Becky Lynch vs. Nikki Bella vs. Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Carmella vs. Natalya
Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan kicked off Backlash, talking up SmackDown's success since the brand split and laying out the matches on the card.
The bout began with a brawl that left Lynch and Naomi alone in the ring. Fast-paced action saw momentum continue to shift from Superstar to Superstar.
Carmella and Nikki's bad blood boiled over, with the two rivals smashing into each other.
The field soon thinned in a hurry. Naomi eliminated Bliss with a blockbuster, Natalya forced Naomi to tap out, Nikki pinned Natalya, Carmella rolled up Nikki to take her out.
Lynch and Carmella, the last two standing, charged at each other. The Irish Lass Kicker put away her foe with the Dis-Arm-Her.
Lynch wins the Women's Championship by last eliminating Carmella.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
- Carmella hits a hurricanrana off the top rope on Lynch.
- Naomi executes Cattle Mutilation on Natalya.
- Natalya powerbombs Nikki as Nikki superplexes Carmella.
- Naomi hits a springboard crossbody onto all her foes.
- Nikki knocks Naomi out of the air with a forearm shot.
- Carmella after Lynch slapped her: "You want to hit me?"
- Lynch talking about her newly won title: "This is the first time I've held one of these."
Lynch walked away the winner of an energetic, highlight-filled opener. There was some issue with a lack of logic in terms of some wrestlers preventing others from eliminating the opposition, but the end result was good action with the right victor.
The Irish Lass Kicker is the most complete, most popular woman on the SmackDown roster. Crowning her out of the gate made the most sense.
Carmella stealing a pin on Nikki was a smart way to keep that rivalry rolling. Their story has potential if developed in the coming months.
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