Recaps
WWE Backlash 2023: Bad Bunny Steals the Show, Zelina Vega Is Overcome, Cody Rhodes Defeats Brock Lesnar in Odd Finish
Bad Bunny punctuated his astounding global music career with an exclamation point, continuing to live out his childhood dreams by once again becoming part of the WWE Universe. During the WWE’s first show in Puerto Rico in more than 18 years, the 2023 Backlash pay-per-view streamed on Peacock and had something for everybody.
Backlash was live from San Juan at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot in front of over 17,000 people, and this wrestling crowd was hot. It turned out to be one of the best in recent memory, which amped up the action even more with their involvement in all the matches through: vocal chants, singing, rooting for those they love, or booing those on their hit list. The sound was deafening and through the roof. The introduction to the entire live-streamed event featured a narration from San Benito, himself.

Photo: WWE
Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest
This marked Benito’s return to action in the WWE, fresh off headlining Coachella just a few weeks ago. Previously, the music superstar appeared at the Royal Rumble, and in a tag team match at Wrestlemania in 2021. Now, in what should have been the main event of the night (it was billed as part of a ‘Double Main Event” but went on third from last), Bunny would go up against his former friend and wrestling mentor, Judgement Day’s Damian Priest, also from Puerto Rico in a San Juan Street Fight Match. This moment would mark San Benito’s first solo match and he more than lived up to the challenge.

Photo: WWE
Tell us what other Grammy Award-winning artist would even dare to do this? Bad Bunny and his match was a showstopper. During his entrance to his music, San Benito came to the ring prepared with a shopping cart full of bats, sticks, folding chairs and chains. As the match wore on, Bad Bunny astounded the crowd with his high-flying maneuvers, ability to take bumps through a table, no less, and his sheer in-ring talent.

Photo: WWE
Towards the end of the street fight (and so Bunny and Priest got a bit of break from beating each other to smithereens), came the runs-in. Judgement Days’s hated Dominik Mysterio and Finn Balor began their interference against Bunny only to be stopped by the LWO (Latino World Order) with Rey Mysterio Jr. and none other than Carlito … apple and all! After Rey and Carlito cleared the ring, Dominik and Finn ran into Savio Vega on their way to the back, who leveled both of them out for good measure.

Back to the match, after hammering away at Priest’s leg, Bad Bunny put him in a figure-four before following it up with his signature move, “the Bunny Destroyer.” In the end it was celebration time in San Juan as Bunny and the LWO celebrated his victory in the ring,

Photo: WWE
Bianca Belair vs. Iyo Sky
Current WWE Raw’s women champion Bianca Belair and her challenger, Iyo Sky, put on a ‘match of the year’ candidate in the opening bout of Backlash. The red-hot crowd was clearly rooting on Sky, not the babyfaced, Belair. This played throughout the entire match as Sky took to the ‘skies’ numerous times showing her sheer athleticism, while Belair reminded us all of her insane power by lifting Iyo with one arm over her head. It seemed no matter how impressive Belair was, Sky had the crowed with her, and the champ was booed. Belair then tried to play into that by becoming a bit more of the aggressor for this match. When interference from Sky’s partners arrived in Damage CTRL (Bayley and Dakota Kai), it ultimately did not work. Bianca ultimately got the victory becoming the longest-reigning Raw champion in women’s division history. Now that Bianca is headed next week to the blue brand and Smackdown, will the creative team decide to have her turn heel after the reaction she received in San Juan? Stay tuned.

Photo: WWE
Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
The final match of the night and part two of the billed “Double Main Event” featured ‘The American Nightmare’ and Cody Rhodes against the ‘Beast Incarnate,’ Brock Lesnar in a feud that has yet to be explained as to why it’s happening in the first place. Why did Lesnar turn on Rhodes several weeks ago when they were about to be tag partners in a redemption match following Wrestlemania 39 against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, and beat the crap out of him? If you thought you would get the answer at Backlash, you were wrong. Instead, we got a head-scratching ending.

