Tag: jacob fatu

WWE Raw live results: Jacob Fatu, Roman Reigns Acknowledgement Ceremony

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: May 11, 2026
Location: Food City Center in Knoxville, TN 

The Big Takeaway —

For the twelfth straight week, Raw did not have a main event match, but rather, ended with a non-wrestling segment. 

It was not a particularly noteworthy show, either. It ended with Jacob Fatu standing tall over a fallen Roman Reigns for the third straight week. It wasn’t enough of a beat-down to keep Reigns out of action for any length of time, as it was fairly similar to the angles we’ve seen already. Fatu also laid out the Usos. 

Elsewhere on the show, Iyo Sky said good-bye to Asuka, who appears to be gone, at least for a while. 

**********

Show Recap — 

After a Backlash recap video, wrestlers were shown arriving, and the announcers ran down tonight’s card. 

Adam Pearce approached Roman Reigns as he arrived at the arena in Knoxville. Pearce wasn’t sure Jacob Fatu deserved to even be here tonight after what he did at Backlash. Reigns wanted to know where his title (belt) was and why it wasn’t in his hand. A random stagehand ran up and handed Reigns his belt. 

Pearce reiterated that he didn’t think Fatu deserved to be here tonight, or even at all. Reigns said Pearce couldn’t fire Fatu, at least not tonight. Reigns was the one who brought him in, and he would be the one to take him out. 

******* 

The Vision segment 

Paul Heyman entered with Bron Breakker, Logan Paul and Austin Theory. Heyman talked about the devastation Breakker handed out at Backlash. Heyman said Seth Rollins claimed Breakker wasn’t ready, but it was Rollins who wasn’t. Rollins would never get a victory over any of them. Heyman expunged Rollins from the record of ever being a part of the Vision and said they would never mention his name again. 

They moved on to the Street Profits. Theory said the Street Profits needed the tag titles because they didn’t have Bianca Belair to pay the bills. 

Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins interrupted. Ford said Theory was right that Belair was busy with the baby, so somebody had to come to Raw to beat the Vision’s asses. The Street Profits wanted the titles. (Dawkins did not say anything, and Ford has done most, if not all, of the talking since they returned.) 

Paul called the Street Profits a legendary team, but they were old news, and the only notable thing Ford has done lately was organize a baby shower. Paul asked if Ford’s balls were in his red solo cup. 

Paul was tired of the talk, but was interrupted by Joe Hendry, who randomly appeared at ringside and sang his “Fire Logan Paul” song until they went to break. The opening match began during the break. 

Six-man tag team match: Bron Breakker & Tag Team Champions Logan Paul & Austin Theory vs. The Street Profits & Joe Hendry

Hendry made a hot tag and hit Paul with clotheslines and a fallaway slam before doing his little pose. Theory, not the legal man, attacked Hendry in front of the referee to give his team the advantage again. (Ford and Dawkins were out of the ring while this happened.) 

There was a boring heat segment during commercials until Hendry made a hot tag right in time for them to return from break. Ford and Dawkins knocked Breakker out of the ring before Ford wiped him out with a flip dive. Theory avoided a splash, but Ford gave him a powerslam instead for two. 

Dawkins tagged in, and the Profits set up for a double-team move, but Paul knocked Ford off the top rope. Hendry charged after Paul outside the ring, but Paul sent him into the steel steps. (That was it for Hendry in this match and post-match.) 

Breakker set up for a running spear around the ring, but Seth Rollins appeared and clotheslined Breakker. The referee somehow did not see this. Theory did see it, and it distracted him long enough for Dawkins to apply a schoolboy for the pinfall win. 

— Theory attacked Dawkins after the match, but Rollins dumped Theory out of the ring. 

Rollins helped Dawkins to his feet. However, Rollins dodged as Breakker went for a spear, and Dawkins got speared instead. Rollins superkicked Breakker out of the ring. Ford saw Dawkins down on the mat and got into a shoving match with Rollins. 

Match result: Angelo Dawkins, Montez Ford & Joe Hendry defeated Austin Theory, Logan Paul & Bron Breakker (12:20) 

********

Backstage, Pearce met with the Original El Grande Americano, Bruto Credo and Julio Credo. Pearce was trying to clarify their new identities, and the Creeds pretended not to speak English even though it’s already been established that these are the Creed Brothers. 

Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio interrupted. Gable Americano didn’t appreciate being interrupted. Morgan tried to dismiss him, but Americano said this was serious lucha business. Dom said he wasn’t even a real luchador, and Americano was offended. 

Pearce decided to make Dom defend his AAA Mega Championship against Americano tonight. 

As Pearce turned to leave, Angel and Berto approached him to ask for an opportunity. Pearce was more than happy to listen. 

********

Penta and Ethan Page segment 

Penta entered. He called himself a fighting champion, and if Ethan Page wanted a title match, he should say it to his face. Page entered. 

Page mocked Penta for hiding behind face paint and a mask. Page did not hide. He was all ego, Ethan Page, and he hailed from the greatest country on Earth, Canada. He pinned Penta last week, so that should make him the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship, but Penta was probably afraid to lose to him again. 

Penta said he was not afraid and challenged Page to a match right now. Page gave Penta credit for being willing to defend the title, but Page wasn’t ready right now. 

Page said Penta didn’t understand what his title meant. The IC title was the token of excellence in WWE. Every mega star had to hold that title to prove themselves, and Page was the next mega star. The title deserved the spotlight, so Page challenged him to a match at Saturday Night’s Main Event instead. 

Penta urged Page to work hard if he wanted the title, because he was ready for war and would be ready. 

Rusev interrupted. Rusev said Page amused him. They both beat Penta last week, and it was Rusev who bounced Penta’s head off the announce desk. Page interrupted, but Rusev intimidated him, so Page let him continue. Rusev wanted a title match. 

Page claimed he talked to Pearce earlier and tried to get Rusev a title match first, but Je’Von Evans barged in and questioned why Rusev would get a title match if he couldn’t even beat him. 

Evans immediately interrupted (so he must’ve been waiting around Gorilla in case someone said his name). Evans said Page’s ugly-ass was lying because none of that happened. Evans didn’t talk to Page or Pearce, and didn’t say Rusev couldn’t beat him, even if that last part was true. 

Page shoved Evans into Rusev, which led to a brawl, and the babyfaces stood tall. During a break, Pearce made a match between Evans and Rusev (our second impromptu match so far). 

The crowd didn’t seem to care too much about any of this. 

Je’Von Evans vs. Rusev

Before the match started, Evans flew into the ring and clobbered Rusev with a running knee. The referee separated them to start the match, and Evans hit another knee strike. Rusev got the heat later by shoving Evans into the ring steps. 

Evans came back with a Whisper in the Wind, a hurricanrana, and a dropkick, but Rusev blocked his suicide dive attempt and gave him a fallaway slam onto the announce table. Another boring heat segment led to Evans making his comeback after a break, hitting a springboard clothesline for two. 

Rusev cut him off and hit a Ura-nage and Machka Kick for two. Rusev was frustrated that Evans kicked out, saying, “He’s a freaking child!” 

Evans came back with kicks, a leaping dive, and an OG Cutter for the clean pinfall win. 

Match result: Je’Von Evans defeated Rusev (12:11) 

An ok match, but a nice win for Evans. 

********

Two members of the Tennessee Volunteers football team were at ringside. 

There was a video package for the AAA Mega Championship and the Dom/Americano match tonight. 

Asuka and IYO SKY segment 

Asuka approached Iyo Sky backstage. Asuka gave her a big hug. She said he was looking for someone to take over her position, and finally, Sky was that person. She was glad it was Sky, and she was proud of her. 

Sky said they would always be family, even if they fought. Sky said, “Goodbye, Asuka-san,” and they hugged. Asuka said a few words in Japanese before kissing Sky’s forehead. Asuka left with her luggage. 

********

Paige and Brie Bella answer Judgment Day 

Brie Bella and Paige entered with their tag team title belts. They were ready for a fight, but they wondered where Judgment Day was after they made their challenge last week. 

Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez entered. Perez said she loved watching Paige and Bella on TV back when they were young and still relevant. Perez asked Brie if she remembered meeting her. Perez said Brie told her that she could carry on the Bella legacy, but she set the bar too low. 

Brie said it was Morgan who set the bar low. Brie wanted Perez to make her own legacy, not be a footnote for “the Judgment’s Day.” Brie said, “There’s someone more disappointed in you than me: your mom!” 

