WWE Backlash #1 Contender Tournament (SmackDown) – 2003

April 1 – 15, 2003

– Quarter-Finals

Held 4/1/03 at the Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA. – The Undertaker pinned Rey Mysterio Jr. at 3:23 by blocking the West Coast Pop and hitting the Last Ride; after the bout, Taker helped Mysterio to his feet in a showing of respect – John Cena pinned Eddie Guerrero at 4:51 by catching Guerrero in a fireman’s carry and hitting the FU – Chris Benoit defeated Albert via submission with the Crippler Crossface at 6:55 after avoiding the backbreaker – Rhyno defeated the Big Show via disqualification at 4:14 when Albert prevented the cover after Rhyno hit the Gore; after the bout, the two double teamed Rhyno

– Semi-Finals

Held 4/8/03 at the AllState Arena in Chicago, IL. – John Cena pinned the Undertaker following interference from the FBI and several chair shots – Chris Benoit pinned Rhyno with a backslide; after the bout, the two men hugged out of respect

– Finals

Held 4/15/03 at the Scope in Norfolk, VA. – John Cena pinned Chris Benoit at around 12:30 by blocking an attempted sunset flip as Benoit countered the FU; due to pre-match stipulations, Cena earned a world title shot against Brock Lesnar for Backlash