Photo: WWE
Rhodes went on the attack to beat down Lesnar before the bell rang as retribution for the vicious attack he received from Brock week’s ago. When the bell did ring, the superstars went at it for awhile, with Cody hitting his signature moves the ‘Cody Cutter’ and the “Cross Rhodes” and Brock selling it all. When Lesnar was thrown across the ring, his head hit an exposed turnbuckle, and he quickly became a bloody mess. Rhodes wiped some of Lesnar’s blood on his chest for good measure and the match continued.

Photo: WWE
However, because Lesnar was bleeding badly that had to be an unexpected turning point and it seemed like a quick finish was called. When Lesnar locked in the Kimura, all of a sudden, Rhodes rolled him over into a pin to get a quick victory. Next, the entire pay-per-view ended with Rhodes retreating to the aisle to head to the back, while Lesnar is left in the ring bleeding. In a video that surfaced after the match, Lesnar received a standing ovation from the crowd for several minutes to chants of ‘suplex city’. This was a very odd and messy ending to an unexplained feud.

Photo: WWE
Rhea Ripley vs. Zelina Vega
In the emotional highlight of the night, Zelina Vega who hails from Queens, New York but is of Puerto Rican descent, challenged WWE Smackdown women’s champion, Rhea Ripley. This was to be Ripley’s first title defense since Wrestlemania 39 when she won the belt from Charlotte Flair.

Courtesy/WWE
When Vega made her entrance, she was draped in the Puerto Rican flag and her ring entire was the colors of the flag, as well. Vega’s family was also at ringside including her mother, stepfather and brother. When she was introduced and with the crowd was firmly behind her, Zelina was visibly overcome and moved to tears, making this a real-life moment that elevated Backlash 2023 even further. WWE announcer, Michael Cole also revealed that Vega was dedicating this match to her late father, making this all the more hankie-inducing.

Ripley was dominating in the ring, and though Vega put on a good show and tried her best, the ‘Eradicator’ proved to be too much for her. The champ scored the pinfall. Afterwards, and alone in the ring, Zelina had one more heart-tugging moment when she was saluted by the fans before making her exit.
In other key moments and match-ups:
When the Usos and Solo Sikoa faced Matt Riddle, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, the breakdown of the ‘Bloodline’ continued, setting up trouble ahead between brothers, Jey Uso and Sikoa. Despite the tensions, Solo pinned Riddle for the victory.

Photo: WWE
Seth “Freakin’ Rollins defeated the giant Omos with a massive stomp from the top rope. Austin Theory retained his United States Championship over Bobby Lashley and Bronson Reed, with a clever finisher, taking advantage of Reed’s botched jump off the top rope, throwing Lashley out of the ring, and then securing the pin over Reed.

Photo: WWE
So, what did you think of the matches at WWE Backlash 2023? What was your favorite moment? What was disappointing? Let us know in the comment section and check out some of the highlights from the night below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Brook Lynn Threatens Willow to Stay Away From Chase or ‘It’ll Be the Last Breath You Take’
After seeing her husband Chase (Josh Swickard) in an embrace with Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) through the window (and while on the way to bring Willow a gift), Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) attempt at delivering a ‘thank you’ to Willow goes south on the Friday, May 29 episode of General Hospital.
Brook Lynn was already primed for a showdown after Michael (Rory Gibson) warned his cousin that Willow offering to help and pull strings in Phoebe’s adoption is for Chase’s benefit not hers. It was at that point that Michael let her use his car since Brook Lynn’s car was in the shop, for her to drop off her gift.
As Brook Lynn got more agitated with Michael, the conversation turned further when he told her he was surprised she had the time to plan a musical showcase for Trina and take care of baby Phoebe since she’d missed Gio and Trina’s performance at Charlie’s. Michael’s wheels are turning, figuratively!

