Customer Reviews

WWE: Backlash 2004 [VHS]

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(53)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I have been a wrestling fan since 1996 and have watched all kinds of wrestling. I have a wrestling DVD/VHS collection spanning over 50 all together. This is the most complete and accurate review of this DVD you will find. I hope you find this review helpful; remember to vote helpful or not helpful. (Note-Each DVD I review has a "Match of the DVD" award somewhere in it.)

WWE Backlash 2004
Backlash 2004 was a top-notch event. WrestleMania XX was a bit of a let down, but Backlash picked back up on the quality. It did have its low points, but overall this is a solid event. The high points last longer and make you forget a lot of the low points.

Shelton Benjamin VS Ric Flair
This is a fun match. Benjamin dominates most of the match with his quick wrestling. Flair works over Benjamin's leg for a bit, but nothing really comes of it. The match is not amazing, but serves as a good opener.
RATING- 7/10

Coach VS Tajiri
This match starts boring. The crowd is dead. Coach actually does a good job of wrestling Tajiri though. Coach works over the legs of Tajiri. Near the end, the crowd begins to get into the match.
RATING- 5/10

Jericho VS Christian & Trish Stratus
After Jericho was screwed at Wrestlemania, Jericho is seeking revenge. Jericho and Christian put on a clinic in the ring. Trish comes in every now and then for some cheap shots. Sadly, many people will look over this great contest.
RATING- 8.5/10

Women's Championship
Lita VS Victoria(c)
This is a weird match. The participants seem to be to be wrestling in slow motion. There is a complete lack of emotion. The crowd being dead does not help this encounter any.
RATING- 4.5/10

Hardcore Match
Intercontinental Championship
Cactus Jack VS Randy Orton(c)
Hardcore. Brutal. Shocking. Those three words describe this match perfectly. Orton takes a sick plunge into a mass of thumbtacks. Orton also takes a plunge off the stage into a table, which is followed by a huge elbow drop. The only problem I see with this match is that the ending feels a bit sudden. Other than that, this is an awesome match.
RATING- 9.5/10

Hurricane/Rosey VS La Resistance
This match was used to cool off the crowd. Eugene comes out after a few minutes and walks around the ring. The camera stays focused on Eugene for the rest of the match. The match gets no respect at all. This is a waste of time. Luckily, this match only lasts a few minutes.
RATING- 1/10

Edge VS Kane
Edge makes his return to action against Kane. Edge has a broken hand. The story is that if Edge uses his cast as a weapon, he will be suspended. You knew it was only a matter of time before he used it. The match is solid, but nothing you will remember.
RATING- 7/10

World Heavyweight Championship (Match of the DVD)
Triple H VS Shawn Michaels VS Chris Benoit(c)
I am going to say it right now. This match is better than their match at Wrestlemania XX. Benoit is in his hometown and the crowd it going crazy for him. There is also a cool throwback to the Montreal Screwjob. Michaels has a sharpshooter on Benoit and Hebner runs out. It looks like a complete remake of the Montreal Screwjob. The match is filled with cool moments.
RATING- 9.5/10

OK, here is a REAL review...

This review is based on the PPV not the DVD.

Match 1: Shelton Benjamin vs. Ric Flair
7.5/10
Great opener. Ric can still go!
Winner: Shelton Benjamin

Match 2: Tajiri vs. Jonathan Coachman
7/10
Woah, Coach can wrestle? Not bad... He was actually impressive, but what can you really expect from The Coach? Bad ending though, Tajiri totally jobbed.
Winner: Jonathan Coachman

Match 3:
*Handicap Match*
Chris Jericho vs. Christian & Trish Stratus
8.5/10

Pretty good. Y2J finally got his revenge on the Creepy Little (...) and the Dirty, Disgusting, Bottom-feeding, Trash-bag, Ho!
Winner: Chris Jericho

Match 4:
*Women's Championship*
Lita vs. Victoria(c)
8.5/10
This was very good and entertaining! Lita and Victoria are two of the very few women in the WWE that can actually wrestle and look good doing it. I am a big fan of Women's Wrestling when done right, and this match did just that. I really wanted Lita to win though, I mean come on, it's been 3 1/2 years since she's held the Title. But, I'm sure she'll have another shot. Great competition from both women.
Winner: Victoria

