On April 29th, 2001, WWE presented Backlash 2001 from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois. It began with a video montage of the Two Man Power Trip, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Triple H, and the unholy alliance they formed at the time. The notion was that he who had all the power had all the gold. Was it true? WWE was informing fans of this. Jim Ross and Paul Heyman were on commentary and shared what fans should anticipate on this evening.
Note: Two matches were broadcast prior to the event on Sunday Night Heat. Jerry Lynn defeated Crash Holly for the Light Heavyweight Championship, and Lita defeated Molly prior to Backlash 2001.
Six-Man Tag Team Match
The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray, D-Von, and Spike) vs. X-Factor (X-Pac, Justin Credible, and Albert)
Upon X-Factor’s entry in the ring, all hell breaks loose. Bubba and Devon toss Spike onto Credible and X-Pac. Credible and Spike battle in the middle of the ring until Albert is tagged in. Spike attempts the Dudley Dog but is tossed in the air. Credible is tagged back into the ring and is pinned but only for a count of two. An errant miss by Credible allows both Spike and Justin to make the tag into the match. X-Pac hits a spin kick on D-Von and then tags in Albert. X-Pac and Credible double team D-Von, working him over outside the ring. Albert, waiting in the ring, continues to beat down D-von. Albert tags in X-Pac, continues the attack.
D-Von is in a lot of trouble
– Jim Ross
D-Von begins to fight back until X-Pac hits him with a leaping spin kick. Credible is tagged back into the match and hits a sidewalk slam. Albert is then tagged in and delivers a double under hook suplex. X-Pac is tagged in and quickly tags in Credible, but D-Von hits a double clothesline on both men. He then tags in Bubba. Bubba hits a sidewalk slam and a Bubba Bomb on those in the ring. Eventually, Bubba and Credible are all who remain in the ring. D-Von goes to the top rope and the Dudleys perform their infamous WHATSUUUP flying headbutt.
Bubba calls for the tables. With the referee’s back turned, X-Pac hits a superkick knocking out Bubba Ray. He then covers him for the three count and the win.
Winners: X-Factor
Post-match, after attempting to hit the Dudleys with the table, the brothers come back and put X-Pac through the table.
A car pulls up and a Dutchess emerges, who William Regal greets. We then get Lillian Garcia interviewing Kurt Angle, who discusses his match with Chris Benoit coming up later on in the evening.
Backlash 2001
Hardcore Championship
Rhyno (c) vs. Raven
Rhyno makes his way to the ring first, followed by Raven. Raven quickly goes after the champion, coming right after him with a trash can to the head. Rhyno retaliates and kicks the trash can into the head of his opponent. He sets up steps outside the ring then continues to beat down on the challenger. He sets up a chair and seats his adversary in it, but Raven moves out of the way of the gore! Rhyno crashes through the chair. Raven hits him with a series of fists and continues the fight outside the ring.
Rhyno hits Raven with a trash can lid while in the aisle way. He then hits him with a sign and tosses Raven and a shopping cart into the ring. The champion proceeds to set up the shopping cart, drives fist after fist into the challenger’s head, but is hit with a drop toe hold INTO THE SHOPPING CART. Raven starts using a series of street signs. He then hits a bulldog and goes for a pin, but only for a count of two. Both men hit each other with different objects simultaneously. Raven sets up the shopping cart and drives it into the midsection of the champion!
The human body can only take so much
– Paul Heyman
Rhyno cracks yet another street sign on the head of the challenger and follows this up with a trash can. Rhyno then hits a gore through the shopping cart. But Raven hit him with a kitchen sink while prone in the shopping cart. Rhyno comes back to hit his next gore attempt, pins Raven and retains the title at Backlash 2001.
Winner: And Still Hardcore Champion Rhyno
Ross and Heyman share that Shane McMahon will face The Big Show as a means of getting even for a loss to Vince McMahon at WrestleMania. We are then shown Shane’s sharing of the story ‘Shane and The Beanstalk.’ Then, a very young Michael Cole asks Shane if he is sure about what he is about to get into. Stephanie arrives and shares what The Big Show has been instructed to do. Shane assures her that this story will have a happy ending.
We then see ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin and Debra McMichael arrive in the arena, as Kevin Kelly stops him backstage. He asks him about possibly losing the WWF/E Championship. Austin shares that he won’t lose a damn thing as long as Triple H does his part in this match.
The Dutchess of Queensbury is interviewed by Jonathan Coachmen about the rules of the next match. Regal barges in and chases off Coachmen. He is quick to apologize to the Duchess for Coachman’s questions, and she then escorts Regal off camera. No one is aware of what the rules of the match are, exactly. Maybe they are the same as Marquis of Queensbury, who knows? We then see a video package building up this matchup.
