Controversial Moments in WrestleMania Backlash History
WrestleMania Backlash is a massive event in the WWE calendar, with many of the world’s greatest wrestlers vying for titles and glory. However, there have been contentious incidents that have occurred at the event over the years. Discover more about the Wrestlemania Backlash Controversial Moments.
It’s instances like these, from questionable referee rulings to stunning turns of events, that leave spectators scratching their heads and asking what the heck just occurred. Some of the most divisive moments in WrestleMania Backlash history will be discussed here.
The Montreal Screwjob
WrestleMania Backlash in 1998 was the location of “The Montreal Screwjob,” which is widely considered to be one of the most infamous moments in the history of professional wrestling. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels competed against one another in a bout for the WWE Championship.
Bret Hart came out on top. Even though Hart had not yet submitted, Vince McMahon, the owner of WWE, instructed the referee to ring the bell and declare Shawn Michaels the winner in the middle of the match. Michaels was awarded the victory. Fans were understandably upset by this move, and it was rumored that Bret Hart spat in Vince McMahon’s face before finally quitting his job with WWE.
The Undertaker vs Kane
Fans were excited to witness the two brothers go at it in the ring during the WrestleMania Backlash 2000 bout between The Undertaker and Kane. This match was one of the most anticipated events of the show.
The match, however, was marred by controversy because it finished with The Undertaker being burned to death by his brother. Fans were understandably horrified and concerned about the safety of the wrestlers competing in the ring, even after it was determined that the incident had been staged all along.
Eddie Guerrero vs John Layfield
The match that took place between Eddie Guerrero and John Bradshaw Layfield at WrestleMania Backlash 2004 was a legendary confrontation between two of the most well-known figures in professional wrestling.
Despite this, the conclusion of the game left a lot of fans perplexed and frustrated. After Guerrero appeared to have won the bout after hitting JBL with his finisher, the referee changed the ruling and said that Guerrero had used a chair during the match, hence the match was reverted back to being a draw. The move incited wrath among supporters, many of whom believed that the decision was both unjust and unwarranted.
The Rock vs Goldberg
It is safe to say that one of the bouts at WrestleMania Backlash 2003 between The Rock and Goldberg was one of the most eagerly awaited bouts in the history of WWE.
However, the match was marred by controversy since it was ended by Goldberg accidently knocking himself out while it was in progress. After that, the referee started counting him out, which ultimately led to The Rock winning the match. The legitimacy of the decision was called into question by a great number of fans, and Goldberg himself eventually conceded that he had made a mistake while competing in the ring.
Roman Reigns vs Samoa Joe
WrestleMania Backlash 2018 featured a brutal bout between two of the most formidable wrestlers in the WWE: Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe.
The fight was a hard-hitting combat between the two superstars. The conclusion of the game, though, left a lot of fans with more questions than answers. After Reigns hit Joe with a spear and appeared to win the match, the referee overturned the result and said that Reigns had touched the bottom rope as Joe was being pinned. This caused the referee to overrule the judgment. The decision infuriated a lot of supporters, and some of them thought the referee had messed up by making it in the first place.
Suggested Read: Wrestlemania Backlash 2023: Everything You Need to Know
Wrapping It Up
Since 2009, WrestleMania Backlash has been eagerly anticipated. It’s seen some of WWE’s finest wrestlers face off. However, with great performances and unforgettable moments come problematic ones. The controversy surrounding some matches and judgments has added to the event’s energy and intrigue, making it more fascinating for fans. It’s easy to say that WrestleMania Backlash has left an everlasting stamp on WWE history, and fans eagerly await the next edition to see more spectacular moments and potentially more contentious ones.