Rodriguez held back Perez from going after her. Rodriguez turned her attention to Paige—the girl who’s been given a million chances only to fumble each one. Rodriguez said we were all waiting for Paige’s next big scandal to hit, but they could save everyone the time by handing over the title belts right now. 

Paige and Brie attacked Judgment Day, but Morgan jumped in from behind to even the odds. Judgment Day laid out the champs. 

(This wasn’t good. This particular crowd does not seem interested in these talking segments tonight.) 

********

Jimmy Uso told Reigns that Jey was outside waiting for Fatu to talk him out of going to the ring tonight. Reigns wasn’t sure why he would do that. Jimmy thought Reigns should leave Fatu alone. 

Reigns said they made an agreement, and Fatu put his name on the contract. They were men of their word, and they were on top of the business. If Fatu couldn’t respect his own family, and there wasn’t respect from within, there wouldn’t be respect from those on the outside. Fatu had to acknowledge him. 

Jimmy still didn’t trust Fatu. Reigns said if Fatu didn’t acknowledge him, Fatu’s ass was out of here. Jimmy said he’d find Jey. 

******* 

There was a Rhea Ripley video package where she put over the importance of her time in NXT (including plenty of clips of Triple H showing her the way). 

Michael Cole said Asuka’s future was up in the air, and only time would tell.  

IYO SKY vs. Sol Ruca

They wrestled back and forth for the first few minutes until Ruca hit a springboard corkscrew dive to the outside. Sky came back with a butterfly backbreaker during a break for two. 

After the break, Sky hit an avalanche Spanish Fly for two. Ruca ducked a roundhouse kick and hit a spinning sit-out powerbomb for two. Sky came back with a missile dropkick. Sky missed a running corner meteora, so Ruca hit one of her own, but Sky came back and hit a double foot stomp for two. 

Sky went to the top, but Ruca shoved her off. Sky wrenched Ruca’s knee in the ropes, but Ruca booted her moments later. Ruca went to the top and hit a cartwheel DDT for a nearfall. That drew a modest “This is awesome” chant. Sky fought back and hit consecutive meteoras. 

Sky went for a moonsault, but Ruca got her legs up to block it. Ruca went for the Sol Snatcher, but Sky saw it coming and caught her in a crucifix cover for the pinfall win. 

Match result: IYO SKY defeated Sol Ruca (12:25)

This was a pretty good match, and a different pace than most matches on Raw. It should be fun to see what sort of match they have in a year or two. 

Sol Ruca’s finisher is not having a good run, however. She hit Morgan with the move in her debut and failed to win, failed to hit the move smoothly on Becky Lynch last week, and, within the context of this match, failed to hit the move at all and lost. She’s now winless in two Raw matches.

********

Jimmy approached Jey outside the arena. Jimmy didn’t feel good about this and thought Reigns was delusional at times. Jimmy and Jey both knew Fatu wasn’t going to acknowledge him. Jimmy said their family was stressful. Jey didn’t like hearing that and reminded him that their family was the reason they were there at all. Jimmy understood. He left to return to Reigns and wished Jey luck with Fatu. They shook hands. 

********

The Street Profits will get a tag title match against the Vision at SNME. 

Dawkins and Ford were about to be interviewed, but they were interrupted by Rollins. He said if they were serious about getting the titles off the Vision, they should talk. Ford was frustrated because he didn’t want Rollins involved. 

Dawkins wanted to hear him out, but Ford wasn’t interested. Rollins admitted he was wrong when he said they should stay out of each other’s way. Ford didn’t trust Rollins and said they didn’t need him to win the titles. Ford and Dawkins left. 

********

Backstage, Sky told Ruca that she was the future, and they would fight again one day. Ruca thanked her. 

Becky Lynch showed up, laughed at Ruca for losing to Iyo Jannetty, and said the lights must be too bright for her. 

********

Oba Femi entered and called out his next challenger, but Pearce came out to say that nobody backstage wanted to answer, so the open challenge was cancelled. The fans booed. 

Femi was pissed, so he marched backstage while calling everyone a coward. Angel and Berto were near Gorilla position in their street clothes, so Femi attacked them and dragged them to the ring. Femi demanded the referee ring the bell, so he did. 

2-on-1 handicap match: Oba Femi vs. Angel & Berto 

Femi hit multiple running corner uppercuts, tossed both guys around (tossing Angel right over the head of a hunched-over Berto) and gave Berto a Fall from Grace powerbomb for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Oba Femi defeated Berto & Angel (0:51) 

*******

JD McDonagh and Dom walked through the back as Dom made his way to the ring, but McDonagh was suddenly blinded by Finn Bálor. Bálor repeatedly shoved McDonagh into some equipment boxes. Dom was stunned. Bálor told Dom, “Looks like you’re gonna have to go out there alone, mate.” Dom said he had gold to defend, something Bálor knew nothing about. 

AAA Mega Championship match: Dominik Myserio (c) vs. Original El Grande Americano

This was the first time this title has been defended on Raw. 

There was a fun spot early in the match, where Dom monkey-flipped Gable Americano high in the air off the apron and into the top of the ring post. Dom was in control during the break, but Gable came back after the break with a superplex, Angle slam, and moonsault for a nearfall. Dom responded with a Michinoku Driver for two. Gable suplexed Dom into the corner before hitting a Dragon suplex for two. 

Rayo and Bravo Americano ran out to distract the referee and Gable. El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) hit Gable with a cheapshot, and Dom followed with a tornado DDT for a nearfall. Bruto and Julio Credo ran out to chase away Bravo and Rayo. 

Gable put Dom in an ankle lock, but Kaiser Americano leaped on the apron right in front of the referee (after he was already distracted earlier). Gable went after him and tried to rip off his mask, but that distraction allowed Dom to hit a 619 and a frog splash for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Dominik Mysterio defeated Original El Grande Americano to retain the AAA Mega Championship (9:04)

Gable looked great here, but this Americano feud needed to end weeks ago, and Gable needs to get out of this mask. 

********

Raw next week in Greensboro: 

  • Oba Femi open challenge 
  • Paige & Brie Bella (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez for the tag team titles 

Not sure how they can advertise an open challenge if nobody even answered it this week. 

*******

Jackie Redmond interviewed Paul and Theory backstage. Paul was still offended by Hendry’s song. Redmond asked if he meant the ‘Fire Logan Paul’ song. Paul told her to stop, “unless you want to get fired, too.” 

Paul said if he had to hear the song again, he would cut off his ears like Vincent Van Gogh. Theory told Paul to relax and told him they should go get dinner. 

Redmond tried asking Theory a question. He ignored the question and asked if she wanted a ride in their car. She said no. They left. (Maxxine Dupri was already in the back seat.) 

********

Acknowledgement Ceremony 

Roman Reigns entered with Jimmy Uso. Reigns told Knoxville to acknowledge him. They did. 

The camera cut to Fatu arriving at the arena, right on time. Jey tried pleading with him to stop as Fatu marched through the back. Jey warned him that he would only be creating problems for himself and his family. Fatu got to Gorilla, so Jey put his hands on him to stop and told him to be smart. Fatu headbutted Jey and laid him out. 

Fatu looked into the camera and told Reigns that if he wanted an acknowledgement, Reigns would have to beat it out of him. Fatu entered through the curtain and was met by Jimmy, but Fatu attacked him and laid him out, too. 

Fatu turned his attention to Reigns. Fatu entered the ring, and Reigns went right after him. Fatu fought him off and clotheslined him out of the ring. Fatu tried a dive, but Reigns hit a Superman punch. 

Reigns attacked Fatu repeatedly with a steel chair while telling Fatu to acknowledge him. Reigns went for a spear, but Fatu hit a superkick and applied the Tongan Death Grip (which did get a reaction from the crowd). Reigns fell out of the ring, so Fatu hit a suicide dive. 

Fatu tossed Reigns into the post and steel steps before clearing the announce table. Reigns tried to fight back, but Fatu cut him off and powerbombed him through the announce table. 

Fatu put Reigns in the Death Grip as officials swarmed him. Fatu let go and posed with the world title belt. 

They did the thing where they made it seem like the show was over as Fatu made his way up the ramp, but he instead sprinted back down to ringside. Jey and Jimmy were checking on Reigns, so Fatu hit a wild running hip attack, driving all three men through the barricade.

Jacob Fatu assaults Roman Reigns following WWE Backlash loss

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Jacob Fatu lost, but was standing tall at the end of WWE Backlash.

