[WATCH] OTD 20 years ago, Mick Foley & Randy Orton battled in an iconic Hardcore match at WWE Backlash

WWE is about to host their 19th edition of Backlash (2024) in two weeks in LDLC Arena in Decines-Charpieu, Lyon Metropolis, France. This is the first time WWE has been hosting a pay-per-view in France and it is expected to be memorable.

WWE has been looking to build feuds and matches for the show to make it an iconic event. As WWE is on the road to Backlash 2024, we take a look at one of the iconic matches in the history of Backlash pay-per-view, which exactly took place on this day, 20 years ago.

Backlash 2004: Cactus Jack (Mick Foley) vs Randy Orton Hardcore match

On this day at Backlash 2004, Randy Orton defended his Intercontinental Championship against Cactus Jack in a Hardcore match, where Evolution were banned from the ringside. This is the first match of Mick Foley post-retirement and was one of the important matches for Randy Orton to become who he is today. 

The match was brutal involving a barbed wire baseball bat, thumbtack, barbed wire cardboard, and more. Both of them were bursted open during the match, with Orton having thumb tags throughout his back. The match after 23 minutes after experiencing brutal punishment ended in favor of Orton, after he hit an RKO on Jack onto the barbed wire baseball bat.

WWE to remember this great match uploaded a three minutes documentary on their YouTube, where Orton & Foley themselves had spoken about their match at Backlash 2024. Here is the official documentary of Cactus Jack vs Randy Orton, uploaded by WWE.

WWE Legends reacts

Mick Foley & Randy Orton two years ago recalled the match, stating that it was the best match of their career.

Mick said,

“I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again- THIS was the best match of my career. I can’t emphasize enough how proud I was of this match and how much respect I have for Randy Orton as a worker and as a person. Backlash 2004 was truly a night to remember.”

Orton also reacted to Mick Foley’s message and said, “Same! Forever grateful Mick”.

Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler who were in the commentary also said, “I didn’t think he was tough enough to kick out, but he is!”, “Oh, this was unbelievable”.

Mick Foley wrote a few years ago about this legendary match with Randy Orton from #OnThisDayInWWE 20 years ago:"This was the best match of my career" pic.twitter.com/63RJXS6S88

— On This Day in WWE (@OTD_in_WWE) April 18, 2024

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