Advertisement

WWE Backlash: AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose battle, The Miz defends against Dolph Ziggler

By Wade Sheridan
Dean Ambrose defended his WWE World Championship against AJ Styles at Backlash Sunday in a grueling match that ended in controversy. File Photo by WWE/Twitter
1 of 3 | Dean Ambrose defended his WWE World Championship against AJ Styles at Backlash Sunday in a grueling match that ended in controversy. File Photo by WWE/Twitter

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Smackdown Live history was made Sunday during the blue brand's inaugural pay-per-view event, Backlash.

Taking place inside The Coliseum in Richmond, Va., Backlash kicked things off with a Six-Pack Challenge Elimination Match to determine the first ever Smackdown Women's Champion.

Advertisement

The bout featured Smackdown's collection of female Superstars including Nikki Bella, Becky Lynch, Natalya, Naomi, Carmella and Alexa Bliss.

It was the Irish Lass Kicker Lynch who came out on top, however, after she made Carmella tap out to her patent submission maneuver, The Dis-arm-her, after the other competitors had been eliminated. Carmella notably pinned Bella for a quick three-count by pulling up her tights.

"It's a great day to be @BeckyLynchWWE as he captures the #SDLive #WomensTitle," WWE noted on Twitter alongside a photo of Lynch celebrating her win inside the ring.

Following his highly-publicized face-off with Smackdown general manager Daniel Bryan, the outspoken Intercontinental Champion The Miz defended his title against challenger Dolph Ziggler, but not before confronting Bryan one more time.

Advertisement

"I want you to go back to your little cubbyhole and watch me do what you can't do anymore," The Miz said to a stern looking Bryan backstage before the match, mocking the former World Champion for being unable to compete following his retirement.

The Miz then went on to defeat Ziggler but only after his wife Maryse sprayed The Showoff in the eyes with an unknown substance while the referee was distracted. The Miz took advantage of Ziggler's blindness and nailed him with The Skull-Crushing Finale for the win.

"By hook or crook @mikethemiz is STILL your #ICChampion at #WWEBacklash!" the company shared on Twitter with a photo of The Miz and Maryse smiling.

For Backlash's main event, WWE World Champion Dean Ambrose defended his title against AJ Styles following his impressive victory over John Cena at SummerSlam.

The competitive match saw both Superstars leave it all on the line as they battled outside the ring, smashing each other into barricades and across the announcer's table.

Advertisement

It was The Phenomenal One however who got the best of Ambrose after he sneakily landed a devastating low-bow against The Lunatic Fringe that led right into a Styles Clash for the victory.

"#SDLive's inaugural PPV event ends with a BRAND NEW @WWE World Champion in @AJStylesOrg!" wrote WWE on Twitter alongside a shot of Styles holding up his newly won WWE World Championship as he headed to the back.

Backlash also featured the crowing of the first ever Smackdown Tag Team Champions with Heath Slater and Rhyno winning the titles and Kane defeating Bray Wyatt in a No Holds Barred Match after Wyatt had injured his original opponent Randy Orton backstage.

Latest Headlines