WWE Backlash is the latest PLE in a packed slate of action from the promotion. This card featured what’s being called the final meeting between John Cena and Randy Orton, as Cena prepares for retirement at the end of this year. Along with that, Becky Lynch attempted to take the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship from Lyra Valkyria. There was a host of action to look forward to and now that the event has ended, here is the full breakdown of the results and grades for the entire show.
WWE Backlash 2025 grades and results
Jacob Fatu versus LA Knight versus Damian Priest versus Drew McIntyre in a fatal four-way match for the WWE United States Championship
Jacob Fatu claims he’s “all gas, no brakes” and putting him as the opener of the show was the perfect encapsulation of that ideal. LA Knight was the first man to get hot in the match, but things would break down with all men getting their moment to shine. Priest, Knight, and McIntyre focused their offense on Fatu, keeping him outside the ring.
That wouldn’t be the case forever, as Fatu would get rolling with a hot steak that saw him hit everything, including a dive to the outside and a swanton bomb. McIntyre came close to the finish hitting a Claymore on Knight but right before the three count, Priest pulled out the referee. That would lead to McIntyre and Priest fighting through the crowd, with Priest putting McIntyre through a table with a South of Heaven chokeslam.
Solo Sikoa would get involved, saving Fatu from going through the announce table. But he wasn’t alone, as Jeff Cobb attacked Knight at Sikoa’s orders. Fatu was confused by the situation, but didn’t stop to relax as he put away Knight to retain.
WWE typically does a great job with these multi-person matches and this one did not disappoint. The fans were hot from the match from start to finish. There were several big spots, and WWE achieved the goal of making Fatu look like a world-beater, while furthering the developing angle between Fatu and Sikoa.
Grade: A
Lyra Valkyria versus Becky Lynch in a singles match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship
Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria exchanged some solid wrestling to start the match, with Lynch getting the early upper hand. Valkyria would take over, getting her own momentum, but the first big moment of the match came when Lynch knocked Valkyria off the top rope. From there, it was the standard heel work from Lynch for an extended period. Valkyria had some great flashes, including a big stalling suplex from the top rope.
Valkyria and Lynch would exchange arm bar sequences into pinning attempts, but neither would come out on top. Fans chanted for both women after Lynch hit the Manhandle Slam for a close two-count. Lynch removed the cover from the turnbuckle, but WWE made a smart adjustment to the typical turnbuckle spot. Lynch and Valkyria exchanged finishers, but it would be a scramble to the pinfall where Valkyria picked up the win.
This was an interesting match with a strong outcome. It was a bit slow in some moments, with both women clearly stopping for the next spot. But it was still a fun back and forth match. Valkyria proved she could hang with one of the most important women in wrestling today and the fans are ready to ride with her.
Grade: B
Dominik Mysterio versus Penta in a singles match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
This match was the quiet sleeper option to steal the show. The fans were into Dominik Mysterio, furthering the idea that he is destined for a babyface push. He landed a big suicide dive into a DDT that got the crowd to their feet.
Mysterio and Penta put on an excellent wrestling match, with some big spots along the way. Mysterio even hit the Oblivion on Penta for a two-count, paying respect to Liv Morgan who is filming a movie. While Judgment Day were being tossed out, Penta hit a pancha over the referee to the outside.
Outside interference would be the story of this match. Judgment Day were run off but Grande Americano ran out to attack Penta, hitting him with the headbutt. Mysterio landed the frog splash to retain.
Dominik Mysterio has the potential to get over on his own, and it will be interesting to see where the story goes once Finn Balor splits. But WWE needs to wrap up the Grande Americano stuff with Chad Gable. It was a bit funny at first, but it has long overstayed its welcome.
Grade C
Pat McAfee versus GUNTHER in a singles match
WWE was attempting to tell a story with Pat McAfee standing up for Michael Cole against former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. This match was as violent as expected, with Gunther leading the way for much of it. Gunther delivered out punishment at his own pace, landing chops, suplexes, kicks, and anything else he wanted. Fans were ready to pop for the hope spots, and McAfee delivered in spurts.
The hope spots came in spades. McAfee fought back with a series of kicks, but the crowd became unglued with Michael Cole jumped up to cheer his friend on. He would get involved in the match, pulled into the ring by Gunther. Before he could take the powerbomb, McAfee made the save. That wouldn’t be enough though, as Gunther continued to pound away, locking in the choke to put McAfee to sleep.
This was certainly something. The fans were into it from start to finish, which is always the goal for the performers in the ring. Gunther delivered as an overpowering force, while Cole and McAfee did their jobs as well. This was decent, but still a bit of a frustration when looking at what was not on the card.
Grade: B-
John Cena versus Randy Orton in a singles match for the Undisputed WWE Championship
John Cena versus Randy Orton is a big match on paper, but one that fans were right to be concerned about. This match was a throwback to the Ruthless Aggression Era. Neither Cena nor Orton are in their prime, so this was a slower paced match typical of what they have to offer at this point in their careers.
Cena and Orton played all the hits. They hit Attitude Adjustments, RKOs, and even had the typical referee bump. Things eventually went off the rails, with several more huge spots including Cena being put through two tables. Nick Aldis made his way out and was hit with an RKO, along with several other officials. Even R-Truth got involved, only to take one himself. Cena used the opening to hit a low blow and pick up the win.
This match lived up to expectations and exceeded them as well. The match was a slow-paced, overbooked catastrophe by the end, but it was a fun one as well. It was a good way to get the match done with all the history they have together.