WWE Backlash 2018: Results, Highlights, Analysis, and Grades

Source: WWE.com

Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass

Result: Daniel Bryan defeated Big Cass via submission

Rating: 2.25 out of 5 stars

This one is billed as Height versus Heart. Size versus Skill. Talent versus, uh, Height and Size. I get it, because that’s clearly the best way to hype this one. Cass is potentially a huge deal down the road, but he isn’t there yet, not by a long shot. Sure, he lost a ton of time and momentum when he injured his knee, but you can’t skip the work to get from point A to point B. We’re on the first step of Cass’s journey.

Bryan, on the other hand, is a former world champion trying to get re-acclimated to regular competition. You’d think that gives him a clear advantage with much more experience, especially against larger opponents. But maybe it just gives Cass more tape to study, because early on it looked like he had an answer for everything.

One thing I learned in this match: I haven’t gotten to the point where I feel comfortable watching Bryan take any moves anywhere near the head. The inside-out lariats Cass delivered made me cringe every time. I know he wouldn’t be in the ring if it wasn’t safe, but man, those looked terrifying.

Quick ending here, with both guys still easing back into things. Bryan earns a submission victory with the Yes Lock, which is an interesting call. You don’t usually think of a seven footer crying uncle, but it happened. Gotta look at Cass’s attitude as his downfall, since he was overly cocky throughout. The post match assault solidifies Cass’s poor attitude, and also opens the door for this feud to continue through at least Extreme Rules, and my crystal ball sees a Submission Match on the docket.