Throughout his match against Roman Reigns on Saturday in Tampa, Fatu attempted to use the Tongan death grip, something he had established over the course of the last few weeks as a devastating move that could end Roman Reigns’ short run with the World Heavyweight Championship. Despite this, Reigns held on while caught in the hold, managed to send Fatu into an exposed turnbuckle nearby, then scored the win with a spear.

But Fatu wasn’t done after the match, immediately putting the Tongan death grip back on. The referee attempted to stop the assault, but Fatu laid him out then attacked Shane Helms and Adam Pearce who had tried to intervene. Fatu put the hold on again until more officials came in, eventually letting go. He started to leave, but then came back to the ring again and applied it once more. After he finally stopped, he grabbed the World Heavyweight title and held it high to close out the show.

Post-match comments

After the match, Fatu cut a promo on the stage, saying it’s not about how you start but how you finish and pointed out he had left Reigns a mess in the ring.

Reigns, however, saw things differently. In the opening minutes of the post-show, Reigns shared his feelings toward his relative in blunt terms.

“This is why we should have never let Jacob into this family,” Reigns told Cathy Kelley on stage. “You don’t belong here, Jacob. There is no order with you. This is your last night here.”

WWE Backlash live results: Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu, IYO SKY vs. Asuka

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: May 9, 2026
Location:  Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, FL

***************

Show Recap — 

COUNTDOWN SHOW 

Wrestlers were shown arriving. Triple H was shown, too, and he was booed by fans outside the arena watching the pre-show. Everyone else was cheered. 

Michael Cole, Big E, Corey Graves and Peter Rosenberg hosted the first portion of the pre-show. I believe this would be Big E’s first live appearance since the departures of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. 

There was a sit-down interview with Seth Rollins. They were open about Rollins turning 40 soon, and he acknowledged he may not be doing this much longer. 

Fans chanted, “New Day rocks” as Big E talked about Rollins. He ignored it.

Jacob Fatu cut a backstage promo. He said he would kick Roman Reigns’ ass. Cole demonstrated the Tongan Death Grip on Rosenberg, who passed out. Rosenberg was pretending, unfortunately. 

Cathy Kelley interviewed Sami Zayn. He calmly stated that he didn’t appreciate people, including Kelley, disrespecting him, and it was Trick Williams who enabled them to do so. Zayn planned on winning the US title back. 

Because Backlash is held in Tampa, there was an FCW video package, which included interview clips of Bayley, Charlotte Flair, Rollins, Big E, and Sheamus. They also credited Dusty Rhodes, particularly when it came to wrestlers learning promos. Triple H was credited with transforming the old FCW into the new, shiny Performance Center. 

The Usos showed up to the panel to continue the FCW discussions. The fans were excited to see Jimmy and Jey. They also spoke briefly about tonight’s world title match.

The Miz and Kit Wilson told Kelley that they would get rid of Danhausen tonight. Byron Saxton interviewed Danhausen and asked for a hint about his partner. Danhausen warned him not to ask that question again, or else he’d be cursed. 

They counted down the top ten Roman Reigns title defences. Not included in that list was Reigns beating both Edge and Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 37. 

Sonya Bryson-Kirksey sang the American national anthem. 

**********

BACKLASH 2026 RESULTS

Wrestlers arrived, the show intro aired, fireworks exploded in Tampa, and it’s time for the opening match. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett are tonight’s announcers. They didn’t waste time getting going, as the opening match began at 6:07 pm local time.

On the pre-show, they mentioned repeatedly that Seth Rollins was on the verge of turning 40, and he acknowledged that he wouldn’t be doing this forever. Bron Breakker, obviously, is a guy looking to take his place. Barrett said that seems to be the theme tonight (along with Jacob Fatu/Roman Reigns and Trick Williams/Sami Zayn). 

Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (w/ Paul Heyman) 

They battled back and forth and fought around ringside, but Breakker cut Rollins off in the ring with a suplex and took over. The crowd was really behind Rollins. 

Breakker cut him off again by hitting a running shoulder tackle and multiple German suplexes. (With Brock Lesnar gone, at least for now, I wonder if Heyman suggested that Breakker start using this move more.) 

Rollins bit Breakker’s face out of desperation while on the top rope, but it wasn’t enough because Breakker hit a Frankensteiner anyway for two. With Rollins outside the ring, Breakker tried a running sneak attack, but Rollins superkicked him out of mid-air. 

Rollins hit a clothesline back in the ring for two. Rollins set up for a curb stomp, but Breakker got up to his knees, so Rollins hit a knee strike instead for two. (Rollins seemed to say something to Breakker as he made the cover, so I’m not sure if this spot got screwed up, but it looked fine.) 

Rollins went for the stomp, but Breakker blocked it by simply catching his foot. Breakker hit a press slam gutbuster and went for a spear, but Rollins kicked him to block it. 

Rollins tried a tilt-a-whirl into a DDT or a Pedigree attempt, but he slipped and fell down by accident. It seemed like they couldn’t get on the same page on the spot, but Breakker made up for it by immediately hitting a standing moonsault for two. 

Rollins responded with a buckle bomb, but Breakker popped right back with a clothesline. The crowd chanted, “This is awesome.” Rollins wound up outside the ring, leaning against the announce table, so Breakker hit a flying clothesline off the apron. 

Breakker went to the top rope, but Rollins met him there and hit a superplex. Rollins tried to transition into the Falcon Arrow, but Breakker hit the Falcon Arrow instead for a nearfall. (The crowd popped big for that.) 

Breakker hit another Frankensteiner moments later. He tried another, but Rollins landed on his feet and fired up as Breakker looked on in disbelief. Rollins hit a superkick and a Pedigree. 

Rollins followed with a curb stomp, but Heyman went on the apron to distract the referee. Rollins smiled and grabbed a steel chair, realizing what was coming. 

Austin Theory and Logan Paul tried a sneak attack, but Rollins attacked them with the chair. He gave Theory a curb stomp and chased Paul to the back. 

Rollins sprinted back into the ring but was met with a Breakker spear for a nearfall. Breakker went for another spear, but Rollins countered it into a Pedigree (which didn’t look great). 

Rollins went for a stomp off the ropes, but Breakker speared him out of the air. Breakker followed with another spear for the pinfall win. 

— Cole called this the biggest win of Breakker’s career and stated, “Bron Breakker has arrived.” 

Match result: Bron Breakker defeated Seth Rollins (21:25)

This was a strong match despite some miscommunication in the middle, and it helped that the crowd was hot for the whole thing. It was nice to see Breakker go over; I was expecting Rollins to win after weeks of Breakker getting the better of him. Rollins has a bit of an out after the Vision got involved, so this isn’t over. 

******** 

Cathy Kelley interviewed Trick Williams in Gorilla. He said he was the puppetmaster, and this was his world. The time for games was over, and Sami Zayn would find that out tonight. 

United States Championship match: Trick Williams (c) (w/ Lil Yachty) vs. Sami Zayn

Williams booted Zayn in the corner to the cadence of “Whoop that Trick.” Zayn rolled to the outside to recover and chucked Williams into the steel steps when he joined him. Zayn was about to use the steel steps as a weapon, but stopped when Lil Yachty got in the way. 

Zayn hammered away at Williams in the ring. Fans booed this, and Zayn smirked while looking around in confusion. A few fans chanted for Zayn, but they were drowned out by chants of “Sami sucks,” and Zayn looked around at them again. 

Williams fought back with an upkick and neckbreaker. They traded counters until Williams hit a Book End for two. Zayn responded later with a sunset flip powerbomb off the ropes for two. They traded counters again, but this time Zayn got the better of it and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. 

Zayn feigned a knee injury after springboarding off the ropes. Williams waited a moment before going after him, and Zayn caught him in a small package for two. Lil Yachty argued with the referee, and the distraction allowed Zayn to hit Williams with a candy cane kendo stick for a nearfall. 

Zayn aggressively booted Williams until the referee stopped him for some reason. As the ref checked on Williams, Lil Yachty hit Zayn with the kendo stick, and Williams followed with a Trick Kick for a nearfall. 

They wound up outside, and Zayn decked Yachty with a right hand. Yachty went down like a man who’s never taken a bump in his life (not an insult). Zayn also hit him with a kendo stick. 

