WWF WrestleMania XV - "The Ragin' Climax"

The Bottom Line: WrestleMania's Prequel Delivers

March 28th, 1999, First Union Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - In the midst of WrestleMania season, WWE brought us a stacked card that lived up to its promise. The pay-per-view event, aptly titled "Backlash," featured a mix of high-stakes matches and thrilling surprises.

Hardcore Holly's Unlikely Triumvirate Triumph

The night kicked off with a frenetic WWE Hardcore Title Triple Threat Match between Al Snow, Billy Gunn, and Hardcore Holly. This chaotic affair saw all three competitors in a series of wild exchanges, but in the end, Hardcore Holly emerged victorious. A strong opener that set the tone for what was to come.

Tag Team Tussle

The WWF World Tag Team Titles were on the line as Jeff Jarrett and Owen Hart took on D-Lo Brown and Test. This fast-paced match saw both teams trading holds and high-flying moves, but in the end, it was the champions who retained their titles. A solid effort from all four competitors.

The Butterbean Brawl

In a bizarre yet entertaining Brawl 4 All Match, the infamous boxer Butterbean took on Bart Gunn, with Vinny Pazienza serving as special referee. This one was over before it even started, with Butterbean delivering a crushing punch to secure the victory in just 35 seconds.

Mankind's Moment

Paul Wight, aka The Big Show, faced off against Mankind in a Winner Takes All match. This grueling contest saw both men trading blows and showing incredible resilience. In the end, it was Mankind who emerged victorious, earning the right to referee the main event. A huge win for "The Man" that sets up intriguing possibilities for future matches.

Intercontinental Mayhem

The WWE Intercontinental Title was on the line in a Four-Way Elimination Match featuring Goldust, Ken Shamrock, Val Venis, and The Road Dogg. This high-flying affair saw all four competitors taking turns eliminating each other until only one remained: The Road Dogg, who captured the title.

Kane's Dominance

The intense Kane took on Triple H in a singles match that showcased both men's incredible strength. In the end, it was Kane who emerged victorious, proving why he's considered one of the top talents in WWE.

Sable's Title Triumph

Tori faced off against Sable for the WWE Women's Championship. This brief but intense contest saw Sable emerge victorious and retain her title.

Shane McMahon's European Escapade

X-Pac took on Shane McMahon for the WWE European Championship. This high-flying match saw both men trading moves, but in the end, it was Shane who emerged victorious, capturing his second consecutive European Title.

Hell In A Cell Horror

The main event of the evening featured a Hell in a Cell Match between The Undertaker and The Big Bossman. This brutal encounter saw both men engaging in a series of intense brawls and high-flying moves, but in the end, it was The Undertaker who emerged victorious.

The Main Event: Austin vs. The Rock

Finally, we arrived at the main event: Steve Austin vs. The Rock for the WWE Championship. This No Disqualification Match featured both men trading holds and delivering a series of brutal attacks. In the end, it was Austin who emerged victorious, retaining his title thanks to the special referee Mankind.

The Bottom Line

Backlash delivered exactly what fans were looking for: a card full of high-stakes matches, thrilling surprises, and incredible athleticism. With WrestleMania just around the corner, this event served as an excellent precursor to the grandest stage of them all.

Final Grade: A-

Recommendation: If you missed this event or are looking for a taste of what WWE has to offer, I highly recommend seeking out a replay or purchasing the DVD. Rating: 4/5 stars

Card Details

• Date: 28 Mar 1999
• Promotion: World Wrestling Entertainment
• Arena: First Union Center
• Attendance: 20276
• Type: Pay Per View
• Broadcast Type: Live
• Broadcast Date: 28 Mar 1999

Matches

1. Hardcore Holly(C) defeat Al Snow and Billy Gunn in a WWE Hardcore Title Triple Threat Match

2. Jeff Jarrett and Owen Hart(C) defeat D-Lo Brown and Test in a WWF World Tag Team Title Match
   Match Time: 03:58

3. Butterbean defeat Bart Gunn in a Brawl 4 All Match (Special Referee: Vinny Pazienza)
   Match Time: 00:35

4. Mankind defeat Paul Wight in a Winner Gets To Referee The Main Event Match
   Match Time: 06:50

5. The Road Dogg(C) defeat Goldust, Ken Shamrock and Val Venis in a WWE Intercontinental Title Four Way Elimination Match
   Match Time: 09:47

6. Kane defeat Triple H in a Singles Match
   Match Time: 11:33

7. Sable(C) defeat Tori in a WWE Women's Title Match
   Match Time: 05:06

8. Shane McMahon(C) defeat X-Pac in a WWE European Title Match
   Match Time: 08:41

9. The Undertaker defeat The Big Bossman in a Hell In A Cell Match
   Match Time: 09:46

10. Steve Austin(C) defeat The Rock in a WWE Title No Disqualification Match (Special Referee: Mankind)