Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back with tons to talk about including the JOHN CENA TOURNAMENT and why it sounds like a very bad idea even though apparently they have no idea what they’re going to do yet, a look at Asuka’s career and future, line-ups for the next few days, Backlash review and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Tag: backlash
WOL: WWE Backlash review and more!
Andrew Zarian returns for another Sunday edition of Wrestling Observer Live to discuss the latest news from the past week. WWE Backlash took place Saturday night, featuring Roman Reigns retaining his title against Jacob Fatu. I discuss that match and the rest of the show, including Asuka’s possible semi-retirement following her bout with IYO SKY. Plus, we look at Danhausen’s mystery partner and more! I also react to AEW Fairway to Hell and its unique venue, questioning whether the promotion could utilize more unconventional locations in the future. The show featured Mark Davis becoming the new National Champion and Darby Allin retaining the AEW Championship. Finally, we cover John Cena’s big announcement, the Gingerbread Man funeral, a preview of AEW Double or Nothing, and more!
Click here to listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube
John Cena hypes Backlash as another ‘defining moment’ in WWE career
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
My time in @WWE has been filled with defining moments. We’re hours away from what will certainly be another.
— John Cena (@JohnCena) May 9, 2026
C U Tonight at #WWEBacklash! https://t.co/b7g241PR84
WOL: Backlash notes, mystery partners, Lesnar’s future, WWE cuts, more!
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Lance Storm is back with tons to talk about including previews of Smackdown and Backlash, who Danhausen’s mystery partner might be and why, Brock Lesnar’s future, more on the WWE cuts of late, tons of questions from the listeners and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Fight Game: Ted Turner memories, WWE Backlash preview
John LaRocca and I return with a brand-new Fight Game to discuss some of the most topical things going on in pro wrestling this week.
You can also watch full video of the show below.
We gave out our thumbs up and thumbs down before jumping into the major topics of the week which included:
- Our early memories of Ted Turner and when we understood what he meant to pro wrestling
- The New Day and Jeff Cobb being released by WWE and whether or not AEW should sign them
- The path to the rematch between Darby Allin and MJF
- WWE Backlash preview
Then, we finished up with our Observe This segment, talking about stories from Dave Meltzer’s 1985 Observer Book. Specifically, we covered the time when Dave retired the newsletter in April of 1985.
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Seth Rollins explains motivation for The Vision’s formation ahead of WWE Backlash
Seth Rollins detailed his decision to choose Bron Breakker for The Vision and shares his mindset heading into their WWE Backlash match this weekend.
Speaking with Michael Cole, Rollins discussed varied aspects of his relationship with Breakker to promote their match this weekend. He talked about The Vision’s formation stemming from disdain for Roman Reigns and CM Punk, and preventing them from taking the leadership reins at WWE.
“Maybe a little bit of insecurity? I looked at the landscape and I was kind of starting to pile up enemies – CM Punk, Roman Reigns. When you have Roman Reigns you have the entire Bloodline. So, there was a lot of people who were sort of eyeballing what I was doing and what I was saying, they didn’t like it, so I felt like at that stage there were a lot of pardon the pun visions for what the future of the company could or would or should look like.”
“And to be honest with you, I just don’t trust Roman Reigns. I certainly don’t trust CM Punk, I don’t trust either of them to be the figureheads and the leaders, so I felt I was the best person suited for that job. I felt like I was in a unique position where I had to take care of those guys, but then I needed to insulate myself on the backside of that. And also, I wanted to not just do this for me, but to pass it on to the next generation, and for me Bron Breakker was the perfect fit for that.”
In October last year, The Vision led by Rollins crumbled as Breakker and Bronson Reed attacked him. Rollins was written off WWE TV due to a shoulder surgery and made his return shortly before WrestleMania 42. He faced Gunther at the Premium Live Event but Breakker returned from a hernia surgery and cost him the bout.
They confronted each other on the following editions of Raw that eventually led to their upcoming singles match at WWE Backlash on May 9.
Charlotte Flair puts the spotlight on Trick Williams and Bron Breakker’s WWE Backlash matches
Charlotte Flair discusses Trick Williams and Bron Breakker’s WWE performances and upcoming Backlash matches.
