WWE Backlash 2008: A Fun Blast From The Past Shows What Sunday's PPV Is Missing

Two Living Legends Wage War In One Chapter Of A Lengthy Rivalry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCO1poyzoPg

Like Michaels’ feud with Batista, the rivalry between Edge and The Undertaker spanned several months between 2007 and 2008. From Edge costing “The Phenom” a Hell in a Cell Match with Batista at WWE Survivor Series 2007 to Undertaker defeating Edge to win the World Heavyweight Championshhip at WrestleMania 24, this lengthy feud dominated SmackDown for the better part of six months.

Personally, this story holds a special place in my heart for that very reason, as it was the blue brand’s main story for most of my first full year watching WWE. Kids in the 1980s had Hulk Hogan as their hero; I had The Undertaker, and Edge, alongside Vickie Guerrero, as the perfect, dastardly villain for him.

The enjoyment stems from the ability to see two all-time greats make magic together. Neither man was in his prime; within three years, The Undertaker would fully transition into a part-time role and Edge would announce his retirement from the business. But these two stars were so good together, as their chemistry was as clear as day.

It was especially clear in the closing sequence of the match. There, the two competitors perfectly executed a sequence where Edge countered a Last Ride and attempted a pin, but The Undertaker caught him in the Hell’s Gate and forced him to tap out.

Sure, this match was just one step toward the ultimate destination in the feud. But it was a good one, and for longtime fans, it’ll send nostalgia coursing through your veins.

Generally speaking, that’s true of several matches on this card. But beyond that enjoyable aspect of repeat viewing, the matches themselves hold up more than a decade after the show initially aired.

?: @fightbobby

?: @BraunStrowman

⚔️: @DMcIntyreWWE

Who's walking out of #WMBacklash with the #WWEChampionship this Sunday?! pic.twitter.com/wBFLLcOs50

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What’s Sunday’s Show Missing?

As for this Sunday’s pay-per-view, it’s worth contrasting this Backlash from the one fans will get on Sunday. Here, the world title matches felt like they could go any way. Edge could have believably won the World Heavyweight Championship by using some heelish methods to beat The Undertaker. Meanwhile, all four men in the WWE Championship Match could have emerged victorious. Even if you eliminate JBL consideration, Randy Orton, John Cena and Randy Orton all had a very good chance to win the bout.

But this weekend, the outcome of the world title matches feel fairly obvious. While a title change could happen in the three-way contest for the WWE Championship, Cesaro doesn’t have a realistic shot at beating Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship (right now.)

Otherwise, the only non-title match on the card lacks the special energy that Michaels vs. Batista provided. Yes, Damian Priest and The Miz have been feuding for a few months now. But unlike the powerful story Batista and Michaels told, this feud has quickly become quite redundant, and many fans are practically begging for it to be over. It’s fair to say that this feeling of exhaustion is not a recipe for success.

At the end of the day, hopping into a time machine by watching a show from the past is a nice way to escape several of the frustrations that accompany modern WWE fandom. That’s exactly why revisiting WWE Backlash 2008 is a worthwhile experience, whether you’ve already seen the show or not.