The Sixer: Backlash 1999-2004

Backlash! The Backlash after WrestleMania. It comes shortly after WrestleMania yearly (1999-2009, 2016-18, 2020-present). Let’s watch six matches from the first six years of this great event.

In this set:

• Triple H vs X-Pac (1999)

• Eddie Guerrero vs Essa Rios (2000)

• Raven vs Rhyno (2001)

• Bradshaw vs Scott Hall (2002)

• Goldberg vs The Rock (2003)

• Mick Foley vs Randy Orton (2004)

Triple H vs X-Pac

WWF Backlash
April 25, 1999 - Providence, RI

Providence has hosted three Backlashes, actually. This first one, then in 2009 and 2022, which was technically “WrestleMania Backlash” because the company had gone so dumb they worried we might not get what Backlash means following WrestleMania.

HHH had turned on DX at WrestleMania XV, a year after taking the reigns of the group and re-introducing X-Pac to the World Wrestling Federation Universe, aligning themselves with the New Age Outlaws.

Jim Ross reckons this match could steal the show. It does not. (Nothing really “stole the show” on this card; the Austin vs Rock main event rematch from WrestleMania was the clear best of the night, and far better than their match in Philly.)

The problems are clear. Nobody really buys that career midcarder X-Pac is going to get a W over a just-turned Helmsley, who has been on the rise for two full years at this point, having won King of the Ring in ‘97, some Intercontinental and European titles, aligned with Shawn Michaels in a main event stable from ‘97-98, taking over that stable in ‘98 and emerging as a higher-end babyface over time.

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