WWE Backlash
{{Short description|Professional wrestling event series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox wrestling PPV series
| name = WWE Backlash
| image = Backlash 2023 Logo.png
| image_upright = 1.15
| caption = WWE Backlash logo used since 2023
| alt = WrestleMania Backlash
| promotion = WWE
| brands = Raw
(2002–2009, 2018, 2020–present)
SmackDown
(2002–2003, 2007–2009, 2016–2018, 2020–present)
ECW
(2007–2009)
| other_name = WrestleMania Backlash (2021–2022)
Backlash France (2024)
| first_event = 1999
| last_event =
| gimmick = Backlash of WrestleMania
(1999–2009, 2021–present)
}}
WWE Backlash is a professional wrestling event that is produced by the American company WWE, the world's largest professional wrestling promotion. It is broadcast live and has been available through pay-per-view (PPV) since 1999 and via livestreaming since 2016. Since premiering in 1999, 19 events have been held, with its most recent 19th edition occurring at the LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu in the Metropolis of Lyon, France on May 4, 2024. With the exception of the events held from 2016 to 2020, the concept of the show is based around the backlash of WWE's flagship event, WrestleMania.
The inaugural Backlash in April 1999 was the company's first monthly PPV held after the discontinuation of the original In Your House shows, which were monthly PPVs held between the promotion's "Big Five" PPVs at the time: Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, King of the Ring, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series. The inaugural event had originally been advertised as an In Your House show, but the branding was dropped before the event took place. From its inception until 2009, Backlash held the position as the post-WrestleMania PPV and was held annually in April, with the exception of the 2005 event, which was held in May. After the 2009 event, Backlash was discontinued and replaced by Extreme Rules in 2010, but after seven years, it was reinstated in 2016 and held in September as that year's post-SummerSlam PPV. The events in 2017 and 2018 were then held in May, but were not the post-WrestleMania PPVs. An event was originally scheduled for June 2019 but was canceled and replaced by a one-off event called Stomping Grounds. Backlash then returned in 2020 and was held that June. The 2021 event moved Backlash back to May as the post-WrestleMania 37 PPV, thus the event returned to its original concept with the 2021 and 2022 events titled as WrestleMania Backlash, but the 2023 event reverted to its original name while maintaining the post-WrestleMania theme. In addition to this theme, the 2024 event was titled Backlash France as it was WWE's first PPV and livestreaming event held in France, as well as the first Backlash held outside of North America.
The 2002 event was WWE's first PPV held following the implementation of the original brand extension the month prior. With the brand split in effect, the events in 2002 and 2003 featured wrestlers from both the Raw and SmackDown brands, but from 2004 to 2006, Backlash was held exclusively for the Raw brand. Following WrestleMania 23 in 2007, brand-exclusive PPVs were discontinued, thus the events from 2007 to 2009 featured wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, and ECW, the latter of which was established as a third brand in 2006 but was disbanded in 2010. The brand split itself ended in 2011, but was reintroduced in mid-2016. Backlash was then reinstated as a SmackDown-exclusive PPV that year and was WWE's first brand-exclusive PPV of the second brand split, and it was also SmackDown-exclusive in 2017. Following WrestleMania 34 in 2018, brand-exclusive PPVs were again discontinued, thus the events since have featured both the Raw and SmackDown brands.