Backlash 2001
Dutchess of Queensbury Rules Match
Commissioner William Regal vs. Chris Jericho
Regal attempts to address the audience but the crowd in Chicago shares some unflattering comments. He then introduces the Dutchess of Queensbury to the ring. The Dutchess arrives with security at ringside. At this time, Chris Jericho’s music is played, and he makes his way to the ring. Jericho mocks the Dutchess at ringside along with Regal in the ring. The bell rings, and the match is underway. The opponents lock up, with Regal forcing Jericho into the corner turnbuckle. Regal applies a wristlock and takes the fight to his opponent. Y2J recovers and fights back to Regal.
Jericho throws fists while the two are outside of the ring. Once Regal is tossed back into the ring, Jericho climbs to the top rope and attempts a missile dropkick, only to miss. This gives Regal the advantage once again. Regal acknowledges the crowd but is jeered in response. The Commissioner applies a rear chinlock in the middle of the ring. Jericho recovers and attempts to fight off his adversary, only to be put back down. Finally, Regal is hit with a hurricanrana from the top rope.
She’s no more a Dutchess than you are a Queen, Paul!
– Jim Ross
Jericho then begins to throw right fists and follows up with chops. Next, he strikes him with a forearm and hits a bulldog, followed by a lion sault. He goes for a pinning attempt, but the Dutchess informs Howard Finkel that the time limit for round one had expired. This distraction leads to a pinning attempt by Regal, but only for a count of two. Jericho hits a kick and then a clothesline. He attempts a dropkick, but is caught and slingshotted into the ropes. Regal attempts a Regal stretch, but Jericho reaches the bottom rope to break the hold.
Regal continues to hit forearms, but gets put in the Walls of Jericho and taps out. We think the match is over, but the Dutchess of Queensberry informs Howard Finkel that you cannot win by submission. Jericho is irate and leaves the ring in pursuit of the Dutchess. Regal follows him out, and the two continue to battle outside. Regal uses the Dutchess’ scepter, and the referee disqualifies him, only for the Duchess to share that there are no disqualifications. William Regal continues to beat down Y2J. He hits a double under hook suplex and tries for a pin, but only gets a count of two.
Champion and challenger continue their battle inside the ring. They exchange fists until Jericho switches to repeated boots. Regal rolls out of the ring and into the lap of the Dutchess. He looks mortified! Jericho rolls the Dutchess into the ring and then puts her into the Walls of Jericho. Regal comes in and hits Jericho with repeated chairs shots to the back. He then follows up with a pin and the win.
Winner: William Regal
After the match, we see The Big Show speaking to Vince McMahon about Shane McMahon. Vince shares he shouldn’t hold back on him, because he IS Vince’s son. They both laugh and share a congratulatory handshake before the match even takes place. Up next is the 30 Minute Ultimate Submission Match.
Backlash 2001
30 Minute Ultimate Submission Match
Kurt Angle vs. Chris Benoit
They shared the video recapping the story building to this matchup. The goal is to have the most submission wins in thirty minutes to decide the winner. Benoit is shown warming up. We then hear from Heyman and Ross at the announce table as Kurt Angle makes his way to the ring first. Angle addresses the Chicago audience and shares that since Michael Jordan left, they are short on winners and high on sweaty pigs! He then takes a jab at Benoit, who makes his way to the ring next.
As the clock begins, the two men jockey for position. The first few minutes of the match has tons of mat wrestling, with both men trying to apply a submission hold on their opponent. Angle tapped to the cross-face while outside the ring, but it didn’t count as it wasn’t inside the ring. He locks in a kneebar when they ARE in the ring, causing him to tap.
Angle leads 1-0
After a thirty-second rest period, the match resumes. Benoit eventually locks in a cross-arm breaker, causing Angle to tap.
The matchup is tied 1-1
After the next thirty-second rest period, the two men resume the match. Benoit continues to work on the arm and shoulder of Angle. Angle uses a steel chair on Benoit and locks in an Ankle lock, causing him to tap out.
Angle leads 2-1
After the thirty-second rest period is over, Angle immediately locks in a crossface on Benoit, causing him to tap again.
Angle leads 3-1
After the next rest period comes to an end, a little over 18 minutes remains in the match. Both men continue to battle, exchanging submission attempts. Eventually, Benoit locks in a sharpshooter but Angle gets to the ropes. The Crippler eventually locks in a half crab with his knee on Angle’s neck, causing him to tap out.