Williams went after Zayn, but Zayn gave him a DDT onto the top of the steep steps. Before entering the ring, Zayn gave an unsuspecting Lil Yachty a Helluva Kick into the barricade. (I laughed, especially when Lil Yachty went down awkwardly again.) 

Back in the ring, Zayn went for a Helluva Kick, but Williams dodged it and hit a Trick Shot for the pinfall win. 

— Lil Yachty quickly recovered from Zayn’s finisher and joined Williams in the ring to celebrate. He tossed cash into the air. 

Match result: Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn to retain the United States Championship (12:45)

This match was alright. They worked around Williams’ limitations as best they could. The crowd liked Williams, and they resented Zayn. 

Zayn has lost two in a row to Williams, so he’ll have to find something else to do now. 

******** 

The Miz and Kit Wilson entered first, and there was a long video package to explain why this match was happening. 

Danhausen entered on his custom vehicle and walked over to the cloning machine box to reveal his partner. The box opened, and a little person dressed as Danhausen popped out. They entered the Danhausen-mobile and rode around ringside. They entered the ring, and Miz laughed at Danhausen’s partner. 

The crowd seemed to play along during the entrance, but there was a smattering of boos when the bell rang and the match actually started with this man as Danhausen’s partner.

Danhausen & Mini-hausen vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson

The Danhausen clone could actually wrestle and used a tilt-a-whirl leg scissors takedown to knock Miz out of the ring. This cheered up the paying audience. 

The heels took control after posting Danhausen. They beat up little Danhausen for a while until he hit a springboard moonsault to knock down Wilson. Danhausen made a hot tag and ran wild on both guys, and his offence included a German suplex on Wilson and a tornado DDT on Miz. 

Danhausen hit a running boot on Wilson, but he wasn’t the legal man. Miz booted Danhausen into the corner, so little Danhausen tagged himself in and wiped out both heels with a suicide dive. Mini-hausen chased Wilson up the ramp, but Wilson kicked him in the head and shoved him back into the box. 

The cloning box percolated and reopened, and about five or six more little Danhausens entered. The original clone gave Wilson an airplane spin. He tried to curse Wilson, but Wilson held up a mirror, so Mini-hausen wound up cursing himself. Miz gave him a Skull Crushing Finale, but Danhausen broke up the cover. 

Danhausen tagged in and gave Miz a Thesz press (at least he tried to). Miz tried to use a fire extinguisher, but he was cursed, I guess, and it went off in his face and in his partner’s. 

Mini-hausen wiped out Wilson with a dive, and Danhausen hit Miz with a pump kick for the pinfall. 

— Cole said, “This is wrestling!” and Barrett vehemently disagreed, asking, “What happened to the business I love?” 

Match result: Danhausen & Mini-hausen defeated The Miz & Kit Wilson (11:38) 

This nonsense match was longer than every women’s match on both nights of WrestleMania 42. 

********

They announced a two-night AAA Triplemanía in September (over two non-consecutive nights). 

There was a commercial for Riyadh season. 

IYO SKY vs. Asuka

Kairi Sane did not appear. The post-match could leave people speculating on Asuka’s future. 

The match started with chants of, “We want Kairi.” It wasn’t super loud at first, but it got much louder as Asuka controlled the opening moments of the match. 

Sky fired up with some offence, which got the crowd to focus on the match instead. Asuka took control after driving Sky’s head into the ring post. The crowd chanted for Sky to get back into the match before once again chanting for Kairi Sane. (The chants pretty much stopped after this.)

Asuka hit kicks to the chest until Sky blocked one and hit a double foot stomp. Sky followed with a back elbow, an uppercut, a missile dropkick, and a running meteora in the corner for two. Asuka responded with strikes of her own and a knee strike for two. 

Sky hit a German suplex into a bridging cover for two. Asuka tried an armbar, but Sky quickly escaped. They traded kicks, and both women went down. Asuka tried an armbar again, but Sky slipped out and applied her own version of the Asuka Lock until Asuka got a rope break. 

Asuka went to the top, but Sky hit an uppercut and hurricanrana. However, Asuka rolled through into a cradle for a nearfall. Sky avoided a running hip attack and dropkicked Asuka out of the ring. Asuka blocked a dive and placed Sky on the announce table. 

While standing on the announce table, Asuka tried to mist Sky, but Sky held up Barrett’s laptop to block it. Sky tripped Asuka and hit a flying crossbody off the table. The crowd chanted for Sky as she hit an Asai moonsault. 

Asuka dodged a moonsault and locked in the armbar. Sky countered it, but Asuka caught her in the Asuka Lock. It looked like Sky was about to pass out, but she just barely caught Asuka in a cradle for two. 

Asuka blocked a kick and hit a German suplex. However, Sky blocked a kick moments later and hit a German suplex of her own. Sky followed with a running corner meteora and a moonsault for the pinfall win. 

— Sky bowed to Asuka after the match. Asuka broke down in tears and gave Sky a big hug. They embraced and Asuka held up Sky’s hand. 

That’s interesting. 

Match result: IYO SKY defeated Asuka (18:06)

A really good match that built as it went. 

******** 

Steve Keirn and Dan Spivey were in the crowd, along with members of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have some extra time on their hands. 

John Cena’s announcement 

Cena entered. He said he had to consider what the next stage of his career would be. The crowd chanted, “One more match,” and Cena said he knew that was coming. He thought a lot about his final match and how it went. 

Cena was happy with it and happy with the event being a showcase of the future. He wanted his final opponent to earn the spot, and that’s what happened. 

That night gave a spotlight to some of the new NXT stars like Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi. (Femi got a big reaction.) Cena was impressed with Femi and his win over Brock Lesnar. 

Cena was so happy with how that night went that it led to his announcement tonight: the John Cena Classic. 

Over one evening, the best of today would face the best of tomorrow. Members of WWE and NXT would battle for the chance to win a new championship. The championship would have Cena’s name on it, and he would strive to make the event a memorable one. 

Cena also announced that fans would vote to determine the champion. During this showcase event, even if a wrestler didn’t win their match, they could win over the fans with their performance, and that wrestler could still be voted by the fans to become the new champion. 

Cena was excited and wanted to make this an annual event. He thanked the company for making this happen and thanked the fans for their support.

(To summarize, there will be an event with matches where the actual results don’t matter, only the individual performances, because a fan vote will determine the winner. At least, the results will matter as much as the fans determine they do. It doesn’t really sound like a title that will be defended; rather, an annual trophy like the Andre the Giant battle royal, but we’ll see. The live fans cheered the pandering announcement. It certainly different.) 

******** 

World Heavyweight Championship match: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu

Reigns knocked down Fatu with a shoulder tackle and posed to the crowd, but Fatu immediately got to his feet and stared down Reigns. Fatu no-sold a clothesline and knocked Reigns out of the ring. Fatu went for a dive, but when it seemed like Reigns blocked it, Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip instead. 

Fatu let go of the hold because they were outside the ring. When Fatu went after him again, Reigns wrenched him against the ropes. Reigns drove Fatu’s hand into the ring post to prevent him from doing the move again. There were loud duelling crowd chants. 

Reigns hit clotheslines in the corner, but Fatu stopped it by simply grabbing Reigns’ arm. Fatu hit a clothesline and drove Reigns shoulder-first into the ring post. Fatu missed a corner splash, and Reigns came back with more clotheslines and a big boot. 

Reigns hit a Superman punch, but Fatu kicked out at one and popped right to his feet. Fans chanted for Fatu, who no-sold Reigns’ offence before hitting a clothesline and a senton. Fatu headbutted Reigns ten times in the corner and hit a running hip attack. 

Fatu set up for another hip attack, but Reigns exploded out of the corner with a Superman punch for two. They went to the outside, where Fatu powerbombed Reigns through the announce table. Fatu rolled Reigns back into the ring, but Reigns speared him for a nearfall. 

Reigns went for another spear, but Fatu countered into a pop-up Samoan drop. The crowd went crazy as Fatu followed with the Mighty Moonsault, but Reigns kicked out. 

Fatu went for a senton bomb, but Reigns got his knees up to block it. They slowly got to their feet and traded right hands. Fatu got the better of the exchange as Reigns fell into the corner. Fatu immediately hit consecutive running hip attacks. 

Fatu applied the Tongan Death Grip. Reigns appeared to be going out, but he fired up and put his fingers in Fatu’s eyes. Reigns shoved Fatu into the corner as he did, and the referee was knocked down (he was only dazed, not knocked out). 