Match 5:
*Intercontinental Championship*
*Hardcore Match*
*Evolution Banned From Ringside*
Cactus Jack vs. Randy Orton(c)
10/10
WOW! EXCELLENT MATCH! VERY BRUTAL! DID JUST WHAT THEY BOTH SAID! I thought that Cactus Jack would win but Randy really took a beating and all that Mick can give. On this night, Randy Orton truly proved that he is a worthy competitor and truly earned my respect.
Winner: Randy Orton

Match 6: La Resistance vs. The Hurricane & Rosey
DUD
This stupid fill-in was made a half-hour ago on HEAT. No reason for this crap at all except to waste time. Funny appearance by Eugene though.
Winners: The Hurricane & Rosey

Match 7: Edge vs. Kane
7/10
Man, I am really dissapointed by this match... I really thought that this match would be better especially with the return of Edge after over a year.
Winner: Edge

Main Event:
*The Final Encounter*
*World Heavyweight Championship*
*Triple Threat Match*
Chris Benoit(c) vs. Shawn Michaels vs. Triple H
10/10
WOW! ANOTHER INCREDIBLE MATCH! JUST AS GOOD AS THEIR WRESTLEMANIA BATTLE! Benoit, against all odds proved that he is not just another One-Hit-Wonder! The Crowd was UNBELIEVABLE! They were into every match. "YOU SCREWED BRET" chants for HBK and "YOU TAPED OUT" chants for HHH. Chris Benoit got of course the greatest pops and the crowd was with him all the way.
Winner: Chris Benoit

OVERALL:
Overall analysis is based on Arena setup, Crowd reactions, Wrestler attire, Commentating, Stroylines behind the matches, the Matches themselves, and of course how entertaining the PPV was.
8.7/10
This is a worthy purchase, great event although I would wait a while and buy this from someone on the Marketplace for a cheaper price. All of the matches on the card had a good storyline behind them except the fill-in. The crowd was just as good and as pumped throughout the night as New York's crowd. The commentating was nice and funny. Well, I hope this was a helpful review for you, Later.

April 18, 2004
Rexall Place, Edmonton Alberta, Canada

Shelton Benjammin def. Ric Flair
Good choice for an opener which went about 9 minutes. Back and forth action with Benjammin hitting the top rope clothesline for the win. Benjammin's mega push continues.
Match Rating - **1/2

The Coach def. Tajiri
Wasn't expecting much from the match since Coach was in it, but i was pleasantly surprised. Coach shouldn't be wrestling however, so i guess his new ally, Garrison Cade, will do the rasslin for him. Coach pulls out the upset with Cade's help.
Match Rating - *1/4

Chris Jericho def. Christian and Trish Stratus
I would have rather just seen Jericho/Christian II, but we get a handicap match here. Match was very solid, with Jericho pinning Christian with the running enziguri.
Match Rating - ***

Womens Championship - Victoria def. Lita
Hated this match. Lita needs to consider a new occupation because she's clearly not cut out to be a proffesional wrestler. Victoria's awsome though, and she (thank god) retains her title here with a cradle.
Match Rating - 1/4*

Intercontinental Championship
No Holds Barred - Randy Orton def. Cactus Jack
WOW! What can i say that probably hasn't already been said. We all new Orton was going to win since the only reason Foley came out of retirement was to put a younger star over. Orton should thank his lucky stars that it was him because Foley put him over clean, cata-pulting him right to the top of the WWE. The match itself was just an awsome brawl. When Orton pulled out those thunbtacks i fully expected Foley to get throw onto them, but i fell out of my seat when Randy got throw onto them, and my hats off to him for continuing the match. Orton tries to escape, but Foley throws him off the stage through a couple of tables. Orton kicks out of all of Foley's covers, making him look that much better. two RKO's get the biggest win of Orton's young career. Definite show-stealer.
Match Rating - *****