History
From 1995 to 1999, the American professional wrestling company World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) ran a series of monthly pay-per-view (PPV) events titled In Your House, which were held between the promotion's five major PPVs at the time: Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, King of the Ring, SummerSlam, and Survivor Series. In April 1999, the WWF phased out the In Your House events to establish permanent names for monthly pay-per-views to be held between these five major events.{{cite book | first=Graham | last=Cawthon|title=the History of Professional Wrestling|volume=2: WWF 1990–1999|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform | year= 2013 | asin=B00RWUNSRS}} Backlash was subsequently established to be held after WrestleMania XV, and it took place on April 25, 1999, at the Providence Civic Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Early advertising for the inaugural Backlash had featured the "In Your House" branding until it was quietly dropped in the weeks leading up to the pay-per-view. The concept of the pay-per-view was based around the backlash from WWF's flagship event, WrestleMania.{{cite web|url=https://www.hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/bkl99.html|title=Backlash (1999) information|work=Complete WWE|publisher=Hoff Co.|access-date=May 12, 2009|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216211334/https://hoffco-inc.com/wwe/ppv/ppv/bkl99.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/backlash.htm|title=WWE Backlash|work=The History of WWE|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206214249/https://www.thehistoryofwwe.com/backlash.htm|archive-date=February 6, 2010|url-status=live}}
A second Backlash event was held the following year after WrestleMania 2000, thus establishing Backlash as an annual PPV for the WWF.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2000|title=Backlash 2000 results|work=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=July 1, 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2000/results/|title=Backlash 2000 Results|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=August 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060412024416/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/history/backlash2000/results/|archive-date=April 12, 2006}} With the exception of the 2005 event, which was held in May,{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2005|title=Backlash 2005 results|work=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=July 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322212051/https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html|archive-date=March 22, 2006|url-status=live}} Backlash was held every April through the 2009 event. Throughout this time, it retained its position as the post-WrestleMania PPV. Following the 2009 event, however, Backlash was discontinued and replaced by Extreme Rules in 2010.{{cite web|title=Pay-Per-View Calendar|url=https://www.wwe.com/content/media/images/ppv.calendar.v1.png|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=October 26, 2009|archive-date=February 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110227024950/https://www.wwe.com/content/media/images/ppv.calendar.v1.png|url-status=dead}}
In March 2002, the WWF introduced the brand extension in which the roster was divided between the Raw and SmackDown brands, which is where wrestlers were exclusively assigned to perform.{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_03_27.jsp|title=WWE Entertainment To Make RAW and SmackDown Distinct Television Brands|date=May 27, 2002|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=July 13, 2008|archive-date=October 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017025205/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_03_27.jsp|url-status=dead}} The 2002 Backlash was in turn the promotion's first PPV held following the implementation of the original brand split and it featured wrestlers from both brands.{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2002|title=Backlash 2002 results|work=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=July 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322212051/https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html|archive-date=March 22, 2006|url-status=live}} The month after the 2002 event, the WWF was renamed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE, which became an orphaned initialism in 2011).{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp|title=World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Drops The "F" To Emphasize the "E" for Entertainment|date=May 6, 2002|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=July 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119180317/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_05_06.jsp|archive-date=January 19, 2009|url-status=dead}}{{cite press release|last1=Sacco|first1=Justine|last2=Weitz|first2=Michael|date=April 7, 2011|title=The New WWE|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2011/04-07-2011|location=Connecticut|publisher=WWE|access-date=November 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503100415/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/company-news/2011/04-07-2011|archive-date=May 3, 2018|url-status=live}} While the 2003 event also featured wrestlers from both brands,{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2003|title=Backlash 2003 results|work=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=July 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322212051/https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html|archive-date=March 22, 2006|url-status=live}} the 2004 event was held exclusively for the Raw brand{{cite web|url=https://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-4136700_ITM|title=WWE entering risky pay-per-view realm.