. This win puts him right back in the world title contention, and I think we can expect to see him challenging for the title soon. Personally, I think Breakker has the potential to become the next World Heavyweight Champion, and this match was a step in the right direction.
Trick Williams
Trick Williams has been a rising star in NXT, and his main-roster debut was a success. He won the United States Championship, and his performance in the ring and on the mic was impressive. Williams has passed up other big names from NXT, and it looks like he's here to stay. I think we can expect to see more of him in the future, and he has the potential to become one of WWE's top champions.
Danhausen
Danhausen was a surprise package at Backlash, and his unique style of comedy has been a breath of fresh air for WWE. His match with The Miz and Kit Wilson was a throwback to the zany moments of the past, and it worked. Danhausen has quickly grown into an important role on SmackDown, and I think he has the potential to become a fan favorite. Personally, I think his act will succeed or fail based on how much fans invest in him, and I'm excited to see who gets caught up in his unique universe next.
Iyo Sky and Asuka
The match between Iyo Sky and Asuka was easily the best of the night, and it may have been the best match WWE has seen all year. These two have over-delivered throughout their rivalry, and this match was another level. Sky showed why she might be the best wrestler in WWE today, and she pushed Asuka to a signature performance. The two women earned their friendly hug at the end, and I think they have the chemistry to sell a tag team alliance. This match was a highlight of the night, and I think it has implications for the future of women's wrestling in WWE.
The Real Losers
Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn has been on a downward spiral lately, and his feud with Trick Williams has not been a redemption moment. He lost the United States Championship and got embarrassed multiple times. Zayn needs a way back to relevance, and I think he needs to find a new direction. Personally, I think he needs to embrace his dark side, but in a way that is more subtle and effective. I'm not sure what his next move should be, but I think he needs to find a way to get back on track.
Jacob Fatu
Jacob Fatu bet big on dethroning Roman Reigns, but he walked out without the gold. His post-match attack on Reigns and officials may have gotten him in hot water, and I think it's unlikely he'll be able to challenge for the title again anytime soon. Fatu is 34 years old, and he can't afford to wait another two years for his second world title opportunity. I think he needs to find a new direction, and I'm not sure what his next move should be.
Anyone Expecting Surprises
Backlash had a lot of hype leading up to it, with promises of major surprises. However, the results were largely predictable, and there were no major shocks. I think WWE needs to find a way to create more positive talking points coming out of their pay-per-view events. Personally, I think they need to find a way to surprise fans more often, and I'm not sure how they can do that without sacrificing the quality of their matches.
In conclusion, WWE Backlash had its winners and losers, and it left fans with a lot to discuss. While some performers shone and earned their place in the spotlight, others fell short of expectations. I think we can expect to see more of the winners in the future, and I'm excited to see what direction WWE takes next. Personally, I think they need to find a way to surprise fans more often, and I'm not sure how they can do that without sacrificing the quality of their matches.
