WWE Backlash France turned out to be a significant event of the year, but it wasn’t without its flaws. Despite not aiming to outshine the previous WrestleMania, fan expectations were high, and WWE fell short in certain aspects.
Choosing Lyon, France for a premium live event was intriguing, but the absence of European stars raised eyebrows. Unlike featuring British talents in the UK and Ludwig Kaiser as a focal point in Berlin, France missed out. WWE opted for a limited card with mostly American wrestlers, leaving fans wondering about the decision-making process.
The Women’s Tag Team Championship match left a bitter taste due to various errors, notably Asuka not being the legal participant during the pin. Despite Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair’s win elevating the Women’s Division, the match had multiple botches, culminating in a chaotic finish with Belair pinning the wrong opponent.
Apart from Tango Lao’s debut, Backlash lacked unexpected moments, resembling a standard SmackDown episode. The predictability of the event, common in European shows, hinted at WWE testing the waters in France. Fans anticipated more matches and the inclusion of several superstars present at the event but left out.
The absence of Uncle Howdy, despite weeks of teasers and fan excitement, disappointed many. Hopes were high for Uncle Howdy’s introduction following Bray Wyatt’s passing, with fans eager for Bo Dallas to carry on his late brother’s legacy. However, the event concluded without Uncle Howdy’s appearance, leaving fans with more questions and a prolonged wait for his debut.
WWE’s Backlash France showcased memorable moments but left room for improvement with these highlighted missteps.