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WWE Backlash 2025 Review

Connor Banks
May 13
3 min read

Rating: 7.5/10 – A strong post-Mania outing with memorable moments and well-executed storytelling

Torn paper design on a red background reveals bold text: "BACKLASH ST. LOUIS" in metallic and red letters, creating a dynamic effect. — Copyright WWE

WWE Backlash 2025 came live from the Enterprise Centre in St. Louis, Missouri, and it delivered a night full of solid wrestling, intriguing developments, and a few genuine surprises. While not every bout was a show-stealer, the overall presentation and narrative progression made for an enjoyable evening. Let’s break it down in match card order.

United States Championship Fatal 4-Way: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre vs. LA Knight

The perfect choice to open the show - fast-paced, high-energy, and dripping with tension. Each competitor brought something unique: Drew’s brute force, Priest’s unpredictability, LA Knight’s charisma, and Fatu’s raw dominance. This match didn’t just entertain - it moved storylines forward beautifully.

The real headline was the surprise debut of Jeff Cobb, who intervened to help Fatu retain his title, seemingly under orders from Solo Sikoa. What made the moment particularly compelling was Fatu’s visible confusion—he clearly hadn’t been clued in on the plan, and it sets up fascinating internal tension within this Bloodline 2.0 which was absolutely needed particularly with the injuries to Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. A thrilling way to start the night and a great bit of storytelling.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch

Match of the night, no question. This was the moment Lyra Valkyria needed, and she delivered in spades. Becky was superb in the veteran role, pushing Lyra to her limits, while Lyra finally got to showcase her full potential on a major stage.

The in-ring storytelling was layered and emotionally charged, with well-timed false finishes and a clear narrative arc of the underdog stepping up. This didn’t just get Lyra over with the fans - it got her over with me. A star-making performance, and a brilliant match from start to finish.

Intercontinental Championship: “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta

This was good, but not their best. The action was crisp and engaging, and both men put in a solid shift, but it didn’t quite match the level of their previous clash on RAW, which still stands as their strongest effort to date.

Still, it served its purpose in advancing the ongoing story. JD McDonagh’s presence added tension, and Dom retained in typical fashion, keeping his heel momentum rolling. Not a show-stealer, but a decent middle-of-the-card contest.

Gunther vs. Pat McAfee

This turned out far better than I anticipated. I expected a semi-competitive match that would risk diluting Gunther’s aura, but instead, we got a masterclass squash. Gunther dominated, as he should, but Pat McAfee played his part to perfection and even got a few hope spots, even if they were quickly put back down again by the Ring General.

There was just enough drama to give fans a sliver of hope, without ever truly threatening Gunther’s dominance. It protected both men—Gunther remained a beast, and McAfee left with his credibility intact thanks to his resilience and the crowd’s support. A brilliant bit of booking.

Main Event – Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton

This was a classic - everything a final chapter between two legends should be. Cena and Orton crafted a bout steeped in nostalgia, packed with callbacks to their many battles over the years. The pacing was deliberate, the crowd was hot, and every near-fall had weight.

Orton, performing in his hometown, gave it everything. Cena matched him step for step. The late interference from R-Truth was a fun call back to the previous Smackdown's where Truth had said he wanted to help his childhood hero, and most importantly,y didn’t take anything away from this spectacle.

If this really was their last encounter, it was a fitting and emotional conclusion to one of WWE’s greatest rivalries.

Backlash 2025 may not be remembered as an all-time classic, but it absolutely delivered where it needed to. It elevated new stars, progressed key storylines, and gave fans plenty to talk about. With standout performances from Lyra Valkyria, the surprise debut of Jeff Cobb, and the powerful send-off for Cena vs. Orton, it was a well-rounded and thoroughly enjoyable event.

A strong 7.5 out of 10, and a reminder that Backlash can still feel like a big deal when booked right.

Nintendo Switch 2 Launches to Record Sales, Mixed Reviews, and Market Shifts

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12 June 2025

Paul Francis

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After months of speculation and mounting anticipation, Nintendo has launched the Switch 2 in the UK and globally, marking a significant step forward for the Japanese gaming giant. The hybrid console, which was released on 3 June, has already become Nintendo’s fastest-selling device, shifting over 3.5 million units in just four days.