|publisher=The Post and Courier|first=Mike|last=Mooneyham|date=June 15, 2003|access-date=August 21, 2009}}{{cite web|title=Backlash 2004 results|url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2004|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=July 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322212051/https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html|archive-date=March 22, 2006|url-status=live}} and continued to be Raw-exclusive up through the 2006 event.{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2006|title=Backlash 2006 results|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=July 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325184945/https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html|archive-date=March 25, 2010|url-status=live}} Following WrestleMania 23 in 2007, WWE discontinued brand-exclusive PPVs,{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2007/2007_03_14.jsp |title=WWE Pay-Per-Views To Follow WrestleMania Formula|date=March 14, 2007|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=July 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070319234707/https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2007/2007_03_14.jsp|archive-date=March 19, 2007}} thus the events from 2007 to 2009 featured wrestlers from Raw, SmackDown, and ECW,{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2007|title=Backlash 2007 results|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=July 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325184945/https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html|archive-date=March 25, 2010|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2008|title=Backlash 2008 results|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=July 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325184945/https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html|archive-date=March 25, 2010|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html#2009|title=Backlash 2009|access-date=September 26, 2008|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325184945/https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/backlash.html|archive-date=March 25, 2010|url-status=live}} which had been established as a third brand in 2006 but was disbanded in 2010,{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/2006/2006_05_25_02.jsp|title=WWE Launches ECW as Third Brand|date=May 25, 2006|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=July 13, 2008|archive-date=September 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120903205013/httsp://corporate.wwe.com/news/2006/2006_05_25_02.jsp|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_38751.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Superstar TV Report 2/4: Complete coverage of Team Morrison vs. Team McIntyre six-man tag, awesome Bourne vs. Carlito match|first=James|last=Caldwell|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 4, 2010|access-date=February 5, 2010}} and the brand extension itself was dissolved in 2011.{{cite web|last=Nemer|first=Paul|title=Raw Results – 8/29/11|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-raw-results/26309-raw-results-8-29-11/|work=WrestleView|date=August 30, 2011|access-date=November 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106122439/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/26309-raw-results-8-29-11/|archive-date=November 6, 2016|url-status=live}}
After Backlash was discontinued following the 2009 event, it endured a seven-year hiatus. During this time in February 2014, WWE launched their online streaming service, the WWE Network, and in addition to traditional PPV, the events also became available on the Network.{{cite web|last=Flint|first=Joe|title=WWE launching over-the-top network|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-wwe-network-20140108-story.html|date=January 8, 2014|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=January 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140814041829/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-wwe-network-20140108-story.html|archive-date=August 14, 2014|url-status=live}} In mid-2016, WWE reintroduced the brand split and also brought back brand-exclusive PPVs.{{cite web|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/daily-updates/daily-update-wwe-split-brand-ppvs-roh-ppv-aries-joe-and-nakamura-debut-215206|title=Daily Update: WWE split brand PPVs, ROH PPV, Aries, Joe and Nakamura debut|date=June 24, 2016|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=July 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625130914/https://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-wwe-split-brand-ppvs-roh-ppv-aries-joe-and-nakamura-debut-215206|archive-date=June 25, 2016|url-status=live}} Due to the need for more PPV events, Backlash was reinstated, and the 2016 event was held exclusively for the SmackDown-brand and was WWE's first brand-exclusive PPV of the second brand split. Backlash that year was also held in September after SummerSlam, thus ending its previous tradition of being the post-WrestleMania PPV.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE Backlash returning as Smackdown brand PPV|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/26/wwe-backlash-returning-smackdown-brand-ppv/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=July 26, 2016|access-date=August 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728161743/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/26/wwe-backlash-returning-smackdown-brand-ppv/|archive-date=July 28, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=9/11 WWE Backlash Results – Caldwell's Complete PPV Report|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/11/backlashppvresults/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=September 11, 2016|access-date=September 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917134241/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/09/11/backlashppvresults/|archive-date=September 17, 2016|url-status=live}} The 2017 event was moved up to May and was again SmackDown-exclusive.