Fatu tried a pop-up Samoan Drop, but Reigns countered with a Superman punch, and he followed with a spear for a close nearfall. (This was one of those nearfalls that was probably a three, but it wasn’t the finish, so the ref held up the count.) 

Fatu applied the Death Grip, and Reigns held onto the top turnbuckle for leverage. The buckle cover came off in the process. Fatu still held the Death Grip, but Reigns shoved his head into the exposed buckle and followed with a spear for the pinfall win. Reigns retains. 

— Fatu attacked Reigns after the match and put him in the Death Grip. The ref tried to stop him, so Fatu gave him a Samoan drop. 

Officials ran out to stop Fatu, but he superkicked Shane Helms and shoved Adam Pearce out of the ring. Fatu put Reigns in the hold again as five officials desperately tried to stop him, and he eventually let go. 

Fatu left the ring, but he returned to put Reigns in the hold again. Fatu let go of the hold and held the title belt up high as the show ended. 

Match result: Roman Reigns defeated Jacob Fatu to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (18:03)

This was a really good match. On some level, we’ve probably seen a few too many Reigns main events, but Fatu comes across as totally unique from everyone else on this show, so this felt different, and he should really win the title at some point. 

WWE’s Jacob Fatu explains why Tongan death grip is ‘sacred’

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

Last week on WWE SmackDown, Jacob Fatu and his cousins the Usos described the Tongan death grip as a “sacred” hold. We now know this was more than just a wrestling promo—it’s how Fatu really feels. 

Fatu discussed the history of the hold in a conversation with Peter Rosenberg. When he first moved to Florida, Fatu explained, he had no money, and it was Tonga Loa who paid for his bed. 

“Tonga Loa looked out, man,” he said. “This is why I’m so close with them. It ain’t because they’re Tongan. It ain’t because our dads used to tag. Nah, man, I know these brothers. I know I genuinely love my Tongan brothers. … This is why the Tongan death grip, it’s not about changing the name. I’m getting goosebumps right now because this move is a sacred move.”

As Fatu mentioned, his father Tama used to team with Tonga Loa’s father Haku as the Islanders in the World Wrestling Federation in the 1980s. He’s using the hold as a tribute to Haku.

“That’s a man that my dad was very scared of, but respected so much,” Fatu said. “For us to be all tied in and for me to bring this back out, it’s really to pay homage.”

Updated WWE SmackDown preview with two new additions

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has made two new additions to the lineup for tonight’s SmackDown episode.

On the eve of Backlash, SmackDown is taking place from Jacksonville, Florida tonight. It’s been announced that an appearance by Jacob Fatu will kick off the broadcast. The segment will help finish off the build to Fatu challenging Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship in an all-Bloodline matchup at Backlash.

WWE.com wrote:

  • On Monday, Jacob Fatu took out World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns for the second week in a row, smashing The OTC through a table with the devastating Tongan Death Grip.
  • Just three days prior on last week’s SmackDown, The Samoan Werewolf ruthlessly attacked Solo Sikoa and slammed Talla Tonga through the announce table.
  • Fatu is set to kick off SmackDown on Friday, one night before he challenges Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE Backlash. Find out what bedlam will be unleashed at 8 ET/7 CT on USA.

A new match announcement has also been made for tonight’s show with Damian Priest facing off against Talla Tonga, who attacked Priest, R-Truth, Nathan Frazer, and Axiom last week after Priest & Truth retained their WWE Tag Team titles over Fraxiom. Tonga & Solo Sikoa then declared war on Fatu, Reigns, and The Usos.

WWE SmackDown (Friday, May 8) —

  • Gunther addresses his attack on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes
  • United States Champion Trick Williams hosts a funeral for the Gingerbread Man ahead of title defense against Sami Zayn at Backlash
  • Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid)
  • Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton defends against Kiana James
  • Damian Priest vs. Talla Tonga
  • Jacob Fatu kicks off SmackDown

Daily Update: Jacob Fatu, WWE Chile, The Sandman

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • A look at the WWE releases, reasons, prospects for the future, who should AEW or TNA be interested in
  • Nick Khan speaks to WWE employees about Paul Levesque, WrestleMania, social media, Saudi Arabia and AI
  • WWE Backlash and AEW Double or Nothing updates, including interest levels for both shows
  • Stardom All-Star Grand Queendom show looked at
  • How the latest Nielsen ratings change affects pro wrestling and where it affects it the most
  • Dragon Gate has its annual big Nagoya show this week
  • A look at the career of Gran Markus Jr.
  • The most detailed look at the television ratings for pro wrestling and MMA programming this past week
  • The 70th anniversary of pro wrestling at Arena Mexico
  • Who is coming for Fantastica Mania Mexico
  • Big match planned for AAA television
  • Champion Carnival update
  • NOAH major show update
  • New Japan has Dontaku with Andrade and Will Ospreay this week
  • Wrestling Red Zone coverage
  • A look back at the original Tiger Mask and his influence on pro wrestling and MMA
  • Who are the most famous wrestler in the ten largest cities in the world, and top 50 cities in the world
  • Biggest moments in NCAA wrestling tournament history over the past 60 years
  • Former pro wrestling booker heading up a unique promotion
  • Updates on Real American Freestyle
  • More UFC stars coming to RAF
  • Advance ticket sales for all the major pro wrestling events over the next two months and the story that it tells
  • Two relatives of major pro wrestling stars signing with NFL teams
  • Remembeing David Allan Coe, the country singer of Great American Bash fame
  • Jimmy Valiant retires
  • Former WWE star says she’s making a comeback
  • Carlos Silva on why TNA won’t let its talent work with AEW talent and examining what he said
  • AEW May television schedule changes
  • WWE television schedule changes
  • Ronda Rousey wants to be a promoter
  • Puck breaks a notable story on Ari Emanuel and Vince McMahon
  • More on when the next lawsuit against WWE goes to court
  • More notes on TNA expanding domestic exposure
  • More on new WWE signings
  • NXT house show notes

This Week’s Back Issue

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Thursday Update

Jacob Fatu WWE Raw
Jacob Fatu confronts Roman Reigns on WWE Raw. (Image credit: WWE)

WWE

  • During an appearance on No-Contest Wrestling, Jacob Fatu cut a promo on fans who think he won’t defeat Roman Reigns at Backlash:
    • Let’s keep it 100. He just won it. This is the next PLE. So I can understand why people think, ‘Oh, well, he’s not going to lose. It’s just a match. He’s going to fall in line.’ Nah, that’s ass. All right. That’s ass
    • What y’all think? Y’all know the booking? What y’all think? ‘Oh, Roman Reigns, first title defense against Jacob. There’s no way Roman’s losing it.’ Man, that’s ass.
    • Because check this out, of course y’all going to be watching. Y’all going to be tapped in. So everybody else complaining online about this and that. Hey, hey, hey, I bet you will definitely buy that ESPN app. And I bet you going to be sitting there watching and enjoying the show and not saying a word during the match. So for everybody tapping in like that, come on. Man, come on with it.
  • Fatu added:
    • I can understand why people think I’m not going to win. First PLE, first title defense out of WrestleMania, there’s no way, right? Well, check this out – there was no way Jacob was supposed to be here. There was no way Jacob was supposed to be main event, PLE, Roman Reigns, right out of WrestleMania. But we’re here. And keep it 100. Like I said before, they ain’t never ran into nobody like me.
  • No-Contest Wrestling asked Fatu to name five wrestlers from WWE history that he would like to have main evented WrestleMania against:
    • Bron Breakker
    • Randy Savage
    • Jeff Hardy
    • Mr. Perfect
    • Brock Lesnar
  • Sami Zayn and Stephanie Vaquer called for WWE to change September’s house show in Chile into a PLE after tickets sold out quickly after going on sale.
  • Johnny Gargano announced that he and Candice LeRae’s dog Pawdme passed away after months of battling seizures:
    • I always made the joke that Pawdme’ was my first child. She prepared me for Quill. The real joke is that she’s actually way more high maintenance than her brother. She was SO good to him too. A true big sister. I’lll miss her sleeping between my legs. I’ll miss her zooming around the house with her rope. I’ll miss her sun bathing by the window of my gym.. I’m just really going to miss her. I just hope she knows we tried to give her the best life possible in the short time we had, and she will always hold an irreplaceable spot in our hearts. We love you forever, Tato. Thank you for choosing us to spend your life with.
  • The Miz promoted Backlash with appearances on ESPN’s Get Up, First Take, and The Rich Eisen Show.
  • Danhausen stormed into SportsCenter to help count down the top plays from the day.
  • Kevin Owens turns 42 years old today.
  • WWE Vault put together a video featuring rarely seen Championship Wrestling from Florida footage.

