WWE Backlash 2026 takes place tonight from Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, headlined by Roman Reigns’ first World Heavyweight Championship defense against a member of his own family.
Roman Reigns captured the World Heavyweight Championship from CM Punk in the WrestleMania 42 night two main event and now faces Jacob Fatu, who has made a strong case for himself as one of WWE’s most dangerous performers after defeating Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania. Fatu has deployed the Tongan Death Grip on Reigns in recent weeks and has made clear he will do anything to sit at the top of WWE. The Uso Brothers, Jey and Jimmy, figure to play a role in how the evening unfolds given their ties to both men.
Trick Williams makes his first United States Championship defense against Sami Zayn in a WrestleMania rematch. Trick defeated Zayn to win the title at WrestleMania 42, but Zayn’s recent ruthless streak, including his attack on the Gingerbread Man on SmackDown, suggests a performer willing to do whatever it takes to reclaim what he views as his championship. Zayn has maintained he has not fully turned heel, though his recent actions have told a different story.
Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker finally collide in a long-awaited one-on-one match after Breakker turned on Rollins last October, leading to the formation of The Vision faction.
Asuka and IYO SKY meet in a showdown that has been building for months, with Kairi Sane’s absence following her WWE release leaving a notable gap in the storyline. Bryan Alvarez has reported there is a better than 50 percent chance Sane makes a surprise return to provide some closure to the program.
Danhausen teams with a mystery partner against The Miz and Kit Wilson in what will be Danhausen’s PLE in-ring debut. CM Punk is the betting favorite at -200 while Bryan Alvarez has shared speculation that Jelly Roll, who was originally planned for a Backlash tag match before the Orton program changed, could be the surprise. John Cena will also make a history-making announcement that WrestleVotes Radio is linked to the upcoming launch of Club WWE.
WWE Backlash 2026 — Saturday, May 9
- World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
- United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
- Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
- IYO SKY vs. Asuka
- Danhausen and mystery partner vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson
- John Cena’s history-making announcement
How to Watch
- Network: ESPN Unlimited (United States), Netflix (International), ESPN 2 (first hour)
- Start Time: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT
- Location: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida
