ST. LOUIS, Mo. — WWE Backlash 2025 took place on May 10, where Randy Orton fought John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship in what fans are believing to be their last matchup. The event also featured a packed card including a Fatal 4-Way United States Championship match, where Jacob Fatu defended his title against Damian Priest, Drew McIntyre, and LA Knight.
Orton, trying to capture his 15th world championship, started the match against Cena with an intense back and forth that set the tone for the evening. Right from the get-go, tensions were high as Cena poked Orton in the eye, igniting a fierce battle marked by their long-standing rivalry.
In the United States Championship match, LA Knight kicked off strong, showcasing his skills. Commentator Wade Barrett noted it felt like an “LA Knight highlight reel.” The high-stakes battle escalated when Jacob Fatu faced Drew McIntyre, as both wrestlers exchanged fierce finishers. The crowd erupted with chants of ‘this is awesome’ as the action intensified.
Jacob Fatu faced a mysterious turn with Jeff Cobb attacking LA Knight, paving the way for Fatu to execute a moonsault on Knight for the victory. The unexpected twist thrilled fans, raising questions about future rivalries.
The Women’s Intercontinental Championship saw Becky Lynch taking on Lyra Valkyria in a rematch. Lynch, eager to reverse previous losses, battled fiercely. The match swung in favor of Valkyria, who executed stunning submissions, much to the crowd’s delight. However, the contentious finish came when Lynch attacked Valkyria post-match, signaling their feud is far from over.
Meanwhile, Dominik Mysterio defended his men’s Intercontinental title against Penta, accompanied by a host of distractions from The Judgment Day. The match proved to be one of Mysterio’s best, with both competitors putting on a display of athleticism. Dirty Dom secured his victory with a Frog Splash, maintaining his foothold in the division.
Pat McAfee returned to the ring after a two-year hiatus, challenging Gunther in a match that blended comedy with intense moments. Gunther dominated early on, showcasing his power and wrestling skills. The match progressed with surprising competitiveness as McAfee fought back valiantly. Eventually, Gunther secured the win with a rear-naked choke, leaving McAfee out of action.
The night culminated in the highly anticipated main event, John Cena vs. Randy Orton. This match was filled with back-and-forth action, reminiscent of their storied history. Cena executed his moves with authority, including multiple Attitude Adjustments. The match reached a thrilling climax as both wrestlers narrowly survived each other’s finishers.
In a chaotic end that involved the referee being incapacitated, Cena made a sneaky comeback with a low blow followed by a sudden belt shot, leading to a surprising finish where Cena secured the win, much to the crowd’s astonishment.
Overall, WWE Backlash 2025 delivered captivating matches, with high-stakes drama and intense rivalries taking center stage. While the event was marked by a few scripting mishaps, it provided fans with memorable moments and left unanswered questions for future shows.
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