Hurricane & Rosey def. La Resistance
Don't bother watching this, especially if your still drained from Orton/Foley. Not much of a match, and you know it's just been thrown in to kill some time when Eugene jumps in the ring and just runs around like an idiot for a couple of minutes.
Match Rating - 1/2*

Edge def. Kane
A six minute match for a 14-month return for Edge. The crowd was dead for this match until Edge hit the spear at the end, probably because they were still amazed by the Orton/Foley match. The match itself was not good, but it'll pass.
Match Rating - *

World Title - Triple Threat
Chris Benoit def. Triple H & Shawn Michaels
The final encounter? Yep, it's probably the last time they'll have a triple threat with these three. This match was very good, not as good as their WrestleMania match though, since it think there was a bit more riding on it for Benoit at Mania. The match went 30 minutes and just seemed a bit flat in some patches, nevertheless, i was very satisfied with what i got. Benoit blocks the Sweet Chin Music and locks in the SharpShooter, getting the submission victory, a moment i'm sure many Canadian fans will never forget. Benoit celebrates with his hometown with his belt at the end, which is a very emotion moment as well.
Match Rating - ****1/2

I saw Backlash on ppv and it was a good ppv with lots of solis matches. Here is how I rate the matches

RATING SCALE

40-bad ppv

40-50-okay ppv

50-60-Average ppv

60-70-Great ppv

70-80-exellent ppv

80+-classic ppv

Shelton Benjamin def. Ric Flair 6/10

This was a solid opener, nothing too special and nothing too awful. Benjamin is a good young talent and put on a great match here and Flair is past his time and all he knows how to do is chop. Benjamin wins this match at the 8 minute mark with a top rope clothesline.

Coach def. Tajiri 4/10

This match was better than what I expected but was still not great. Coach can actually wrestle, he really suprised me. Tajiri used some good offence in this match but was beaten by Coach after Garrison Cade interfered.

Chris Jericho def. Christian/Trish Stratus 8/10

Another exellent match from Jericho and Christian. Trish didn't really do much in this match exept covering Jericho after he was beaten down by Christian. I liked the moves used by both men in this match and they have a great chemistery together. Y2J picked up the win in this match at around the 15 minute mark.

Womans Championship-Victoria def. Lita 5/10

Womans wrestling has really improved over the years. This was actually a good 6-7 minute match with lots of back and fourth action. Lita is in great shape and Victoria is the best womans wrestler around in my veiw. Victoria retained the title at the 7 minute mark with a small package roll up.

Intercontinental Title-Randy Orton def. Mick Foley 9/10

WHAT A HARDCORE MATCH. This was the equal match of the night with the triple threat match. Lots of weapons were used by both men and it was a bloody match. Orton got thrown off the stage through a table, thrown into a barb wire board and slammed in thumbtacks while Cactus Jack took loads of bumps and got the RKO on to a barb wire bat(barbie). Randy Orton retained the Intercontinental title at the 21 minute mark with an RKO on the barb wire bat.

La Resistance vs. Hurricane/Rosey 2/10

Basicly a filler with no build up and no title on the line. I forgot who won it and that shows how good it was.

Edge def. Kane 5/10

A very average match match which should have been way better. It was only 6 minutes long and didn't get going until the end. Edge is one of my favourite wrestlers and I was happy to see him return but this match wasn't one of his best. Edge completes his comeback at the 6 minute mark with a spear on the monster Kane.

WHW Title-Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. Shawn Michaels 9/10

An exellent match between three superstars of wrestling. It was not as good as their match at Wrestlemania 20 but was still a classic encounter. This was a straight out wrestling match and never got dull. I rated this match 9/10 because it wasn't as good as their 10/10 WM classic. Chris Benoit retains in his home town after making Michaels tap to the sharpshooter at around the 30 minute mark.

Overall an exellent Raw ppv which scored a 48/80. The score was lowered from the Tag match and Coach vs. Tajiri so the score is not as bad as it looks. RATING SCALE-60

Look, the only two matches that matter on this dvd are Benoit/HHH/HBK, and the best damn hardcore match Ive seen in years. The triple threat match was very good, but it didn't have the excitment or pageantry that their Wrestlemania epic had. Take it from me, I WAS THERE.

But back to the match that YOU NEED TO WATCH. Randy Orton and Mick Foley put on a show that would make some of those lunatic wrestlers in Japan blush. Nothing was overdone or overly violent in this one. Foley put over a kid that is the real NEXT BIG THING. While the last guy with that title ran off to play to play football, Orton proved in this match that he will do anything for this business. Not only did he land flat on countless thumbtacks, but he wasn't wearing a shirt either!!!

Ive never seen a guy do that over here. Foley did an incredible job and proved that he still had that psychotic side to him, but Orton used this as his coming out party. When people start talking about how great of a wrestler he is and how he started to be recognized as a legend, this is the match everyone will look back on

After coming off a little bit of a disappointing Wrestlemania XX, RAW served up a good quality ppv in Backlash. They advertised this ppv as being Chris Benoit's "homecoming" since Backlash was hosting from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Most of the card is rock solid as I pointed out in my title but there are some low points as well. But overall this is an event that made up for Wrestlemania and a good ppv to pick up.

1. Shelton Benjamin vs. Ric Flair
This was a fun opener. Shelton showed some great athleticism and agility. It seemed that Flair was trying to keep up with Benjamin throughout the match. Flair worked on the leg of Benjamin for a brief time but it really didn't lead to anywhere. But overall a solid opener and a fun one at that. 3.75/5

2. Tajiri vs. Johnathon Coachman
To believe it or not, this wasn't the worst match of the night. The Coach actually held his own even with taking some hard pops from Tajiri. Coach does know how to sell a beating. I do have to give him that. But overall this match was more on the amusment side. I actually laughed during this match. But still not the best nor the worst of the night. 2/5

3. Handi-cap Match
Chris Jericho vs. Christian & Trish Stratus
Having one of the best matches at Wrestlemania, Jericho & Christian kept it going here. I think this story went off pretty good and all 3 delivered a solid match. Y2J & Christian had a strong showing and good competitive match up. While Jericho and Trish added humor to the match. But I don't think this match topped their WM encounter. Still though one of the bests of the night. 4.25/5

4. Women's Championship
Victoria vs. Lita
I actually didn't find anything wrong with this match. I really thought Lita and Victoria had a good and competitve women's match up. A couple of good pinning combinations. I found this match quite good actually. 3.25/5

5. Hardcore Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley
Before I start, this was a huge match for Orton in his career. And I think Foley did a fantastic job putting over Orton as well. A ton of weapons being brought in such as barbed wire stuff, thumb tacks, chairs, trash cans, and nearly fire also.

As for the match went, this was outstanding and in my view the best of the night. Foley was at his lowest gained weight in years right here. Orton and Foley got very hardcore and violent in this match. They used the weapons very effectively on each other. A couple of good counters and shots were taken. I found this match being one of the greatest hardcore matches in WWE's history. Outstanding match. Match of the night for me. 5/5

6. La Resistance vs. Hurricane & Rosey
Without a doubt the worst match on the card. Even worst once Eugene came out and wander around the ring for no particular reason at all. Just no respect for the match at all. Only here to try and put over Eugene. 1/5

7. Edge vs. Kane
I found it interesting that returning within 3 weeks from his neck injury a year ago, Edge managed to break his hand. I just found that so ironic. But the stipulation was that if the ref caught Edge using his cast, he would be fired. So you knew the cast would come into play at some point. Kane and Edge had a good match, could have been better though. But nothing really that you will remember. Except for Earl Hebner being chanted "You Screwed Bret" throughout the whole match. 3.5/5

8. World Heavyweight Championship
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Benoit vs. Triple H
They advertised this match as being the Final Encounter and to quote from Triple H this is defiantely one of the greatest rematches of all time. Still I don't think this match captured the same majic as it did from Wrestlemania. But still a phenomenal match. I felt the match was different though then from Wrestlemania but still great nevertheless. It had a huge crash and burn table spot from HBK. With HBK out, Triple H and Benoit had a good one on one match. Poetic justice as well for the finish. A fantastic match and main event. 5/5

Backlash defiantely made up for Wrestlemania which hosted a great rematch from Wrestlemania, a great hardcore match, and a solid mid card with a dud or two. I recommend on getting this. It's very worth checking out.

