Review of WWE: Backlash 2005

Introduction

Backlash 2005 - held on 1st May in Manchester, New Hampshire - follows another WWE tried-and-tested formula. Coming just one month after the extravaganza that is Wrestlemania, Backlash has traditionally served to get that little extra mileage out of the year`s longest feuds, still simmering after a Wrestlemania showdown. Continuing tradition then, Backlash played host to the re-match between Triple-H & Batista, as well as bouts between Edge & Chris Benoit, and Hulk Hogan & Shawn Michaels vs Muhammad Hassan & Daivari, all of whom had had altercations at Wrestlemania.

Video

Video is presented in standard 4:3 non-anamorphic PAL and is everything one would expect from a digital television broadcast. A more than acceptable video presentation for a DVD of this genre.

Audio

Audio is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 & again is identical to the original telecast. Commentators are easily heard over the in-ring action, which itself has a full, warm sound.

Features

Extras on this disc include promotional vignettes for Triple-Batista and Hogan/Michaels-Hassan/Daivari, pre and post-event interviews, plus the Sunday Night Heat match between Val Venis & Tyson Tomko. Given that Backlash itself lasts for 2 ¾hrs, there is little scope for meaningful extras, without sacrificing video quality. Thus, whilst these extras are not for repeat viewing, they are adequate & add some dimension to the Backlash event.

Conclusion

Coming off a strong Wrestlemania card, many fans - including myself - were hoping that the WWE would keep the ball rolling produce another spectacular event. And whilst in hindsight it would be an exaggeration to class Backlash as spectacular, it was a worthy pay-per-view offering. The Hulk Hogan/Shawn Michaels tag team match was entertaining in a 80s-style way, which served to show that no one - not The Rock, not "Stone Cold" Steve Austin - has the ability to entertain the crowd as Hogan does. Chris Benoit & Edge put forth a spirited performance, marred only by a ridiculous conclusion to the bout. And Shelton Benjamin continued to add to his ever-increasing reputation with a very positive opening bout against Chris Jericho.

Backlash 2005 had potential on account of the momentum that Wrestlemania had conducted. WWE fans will see this as a worthy addition to their DVD catalogue.