WWE Backlash 2026 picked up two new matches on the May 1, 2026 episode of SmackDown, with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis adding a United States Championship rematch and a tag team handicap match to the May 9 card in Tampa. Backlash will now feature at least three confirmed matches heading into the final week of build.
Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn — United States Championship
The biggest announcement of the night was Trick Williams putting his United States Championship on the line against Sami Zayn at Backlash. The match was set up after Zayn ripped apart the Gingerbread Man costume in the ring, leading to Trick Williams running out for the “save,” throwing up the X sign at ringside as if the costume were an actual wrestler, and a backstage scene where a physician informed Williams that the Gingerbread Man “did not survive.”
Williams demanded a US Title rematch right there. Aldis confirmed it later in the show. WWE then aired an “In Memoriam” graphic for the Gingerbread Man and announced that Williams would host a funeral for him next week on SmackDown.
The match is a rematch from WrestleMania 42 Night 2 on April 19, 2026, where Williams beat Zayn to capture the United States Championship in his first reign. Williams turned face during a post-WrestleMania title celebration with Lil Yachty, which was interrupted when “the Gingerbread Man” — actually Sami Zayn in a costume — attacked them.
Danhausen And A Partner vs. The Miz And Kit Wilson
The second Backlash match added is more comedy-focused but no less weird. Danhausen came to the ring with what he claimed was $400 in “human monies” he had found backstage, which he proceeded to spend on his own merchandise and throw into the crowd.
The Miz then came out, frustrated about everything that has happened to him since Danhausen arrived in WWE, and admitted on camera that he was “cursed.” Earlier in the night, Miz and Kit Wilson had attempted to set a trap for Danhausen with a briefcase rigged to spray baby powder. The plan backfired — Danhausen opened the briefcase and found actual money, while Miz and Wilson opened a separate one and got powder in their faces.
Backstage after the ring segment, Miz tried to convince Danhausen he wanted to be his “mentor.” Danhausen accepted at face value before Miz and Wilson jumped him. Danhausen demanded a tag match at Backlash. Aldis made the match official: Danhausen and a partner of his choosing vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson.
The Miz had reportedly planned to show “never-before-seen American Gladiators footage” at WrestleMania 42 before Danhausen interrupted that segment as well, per WrestleTalk’s coverage of the program.
Tiffany Stratton vs. Kiana James — NEXT WEEK, Not Backlash
There was some early confusion about whether the Women’s United States Championship match would be at Backlash. It will not. Tiffany Stratton announced an open challenge backstage. Chelsea Green tried to volunteer herself, claiming she could walk and that she would win the belt for the fourth time. Giulia and Kiana James interrupted. Stratton agreed to a match — but picked Kiana James over Giulia, telling James she wanted to see what she could do “when she’s not being held back.”
The match is set for next week’s SmackDown on May 8, not Backlash on May 9. Yahoo Sports criticized the booking: “There’s absolutely zero uniqueness to this title picture. WWE is doing its best to hide it by giving Kiana James a title match next week instead.”
The Updated Backlash 2026 Card
Going into the final week of build, Backlash 2026 features:
- Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu — World Heavyweight Championship
- Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn — United States Championship
- Danhausen and a partner of his choosing vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson
Per pre-show reporting, the Raw side of the card also includes Iyo Sky vs. Asuka and Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker, which were announced before May 1.
What’s Set For SmackDown Next Week
Three things are confirmed for the May 8 SmackDown — the go-home show before Backlash:
- Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Kiana James for the Women’s United States Championship
- Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley vs. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid) in a six-woman tag
- The Gingerbread Man funeral, hosted by Trick Williams
Cody Rhodes will likely have to address Gunther’s post-match attack on him as well, though no formal segment has been announced. Gunther’s appearance on SmackDown was his first as part of what looks like a brand jump from Raw.
Reaction
The Backlash card has drawn mixed reactions. Bleacher Report’s review noted that with Backlash less than two weeks away, the May 1 SmackDown “didn’t feel like there was much urgency applied to the buildup this week.” The Williams-Zayn match got positive reviews based on the WrestleMania 42 quality. The Danhausen-Miz match drew skepticism online for being scheduled for a PPV at all.
The biggest non-Backlash storyline going forward is the Cody Rhodes-Gunther program. Gunther choked Rhodes out post-match and locked the Gojira Clutch on him a second time when Rhodes was unconscious, with referees having to physically pry him off. That’s not on the Backlash card. Yet.
Backlash 2026 takes place Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
