Tag: backlash 2026

John Cena hypes Backlash as another ‘defining moment’ in WWE career

Posted on by Joseph Currier

John Cena isn’t doing anything to cool down the hype for his appearance at WWE Backlash.

At tonight’s PLE in Tampa, Florida, Cena is set to deliver what he’s promised will be history-making news. He’s said the announcement will “shock the very foundation of WWE” for both wrestlers and fans. There’s been no confirmation of what Cena’s announcement will be, but it’s expected to have something to do with the new Club WWE membership program that the company is introducing.

Cena sent out one more tweet before Backlash stating that tonight will be another defining moment of his time in WWE.

“My time in @WWE has been filled with defining moments. We’re hours away from what will certainly be another,” he wrote. “C U Tonight at #WWEBacklash!”

Club WWE was first announced last month, with fans who sign up set to receive benefits like exclusive ticket pre-sales, merchandise collections, and bonus WWE content. There will be an annual fee for the gold tier, but WWE has not disclosed the price as of now. Sign-ups for the program are not officially open yet.

Since retiring from the ring in December 2025, Cena has shifted into an ambassadorial role for WWE. He’s been the promotional face of Club WWE’s launch, along with hosting both nights of WrestleMania 42.

Backlash begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time tonight. Here is the announced card:

WWE Backlash 2026 (Saturday, May 9) —

  • World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka
  • Danhausen and a mystery partner vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson
  • John Cena delivers an announcement
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
  • United States Champion Trick Williams defends against Sami Zayn

Four matches to make for WWE Backlash | Opinion

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

With WWE Backlash less than two weeks away, just three matches have been made: Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu, Asuka vs. IYO SKY, and Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker.

Beyond those, several rivalries also deserve a spot on the Backlash match card, some emerging from the WrestleMania 42 fallout, and others gaining new momentum. 

Here’s a few matches I hope are added to WWE Backlash over the next week.

The Vision vs. The Street Profits for the WWE World Tag Team Titles

Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford made their WWE return on the Raw after Mania, taking out The Vision who were attacking Seth Rollins. 

This week, Joe Hendry kicked off his Raw debut with a concert, encouraging fans to sing “Can we fire Logan Paul?” The Vision interrupted his performance and Paul went on a rant, leading to the Street Profits intervening once again.

Backstage, Rollins approached Dawkins and Ford to extend his appreciation for their support the previous week. To his surprise, Ford cut him off midway, citing their focus is to win the World Tag Team Titles and are in no way interested to be friends. 

That journey should begin next weekend.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams for the WWE United States Title

Their storied rivalry dates back to their NXT days. From allies to rivals, Hayes and Williams battled it out on numerous occasions.

Hayes has established himself as a key member of the SmackDown roster with his United States Championship reign — the same reign that came to an end in March when Sami Zayn defeated him for the title and then lost it to Williams at WrestleMania 42. 

With Williams also recently saying Hayes deserved a spot on the WrestleMania card, Hayes could step up and demand a match for the title at Backlash.

Jordynne Grace vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s United States Title

Stratton ended Giulia’s second U.S. Title reign last Friday. Instead of doing a rematch, WWE should pit Jordynne Grace to challenge Stratton. After all, Strattong did pin Grace to become the top contender for the title. It would lay the foundation for a potential long term feud as well, and re-position Grace as the next big star on SmackDown.

LA Knight vs. Jey Uso

On Monday’s Raw, Knight questioned the Usos on their reunion with Roman Reigns. He proceeded to define Jey’s singles run and accomplishments when he exited The Bloodline. Knight is no stranger to their affairs as he challenged Reigns for the Universal title at Crown Jewel in 2023.

Jey told Knight to stay in his lane before Jimmy took over the conversation, saying that it’s family business. 

In the second half of 2025, The Usos and Knight seemed to be united against The Vision. However on an edition of Raw in September, Jey snapped and speared Knight. A week later, he retaliated and the tension was deflected with their individual storylines diverging on different routes, but it was never resolved.

At Backlash, the two could finally settle their score in the ring and bring closure to their unfinished business.

WWE reveals date and location for Backlash 2026

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE Backlash 2026 will have a different location than expected.

Last month, it was reported that WWE was planning to hold Backlash in San Juan, Puerto Rico. That won’t be the case, though, with Paul “Triple H” Levesque announcing today that Tampa, Florida will host the PLE. It’s set for Benchmark International Arena on Saturday, May 9.

Backlash will be the first WWE PLE to take place after WrestleMania 42, which is being held in Las Vegas this April. The road to WrestleMania officially kicks off with today’s Royal Rumble event.

“We are moments away from the Royal Rumble here in Saudi Arabia. An epic night, the road to WrestleMania begins. But when WrestleMania finishes, there’s a big event called Backlash,” Levesque said. “Here tonight I’m going to let you know that on Saturday, May 9 [at] Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida — Backlash returns. It’s going to be big. So Tampa, Florida, I’ve just got one question: are you ready?”

Benchmark International Arena is the home of NHL team the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Last year’s edition of Backlash took place in St. Louis, Missouri and was headlined by John Cena vs. Randy Orton. The two years prior to that, the PLE was held in Lyon, France and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Here’s a look at the updated WWE PLE calendar over the next several months:

  • Saturday, January 31: Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Saturday, February 28: Elimination Chamber at United Center in Chicago, Illinois
  • Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19: WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • Saturday, May 9: Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida
  • Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2: SummerSlam at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Sunday, September 6: Money in the Bank at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana