The recent WWE Backlash Premium Live Event in Lyon, France, wasn't just another stop on the global wrestling calendar; it was an electrifying spectacle, largely thanks to the unparalleled passion of the French crowd. From the moment fans began waiting to cross the LDLC Arena’s gates until they left for the Décines’ T7 tramway, the air was filled with an incessant symphony of screaming, shouting, and chanting. This wasn't merely background noise; it was a vibrant, interactive component of the show, leaving many wondering: what were the French chanting at Backlash, and what made their voices so uniquely impactful?
The energy was palpable, creating an atmosphere that many seasoned wrestling observers likened to a WrestleMania-level event. French fans, joined by enthusiastic supporters from Romania, Italy, Spain, Ireland, and even the Comoros, weren't just enjoying themselves; they were "hot for pretty much every talent," demonstrating an infectious enthusiasm that resonated globally. Their collective voice became a character in itself, weaving a rich tapestry of unique chants that captured the essence of their wrestling culture and left an indelible mark on the event.
Table of Contents
- The Unforgettable Roar of Lyon: Backlash France
- The Superstar Commentators and Their Influence
- Talent-Specific Anthems and Global Hits
- Deciphering the Mystery: "Sac de Monde"
- The Global Gathering: Beyond French Borders
- Why Backlash France Was a Game-Changer for WWE
- The Future of WWE in France and Beyond
The Unforgettable Roar of Lyon: Backlash France
The 2024 WWE Backlash Premium Live Event in Lyon, France, was an auditory feast for wrestling fans worldwide. The atmosphere inside the LDLC Arena was described as nothing short of phenomenal, with continuous chanting, singing, and jumping up and down from a crowd that was clearly having "a helluva time." This wasn't just a polite applause; it was an active, vocal participation that elevated every match and segment. The question of what were the French chanting at Backlash quickly became a trending topic among wrestling enthusiasts and media alike, highlighting the unique and memorable contributions of the French fanbase.
The sheer volume and consistency of the crowd's engagement set a new benchmark for WWE live events outside of major pay-per-views like WrestleMania. Fans were engaged throughout the evening, demonstrating a deep understanding of the product and an eagerness to express their emotions. From pre-show excitement to post-event departures, the chants echoed, creating a truly immersive experience for those in attendance and a captivating spectacle for viewers around the globe.
The Superstar Commentators and Their Influence
One of the most fascinating aspects of the French crowd's chants at Backlash was the direct influence of their local commentators. Christophe Agius and Philippe Chereau, the French commentary duo, are not just voices calling the action; they are "like superstars here," deeply beloved by the French audience. Their unique catchphrases and reactions have become ingrained in the local wrestling culture, leading to some of the most distinctive and widely discussed chants of the night. This phenomenon provides a crucial answer to what were the French chanting at Backlash, as many of their most popular expressions originated directly from their commentary booth.
"Simplement Deux!" - The Two-Count Anthem
Perhaps the most iconic chant to emerge from Backlash France was "Simplement Deux!" (Simply Two!). A Reddit user, rastafox123, who helpfully provided translations, confirmed that this chant originated from Philippe Chereau. Chereau is "known for screaming simplement deux !! at every 2 count to intensify the fact that the wrestler kicked out." This phrase, meant to emphasize the near-fall excitement, has been adopted by the French fans as a collective expression of anticipation and relief. Whenever a wrestler kicked out at the last possible moment, the arena erupted with this chant, a testament to the crowd's deep connection with their commentators and their shared appreciation for the drama of a near-fall.
- Pride Is Not The Opposite Of Shame But Its Source
- Ups Qt Lot
- Taylor Fritz League Of Legends
- Angel Cat Haven
- Grease Bags Shark Tank Net Worth
The "Simplement Deux!" chant perfectly encapsulates the unique flavor of the French crowd. It's not just a generic cheer; it's an inside joke, a shared experience, and a way for the audience to directly interact with the commentary they love. This chant resonated so strongly because it was a direct reflection of a specific cultural touchstone within French wrestling fandom, making it a standout answer to the question of what were the French chanting at Backlash.
