WWE Backlash’s Top 10 Matches of All Time, Ranked

2. WWE Intercontinental Championship – WWE Backlash 2004
Randy Orton (c) vs. Cactus Jack

From the moment Randy Orton arrived on the scene back in 2002, it was evident that WWE had big plans for him. That belief was only quantified when he was chosen to join a new stable known as Evolution. Alongside Batista, Ric Flair, and Triple H, Orton gained a great deal of experience and worked with some of the best in the business. However, people began to wonder if Orton could fine that level of success on his own.

To the surprise of many, that answer was provided through the stellar work he gave during his time feuding with Mick Foley. By this point in time, Foley had been retired from in-ring competition for roughly four years. His animosity with the Legend Killer led to him returning to the squared circle. Although he lost to Orton at WrestleMania 20, Foley was committed to getting one final shot against his rival. He managed to receive just that, and it ended up being in a Hardcore match; an environment which Foley made famous.

When Orton entered the match at WWE Backlash, he was viewed as an arrogant kid who needed aid to win matches. Fans simply didn’t expect him to possess the durability and tenacity that helps one succeed in the business. Boy were they wrong.

Throughout the contest, the Legend Killer was taken apart by barbed wire, tables, and worst of all; thumbtacks. The amount of punishment he received left him bloodied and damaged, but not beaten. An RKO on a barbed wire bat secured him the victory, establishing him as a talent destined for greatness. From that point on, Orton could boast that while fans hated him, they ultimately respected him due to that performance.