Speaking with Christine Williamson on ESPN First Take, Flair revealed fans should focus on Trick Williams and Bron Breakker’s performances at Backlash. She praised their work ethics and contributions to the industry and stated they are destined to be WWE’s breakout stars.
“In my opinion, the first one would be Trick Williams. His entrance, you can see everyone standing. The fans are already connecting with him, the charisma, the size. He just looks like a stud, an athlete. I mean, look at him. A little bias, Bron Breakker, given he’s a second generation talent, he was out on injury. When he came back, he made, definitely an impact at WrestleMania and facing Seth, who is one of the greats of my generation. I definitely think those two, Trick Williams and Bron Breakker, are definitely breakout stars in the next couple years.”
Flair also claimed that she looks forward to Asuka and IYO SKY’s match at the Premium Live Event given their history.
“This isn’t because I’m biased about the women, but definitely IYO SKY vs. Asuka. I have a lot of history with Asuka. I ended her undefeated streak. I’ve had the opportunity to face IYO multiple times. They’re both international superstars, I think. Given the time and the story that they have, they could potentially steal the show, and I have no doubt that they will, and that’s just not me saying it as a woman just praising a female match, they’re that talented, and they have a special style, you can see with their entrances, and also the story, if people go back, IYO And Asuka were in Damage CTRL for the last two years led by Bayley. I think they’re gonna do a hell of a job.”
WWE Backlash will take place at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida on May 9. The first hour of the show will air on ESPN 2, a similar format followed for WrestleMania 42.
Roman Reigns retaliates with message to Jacob Fatu after WWE Raw went off-air
Roman Reigns addressed Jacob Fatu’s actions on WWE Raw, and cited his intentions for Backlash after the show went off the air.
Fans shared videos on social media of Reigns hyping up his World Heavyweight Championship match with Fatu for the Premium Live Event this weekend. He promised to walk out with the World Title and teach Fatu a lesson once and for all:
“Saturday at Backlash will not look like this, I promise you. I’ve busted my a** for too long, I’ve held my ground in this company for too long, and I ain’t letting it go just yet. In Tampa, that’s where we have to hold it down. But here in Omaha, this is where we realize what has to happen. At Backlash, I’m whooping Jacob’s a**. At Backlash, it’s ‘and still.’ At Backlash, you’re looking at the Head of the Table and the Tribal Chief above all.”
Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu on RAW
In the concluding segment of Raw, Reigns and Fatu signed the contract for the World Heavyweight Championship match at this weekend’s PLE. The segment concluded with Fatu attacking Reigns once again with the Tongan Death Grip.
Fatu stepped up to challenge Reigns for the World Title on the Raw after WrestleMania. The OTC initially refused and told Fatu to think about the request for a week, and in the meantime urged The Usos to convince him to change his mind to help draw out the storyline a bit longer for the match at Backlash.
WOR: WWE contract restructuring, Dontaku, RAW report, Backlash, more!
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the restructuring of the WWE contracts and timing, thoughts on the top matches and angles at New Japan Dontaku, line-ups for the next several days, the RAW report, Backlash and ESPN 2, and tons more! A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: TKO executives get giant raises as some talent are asked to renegotiate for lower pay
16:15: More NJPW Wrestling Dontaku thoughts, Shane Haste wins GHC Championship
28:54: Lineups for the week
32:21: Ratings, WWE Raw report, SANADA return, AAA
WWE appoints new Director of Show Production and Design
WWE has appointed a new Director of Show Production and Design.
Hunter Selby confirmed his new position in WWE via LinkedIn.
“I’m excited to share that I’ve accepted a new position as Director of Show Production and Design at WWE. I’m looking forward to this new chapter, and to working on some designs that will hopefully be debuting on screens soon!” wrote Selby.
Selby has three Emmy Award Nominations for ‘outstanding light design and direction’ to a variety series for American Idol in 2023 and 2025, and SNL50: The Homecoming Concert.
WWE has implemented several production and structural changes over the past few years. Most recently, SmackDown underwent graphic changes on their promotional material too for the show last week.
The company is gearing up for Backlash in Tampa on May 9. John Cena confirmed his appearance at the Premium Live Event for a history making announcement that will alter the WWE experience for fans.
Five matches have been confirmed for the event. Roman Reigns has his first World Heavyweight Championship defense against Jacob Fatu, Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker clash in a singles match, IYO SKY and Asuka eventually settle their scores brewing over the past year, Sami Zayn gets a rematch against Trick Williams for the US Title, and Danhausen will compete in his first PLE in a tag team match with a mystery partner against The Miz and Kit Wilson.
WOR: WWE releases, weekend news and TV recaps!
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including more WWE releases including New Day, John Cena at Backlash, what’s up with Roman Reigns, nonsensical story not true, New Japan, Smackdown and Collision recaps, all the news and more! A fun show as always so check it out!
Timestamps:
Start: More WWE departures & releases including New Day
11:19: Roman Reigns off the road in June, Backlash’s first hour to air on ESPN 2 & John Cena advertised, NXT Lowell event cancelled
19:20: NJPW Wrestling Dontaku night one thoughts
30:05: Most famous wrestlers by city
37:44: AAA & CMLL notes, Trevor Murdoch announces retirement
45:36: More on the AEW & WBD non-story from over the weekend
58:29: UFC notes
1:02:15: Lineups for the week, WWE SmackDown & AEW Collision notes
Four matches to make for WWE Backlash | Opinion
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
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.
Breaking news… pic.twitter.com/fsPR0INKVj
— Triple H (@TripleH) January 31, 2026
“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
Report: WWE Backlash 2026 location revealed
The WWE PLE schedule for 2026 could include a return to Puerto Rico.
Post Wrestling reports that WWE Backlash 2026 is set to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico in May. There has been no official announcement from WWE, but Post Wrestling notes that the company’s internal calendar currently has the PLE listed for Saturday, May 9, 2026.
“The promotion is set to stage Backlash in San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to multiple sources who informed John Pollock and Brandon Thurston,” the report said. “While we have not confirmed the exact date, a source with access to an internal calendar indicates Backlash is listed for Saturday, May 9.”
This would be WWE’s first time back to Puerto Rico since 2023, when San Juan also hosted that year’s edition of Backlash. That PLE was largely centered around music superstar and Puerto Rico native Bad Bunny competing. He defeated Damian Priest in a San Juan Street Fight at the event.
Bad Bunny — who is set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in February — remains in contact with WWE and has said he would like to wrestle again. A huge wrestling fan, he was recently spotted in the crowd at a CMLL show wearing a mask.
The Backlash PLE is scheduled to take place just a few weeks after WrestleMania 42, with Las Vegas hosting Mania on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19.
Before Backlash 2023, the most recent WWE PLE to be held in Puerto Rico was New Year’s Revolution 2005.
Cody Rhodes details why he was so proud of WWE Backlash France match
When Cody Rhodes looks back at his Undisputed WWE Championship reign, he’s especially proud of the match he had against AJ Styles in France.
Rhodes and Styles met in their first ever singles-match against each other when WWE Backlash took place in Lyon, France in May 2024. It was the first title defense for Rhodes after toppling Roman Reigns — and he was on a mission to prove that he could be an effective babyface champion. A red-hot crowd, and having Styles as his opponent, made the show a special experience for Rhodes.
“There’s two things that lingered with me in terms of being champion that I was very proud of. I was very proud that immediately, right after WrestleMania 40, we jumped right to this PLE in France in front of the greatest crowd wrestling may have ever seen,” Rhodes told Undisputed in a new interview. “I shared the ring with AJ Styles, a wrestler’s wrestler, who is as good as it possibly gets–on any given day, AJ could be the number one wrestler for any company in the world.
“We told a story for that incredibly loud crowd, and I wanted to show that this run would be different. Traditionally, you’ll hear people say that it is hard to be a babyface champion. It’s hard to be a babyface in general. But I’ve been blessed to have this connection, especially this unique connection with our younger audience, which grows at a speed like no other.”
Rhodes added that the other thing that resonates with him about his run with the title is how his identity became being the champion.
“And something else I was really proud of is when the cameramen say, ‘Hey, Champ.’ Or Joe [Tessitore] says, ‘Hey, Champ.’ I’m proud of how my identity became that of the champion,” he said.
Rhodes held the Undisputed WWE Championship for one year before dropping the belt to John Cena at WrestleMania 41. The two will face off in a rematch for the title this August at SummerSlam. If Rhodes wins, he’ll head back to France as champion when WWE Clash in Paris takes place on August 31. Following Backlash in Lyon, this is the second time France has ever hosted a WWE PLE.