WWE Backlash 2026: Five Matches, Two Titles, Cena News Previewed
WWE Backlash takes place Saturday at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, starting at 6 p.m. ET. The event marks the first premium live event following WrestleMania 42 and features five matches, including defenses of the World Heavyweight Championship and United States Championship. John Cena will deliver history-making news during the show.
Iyo Sky faces Asuka in a non-title match stemming from their rivalry, which intensified when Asuka interfered in Sky's Women's Intercontinental Championship bout against Becky Lynch and later used blue mist on her during a Raw promo. The competitors share history from Japan and as former Damage CTRL members. Prediction: Iyo Sky wins.
Trick Williams defends the United States Championship against Sami Zayn in a rematch from WrestleMania 42, where Williams scored an upset victory. Zayn has pursued revenge, including an attack disguised as a gingerbread man and a confrontation at the character's funeral on SmackDown, where Lil Yachty intervened. Wildcard: Kevin Owens returns to aid Zayn. Prediction: Zayn regains the title.
Seth Rollins meets Bron Breakker after Breakker cost Rollins a WrestleMania 42 win over Gunther and later speared him in Las Vegas. Breakker has support from The Vision, while Rollins lacks a reliable ally amid tensions with the Street Profits. Bronson Reed's injury status remains unclear. Prediction: Rollins wins, but The Vision interferes afterward.
Danhausen teams with an undisclosed partner against The Miz and Kit Wilson. Danhausen has singles victories over both opponents and has tormented them since arriving in WWE, including at WrestleMania 42. A partner who "loves money" is expected; rumors include CM Punk. Prediction: Danhausen and partner win.
World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu, who interrupted Reigns' first title promo on Raw post-WrestleMania 42 and used the Tongan Death Grip on him. Both wrestlers trace lineage to the Anoa'i family. Prediction: Reigns retains.
Cena, who hosted WrestleMania 42 and ended his in-ring career in December with a loss to Gunther, has promoted Club WWE in ads, positioning it as a likely announcement topic. Backlash airs on ESPN Unlimited, with the first hour on ESPN 2.
