- WWE Raw kicks off tonight with the usual pyro explosions as Jim Ross welcomes to the Times Union Center in Albany, New York.

- Lilian Garcia is in the ring introducing RAW General Manager William Regal.

Regal introduces Orton's opponent for Backlash, who he calls the most deserving #1 contender in WWE history, JBL. JBL's limo pulls up to the ramp and out comes the self proclaimed Wrestling God.

JBL comes to the ring and extends his hand to Randy Orton for a shake. Orton doesn't return the offer and Regal gets on the mic. Regal begins to talk and the music hits and out comes The Game, Triple H.

Triple H enters the ring and says he's confused. He asks Regal if he is out of his friggin' mind? Triple H asks him if this is his main event for Backlash? Triple H says he knows he was busy with Flair's retirement last week, but he must have missed something. The Game says while Randy Orton won the match at WrestleMania, he didn't really beat anyone. Triple H says Orton took a cheap shot and got lucky with the win. Then he asks how is a guy, who spent the last two years retired as an announcer on SmackDown, be the #1 contender? Triple H says JBL's biggest claim to fame since being back is slapping a midget.

Regal says he has a solution and says Triple H has to earn his way into the Backlash main event. Regal announces that Triple H will face JBL and Randy Orton in a Handicap Match tonight and if he wins, the Backlash main event will be a Triple Threat. Orton and JBL argue with Regal at this as his music hits and JBL keeps arguing with him. We cut to commercial.

Umaga vs. Val Venis
Back from commercial and The Samoan Bulldozer Umaga is making his way to the ring as Val Venis makes his way out for this singles match.

Umaga starts the match off in total control of Val. Venis goes to fight back but Umaga comes back and whips him in the corner. Umaga catches Val in the throat and rams him in the turnbuckle post in the corner.

Umaga slams Val back to the mat and grounds him with a neck hold. Val gets to his feet but Umaga keeps punishing him. Umaga locks on another neck hold as Val tries to fight back and hold on. Val gets to his feet and fights back but Umaga drops him with a big backdrop.

Umaga drags Val to the turnbuckle and hits a big running splash on his head. Umaga calls for the Samoan Spike, lifts Val Venis to his feet and hits him hard with the Spike. Umaga gets the 1-2-3 for the win.