Other Wrestling

  • Actor Nick Offerman was the guest on a new episode of Talk is Jericho.
  • To prepare for his role on Apple TV’s “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” Offerman – who didn’t know much about wrestling going in – read Bret Hart and Mick Foley’s autobiographies:
    • I was relatively ignorant. I knew the pop culture, the big stars of my youth, Hulk Hogan and Macho Man. My friend wrote a song about the Von Erichs. I knew bits and pieces, but I had no idea of the rich lore and just the culture, until I started researching for this job.
    • I read Bret Hart’s memoir and Mick Foley’s memoir, basically getting really into looking at all the different looks and gimmicks and characters that wrestlers have had over the years. It was a wonderful permission that Jinx’s [Offerman’s character] heyday was like 30 years ago, because that allowed us to be a lot more campy.
    • I have to say, it’s like getting cast as a linebacker or something. If you’re going to be out there actually representing and playing the sport, you got to respect it and treat it with absolute reverence, because I own a mirror, so I’ve never had a big enough ego to think that I can just ride it out on my personality alone.
  • On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, The Sandman was asked to encapsulate the career he’s had in the ring:
    • Too many drugs, honestly, too many drugs. A lot of smiles. I get a lot of fan mail and stuff at home. Just some of the things that people write to me and they tell me how I got them through a hard time in their life, or when their dad passed away, or something like that. Those are the times when it’s really, really worth it. I mean, it’s great when you’re living your life dream. When I was five years old, all I ever wanted to be was a pro wrestler. That’s it. Not a cop, fireman, doctor. All I ever wanted to be was a pro wrestler, so I got to live my life and make decent money out of it and make people really happy. You know, when you get some people come up to you and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, you’re the greatest thing ever.’ That just gives you goose bumps. That’s cool sh*t.
  • Inside the NBA did a segment last night remembering Ted Turner.
  • AEW wished Will Ospreay (33) and Angelico (39) happy birthday.

WWE Backlash 2026 Odds: Reigns vs Fatu, Danhausen mystery partner and more

Posted on by Jake Skudder

WWE Backlash 2026 takes place this weekend (Saturday May 9), and the current betting odds for the show are starting to paint a pretty clear picture of what we can expect on the night.

Here are the current odds for Backlash, including Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu, Trick Williams vs Sami Zayn and Iyo Sky vs Asuka:

Roman Reigns vs Jacob Fatu Odds

Reigns originally opened at a staggering -3000 to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. By Tuesday, the line had drifted to -700, and MyBookie now lists him at -900. The Fatu money has moved despite the gap, which probably signals bettors expecting something like a Solo Sikoa or Usos run-in DQ finish rather than a clean title change.

MatchFavoriteUnderdogImplied probability (favorite)
World Heavyweight ChampionshipRoman Reigns -900Jacob Fatu +50090.0%
US ChampionshipTrick Williams -1000Sami Zayn +55090.9%
SinglesIyo Sky -1000Asuka +55090.9%
SinglesSeth Rollins -120Bron Breakker -120~52.4%
TagDanhausen & Partner -5000Miz & Kit Wilson +120098.0%

Seth Rollins vs Bron Breakker Oddss

Both men in this one sit at -120, so a true pick’em. Breakker returned at WrestleMania to cost Rollins his match against Gunther, which almost telegraphs Breakker going over here. But Rollins lost at Mania, has been fairly adrift since The Vision splintered, and there’s an expectation that Rollins might be facing Reigns at SummerSlam.

Iyo Sky vs Asuka Odds

Sky’s number has moved really hard in the last few days. She opened at -400 and has moved up to -1000. The Kairi Sane release gutted some of the storyline payoff here, but Sky is expected to take this one and the market reflects that.

Danhausen’s mystery partner odds

CM Punk is the heavy favorite to be Danhausen’s mystery partner following his Mania classic with Reigns and his history with the former Very Nice, Very Evil AEW star. Cena at +2000 is interesting as he will be at Backlash, but he is retired and seems intent on keeping it that way.

PartnerOddsImplied probability
CM Punk-20066.7%
Joe Hendry+20033.3%
Mr. Iguana+30025.0%
Jelly Roll+40020.0%
Carmelo Hayes+50016.7%
John Cena+20004.8%
Stephen A. Smith+50002.0%

Roman Reigns retaliates with message to Jacob Fatu after WWE Raw went off-air

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

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.

https://twitter.com/original_tribal/status/2051529000221131145

WWE Raw notes: Jacob Fatu & Roman Reigns, Sol Ruca, Oba Femi’s open challenge

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Notes from Monday’s Raw.

The Oba Femi open challenge began on Monday, with Akira Tozawa seemingly coming out to challenge The Ruler. However, it quickly became apparent that it was in fact Otis challenging Femi. Despite the bigger challenge, Femi quickly dispatched Otis, finishing off the former Tag Team Champion with the fall from grace in minutes, winning his first open challenge match.

There were also two contract signings on Raw. First was Sol Ruca, who came out and was about to sign her contract when she was interrupted by Becky Lynch, who ignored Ruca and complained to Adam Pearce. Ruca cut her off and the two exchanged words. Lynch eventually went for a cheap shot but smacked Pearce instead. As Pearce left, Ruca laid out a distracted Lynch with a sol snatcher, setting up a future program between the two.

Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu met in the main event. The two exchanged words before Reigns made it simple for Fatu: this was all his, this was his ring. They are the same blood, but Fatu is beneath him. That got Fatu upset, who immediately went on the attack with the Tongan death grip. Reigns fought him off and went for the Superman punch but Fatu latched it on again, eventually sending Reigns through the table in the ring.

Raw ended with officials checking on Reigns as Fatu left the ring.

WWE Raw live results: Backlash go-home show

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: May 4, 2026
Location: CHI Health Center in Omaha, NE 

The Big Takeaway —

Jacob Fatu laid out Roman Reigns again ahead of their world title match on Saturday. 

Oba Femi beat Otis, Ethan Page pinned Penta, and Sol Ruca is headed for a feud with Becky Lynch. 

**********

Show Recap — 

Oba Femi, Chad Gable Americano and the Creed Brothers (under their new masks), Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans and Penta were shown arriving. The live crowd seems hot so far, as basically everyone got a big reaction, as did the graphic for tonight’s contract signing. 

Roman Reigns arrived and was on a mission. He quickly made his way to Gorilla position as Adam Pearce tried to tell him something. Reigns wasn’t listening, but Pearce finally stopped him to tell him that Jacob Fatu wasn’t there. 

Reigns turned around to find Seth Rollins, who told Reigns that he was in his way. Rollins made his way out through the stage instead, but was attacked from behind by Bron Breakker. 

Breakker press-slammed Rollins onto the edge of the barricade and was swarmed by officials to stop. Breakker shoved aside some security guards and continued his attack. 

Officials briefly stopped Breakker from doing more, but he sprinted by them and speared Rollins in the ring. (This was a better-looking Bron spear than we’ve seen lately.) Fans booed, barked and chanted, “One more time,” as Breakker walked off. 

********

Judgment Day met backstage. Liv Morgan said Stephanie Vaquer was injured, so they didn’t have to worry about her anymore. Morgan watches the show, it turns out, and she asked Roxanne Perez why Finn Bálor was in the clubhouse last week, and why she didn’t mention it. 

Perez said she didn’t mention it because she was clear to Bálor when she told him to leave and not come back. Perez was loyal to Judgment Day. 

Morgan said she knew that, but wanted Perez to promise that she wouldn’t keep any secrets from her. Perez did promise, but she was clearly just playing along. 

Finn Bálor vs. JD McDonagh (w/ AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio)

Michael Cole wondered why McDonagh would align himself with Judgment Day over Bálor and questioned his loyalty. Corey Graves said loyalty doesn’t pay the bills. Indeed, it doesn’t. 

McDonagh worked over Bálor’s leg, but when Bálor mounted a comeback, he was tripped by Dom while referee Jessika Carr wasn’t watching, and McDonagh regained control. Perez marched out to ringside as they went to break. Bálor began his comeback after the break as Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez made their way to ringside, too. 

