Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles at WWE Backlash France: A Classic Title Clash

 On May 4, 2024, the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France, hosted WWE Backlash, the first premium live event (PLE) in France and a historic night for wrestling fans. The main event featured Cody Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against AJ Styles in a match that electrified the passionate French crowd and delivered a masterclass in professional wrestling. This clash between two industry revolutionaries was more than a title defense; it was a testament to their legacies and the evolution of modern wrestling.

Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles at WWE Backlash France: A Classic Title Clash

Cody Rhodes, fresh off his monumental victory over Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40, entered Backlash as the new face of WWE. His journey to the top, marked by years of grit and reinvention outside WWE, resonated deeply with fans. Rhodes’ emotional connection with the audience was palpable as the Lyon crowd sang along to his entrance theme, “Kingdom,” creating an atmosphere that rivaled the loudest WWE events. AJ Styles, the challenger, brought his own storied legacy. Known as “The Phenomenal One,” Styles revolutionized wrestling with his high-flying, technical prowess in TNA and NJPW before becoming a WWE cornerstone. His gear, a nod to his 2003 NWA Championship win over Dusty Rhodes, Cody’s father, added a layer of personal stakes to the encounter.

Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles at WWE Backlash France: A Classic Title Clash

The match, lasting 27 minutes and 17 seconds, was a showcase of athleticism, storytelling, and resilience. Both competitors, former Bullet Club leaders, displayed their familiarity with high-stakes battles. Rhodes started strong with a gourdbuster and a back body drop, while Styles countered with a step-up enzeguiri and an electric chair drop. The action spilled outside, with Rhodes powerbombing Styles through the French announce table, a moment that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Styles responded with a springboard 450 splash and a devastating Burning Hammer, but Rhodes’ tenacity shone through as he kicked out at one, channeling a Hulk Hogan-esque fire-up that stunned his opponent.

The Lyon crowd’s energy elevated every moment. Chanting “Il est vraiment phénoménal” for Styles and singing Rhodes’ theme, they created a football-like atmosphere, with one fan-fueled chant shaking the hard camera. Referee Jessika Carr made history as the first woman to officiate a WWE world title main event, adding to the night’s significance. The match’s climax saw Rhodes counter Styles’ Phenomenal Forearm with a superkick, lock in a kimura, and deliver a top-rope Cody Cutter followed by his signature Cross Rhodes for the pinfall victory. The crowd erupted as Rhodes retained his title, cementing his reign’s strong start.

Cody Rhodes vs. AJ Styles at WWE Backlash France: A Classic Title Clash

Critics and fans alike hailed the match as a five-star classic, with wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer awarding it the prestigious rating, Rhodes’ first since his 2022 Hell in a Cell bout against Seth Rollins. The chemistry between Rhodes and Styles, combined with the crowd’s fervor, made it a standout. While Styles didn’t win, his performance reinforced his status as a top-tier competitor, setting the stage for their later “I Quit” match at Clash at the Castle. For Rhodes, the victory was a statement: his reign would be defined by hard-fought battles against the best.

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Backlash France set a record for the largest arena gate in WWE history at the time, a testament to the event’s impact. Rhodes vs. Styles wasn’t just a match; it was a celebration of wrestling’s past, present, and future, driven by two men who reshaped the industry. For fans in Lyon and worldwide, it was a night to remember.