"C'est Pas Gentil!" - A Chant of Disapproval
Another popular chant, again popularized by the French commentators, was "C'est pas gentil!" (It's not nice!). This phrase was particularly notable during the Usos vs. Priest match, where the commentators also exclaimed "C'était méchant!" (It was nasty/bad/evil) and "Tu t'es trompé" (You made a mistake). These exclamations, typically used to express disapproval or mock a heel's underhanded tactics, were enthusiastically picked up by the crowd. When a wrestler did something particularly villainous or unfair, the fans would collectively voice their displeasure with "C'est pas gentil!"
This chant highlights the crowd's engagement with the narrative of the matches and their willingness to express their emotions in a culturally specific way. It's a playful yet firm condemnation of villainy, demonstrating that the French audience was not just passively observing but actively participating in the storytelling. The adoption of such phrases from their beloved commentators further solidifies the unique dynamic between the French audience and their local broadcast team, providing another key insight into what were the French chanting at Backlash.
Talent-Specific Anthems and Global Hits
Beyond the commentator-inspired chants, the French crowd at Backlash also demonstrated immense appreciation for individual WWE Superstars, often creating unique or amplified versions of existing chants and theme songs. Their passion for pretty much every talent was evident, turning standard entrances and signature moves into grand, communal celebrations. This dedication to specific performers further illustrates the depth of their engagement and adds another layer to understanding what were the French chanting at Backlash.
AJ Styles and the "Phenomenal" Sing-Along
One of the most widely reported and celebrated moments of fan engagement involved AJ Styles. "Whenever the phenomenal AJ Styles would come out the fans would cheer and chant his name," but they took it a step further. During the show, "the fans were continuously singing in praise of former WWE Champion AJ Styles, ‘He is Phenomenal’." This sing-along, an ode to Styles' iconic theme music, showcased the crowd's musicality and their profound admiration for "The Phenomenal One." WrestleZone even published a post titled "AJ Styles Reacts to the French Singing ‘He Is Phenomenal’ at WWE Backlash," underscoring the impact this particular chant had.
The sheer volume and sustained nature of this chant made it a truly memorable part of Backlash France. It wasn't just a quick burst of energy; it was a continuous anthem, demonstrating a deep connection between the fans and Styles. This kind of organic, collective singing is a rare treat at live events and speaks volumes about the French audience's dedication to making their presence felt.
Cody Rhodes and the "Kingdom" Chorus
The main event of Backlash, featuring Cody Rhodes, also saw an incredible display of fan participation. "The fans even sang Rhodes’ Kingdom song in the main event of Backlash." Cody Rhodes' theme song, "Kingdom," has become an anthem for his loyal fanbase, and the French crowd embraced it wholeheartedly, singing along with every word. This collective performance of a superstar's theme music is a powerful demonstration of fan loyalty and engagement, transforming a standard entrance into a communal concert.
Singing along to theme songs is a common practice in wrestling, but the intensity and unity with which the French crowd performed "Kingdom" (and "He is Phenomenal") elevated it to another level. It showcased their deep immersion in the WWE product and their desire to contribute actively to the atmosphere. These musical chants were a clear answer to what were the French chanting at Backlash, proving that their passion extended beyond simple cheers to full-blown vocal performances.
Deciphering the Mystery: "Sac de Monde"
While many chants were clearly identifiable, some social media discussions and fan accounts hinted at other, less clear chants. One particular phrase that emerged was "Sac de monde." While the exact context or full translation of this chant isn't widely detailed in the provided data, it suggests that the French crowd's vocal repertoire was extensive and varied, possibly including more localized or niche expressions that resonated within their specific fan community. The phrase "sac de monde" literally translates to "bag of world" or "lots of people," which could have been a general exclamation about the large crowd or a specific reference lost in translation.
This highlights the challenge and excitement of deciphering crowd chants, especially in a foreign language. It underscores that the French crowd was not just repeating simple phrases but was potentially engaging in more complex, context-dependent vocalizations. Further research into local fan forums or direct accounts from attendees might shed more light on the full meaning and origin of such chants, enriching our understanding of what were the French chanting at Backlash beyond the most prominent examples.
The Global Gathering: Beyond French Borders
It's important to note that while the focus is on "what were the French chanting at Backlash," the crowd was not exclusively French. The "French fans (joined by those from Romania, Italy, Spain, Ireland, and even the Comoros)" contributed to the diverse and vibrant atmosphere. This international presence added another layer to the crowd's energy, demonstrating the global appeal of WWE and the willingness of fans to travel great distances to witness a Premium Live Event. While the predominant language of the chants was French, the collective energy was a universal language of passion for professional wrestling.
This blend of local enthusiasm and international support created a truly unique dynamic. It showcased how wrestling transcends geographical and linguistic barriers, uniting fans under a common banner of excitement and shared experience. The collective roar of Lyon was a testament to this global community, proving that a truly passionate crowd can come from anywhere and elevate an event to legendary status.
Why Backlash France Was a Game-Changer for WWE
The success of Backlash France, largely attributed to the incredible crowd, has profound implications for WWE's global strategy. "It was one of the best WWE crowds I have ever seen and they were cheering like it was WrestleMania for every single match." This level of consistent, high-energy engagement is rare and invaluable. It signals to WWE that there is a massive, untapped market of passionate fans in France and potentially other European countries who are hungry for more live events.
The enthusiastic response, particularly the unique chants that answered the question of what were the French chanting at Backlash, demonstrated a deep connection to the product and a willingness to create a memorable atmosphere. This isn't just about ticket sales; it's about the intangible value that a crowd brings to a live broadcast, making every match feel more important and every moment more impactful. The French fans didn't just attend; they participated, making themselves an integral part of the show's success.
The Future of WWE in France and Beyond
The overwhelming success of Backlash France and the indelible impression left by its passionate crowd strongly suggest a bright future for WWE in the region. "WWE needs to reward France with more PLE in the future." The demand is clearly there, and the fans have proven their ability to create an atmosphere that rivals WWE's biggest annual events. The unique chants, the continuous singing, and the sheer volume of their cheers have set a new standard for international WWE events.
The success of Backlash France also serves as a blueprint for WWE's expansion into other international markets. By understanding and embracing local fan culture, including the influence of local commentators and unique expressions, WWE can foster even deeper connections with its global audience. The event demonstrated that when given the opportunity, international fans will not only show up but will also contribute to the spectacle in profoundly unique and memorable ways. The question of what were the French chanting at Backlash has not only been answered but has also opened the door to exciting possibilities for WWE's global footprint.
The upcoming King & Queen of the Ring tournament, which was promoted during Backlash, and future premium live events will undoubtedly look to replicate the kind of energy seen in Lyon. The French crowd proved that they are not just consumers of the product but active participants who can elevate the entire experience. Their passion, their unique chants, and their unwavering support have solidified France as a cornerstone of WWE's international fanbase.
Conclusion
The 2024 WWE Backlash in Lyon, France, was an extraordinary event, largely defined by the incredible energy and unique vocal contributions of its passionate crowd. We've explored what were the French chanting at Backlash, from the commentator-inspired "Simplement Deux!" and "C'est Pas Gentil!" to the heartfelt sing-alongs for AJ Styles and Cody Rhodes. These chants were more than just noise; they were a cultural expression, a direct interaction with the show, and a powerful testament to the deep connection between the French audience and professional wrestling. The unwavering enthusiasm of the fans, described as WrestleMania-level, has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on WWE, paving the way for more international events in the future.
What were your favorite moments from Backlash France? Did you notice any other unique chants that stood out? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! If you enjoyed this deep dive into the French crowd's impact, be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling fans and explore other related content on our site.
