[6.0] "Don't know why so many are down on this episode, it was a solid enough Smackdown that built to all of Smackdowns matches for Backlash. Most of the matches were solid albeit short, and we had a really solid hoss fight between Lesnar and A-Train that was given a strong 10 minutes. I enjoyed this episode of Smackdown way more than I do the average modern WWE TV or AEW TV, that's for sure."

[4.0] "A very weak show for this time period, as most of the matches were squash matches outside of Shelton/Chavo and the main event, and this show had a "Sable Invitational" bikini contest, which predictably ended up in a bad tag match next week. This show also didn't do the best job at promoting Backlash."

[4.0] "A very lacklustre Smackdown episode. As a go home show, Lesnar v Cena is the only thing of interest on Backlash and while the stuff around that is good, the rest of the show is mostly forgettable with a lot of lacklustre feuds and segments. Chavo vs Shelton is a decent sprint and I quite enjoyed the Lesnar vs A-Train hoss fight, but theres not a lot that really stands out, which is very disappointing."

[4.0] "The opener simply existed so that Cena could get a quick win before his title match at Backlash. All of the segments on this show are meh, Shelton/Chavo and Brock vs A-Train was solid but nothing you should check out. Disappointing show before the PPV."