The console launched in the UK at £379.99 for the standard edition, with the “Deluxe Set” bundling in Mario Kart World and enhanced Joy-Con controllers for £429.99. Despite the hefty price tag, retailers reported widespread sell-outs within hours of release. GAME and Argos saw queues online and in-store, with some high street stores reporting stock shortages through the first weekend.

"The screen is beautiful, the new Joy-Cons feel far sturdier, and I love how snappy the menus are."

Jason Webb, a gamer from Leeds

Launch Line-Up and New Features

The Switch 2 arrived with a launch line-up headlined by Mario Kart World, Pikmin 5, and Splatoon Nova, with The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Depths set to follow in July. The console features a brighter 1080p OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, upgraded internal storage, and improved detachable controllers. Nintendo has also introduced GameChat, its first in-built voice and video chat system, seen by many as a long overdue step into modern multiplayer gaming.

Early Market Jitters Now Easing

When Nintendo confirmed the console back in January, investors were not immediately convinced. Shares dipped nearly 7 per cent in Tokyo, with analysts criticising the reveal as thin on detail. The company was tight-lipped about the price, backwards compatibility, and exact release date, leading some to worry that Nintendo was not ready to compete with devices like the Steam Deck or PlayStation Portal.

However, as pre-orders sold out in April and early reviews trickled in, investor confidence returned. By late May, Nintendo’s stock had climbed to record highs, with analysts from Jefferies and Goldman Sachs issuing strong buy recommendations. Goldman expects long-term growth from the console, forecasting that it could sell over 60 million units during its lifespan.

Close-up of blue and red handheld game controllers against a dark background, with buttons and joystick visible. Vibrant colors.

What Users Think of the Switch 2?

Despite commercial success and analyst optimism, the Switch 2 has divided opinion among users. While many in the UK gaming community have praised the device as a worthy successor, others feel it fails to justify its premium price or fully resolve lingering issues from the original console.

The Good

For those upgrading from the original Switch, the improvements are tangible. "The screen is beautiful, the new Joy-Cons feel far sturdier, and I love how snappy the menus are," said Jason Webb, a gamer from Leeds who picked up his Switch 2 on launch day. Online forums and subreddits have filled with praise for the display, improved load times, and the seamless nature of GameChat.

Others have applauded Nintendo’s decision not to reinvent the wheel. “It’s exactly what I wanted – more power, better battery, and still the same pick-up-and-play feel,” wrote one user on r/NintendoUK.

The Bad

However, not everyone is impressed. A common criticism has been the console’s high price, particularly during a cost-of-living crisis. “£429 for a new console when I still have a perfectly good Switch? Nintendo’s taking the mickey,” said Sarah Khan, a student in Manchester.

Battery life has also come under scrutiny. Some users reported shorter-than-expected play times during launch week, prompting Nintendo to acknowledge a software bug that would be addressed in a future update. There have also been concerns about the magnetic controller attachments. “The little nub is already bending, and I’ve only had it a week. My kid snapped the last one in two months,” one frustrated parent shared on Facebook.

Another sore point is the sense that the Switch 2 is more of a refinement than a revolution.

“It feels like a Switch Pro, not a new generation. Where’s the wow factor?”

Reddit user @WanderingPlumber.

The Road Ahead

Despite some early growing pains, the Switch 2 is off to a flying start. It has reignited interest in physical game releases, brought Nintendo back into the conversation around social and multiplayer innovation, and won over a loyal base of fans who see it as the best version of the console to date.

As the console heads into its second month, all eyes will be on Nintendo’s software pipeline. With the promise of a new Zelda, Pokémon Revival later this year, and strong third-party support, the Switch 2 may yet prove to be more than just a refresh. But with rivals looming and expectations sky-high, Nintendo has little room for error.

Whether the Switch 2 becomes a long-term game-changer or a short-term spike remains to be seen. What’s clear for now is that it has already made its mark.