Orton and Owens vs. Bloodline at WWE Backlash was a brawl for the ages

If you haven’t seen WWE’s May 4 event from France, you need to watch this one match.

When it comes to pay-per-view and premium live events, there is a short list of great opening matches in WWE history. In 1994, Bret Hart and Owen Hart had arguably the best pure wrestling match to open any signature event when they kicked off WrestleMania X. In 2002, Kurt Angle and Rey Mysterio put on a clinic that stole the show at one many consider the greatest SummerSlam in the event’s history.

This past weekend, WWE had another all-time opener to add to that list as it kicked off Backlash with an unbelievable melee featuring Randy Orton and Kevin Owens teaming up against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga. Since Backlash aired earlier than usual at 1 p.m. ET, 10 a.m. PT, some might have missed it. However, it was a standout event worth catching up on, with this tag team Donnybrook being particularly noteworthy.

The war erupted immediately before the bell, with referees and officials attempting to separate the four men. However, the brawl continued until SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis arrived and authorized a street fight match, declaring, “Do what you want.” The crowd in Lyon roared as the good guys went on what resembled a scoring route as they ran roughshod over The Bloodline.

For over 20 intense minutes, both teams relentlessly attacked each other. They brawled through the crowd, delivered unprotected headshots with a garbage can, endured multiple table spots, and subjected each other to brutal whippings with a Singapore cane. The assault was so severe that Tama Tonga’s back was left covered in welts and blood. The only lighthearted moment occurred when Owens splashed Tonga off the guardrail, prompting Orton to pretend he would do the same before opting to drop Tonga across both sets of commentary tables.

The Bloodline, despite a fierce rally, seemed doomed as Owens drove Tonga through a set of chairs with a fisherman buster. Suddenly, Tonga’s brother, former New Japan Pro Wrestling star Tanga Loa, emerged from nowhere, breaking up what seemed like a sure three count. He then decimated Orton and Owens with the steel ring steps. Loa’s brutal distraction allowed Sikoa to finish off Owens in a remarkably violent fashion.

If there was a dull moment in this encounter, one would be hard-pressed to find it. The match started at full speed and never slowed down. The crowd was electric, and the action stayed true to the narrative. Owens and Orton, both victims of The Bloodline, got a slight measure of revenge. However, Sikoa and Tonga ultimately outsmarted them, introducing a new member to their group. That development furthers the storyline of Sikoa challenging Roman Reigns for control of The Bloodline, potentially setting up a feud between Sikoa’s new crew and The Bloodline’s original trio.

Except for a few unnecessarily violent spots (such as the unprotected blows to the head with a weapon), this was professional wrestling at its finest. Its raw intensity is a must-see, whether one is watching for the first time or thinking about a second (or third) viewing.