Angle leads 3-2
After the thirty-second rest period, Angle rolls out of the ring and tries to kill time while avoiding Benoit. The clock continues to run with less than 10 minutes left in the match. Angle attempts on several occasions to lock in the ankle lock but Benoit has been able to avoid it.
Angle attempts another submission but it becomes more of a rest hold, so the referee raises Benoit’s hands to determine his level of consciousness. With less than 4 minutes left in the match, Benoit hits a jawbreaker, breaking the hold. Eventually, Benoit causes Angle to tap out to the ankle lock.
The matchup is tied 3-3
With less than two minutes remaining, Benoit continues to work on the knee of Angle. A series of suplexes by Benoit leads to a low blow by Angle, who locks in an ankle lock. Benoit fights his way out, but Angle locks it in again with 6 seconds left in the match. Benoit doesn’t tap out and time expires. The referee demands that the match continue in ‘sudden death overtime.’ There will be no clock, so the final submission will win the match. Angle works over Benoit, much to the chagrin of the Chicago faithful. Benoit eventually counters into a cross-face, and Angle taps out.
Winner: Chris Benoit wins 4-3 in overtime
The Undertaker and Kane are shown going over their strategy while Stephanie and Triple H comment on what has taken place. They also discuss Shane’s upcoming match against The Big Show. Is Shane living in a dream world? We see the video leading into this matchup. In the video, Vince shares that Shane will face The Big Show in a last man standing match. This is all set to take place next.
Backlash 2001
Last Man Standing
The Big Show vs. Shane McMahon
The Big Show makes his way to the ring first. Shane makes his way to the ring with his ‘Shane and The Beanstalk’ fairy tale booklet. The Big Show pursues Shane, who finds a kendo stick and hits him with blow after blow. But Show catches the stick and hits him with a short-arm clothesline. Shane is tossed into the ring and hits chair shot after chair shot. The referee is counting The Big Show down but he makes his way back to his feet. Shane then puts on a mask and tries using a chloroform rag to make Show pass out. He’s laying down as the referee counts, but Vince McMahon charges down to the ring and wipes out Shane with a steel chair. Both men are being counted out as Vince leaves the ring. Once they are on their feet, Big Show picks up Shane and begins to toss him from one side of the ring to the other.
The referee counts down a motionless Shane, but Show picks him up at the count of eight to deliver more abuse. He picks him up again when another count reaches eight. Test comes into the ring and he hits a big boot on Show. Show pursues Test as Shane is recovering in the ring.
Where is Big Show going?
– Jim Ross
Test and Big Show battle up the aisle to near the entranceway. This gives Shane all the time he needed, and he attacks from behind. He then climbs the stage structure. Test beats down Big Show with a cookie sheet. Shane leaps off the top of the structure onto Show! Test helps Shane up as The Big Show is counted out.
Winner: Shane McMahon
After the match we see Vince, Triple H, and Stephanie discussing what just took place. Vince shares that he only has one son, and his name is Triple H. We then see Steve Blackman at WWE New York in Times Square, but he is interrupted by Grand Master Sexay. Blackman seems quite annoyed by Sexay’s presence during Backlash 2001.
Backlash 2001
WWF/E European Championship
Matt Hardy (c) vs. Christian vs. Eddie Guerrero
Hardy makes his way to the ring first, and Christian next. Finally, Guerrero makes his way to the ring. Three Elite talents are all prepared to go at it. Christian and Guerrero work over Hardy to remove him from the match. Christian then jumps Guerrero from behind. Guerrero hits a hurricanrana on Christian. Christian attempts to get the better of both men but to no avail. Guerrero hits a drop toehold but is taken out by Hardy.
Christian recovers and whips Hardy into the turnbuckle, only to get hit with a clothesline. Hardy and Christian are now outside the ring. Hardy catches Christian with a DDT on the floor, but Guerrero hits him with a suplex and brings him inside the ring. Guerrero is caught with a back body drop. Hardy climbs to the top rope but is stopped by Guerrero. Christian hits a double clothesline on both of his opponents.
Hardy tosses Christian out and hits a second rope leg drop. He makes a pinfall attempt but only for count of two. Edge comes charging down to ringside and spears Hardy. Jeff Hardy also comes down and hits Christian with a Swanton. Matt Hardy hits a twist of fate for a three count and the win at Backlash 2001.
Winner: And still European Champion, Matt Hardy
After the match, the commentators continue to discuss the massive elbow drop from Shane McMahon earlier on in the evening.