Bálor hit a back body drop, double foot stomp, and slingblade. Bálor knocked Dom off the apron, which allowed McDonagh to apply a cradle for two. McDonagh followed with a Spanish Fly for two. Bálor took a nasty landing on the Spanish Fly, landing high on his neck/upper back. 

With Carr distracted again, Dom tripped Bálor off the apron. Carr finally tossed Dom from ringside (but not the other three Judgment Day members). McDonagh went for a moonsault, but Bálor got his knees up and applied a cradle for a nearfall. 

Morgan distracted Carr next, while simultaneously tossing a hammer to Perez. With Carr still distracted, Perez nailed Bálor with the hammer (showing her loyalty to Judgment Day), and McDonagh followed with a headbutt for the pinfall win. 

Match result: JD McDonagh defeated Finn Bálor (11:44) 

I assumed they were having a rematch so they could outdo the six-minute match they had two weeks ago, but that was a stupid assumption. This match was all about the insane amount of interference to set up McDonagh getting a win. They’re now even at one win apiece. 

********

Jackie Redmond found Rollins backstage and asked if he would be ok for Backlash. Rollins said the show was in five days, so he would be fine. He told Breakker last week that if he took chances, he better be able to finish the job, but he (Rollins) wasn’t dead yet. 

El Grande Americano (Ludwig Kaiser) and his buddies were interviewed during commercials. El Grande said the Original doesn’t know what he signed up for because he doesn’t actually speak Spanish. In Mexico, El Grande might not be allowed to touch him, but here, he can do whatever he wants. (There’s a six-man tag match tonight.) 

There was a video package of Jacob Fatu using the Tongan Death Grip on Reigns last week, and the announcers tried to put over the hold as lethal. 

********

The Vision met backstage. There was some silly comedy with Breakker and Austin Theory, imitating Rollins by holding their noses and suggesting Rollins sounded like a duck. (I didn’t mind Breakker’s impression last week, but this was extra dumb.) Paul Heyman entered and asked if Rollins was still breathing. Breakker, somewhat sheepishly, said yes. 

Logan Paul said Joe Hendry wouldn’t be breathing when he got his hands on him. Paul desperately wanted a match against Hendry to put him in the hospital permanently. Heyman said no. Heyman didn’t want Paul to end up in jail, especially after what Breakker had already done tonight. Instead, Hendry would wrestle Theory. 

Intercontinental Champion Penta & Je’Von Evans vs. Rusev & Ethan Page

Early in the match, Evans wiped out Rusev with a dive before Penta gave Page a Penta Driver for a nearfall. A Rusev distraction allowed the heels to take control over Penta during a break. 

Penta did a springboard move to knock Rusev off the apron, but collapsed and struggled to make a tag despite doing a springboard seconds earlier (the springboard actually got him relatively close to Evans, so he had to drop back a bit to create more space). The extra time allowed Rusev to knock Evans off the apron. 

Evans did wind up getting the hot tag moments later, hitting Page with a jawbreaker and German suplex before wiping out Rusev with a dive again. Evans followed with a springboard clothesline for two. Page fought back briefly, but Evans nailed a Red Dot kick. Penta tagged in and hit a tornado DDT, but Rusev broke up the cover. 

Evans hit Rusev with a dive for the third time, and Rusev wound up on top of the announce table. The crowd loudly cheered as Evans went to the top, but Page shoved him off. 

Penta knocked Page outside the ring, but as Penta went for a dive off the apron, Page yanked the apron skirt to trip him. Page distracted the referee while Rusev slammed Penta onto the announce table, and Page followed with a fisherman’s suplex variation for the pinfall win. (Page’s usual finisher was countered twice earlier in the match). 

— Rusev was happy they won, and he celebrated with Page in the ring. This might have been the first time Rusev has smiled (on camera) since returning to WWE. 

Match result: Ethan Page & Rusev defeated Penta & Je’Von Evans (10:42)

A pretty good match, thanks in large part to Evans, and the crowd was into it. He felt like a breath of fresh air here. Page looked good, too, and he fits in well here. 

******* 

Sol Ruca contract signing

There was a video package for Sol Ruca before Adam Pearce introduced her to the ring. He put this over as a big moment for an NXT call-up. 

Ruca entered, and Pearce handed her the contract. Instead of just signing it, she said, “It is going to feel so damn good when I sign this and officially be a part of Monday Night Raw.” A bit of an odd thing to say, unless you know you’re about to be interrupted. 

Becky Lynch entered. She got in Pearce’s face while completely ignoring Ruca. Lynch said this was meant to be her time in the ring. She had a monumental WrestleMania win and had to fight “Iyo Jannetty” last week in an unscheduled match. She won that match despite Pearce’s meddling. 

Lynch rambled until Ruca cut her off. Ruca told Lynch that not everything was about her. Lynch thought that was funny, because “everything is about me.” 

Ruca said she knew all about Lynch’s accomplishments but didn’t realize she was exactly what people said: a rude, big-headed bitch. 

Lynch asked Ruca, “Who are you?” and Ruca responded, “I’m Sol Ruca, and if you ever interrupt me again, not only will I kick your ass, I’ll snatch your soul.” (That got a big pop.) Ruca signed the contract. 

Lynch tried a cheap shot, but Ruca dodged it, and Lynch hit Pearce by mistake. Pearce screamed at Lynch before leaving the ring. 

Lynch had her head in her hands because she couldn’t believe what she did. Because she wasn’t paying attention, it allowed Ruca to fly in and hit her with the Sol Snatcher. Unfortunately, Ruca slipped on the rope, and it took her extra time to hit the move. Ruca blew a kiss to Lynch and posed for the crowd.

(The crowd was into this, and they liked Sol Ruca, but because of the slip, they did not pop for the Sol Snatcher. In her Raw debut two weeks ago, she hit the move but failed to beat Morgan with it because Morgan rolled out of the ring. It’s not a big deal, but not a great start for her finisher.) 

*******

Redmond asked Jimmy and Jey Uso for comment on tonight’s contract signing. Jimmy said they loved Fatu, but he needed to understand how Reigns handled business. Jey wasn’t worried about how this would affect their relationship with Fatu. Jey warned him that he’s swimming in deep water now. The line has been drawn, and Fatu would find out who he was messing with at Backlash. “Good luck, little cousin.” 

********

Joe Hendry sang a song during a break, which bled into the live broadcast. He encouraged Pearce to fire Logan Paul again. An angry Paul marched out and said TKO couldn’t fire him because that would be bad business.

Joe Hendry vs. Austin Theory (w/ Logan Paul)

Theory took control thanks to a Paul distraction, Hendry made a comeback, did his pose, and Paul decked him from behind for the DQ. 

— Paul and Theory beat up Hendry until Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins ran out to make the save. Breakker broke up the party by taking out the Street Profits with suplexes. 

Breakker set up Dawkins for a spear, but Rollins attacked Breakker from behind. Rollins fired up and set up Breakker for a curb stomp. As he did, Ford sprinted towards Rollins, leaped right over him and over the ring post to wipe out the heels with a crazy flip dive. 

However, Ford’s dive distracted Rollins, and Breakker laid him out with a spear. 

The crowd was really into all of this. (I laughed at Rollins getting speared because Ford flew over his head moments prior.) 

Match result: Joe Hendry defeated Austin Theory via disqualification (3:17) 

********

Redmond interviewed Judgment Day backstage. Morgan wanted them to have all the gold. Rodriguez called out the tag champions, Brie Bella and Paige, and invited them to Raw. 

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria interrupted. Bayley said she saw them use the hammer earlier and told Judgment Day that she and Valkyria wouldn’t be that easy to get rid of. Morgan and Judgment Day brushed this off like nothing and left. 

*******

Oba Femi entered for the first Oba Femi open challenge. Akira Tozawa seemingly answered the call, entering with Otis and Maxxine Dupri. Tozawa, a trained professional wrestler, cowardly walked away in fear upon facing off with Femi in the ring. Tozawa called Otis into the ring instead. 

Oba Femi vs. Otis (w/ Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa) 

This was awesome. 

Femi and Otis traded shoulder tackles, but neither man went down or even budged. They traded tackles again before Femi hit an awesome running uppercut. Femi hoisted Otis up and chucked him across the ring. 

Femi realized he may not be able to get Otis up for his powerbomb in the traditional manner, so he hoisted Otis onto the middle rope for leverage, got underneath, lifted him up and walked toward the middle of the ring to hit the Fall From Grace powerbomb for the pinfall win. The crowd ate this up.

