World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns accepted Jacob Fatu’s challenge for a title match at WWE Backlash during the closing segment of the April 27 episode of WWE Raw from the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas.
Reigns addressed the crowd, acknowledging their “OTC” chants and noting it had been a while since he was in Texas. He discussed the World Heavyweight Championship, saying it was “made to spite him” but that he elevated it to the main event of WrestleMania Night Two. “Now you can appreciate this title. Now you can acknowledge this title. Laredo, Texas, acknowledge me,” Reigns said.
Fatu interrupted and entered the ring. Reigns referenced giving Fatu a week to consider the challenge and said he hoped Fatu’s decision would bring the family together rather than divide it.
Fatu responded that he did not need the full week or even an hour. He said Reigns was “stuck in the main event bubble” and had not ground it out the way Fatu had. Fatu spoke about his years on the “frontline” while the rest of the family was at the top. He said no one from the family called him before WWE, not the Usos and not Reigns, but Solo Sikoa did. Fatu said he needed the World Heavyweight Championship.
Reigns called Fatu “dumber than he thought” and said he runs WWE, not Sikoa. Reigns then accepted the challenge: “You want me at Backlash? I’ll see you at Backlash.”
After Reigns accepted, Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip on the World Heavyweight Champion, the signature hold made famous by WWE Hall of Famer Haku, a member of the Anoa’i family. Fatu left Reigns down in the ring to close the show, sending a physical message ahead of their championship match.
Earlier in the show, Reigns was shown backstage with Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso discussing Fatu’s challenge. Jimmy said he did not disagree with Reigns but agreed with Jacob wanting to upgrade his household, though not at Reigns’ expense.
Fatu defeated Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned Match at WrestleMania 42 Night One. Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship is now official for WWE Backlash on May 9 from the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Other Results and Segments From Raw
Seth Rollins opened the broadcast and confronted Bron Breakker, who was accompanied by Paul Heyman. Breakker told Rollins he is the best wrestler in the world at being number two and performed an impression of Rollins. Rollins responded by calling Breakker “baby Steiner” and saying, “You’re not even number two in your own family.” Rollins challenged Breakker to a singles match at Backlash.
Joe Hendry made his official Raw debut with a concert segment, confirming his signing to the Raw roster in song form. During the performance, Hendry called for Logan Paul to be fired. The Vision interrupted the segment before the Street Profits made the save.
Oba Femi defeated Grayson Waller with the Fall From Grace powerbomb. After the match, Femi announced he would begin holding weekly “Oba Femi Open Challenges” on Raw.
Intercontinental Champion Penta defeated Rusev in a non-title singles match by roll-up. Post-match, Rusev and Ethan Page attacked Penta until Je’Von Evans made the save.
Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch issued an open challenge and defended her title against Iyo Sky. Asuka interfered while the referee was not looking, allowing Lynch to hit a second Manhandle Slam for the pin. Asuka continued the assault on Sky after the match, applying the Asuka Lock as the crowd chanted “We want Kairi” in reference to the recently released Kairi Sane.
A video promo package aired announcing that Sol Ruca will officially sign her contract with Monday Night Raw next week.
WWE Raw airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on Netflix. WWE Backlash takes place May 9 from the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