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/article/wwe-backlash-2017-tickets|title=Get WWE Backlash 2017 tickets now|date=March 13, 2017|author=WWE.com Staff|work=WWE|access-date=April 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314045148/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/article/wwe-backlash-2017-tickets|archive-date=March 14, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|work=PWInsider|first=Mike|date=March 6, 2017|last=Johnson|title=Backlash in Chicago, concussion lawsuit update, Shane McMahon promotes MSG return and more WWE news|url=https://pwinsider.com/article/108193/backlash-in-chicago-concussion-lawsuit-update-shane-mcmahon-promotes-msg-return-and-more-wwe-news.html?p=1|access-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307210845/https://pwinsider.com/article/108193/backlash-in-chicago-concussion-lawsuit-update-shane-mcmahon-promotes-msg-return-and-more-wwe-news.html?p=1|archive-date=March 7, 2017|url-status=live}} While the event was technically SmackDown's first PPV held after WrestleMania 33, none of the matches were backlash from that WrestleMania. Furthermore, the Raw-exclusive PPV, Payback, was held between WrestleMania 33 and Backlash.{{cite web|title=WWE Payback 2017 tickets available now|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/article/wwe-payback-2017-tickets|work=WWE|date=February 20, 2017|author=WWE.com Staff|access-date=February 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221011205/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/article/wwe-payback-2017-tickets|archive-date=February 21, 2017|url-status=live}} The 2018 event was originally scheduled to be a Raw-exclusive PPV,{{cite web|last=Scherer|first=Dave|date=November 22, 2017|title=WWE Adds a Fifth Co-Branded PPV, Full 2018 WWE PPV Schedule with Dates and Cites for the Events|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/113767/wwe-adds-a-fifth-cobranded-ppv-full-2018-wwe-ppv-schedule-with-dates-and-cities-for-the-events.html?p=1|work=PWInsider|access-date=November 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126062647/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/113767/wwe-adds-a-fifth-cobranded-ppv-full-2018-wwe-ppv-schedule-with-dates-and-cities-for-the-events.html?p=1|archive-date=November 26, 2017|url-status=live}} but following WrestleMania 34 that year, WWE again discontinued brand-exclusive PPVs, thus events held since have featured wrestlers from both Raw and SmackDown.{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-eliminates-single-branded-ppv-shows-shuffles-ppv-schedule|title=WWE Eliminates Single-Branded PPV Shows, Shuffles PPV Schedule|date=February 17, 2018|last=Sapp|first=Sean Ross|work=Fightful|access-date=February 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518060403/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-eliminates-single-branded-ppv-shows-shuffles-ppv-schedule|archive-date=May 18, 2021|url-status=live}} Although the 2018 event was held in May, the Greatest Royal Rumble was held between WrestleMania 34 and Backlash.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/saudi-arabia-to-host-greatest-royal-rumble-april-2018|title=Saudi Arabia to host the Greatest Royal Rumble|work=WWE|date=March 5, 2018|author=WWE.com Staff|access-date=March 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305211345/https://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/saudi-arabia-to-host-greatest-royal-rumble-april-2018|archive-date=March 5, 2018|url-status=live}}
In 2019, Backlash was originally scheduled to be held in June, however, it was canceled and replaced by a one-off PPV called Stomping Grounds.{{cite news|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-stomping-grounds-ppv-set-tacoma-washington-282651|title=WWE Stomping Grounds PPV set for Tacoma, Washington|first=Joseph|last=Currier|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|date=April 29, 2019|access-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430050716/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-stomping-grounds-ppv-set-tacoma-washington-282651|archive-date=April 30, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Sean Ross|last=Sapp|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-stomping-grounds-pay-view-june-possibly-replacing-backlash|title=WWE Announces "Stomping Grounds" Pay-Per-View For June, Possibly Replacing Backlash|date=April 29, 2019|work=Fightful|access-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528134602/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-stomping-grounds-pay-view-june-possibly-replacing-backlash|archive-date=May 28, 2019|url-status=live}} Backlash then returned in 2020 and was held in June that year. The event was originally scheduled to be held in Kansas City, Missouri,{{cite web|last=Toro|first=Carlos|title=WWE Announces Return Of Backlash Pay-Per-View For June 14|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-return-backlash-pay-view-june-14|work=Fightful|date=May 10, 2020|access-date=May 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514201637/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-return-backlash-pay-view-june-14|archive-date=May 14, 2020|url-status=live}} but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which began affecting the industry in mid-March that year, WWE had to relocate its programming for Raw and SmackDown to the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida with no fans in attendance, although in late May, WWE began using Performance Center trainees to serve as the live audience.{{cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-crowd-performance-center-trainees-wwe-fans-thrilled/|title=WWE Fans Are Thrilled to See Crowds Back on WWE Raw|date=May 25, 2020|last=Casey|first=Connor|work=ComicBook.com|access-date=May 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603041451/https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-crowd-performance-center-trainees-wwe-fans-thrilled/|archive-date=June 3, 2020|url-status=live}} The 2020 event was in turn held at the Performance Center and was WWE's first PPV event to be announced after the start of the pandemic.