After winning the biggest price in wrestling today at the biggest show in recent WWE history (at that time)...the emotional rollercoaster ride continues for Chris Benoit as he comes home as champion.

Shelton Benjamin vs. Ric Flair - What an opener as we're seening shelton coming into his own in a huge way while Ric Flair gave his best match in singles action that he's had in a while at this time.

Tajiri vs. The Coach - This was actually a watchable & decent match instead of being a comedic or horrible encounter.

Chris Jericho vs. Christian & Trish Stratus - This was a step below the WM match but in no way was this match bad or disappointing as the underrated Christian & Jericho always know how to put together a great performance together.

Womens Champion Victoria vs. Lita - Unfortunally, the chemistry just wasn't there as this match was just an average encounter but very disappointing concidering the potential this match had.

No Holds Barred: Intercontinental Champion Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley - Foley in this match did what he did for Triple H in 2000 & Edge at WM22. He put Orton in his hardcore enviroment & heavily put him over as it showed that Orton can take some serious punishment that most wrestlers can't & still go while telling a good story in the ring as well.

Rosey & Hurricane vs. La Resistance - This was a huge dud as Eugene came out in the middle & just ran the ropes in the ring for no reason while the match was going on. Just pointless.

Edge vs. Kane - Edge's return after neck surgery against Kane. This match was just there as Edge still showed some ring rust. Nothing memorable here to note as their series in 2005 heavily overtopped & made this match forgettable.

World Champion Chris Benoit vs. Triple H vs. HBK - They were able to do it twice & delieve one hell of a match here with the crowd more into it than their WM encounter (they are in Canada with HBK & Earl Hebner afterall). The ending with HBK tapping out in the sharpshooter was "justice."

DVD extras that I can remember include Benoit visiting the Hart Family house for the last time (it was sold shortly afterwards), and his speech the next night at RAW. Overall, RAW put on one hell of a show here as there was only one dull match. This is a PPV I highly recommend.

Hello and welcome to my Backlash 2004 PPV review. I will run down everything from the opening match to the interviews and I will grade each thing I review out of 10. Lets begin...

Val Venis vs Matt Hardy 6/10

A suprising great match on Heat.Val Venis wins.

Shelton Benjamin vs Ric Flair 8/10

Great match because of Shelton looking like a million bucks at his first Raw PPV. Shelton wins with a top rope clothesline.

Coach vs Tajiri 5/10

I thought this match was absolute crap at first but when I saw Coach actually do a few moves it really picked up from there.

Coach wins with a roll up when Garrison Cade cheap shoted Tajiri.

Chris Jericho vs Christian and Trish 9/10

A nice match that looked pretty good on paper and it surely didn't dissapoint though it was not as good as thier Wrestlemania bout. Chris Jericho wins with a running Enziguiri on Christian.

Eugene in the diva locker room 8/10

Very funny with Eugene seeing Molly without her wig!

Lita vs Victoria 4/10

This was the worst match on the PPV. Victoria wins with a inside cradle. After the match Gail Kim(now in TNA) and Molly run in and destroy Lita and Victoria.

Mick Foley vs RKO 10/10

This was the best match on the PPV and possibly match of the year(I think it wasn't but a match of the year candidate for sure). Lots of weapons come into play throughout the match. I think it was a little bit better than Edge vs Foley at Wrestlemania 22. RKO wins.

Triple H interview 6/10

Triple H just says lightning won't strike twice and that he will win the title.

Hurricane and Rosey vs La resistance 6/10

Pretty good but could have done a little better follwing a match of the year candidate.

Edge vs Kane 9/10

Great match with the stipulation if Edge used his cast he would lose and be suspended. Edge wins with a low blow, a shot with his cast and a spear.

