The event, which took place at the Providence Civic Center, was a pivotal moment in the Attitude Era, as it showcased the intense rivalry between two of the most iconic figures in the history of professional wrestling.

The Build-Up For BackLash 1999

The rivalry between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock had been brewing for months, with both superstars vying for the coveted WWF Championship. Moreover, The Rock, a charismatic and cocky young upstart, had risen through the ranks of the WWE with remarkable speed, capturing the hearts and minds of fans with his electrifying promos and undeniable in-ring talent.

On the other hand, Stone Cold Steve Austin, the beer-drinking, hell-raising “Texas Rattlesnake,” had become the face of the company, embodying the rebellious spirit of the Attitude Era.

No Holds Barred Match: Stone Cold Steve Austin Vs The Rock 

The No Holds Barred stipulation added an extra layer of intensity to the already heated rivalry between these two megastars. Evidently, from the opening bell, the match was a brutal, hard-hitting affair, with both men pulling out all the stops to secure the WWF Championship. The action spilled out of the ring and into the crowd, as Austin and The Rock brawled through the audience, using chairs, tables, and any other weapons they could find to inflict punishment on their opponent.

The match reached its climax when Shane McMahon, who had been appointed as the special guest referee, attempted to interfere on The Rock’s behalf. However, his efforts were thwarted by his own father, Vince McMahon, who came to Austin’s aid. With the odds finally even, Austin was able to hit The Rock with a Stunner and then deliver a final blow with the Smoking Skull belt to secure the victory and retain his WWF Championship.

Legacy Between The Rattle Snake and Peoples Champ

The Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock match at Backlash 1999 is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in the history of professional wrestling. It showcased the incredible chemistry between the two superstars and solidified their status as bonafide legends of the industry. The match also played a crucial role in the ongoing narrative of the Attitude Era, as it further entrenched Stone Cold Steve Austin as the top babyface in the company and set the stage for The Rock’s eventual transformation into a beloved hero.

The No Holds Barred match between Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock at Backlash 1999 is a testament to the enduring appeal of professional wrestling. It featured two of the biggest stars in the history of the WWE, locked in a battle for supremacy that captivated the hearts and imaginations of fans around the world.

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The match not only defined an era but also left an indelible mark on the wrestling landscape, proving that when it comes to the squared circle, anything can happen.

From Inauguration to Reinvention: The Evolution of Backlash

In April 1999, WWE introduced Backlash as the successor to the beloved In Your House series. Initially conceived as a post-WrestleMania extravaganza, Backlash quickly carved its niche in the wrestling calendar. Despite a brief hiatus after 2009, Backlash returned with a vengeance in 2016, aligning itself with the post-SummerSlam slot. This revival marked a new era for the event, ushering in fresh excitement and anticipation.

The introduction of the brand extension in 2002 reshaped WWE’s landscape, and Backlash played a pivotal role in showcasing brand-exclusive battles. From Raw dominance in the mid-2000s to the inclusion of ECW in the late 2000s, Backlash mirrored WWE’s evolving brand dynamics. With the brand split’s resurgence in 2016, Backlash once again became a platform for brand supremacy, highlighting the best of SmackDown Live. As WWE transitions into a new era of unified branding, Backlash continues to adapt, embracing a diverse roster and delivering unforgettable moments.

Backlash France: A New Frontier for WWE

As WWE expands its global reach, Backlash makes history with its inaugural event in France. Renamed “Backlash France,” this groundbreaking show marks WWE’s first foray into French territory, promising an electrifying experience for fans worldwide. With this bold step, WWE reaffirms its commitment to bringing the spectacle of professional wrestling to new audiences, ensuring that Backlash remains a cornerstone of sports entertainment for years to come.

WWE Backlash stands as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling. From its humble beginnings as a post-WrestleMania extravaganza to its upcoming debut in France, Backlash continues to captivate audiences with its blend of athleticism, drama, and spectacle.

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As WWE embarks on its next chapter, one thing remains certain: Backlash will continue to be a must-see event for wrestling fans around the globe.

It will be the first Premium Live Event that will emanate from Providence since WWE Backlash was held 13 years ago on April 26, 2009.

The pre-sale for WrestleMania Backlash will begin tomorrow Wednesday, Feb. 16, at 10 a.m. The general on-sale will take place Friday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m. For more information and to access the pre-sale click here and use code WWE2022.

There’s plenty to be decided on the championship landscape before WrestleMania Backlash, as the WWE Title, Universal Title, and Raw Women’s Title are all on the line this Saturday at WWE Elimination Chamber. Then a stupendous two-night WrestleMania in Dallas, Texas on April 2 and 3 will see Roman Reigns battle, Brock Lesnar, for the Universal Title, Ronda Rousey challenge Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Title, and much more.

Don’t miss all the action at WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 8, in Providence!