In August 2020, WWE relocated Raw and SmackDown's events to a bio-secure bubble called the WWE ThunderDome, which was first hosted at Orlando's Amway Center.{{cite web|title=WWE introducing new state-of-the-art viewing experience with WWE ThunderDome|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-virtual-fan-experience-thunder-zone-summerslam-amway-center|author=WWE.com Staff|work=WWE|date=August 17, 2020|access-date=August 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818094147/https://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-virtual-fan-experience-thunder-zone-summerslam-amway-center|archive-date=August 18, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=WWE Announces ThunderDome Arena; Enhanced Fan Experience, Residency At Amway Center; First Look Video Shown|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-thunderdome-arena-enhanced-fan-experience|work=Fightful|date=August 17, 2020|access-date=August 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921055420/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-announces-thunderdome-arena-enhanced-fan-experience|archive-date=September 21, 2020|url-status=live}} In December, the ThunderDome was relocated to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida,{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=WWE ThunderDome Moving To Tropicana Field On December 11|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-thunderdome-moving-tropicana-field-december-11|work=Fightful|date=November 19, 2020|access-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119155121/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-thunderdome-moving-tropicana-field-december-11|archive-date=November 19, 2020|url-status=live}} and then in April 2021, it was relocated to the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.{{Cite web|last=Williams|first=Randall|date=March 24, 2021|title=WWE Moves ThunderDome to USF's Yuengling Center|url=https://www.sportico.com/leagues/other-sports/2021/wwe-moves-thunderdome-yuengling-center-1234625524/|access-date=March 24, 2021|website=Sportico.com|language=en-US}} The 2021 Backlash was in turn WWE's first PPV held in the ThunderDome at the Yuengling Center. The event was originally scheduled to be held in June,{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|title=WWE Money in the Bank, Backlash 2021 PPVs will be...|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/145565/wwe-money-in-the-bank-backlash-2021-ppvs-will-be.html?p=1|date=April 6, 2021|work=PWInsider|access-date=April 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210406213750/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/145565/wwe-money-in-the-bank-backlash-2021-ppvs-will-be.html?p=1|archive-date=April 6, 2021|url-status=live}} but was moved up to May. This in turn positioned the 2021 event as the first PPV held after WrestleMania 37, thus the event returned to its original concept and was titled "WrestleMania Backlash". The 2021 event was also the first Backlash to livestream on Peacock's WWE Network channel, following the merger of the American version of the WWE Network under Peacock in March that year.{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/standalone-wwe-network-app-shutting-down-44-new-details-wwe-transition-peacock|title=Standalone WWE Network App Shutting Down In The US On 4/4, New Details On The Transition To Peacock|date=March 8, 2021|last=Defelice|first=Robert|work=Fightful|access-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308183858/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/standalone-wwe-network-app-shutting-down-44-new-details-wwe-transition-peacock|archive-date=March 8, 2021|url-status=live}}
In July 2021, WWE resumed a live touring schedule.{{cite web|last=Currier|first=Joseph|title=WWE returning to live touring this July, first three events announced|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-returning-touring-july-first-three-events-announced-342011|date=May 21, 2021|work=Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online|access-date=May 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521162048/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-returning-touring-july-first-three-events-announced-342011|archive-date=May 21, 2021|url-status=live}} On February 11, 2022, WWE announced that the 2022 event would also be held under the "WrestleMania Backlash" name.{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=WWE WrestleMania Backlash Details Announced|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-wrestlemania-backlash-details-announced|work=Fightful|date=February 11, 2022|access-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211160607/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-wrestlemania-backlash-details-announced|archive-date=February 11, 2022|url-status=live}} On March 8, 2023, however, the 2023 event was announced and reverted the event series to its original name of Backlash while maintaining its post-WrestleMania theme. It was also announced to take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, Puerto Rico, marking the first WWE event held in Puerto Rico since New Year's Revolution in 2005, and second event overall.{{cite news|last=Russell|first=Skylar|title=WWE Bringing Backlash Premium Live Event To Puerto Rico In May; Bad Bunny To Host|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-bringing-backlash-premium-live-event-puerto-rico-may-bad-bunny-host|work=Fightful|date=March 8, 2023|access-date=March 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308161959/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-bringing-backlash-premium-live-event-puerto-rico-may-bad-bunny-host|archive-date=March 8, 2023|url-status=live}}
In 2024, the event was announced to be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, in the Lyon commune of Décines-Charpieu, at the LDLC Arena marking WWE's first PPV and livestreaming event held in France, with the event in turn titled Backlash France, subsequently marking the first Backlash held outside of North America.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/11/16/wwe-adds-france-to-list-of-international-locations-hosting-ples-which-also-includes-germany-and-australia-next-year/|title=WWE adds France to list of international locations hosting PLEs, which also includes Germany and Australia next year|date=November 16, 2023|first=Wade|last=Keller|work=PWTorch|access-date=November 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116202523/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/11/16/wwe-adds-france-to-list-of-international-locations-hosting-ples-which-also-includes-germany-and-australia-next-year/|archive-date=November 16, 2023|url-status=live}}
Locations
{{Location map+ | United States
|width = 625
| caption = Locations for Backlash in the United States.