Triple H vs HBK vs the Crippler 9.5/10

This was an awesome way to end the PPV. I am a huge HHH fan but unfortunately he could not capture the gold. Lots of hate for HBK since this was held in Canada(Montreal Screwjob). Chris Benoit wins with a sharpshooter on HBK( the same move HBK used on Bret Hart).

HERES MY REVIEW FOR THE FALLOUT OF WRESTLEMANIA 20 FOR RAW, BACKLASH 2004.

SHELTON BENJAMIN VS. RIC FLAIR

GREAT MATCHUP BUT SHOULDNT HAVE OPENED THE SHOW. BOTH MEN LOOK GREAT.

WINNER: SHELTON BENJAMIN

RATING: 8

JONATHAN COACHMAN VS. TAJIRI

A LOT BETTER THAN I EXPECTED, STILL SOLID THOUGH. SWEET KICK BY TAJIRI.

WINNER: JONATHAN COACHMAN

RATING: 6

HANDICAPT MATCH

CHRIS JERICHO VS. CHRISTIAN & TRISH STRATUS

ANOTHER GREAT MATCH. THIS SHOULVE BEEN THE OPENER, BUT THATS NOT MY DECISION.

WINNER: CHRIS JERICHO

RATING: 8

WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

VICTORIA VS. LITA

NOT BAD, BUT NOT VERY GOOD. WOULDVE BEEN BETTER AS A FACE VS. HEEL MATCH.

WINNER: VICTORIA

RATING: 6

NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP

RANDY ORTON VS. CACTUS JACK

AMAZING HARDCORE MATCH! WRONG MAN WON BUT IN THE END, ORTON IS STILL IC CHAMP. NONETHELESS, THIS WAS AWESOME!

WINNER: RANDY ORTON

RATING: 9

HURRICANE & ROSEY VS. LA RESISTANCE

JUST A FILLER TO CALM THE CROWD DOWN, AND FOR EUGENE TO BE ON PPV.

WINNERS: HURRICANE & ROSEY

RATING: 6

EDGE VS. KANE

NOT THE BEST MATCH BETWEEN THESE TWO, THEIR MATCH AT VENGEANCE, AND STRETCHER MATCH ON RAW IN 2005 WERE BETTER. HO-HUM CAN DESCRIBE IT.

WINNER: EDGE

RATING: 6.5

MAIN EVENT

FINAL ENCOUNTER

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

CHRIS BENOIT VS. SHAWN MICHAELS VS. TRIPLE H

HARD TO NOT COMPARE TO THEIR WRESTLEMANIA MATCH, BUT I WONT. THIS WAS AN OUTSTANDING MATCH WITH A GREAT EFFORT FROM BOTH 3 MEN. THIS SHOWS BENOIT IS A GREAT CHAMPION.

WINNER: CHRIS BENOIT

RATING: 9.5

OVERALL, BACKLASH 2004 WAS WORTH 7.5 OUT OF 10 STARS. ANOTHER GOOD PAY PER VIEW FROM RAW.

SHELTON BENJAMIN DEF. RIC FLAIR. JUMP OFF FOR BENJAMINS CAREER

COACH DEF. TAJIRI. WASTE OF A GOOD PPV

HANDICAP MATCH: Y2J DEF. CHRISTIAN & TRISH. Y2J HET REVENGE. YAH

WWE WOMENS CHAMPIONSHIP: VICTORIA DEF. LITA. GOOD WOMENS MATCH.

HARDCORE MATCH FOR IC CHAMPIONSHIP: RANDY ORTON DEF. CACTUS JACK TO RETAIN. OFF THE CHARTS MATCH.

#1 CONTENDERS MATCH FOR TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: HURRICANE & ROSEY DEF. LA RESISTANCE. EUGENE ROX. MADE HEROES WINN.

EDGE DEF. KANE. AND I THOUGHT KANE WAS A MONSTER WAS GONNA DOMINATE EDGE

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH FOR WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: CHRIS BENIOT MADE MICHAELS TAP TP REATAIN TRIPLE H DIDNT GET HURT I DONT THINK