WWF Backlash 2001 [VHS]

As 2001 pay-per-views go, Backlash is rather weak. Anytime you find the now aging and slow-moving Undertaker and Kane in a main event, you know the WWF had writers' block. Here, 'Taker and Kane take on heels Stone Cold Steve Austin and Triple H with all of the major titles up for grabs. Seeing Austin teaming with Triple H (the same guy who broke Stone Cold's neck a year back) requires suspension of disbelief that even wrestling fans can't muster. Luckily, Backlash has a couple of mid-card matches that save it from totally tanking. On the wresting side of things, the 30-minute Ultimate Submission Match between former Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle and technical specialist Chris Benoit is the type of match that pleases traditionalists: no gimmicks, pure action. And for those that love hardcore, the Raven/Rhyno match is brutal fun. --Dave McCoy