| places =
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 1999
| link = Backlash (1999)
| position = left
| coordinates = {{coord|41.823611|-71.422222}}
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2000
| link = Backlash (2000)
| position = left
| coordinates = {{coord|38|54|17|N|77|00|59|W}}
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2001
| label_size =
| position = left
| link = Backlash (2001)
| lat_deg = 42
| lat_min = 0
| lat_sec = 19
| lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 87
| lon_min = 53
| lon_sec = 16
| lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2002
| label_size =
| position = left
| link = Backlash (2002)
| coordinates = {{coord|39.099722|-94.578333}}
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2003
| label_size =
| position = right
| coordinates = {{Coord|42|16|17|N|71|47|56|W}}
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2005
| label_size =
| position = right
| coordinates = {{Coord|42.990833|-71.463611}}
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2006
| coordinates = {{coord|38.046389|-84.496944}}
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2007
| label_size =
| position =
| link = Backlash (2007)
| lat_deg = 33
| lat_min = 45
| lat_sec = 27
| lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 84
| lon_min = 24
| lon_sec = 3
| lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2008
| link = Backlash (2008)
| position = right
| coordinates = {{Coord|39|17|22|N|76|36|55|W}}
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2009
| position = bottom
| link = Backlash (2009)
| coordinates = {{coord|41.823611|-71.422222}}
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label= 2016
| link = Backlash (2016)
| position =
| coordinates = {{coord|37.540833|-77.436667}}
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2017
| label_size =
| position = right
| link = Backlash (2017)
| lat_deg = 42
| lat_min = 0
| lat_sec = 19
| lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 87
| lon_min = 53
| lon_sec = 16
| lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2018
| link = Backlash (2018)
| coordinates = {{Coord|40.735556|-74.172222}}
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2020
| label_size =
| position = right
| link = Backlash (2020)
| lat_deg = 28
| lat_min = 32
| lat_sec = 21
| lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 81
| lon_min = 24
| lon_sec = 10
| lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2021
| label_size =
| position = bottom
| link = Backlash (2021)
| lat_deg = 27
| lat_min = 58
| lat_sec = 05
| lat_dir = N
| lon_deg = 82
| lon_min = 28
| lon_sec = 35
| lon_dir = W
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2022
| position = right
| link = Backlash (2022)
| coordinates = {{coord|41.823611|-71.422222}}
}}
{{Location map~
| USA
| label = 2025
| position = right
| link = Money in the Bank (2025)
| coordinates = {{Coord|38.627222|-90.197778}}
}}
}}
{{Location map+
| Canada
| caption = Location for Backlash in Canada.
| places =
{{Location map~
| Canada
| label = 2004
| coordinates = {{coord|53.534444|-113.490278}}
}}
}}
{{Location map+| Puerto Rico
|width =
| caption = Location for Backlash in Puerto Rico.
| places =
{{Location map~
| Puerto Rico
| label = 2023
| label_size =
| position =
| link = Backlash (2023)
| coordinates = {{Coord|18.406389|-66.063889}}
}}
}}
{{Location map+ | France
|width =
| caption = Location for Backlash in France.
|places =
{{Location map~
| France
| label = 2024
| label_size =
| position = left
| coordinates = {{coord|45.7694|4.9594}}
}}
}}
Events
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 0 auto"
|style="background:#FBB; width:2em"| |Raw (WWE brand)|Raw-branded event |style="background:#BBF; width:2em"| |SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown-branded event |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/ Official Backlash website]
{{WWEPPV|Backlash}}
Category:Recurring events established in 1999
Category:Recurring events disestablished in 2009
Category:Recurring events established in 2016