WWE Backlash 2023: Theory Retained the US Title Against Lashley & Reed
Austin Theory defeated Bobby Lashley and Bronson Reed in a triple-threat match to retain the WWE United States Championship at WWE Backlash 2023.
Storyline
Bobby Lashley was part of the match at Survivor Series 2022 where Austin Theory pinned Seth Rollins to win United States Championship. Lashley also failed to win the title from Theory at RAW 30th Anniversary episode after Brock Lesnar interferred in the match.
Bronson Reed started a rivalry with Lashley after WrestleMania 39. They fought to a double count-out in a singles match on RAW April 10 episode. Lashley faced Theory in a match the following week but Reed caused a double DQ to end that match without any result. WWE then announced a triple threat match between Theory, Lashley and Reed for United States Championship at Backlash.
Live Updates
Bobby Lashley is the first one to make his entrance for the triple-threat US title match. He is followed by Bronson Reed, and then the champion Austin Theory is the last one to make his entrance.
Lashley starts things off with a tackle to Theory. Lashley then sends Theory to Bronson and drops him with a clothesline. Lashley tries to lock the Hurt Lock on Reed but Theory breaks it with a double drop kick.
Lashley picks Theory up for a vertical suplex. Reed enters the ring and surprises Lashley with a tackle. Reed and Theory form an alliance and start attacking Lashley together. However, Reed breaks it very soon and attacks Theory.
Lashley sends Reed out of the ring and then hits Theory with a one-arm slam. Lashley covers but Reed slides him out of the ring. Reed then attacks Lashley from the second rope to the floor. He is climbing to the top rope, Theory disturbs the rope.
Lashley puts Theory in a Hurt Lock who uses the rope to get Lashley on his back and break the move. Reed hits Tsunami to Lashley and covers, but Theory breaks the pin. Theory hits Reed with a blockbuster and then picks him up, but Reed counters it.
Bronson Reed goes to the top rope for the moonsault, but Theory dodges it. Reeds gets up and Lashley hits him with a spear. Theory sends Lashley out of the ring and covers Reed to retain his United States title.