Courtesy/ABC
Meanwhile at Drew’s, Willow is admitting to Chase she doesn’t love her husband, she regrets marrying him and wants out of her marriage. Willow says she is ashamed how she treated Chase when she cheated on him with Michael. Chase said there were extenuating circumstances, but it all led him to Brook Lynn and baby Phoebe now. Chase gives Willow encouragement to trust herself and they hug, which is then spotted by Willow. So when Brook Lynn enters to give her thank-you gift to Willow she is also sweet in front of Chase.
MICHAEL’S GOT A NEW PLAN TO TAKE DOWN WILLOW
When Chase has to head out, Brook Lynn turns to Willow and says,”I’m very grateful for everything you are doing for us Willow. But if you so much as breathe on my husband again, it will be the last breath you take!” Could Willow be the next person on the receiving end of a ‘Who Shot Drew?’ mystery?
Michael tells Jacinda (Paige Herschell) his suspicion that Brook Lynn was the other driver in Curtis (Donnell Turner) and Jordan’s car accident. He believes if Chase learned Brook Lynn lied to him and covered up her part of the accident, he would go running to Willow. Then Willow’s life will blow up on her as the scandal of her cheating on her invalid husband with her ex, that it would cause Willow to lose her Congressional seat. Michael reveals to Jacinda he wants all the power over Willow.

Courtesy/ABC
THE ETHAN AND DELILAH ART GALLERY CONNECTION
Meanwhile in Manhattan, Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) and Ava (Maura West) went to the Hamnet Gallery and talked to the owner Apollo (in a guest start turn from Maxwell Caulfield.) The two talk about his former employee Delilah Wilson. At first, Apollo claims he didn’t know much about the young woman nor that she was pregnant. Suddenly, Apollo steps away to make a call and its to Ethan (Nathan Dean)! He reports what is transpiring and confirms to Ethan he didn’t give the women any useful intel.
Later, Ava uses her charms and wiles to convince Apollo to give up some key information when she brings up the Quartermaine family promising a financial reward. With that, he backstabs Ethan and shows Ava and Alexis the photo of Ethan with his arm around Delilah’s shoulder.

Courtesy/ABC
In other developments, Carly (Laura Wright) and Valentin (James Patrick Stuart) seemed to get on the same page, when Valentin revealed he has developed genuine feelings for Carly, While he doesn’t know what the future will hold he wants her by his side, and she kisses him to seal the deal.
Elsewhere, Curtis and Portia (Brook Kerr) continue their heated battle over Curtis breaking and tearing Isaiah’s surgical hand, and Tracy (Jane Elliot) wants Ethan to be the “fixer” to ensure nothing happens that would come to light or take baby Phoebe away from her granddaughter and Chase.
So what did you think of Brook Lynn warning Willow to get her hands off her husband or else? Do you think Michael’s plan will drive Chase back to Willow? What is the connection between Delilah and Ethan? Is Phoebe their child, but what were they involved with that Ethan wants no trace of?
Do you think Willow might be “murdered” or have an attempt on her life, once Jack and Drew come out of their paralytic state and everyone else who she wronged might come after too? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, but first check out today’s scenes featuring Maxwell Caulfield,
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Kristina is Accepted into Medical School Paving Way for Kate Mansi’s Exit; What Do You Think of How She’s Being Written-Off?
As promised by General Hospital on Tuesday May 26 episode provided the reason why Kristina Corinthos-Davis will be leaving Port Charles next month in order to accommodate Daytime Emmy winner Kate Mansi’s decision to exit the soap opera.
After telling Mansi told former Soap Opera Digest Editorial Stephanie Sloane in her newsletter that, “Now, it feels like the right time for both Kristina and me to step into new adventures,” that couldn’t have been prove more true, when Kristina’s life and story took a sharp turn out of nowhere.
During a conversation on today’s GH, Kristina is talking with her sister Molly (Kristen Vaganos) about Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) outside of Bobbie’s when suddenly Kristina gets a message notification on her phone. Next, Kristina underplayed the information, she received when she looked at the notification and announced, “I took a long shot, and just got accepted into medical school!”

