WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2021
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It has been a bit since there was a pro wrestling pay per view. So, let us get to the report card of WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2021.

WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2021 Report Card: Grades Are In

Lumberjack Match: Damian Priest vs. The Miz

WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2021

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When Damian Priest booked a Lumber Jack Match, nothing out of the ordinary crossed my mind. Typically, the heels are on one side with the faces on the other part of the ring.

Well, this match was very different. To go with Batista’s new film Army Of The Dead, they decided to make zombies the lumberjacks.

Yes, WWE really tossed a strange curveball into the match. For part of the bout, we saw the opponents actually work together before Priest scored the win. Grade: B-

United States Championship: Sheamus vs. Ricochet

WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2021

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WWE added a late match with Sheamus issuing an open challenge for the United States Championship. I like the open challenge surprises, as it reminded me of John Cena’s last reign with the title.

Ricochet coming out in long jeans makes me think he was told about the match like 5 minutes before it stated. Still, it did not matter.

Sheamus left the victor, but not without Ricochet stealing his hat and coat. Perhaps, WWE is channeling Jake Paul and Floyd Mayweather’s confrontation. Grade: B

SmackDown Tag Team Championship: Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode vs. Dominik & Rey Mysterio

WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2021

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Before the show began, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode took out Dominik Mysterio. Right before the tag title match, we learned Dominik could not compete and Rey Mysterio was on his own.

So, we thought, there goes the chance of the first father-son duo becoming WWE tag team champions. I thought we would get this match at WrestleMania 37, but nope.

Rey has always been known as an underdog, but taking on two champions seemed like too much. Then, Dominik decided to the join the match and they left as new champions. Grade: B+

SmackDown Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair vs. Bayley

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At WrestleMania 37, WWE made a mistake by not booking Bayley in a match considering her lengthy title reign. So, at least she got a shot the following month.

Bayley continues to be a great heel, showing her face run does not need to return. A good match between the two, but that should come as no surprise.

Bianca Belair retained her title thanks to her long hair. She just won the title in a historic moment, so the reign needs to last for at least a few more months. Grade: B+

Raw Women’s Championship: Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair

WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2021

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Despite Rhea Ripley only recently joining the main roster, these three women have a history. All three make for great champions, but only one can leave with the gold.

When you toss in three of the best female superstars into one match, be prepared for greatness. Overall, the match did not meet my expectations, although it was still a good performance.

Basically, it was a good effort by all, with Asuka getting pinned. Therefore, Charlotte Flair vs. Ripley is likely next as Asuka is out of the title picture. Grade: B+

Universal Championship: Roman Reigns vs. Cesaro

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Heading into the main event, I had a feeling Jimmy Uso would align with Roman Reigns. For Cesaro, this was the biggest opportunity in his entire wrestling career.

It is rare Reigns is not the strongest person in a match. Basically, the greatest moments were Cesaro being a tenth of second from winning the title.

Many wanted Cesaro to win, comparing his run to the belt to Daniel Bryan. Although, it was not meant to be as Reigns continues his impressive streak as a heel and he did not need any help. Grade: B+

WWE Championship: Bobby Lashley vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Braun Strowman

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WrestleMania did not go the way Drew McIntyre hoped and now he had to deal with Braun Strowman as well. Right out of the gate, there were no alliances in this match.

For three large superstars, they showed some rare agility spots. In particular, Braun Strowman can apparently fly.

A fun match, with each man showcasing superhuman power. Yet, Bobby Lashley was able to walk out still WWE Champion at WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2021. Grade: B+

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