Review of WWE: Backlash 2007

Introduction

The annual WWE Backlash pay-per-view event has become one to note in the wrestling calendar. Although long-time fans may see it as mere support to the "Big Four" of The Royal Rumble, Wrestlemania, Summerslam, and The Survivor Series, Backlash often plays host to Wrestlemania re-matches, invariably meaning that a strong event is on the cards.

This year was no different, with two match-ups being duplicates from Wrestlemania, as United States champion Chris Benoit faced MVP, and Batista challenged the legendary Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Title. Elsewhere on the card, Vince McMahon looked to wrest the ECW Title from Bobby Lashley by teaming with Shane McMahon and Umaga in a handicap match, and John Cena defended the WWE Title against not one, but three men, in Randy Orton, Edge, and Shawn Michaels.

WWE Backlash 2007 took place on 29th April 2007, from the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Video

Video is presented in 4:3 fullscreen PAL, and is generally very good for a DVD of this genre. The production values are typically excellent, and the video transfer itself is clean, with mild compression artefacts noticeable only to those who are looking intently for them.

Audio

Audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, showcasing Silvervision`s desire to include a surround track on future event releases. The 5.1 track is a nice touch, with the surrounds containing crowd noise, entrance music, and the referee`s count. Thus, during moments of loud crowd noise, or a popular wrestler`s entrance, you certainly feel more of a part of the action, as compared to previous 2.0 mixes.

English commentary is provided by the combinations of Jim Ross & Jerry "The King" Lawler, Michael Cole & JBL, or Joey Styles & Tazz, depending on the in-ring participants. But for international viewers, 2.0 tracks have been provided in Italian, German, Spanish, and French, with subtitles in Greek, Portuguese, and Dutch.

Features

Two short extras are available here, both in the form of exclusive interviews. The first, with Mr Kennedy, is throwaway material, but Rob Van Dam puts forth some effort in his interview, making this something worth your while watching.

Conclusion

Although Backlash`s introductory vignette suggested that only three Championships were on the line, the truth is that all six matches scheduled would be contested over title belts. The first was for the RAW Tag Team Titles, as Matt & Jeff Hardy faced Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch, which was an interesting bout for the fact that usual heels Cade & Murdoch played this one by the book, largely keeping within American wrestling`s limited rules. A very good opening match-up, it was nice to see a bout which didn`t involve anything too dastardly.

After a bout between Melina and Mickie James that was an excellent reminder that Women`s wrestling can also be an art, Chris Benoit and MVP took things a step further with a technical wrestling encounter, which was almost like a modernised World of Sport match-up. Like the opening tag team encounter, that made for a great change of pace, and probably the best match on the entire show.

Sadly, things dropped somewhat in the next encounter, as Bobby Lashley faced the team of Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, and Umaga for the ECW Title. This could have been much worse, but thankfully Vince`s in-ring actions were limited to little more than a cameo role.

The Undertaker and Batista then fought the second Wrestlemania re-match of the night, and remarkably were close to emulating that excellent contest. Fought under Last Man Standing rules (the man who cannot reach his feet by a count of ten is declared the loser), this was an exciting bout which unfortunately culminated with a questionable finish.

Ironically, the weakness of the World Heavyweight Title bout was the strength of the WWE Title bout, as John Cena, Edge, Randy Orton, and Shawn Michaels brought together a good match, that had a spectacular, creative conclusion.

Backlash 2007 was an event which did not feature any Match of the Year candidates, but overall, was a tremendously consistent card. Only the ECW Title dragged things down a little, but since expectations were not high for that bout, that is but a minor complaint.

Recommended.