Up next is a championship match for all the WWE titles. They share a video montage, showing how it all began at WrestleMania X-7. We see Austin capture the title and align himself with Mr. McMahon. He said afterward that he didn’t owe anyone an explanation. Soon after, Triple H aligned with ‘Stone Cold’ in a beat down of The Rock.
The Undertaker and Kane are shown wreaking havoc on the entire roster. All the titles are on the line in this matchup. These four men have battled each other countless times before, but this time is different as the Heavyweight, Intercontinental, and tag team titles are up for grabs at Backlash 2001!
Backlash 2001
WWF/E Tag Team, Intercontinental, and World Heavyweight Championship Match
Triple H (Intercontinental Champion) with Stephanie McMahon & ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin (WWF Champion) vs. WWE/F Tag Team Champions The Undertaker & Kane
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon make their way to the ring first followed by ‘Stone Cold.’ Kane comes to the ring next followed by The Undertaker. Kane and The Undertaker charge the ring forcing Austin and Triple H out! Undertaker decks Triple H, knocking him off the apron. Austin comes around to console his partner. The referee is counting the Intercontinental and World Champion out until ‘The Game’ charges into the ring. He is then decked again.
Austin and Helmsley try to leave only for Undertaker and Kane to come after them. Kane and Triple H are battling at ringside while Undertaker and Austin battle inside the ring. Then the pairings switch places. Kane chokes Triple H inside the ring, and then does the same to Austin. Kane continues to work over Triple H in one corner and then whips him to the opposing corner. Triple H catches him with a high knee. ‘The Game’ goes to work on Kane’s injured left arm. Kane however is able to retaliate. Both Undertaker and Austin are tagged in.
Do you think the rattlesnake is playing possum?
– Paul Heyman
Austin attempts to ask for mercy but his opponents don’t give him any. Stone Cold is hit with a clothesline by Kane. Austin tags in Triple H and Kane tags in Undertaker. Austin and Triple H manage to regain control and work over the ‘Dead Man.’ They force him into their corner and have him isolated. Undertaker attempts to fight off both men but is caught with a knee by Triple H. However, he hits a DDT on Triple H leaving both of them lying in the middle of the ring. Kane asks for the tag but Undertaker refuses.
Austin tries a Lou Thesz press on Undertaker, but he catches him and hits a double clothesline on both opponents. Eventually he makes the tag to Kane. ‘The Big Red Machine’ comes in and immediately goes after Austin. The two exchange blows and then he hits a big boot on ‘Stone Cold’ and ‘The Game.’ He then hits a sidewalk slam on Austin and climbs the top turnbuckle. He hits a clothesline on Austin and slams Triple H from off the top rope. Kane and Austin once again exchange fists. The ‘Big Red Machine’ hits a big boot on both men.
Austin is ripping at that elbow and padding (on Kane)
– Jim Ross
Austin beats on Kane’s arm with a steel chair. Triple H is tagged in and he continues to work on the arm. Kane tries to fight back with rights until Triple H yanks on the left arm and shoulder. Austin is tagged in and continues the attack on the arm. He whips Kane face-first into the corner turnbuckle. With the referee distracted, Triple H is able to get some shots in. He is then officiallt tagged in and wrenches on the arm. Kane is able to get to his feet and tosses Triple H over the top rope. He tries to make his way to his partner but Triple H pulls Undertaker off the apron.
At this point, Austin works over Kane while the referee is preoccupied. Kane locks in a side headlock on Austin but ‘Stone Cold’ hits a belly-to-back suplex on him. Triple H is tagged in but gets hit with a big boot. Kane hits a belly-to-back suplex of his own. Austin tags in Triple H who continues the assault on Kane. ‘Stone Cold’ is tagged back in and attempts a pin but Undertaker stops him and hits a choke slam.
Referee Earl Hebner and Stephanie exchange words on the apron, and he pushes her off. Kane hits an enziguri on Triple H and tags in Undertaker. He goes to town on both opponents. He hits the ‘last ride’ power bombs but Hebner tells him he didn’t see him tagged in the match. Austin hits a stunner on Kane and kicks Undertaker in the gut.
Meanwhile, Triple H has the title in his hands!
– Paul Heyman
Kane attempts to hit a choke slam but Stephanie comes into the ring, only to be hit with a big boot! Mr. McMahon comes to the ring and hands Triple H a sledgehammer, which he uses to hit Kane in the head. Triple H makes the pin fall for the win at Backlash 2001.
Winners: AND NEW WWF/E Tag Team Champions, Triple H and ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.
The two men are now double champions, holding the Intercontinental, Heavyweight, and Tag Team Championships. It was truly a remarkable evening at Backlash 2001.
