The rematch between AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura was bound to happen at Backlash.
These two had taken their rivalry to a whole new level ever-since Wrestlemania had gone. The respect between these two was over with the heel-turn from Nakamura. The challenger has turned into a completely different person through this.
Previously, the Artist was unable to create any impact on the roster. But, after becoming a villain, he adopted a ‘no-speak-English’ gimmick.
He also made the low-blows as his new finishing move. AJ Styles had suffered the wrath of this move on a constant basis over the entire month of April.
This is was the main reason their previous match at Greatest Royal Rumble got disqualified.
What makes @ShinsukeN the #KingOfStrongStyle? Moves like THIS.#WWEBacklash #WWEChampionship pic.twitter.com/GteXzuDwHJ
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2018
So, WWE Smackdown Live General Manager, Paige made a major change in the match at Backlash. According to her, we should have a definite winner, this time.
So, these two competed in a No Disqualifications match. In this particular stipulation, anything happens in the match would be legal. It gave the heel Nakamura, an upper hand while competing in this match.
HE DID IT AGAIN.#WWEBacklash #WWEChampionship @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/P44z2ZOaU7
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2018
The recently turned con-Artist wanted to take advantage of the situation. So, Nakamura did not make a delay while bringing out a chair into the contest at Backlash. The champion did dodge it but instead got a kick from his opponent.
Later, Nakamura gave him a reverse exploder on that chair. But, Styles kicked out of the pinfall count.
… and a CHAIR has been added to this NO DISQUALIFICATION match between @AJStylesOrg & @ShinsukeN!
This should be interesting! #WWEBacklash #WWEChampionship pic.twitter.com/NAv0iqeHIh
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2018
The fight turned into an intense one when Styles had his cheek busted open with a chair shot. But, he backfired with the quick-fire moves.
At one point, he was able to lock in the Calf-crusher, as well. But, Nakamura escaped the hold and gave him a low blow. Surprisingly, Styles gave a low blow of his own, this time.
After a DOUBLE LOW BLOW, neither @AJStylesOrg nor @ShinsukeN could answer the count of 1️⃣0️⃣, so AJ Styles is STILL your @WWE Champion! #WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/Aql9vG3iZ2
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2018
The match finished in the same way where both men got counted out. They hit low blow kicks on each other, as the referee started the count.