WWE Backlash 2002
Backlash (2002) was a PPV which took place on April 21, 2002 at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. It was presented by Castrol GTX and the final U.S.-produced pay-per-view to use the WWF name. This was the first WWF pay-per-view event after the Brand Extension/Split. The main match from the SmackDown! brand featured Hollywood Hulk Hogan challenging Triple H for the Undisputed WWF Championship and the featured match from the Raw brand was an encounter between The Undertaker and Steve Austin with Ric Flair as special guest referee. The other main match from Raw was a Singles match for the WWF Intercontinental Championship between Rob Van Dam and Eddie Guerrero, which Guerrero won by pinfall to win the championship.
Insights
Plot Summary
WWE Backlash 2002 was a professional wrestling pay-per-view event produced by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE). The event featured several high-profile matches, including a highly anticipated rematch between The Rock and Hulk Hogan, as well as a WWE Undisputed Championship match. The event took place following the 2002 WWE Draft, which saw the roster split between WWF Raw and WWF SmackDown.
Critical Reception
WWE Backlash 2002 is generally remembered as a solid, albeit not legendary, event in WWF/WWE history. It is notable for featuring iconic wrestlers and delivering on the promise of major title matches and grudge rematches. Fan reception was generally positive, appreciating the star power and memorable moments, particularly the Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock encounter.
What Reviewers Say
- Delivered exciting, high-profile matches with significant star power.
- Hulk Hogan's return to singles action in a major match was a major draw.
- The event provided closure to some ongoing storylines while setting up new ones.
Google audience: Audience reception for WWE Backlash 2002 focused on the thrill of seeing legendary performers compete, especially the highly anticipated bout between The Rock and Hulk Hogan. Fans appreciated the spectacle and the continuation of major rivalries within the WWF.
Fun Fact
This event marked Hulk Hogan's first singles match in WWE since his return to the company in early 2002, and it was part of his highly popular 'Hulkamania is back' run.
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