Courtesy/ABC
Molly looks stunned, Kristina seemed like someone who just thought she would randomly throw her hat into the ring and see if it happens, as if wasn’t such a big deal, or maybe she is just underplaying her reaction for now. Certainly, for those who have applied to medical school, and have always wanted to be a doctor, this would be the most awesome news.
As to why all of a sudden the GH writers came up with this angle for Kristina’s exit story has yet to be explained on-screen with this being such a major career decision shift when Kristina just reopened Charlie’s. More is said to be revealed on tomorrow’s Wednesday, May 28 episode.
MEDICAL SCHOOL AS A VEHICLE TO WRITE OUT A SOAP CHARACTER
The move to have Kristina Corinthos-Davis become a doctor does give the show the leeway to bring back Kate Mansi a few years down the line with a new occupation and purpose if she ever wants to return to the show since GH executive producer Frank Valentini said in a statement that the “door is always open” for Kate to return. And as we also learned, there are no plans to recast the role at this time.
Kristina doesn’t have the greatest track record with academia having been expelled back in the fall of 2015 from Wesleyan, where she had been studying prelaw. That story eventually revealed itself where Kristina got suspended after offering to have sex with one of her professors in exchange for a better grade. The professor turned out to be Parker Forsyth played by Ashley Jones, and the two eventually were in a complicated relationship before breaking up.
Soap fans have always been tasked with suspending belief when certain reasons are written to precipitate characters exits when the audience already knows that the actor had decided to leave the show or needs a maternity leave, for example. Sometimes it makes some sense for the character and other times, it does not.
So, how do you feel about the reason why Kristina Corinthos-Davis will be written off the canvas as Kate Mansi wraps up her story on-screen? Do you think it fits the character? Like it? Don’t like it? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Britt and Rocco Go on the Run; Sonny Gets Damning Intel Against Sidwell
Taking a page out of the iconic Luke (the late Anthony Geary) and Laura’s (Genie Francis) playbook, General Hospital has decided to have Dr. Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) and Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr) go on the run, fake passports and all, on a major cliffhanger from Friday’s, May 22 episode of the ABC daytime drama.
Of course, the situation and circumstances are completely different. Britt gave birth to Rocco, he feels a connection with her and does not want to pull his parents Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) and Lulu (Alexa Havins) any further into his troubles any further. Previously, Rocco shot Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt from being killed .
Now, the two are trying to get out of dodge before both are killed by Cullum and/or Sidwell (Carlo Rota). However, in the climatic moments of the episode, outside in the parking lot of the hospital, Britt makes one last phone call… and it is to Sonny Corinthos (Maurce Benard).

Courtesy/ABC
THE CALL THAT COULD SAVE LAURA AND SONNY
The timing of Britt’s call couldn’t have been better. Sonny was speaking with Laura and they were trying to figure out how to get themselves from under Sidwell’s thumb. Sidwell had been blackmailing Laura for months with fabricated evidence that she shot and killed Professor Henry Dalton and then covered up the crime with the help of Sonny.
When Britt called Sonny, she informed him she was leaving Port Charles. But before she goes, he should know that Sidwell shot and killed Dalton and that his sidekick, Pascal (Marc Forget) helped cover it up. She ends the call with, “I hope this information will be useful to you.”
Next, she turn to Rocco in the car and asks for his phone. She then stomps on both their phones, and as they leave the parking lot in her car, she runs over the phones with her tires so there is no trace of them. (although someone will find the phones and probably try to repair them and find the data, no?).

Courtesy/ABC
DANTE FRANTICALLY SEARCHES FOR ROCCO
Meanwhile, Lulu, who is with her brother, Ethan (Nathan Dean), realizes the fake passport she got for Rocco is missing. She phones Dante, who is mulling over the conversation he just had with “Nathan” (Ryan Paevey). She informs him that Rocco’s passport is gone, but she knew he was headed to the hospital before he turned off his phone.
When Dante gets to GH, he finds Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) locked in a closet in Britt’s office. Liz tells him that Britt put her in there, and she believes that Britt and Rocco are running away together!
Unfortunately, for General Hospital viewers, they will have to wait until Tuesday May 26 when the drama picks back up to see how far Britt and Rocco get, and what Sonny will do with the intel he just received from Britt! As previously reported, Memorial Day brings with it an encore episode of the ABC daytime drama series.
Now weigh-in below: Are you glad Britt and Rocco went on the run? Do you think they will get very far? Will Sonny finally be able to use the information he received from Britt to leverage it against Sidwell and Cullum? What did you think of the final moments of the episode? Share your thoughts in the comment section. But first, you can check out the scenes from the episode where Lulu was planning on running away with Rocco, before Rocco joined Britt out of town.
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