Match result: Oba Femi defeated Otis (1:48) 

******* 

Backstage, a frustrated Rollins told a referee that he didn’t need his help. Rollins bumped into the Street Profits and Hendry. Rollins sarcastically thanked Ford for getting him speared again. 

Ford said nobody trusted Rollins after everything he did with the Vision. Rollins said he didn’t even trust himself sometimes, but they were in the same fight against the Vision, and sometimes those fights needed to come together. Rollins told Ford to stay out of his way, and Rollins would stay out of his. 

(So, he implied they should fight together, but in his next sentence, he said the opposite.) 

********

Ethan Page (now wearing a suit) cut a commercial break promo. He’s gunning for the IC title. 

IYO SKY and Asuka sit-down segment 

This was a pre-taped segment with Sky and Asuka seated across from one another. 

Sky told Asuka that she’s avoided this fight for years. Asuka was her mentor. She looked up to her and loved her. Despite everything Asuka has done to her, Sky still respected her. She never wanted this fight or for it to come to this. But Asuka has changed. The Asuka she looked up to was no longer here, so now, Sky had to fight her. 

Asuka said Sky was being disrespectful. Asuka wondered who Sky even was and called Sky her biggest disappointment. Asuka was done with Sky and would cut her out of her life for good. 

Sky responded, “I am ready for Asuka.” Asuka didn’t like that, so she sprayed mist in Sky’s face. Pearce scrambled into the ring to check on Sky, who screamed like she had just been poisoned. 

********

Redmond interviewed the Original Americano and Los Americanos Hermanos (the Creed Brothers), who were all booed when shown on camera (despite being babyfaces, I think). Original Americano said he sought out their help because they took after his friend, Chad Gable. 

Six-man tag team match: El Grande Americano, Bravo Americano & Rayo Americano vs. The Original Americano, Bruto Creedo & Julio Creedo 

After a break, everyone traded moves, and all the masked men did all their usual spots. The Creed Brothers took out El Grande and Rayo while Gable hit Bravo with a diving headbutt for the pinfall win. 

Even the announcers were having trouble keeping up with who was who, and I can’t blame them. 

Match result: El Grande Americano, Bravo Americano & Rayo Americano defeated The Original Americano, Bruto Creedo & Julio Creedo (8:34) 

********

Backlash card: 

  • John Cena appears with “history-making news” 
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker 
  • Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn for the United States Championship 
  • The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen & a mystery partner 
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka 
  • Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship 

********

Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu contract signing 

Pearce hosted the contract signing between Reigns and Fatu. Reigns entered to a big reaction. Pearce wanted them to sign the contract. Reigns told Omaha to acknowledge him first. They did. 

Reigns told Fatu that the fans’ reaction wasn’t just love, but the sound of respect. That respect wasn’t just from hanging out. While Fatu was grinding for twelve years, Reigns was in WWE for over twelve years. 

Reigns held the door open for Solo Sikoa. If Sikoa brought Fatu in, then Reigns was really responsible for Fatu coming in, and he would be damned if there was not respect to be had for him. 

There had to be respect, a code, an honour system among their family. There had to be a code of conduct. Fatu disrespected him with the Tongan Death Grip, something you only pull out in desperate times, like when you were at the bar at 3 am surrounded eight-to-one. You don’t do that to your own. You don’t do that to your Tribal Chief. 

Fatu scoffed upon hearing Tribal Chief. Fatu admitted he was desperate. It did feel like it was him against the world, back against the wall. He had no other choice but to take out Reigns, take the title, and take everything that came with it. 

Fatu was ready to put a chokehold on this game and squeeze every dollar out of it, the same way this company did to their family for decades. When he said ‘all gas, no brakes’, it meant no slowing down and no going back to where he came from. Fatu was desperate. He would do anything for his own household, even if that meant going through his own blood. 

Reigns scoffed at that remark. He signed the contract before continuing. Reigns said Fatu was worried about his household, but Reigns grinded here for over a decade for multiple households. Fatu worried about his 7 kids, but Reigns worried about the 170 kids that filled this family. Fatu worried about his kids’ education, but Reigns worried about higher education for all of them. 

Reigns reiterated what he said a long time ago: This was all his. This was his ring. They were the same blood in their family, but in this ring, Fatu was beneath him. 

Fatu lost it and tried the Death Grip, but Reigns fought him off. Fatu went for the hold again, but Reigns countered it again. Reigns went for a Superman punch, but Fatu caught him in the grip. 

Reigns no longer had a counter and held onto Pearce for leverage as Pearce desperately tried to get Fatu to stop. Fatu instead slammed Reigns onto the announce table. 

Fatu signed the contract, and a portion of the crowd chanted his name. Officials checked on Reigns as Fatu left the ring.

Liv Morgan, Jacob Fatu and more WWE stars discuss impact of training at The Dungeon 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Liv Morgan and other WWE stars shared their experiences and learnings at The Dungeon 2.0 owned by Natalya and TJ Wilson. 

Natalya shared a video on X featuring training sessions at The Dungeon. 

“My grandfather built The Dungeon on heart and grit and finding out who could get knocked down and get back up. I love being able to carry forward what he started with a new generation.” tweeted Natalya. 

In the video, Liv Morgan, Ilja Dragunov, Jacob Fatu and B-Fab shared their experiences training at the center and how it has altered and influenced their wrestling styles. 

Morgan: “I feel like when I started coming, that’s when I really noticed improvements in my wrestling and my performances. You know, just practicing something gives you the confidence that you’re doing better, even if you’re not improving yet. You know what I mean? So just me coming here every single week and spending three hours, it’s like old school sh*t. You just get down to work.”

Dragunov: “First of all, the dungeon has a very big place in my heart because after my ACL tear, I definitely was looking out for a place where I can prepare myself for my comeback, and I picked The Dungeon for it because i have a lot of respect for what TJ and Nattie are putting into the business.”

Fatu: “TJ’s just always boosting me up, always just teaching me the right things, but also since Natalya, man, as soon as I’m up in there, she ain’t giving me the superstar treatment or she ain’t giving me none of that just because I’m on TV. She actually pushes me. It’s something that I need.” 

B-Fab: “Being able to be here and just work on stuff, work on stuff that I’m working on, try new stuff, like just be able to just open myself up, make the ring my canvas, and just paint whatever I want to paint, as well as getting, you know, a good foundation built in, being able to remember things, so many great things we get from coming to the Dungeon.”

Over the years, The Dungeon has had several wrestlers across promotions to hone their in-ring skills. Last year, John Cena visited the training camp to impart wisdom about the industry and knowledge he picked up during his wrestling career.

Natalya has often emphasized the Dungeon is not just another wrestling school but rather her and Wilson’s ‘love letter to wrestling’.

WOR: Darby Allin as AEW World Champion, WWE cuts fallout

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and I are back on Wrestling Observer Radio discussing the major stories from today’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We talked about:

  • Dave’s analysis on yet another change to the Nielsen ratings
  • How Darby Allin is doing as AEW champion
  • WWE cuts fallout
  • Jacob Fatu as a main eventer
  • Thoughts on the Hulk Hogan documentary

Click here to listen (subscription required) or watch on YouTube

Royce Keys reveals longstanding history with Jacob Fatu and The Bloodline 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Royce Keys unveiled his longstanding history with Jacob Fatu and The Bloodline. 

In an interview with Joey Karni, Keys initially discussed having to live up to expectations in his WWE debut. And the impact of making his first appearance at an event like the Royal Rumble which features notable talents from WWE and the industry. 

“It just meant a lot, just thinking about the names that came before you, living up to expectations. So, and while doing that, you got to create your own path. I did that. I mean, I made an impact in the (Royal) Rumble. It’s in history now. So, now we move forward and progress and take everything I want.”

Keys stated that WWE had already laid out a plan for him to skip NXT and directly work on the main roster after his January debut. He was further asked about potential alliances in WWE to which Keys responded that he has history with Jacob Fatu, and is familiar with The Usos and Solo Sikoa too. 

“Jacob Fatu and I have a history together. I’ve known that family for quite a while. So, The Usos, Solo, I’ve known that family a long time. So, there is some history there.”

Following his WWE debut match in January, Keys competed in dark matches which he later revealed was done on his request. He made his official SmackDown debut on April 10 against Berto.

On the SmackDown before WrestleMania 42, Keys won the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

First three matches announced for WWE Backlash

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Three matches are now set for Backlash.

The main event segment of Monday’s Raw saw Roman Reigns come out and ask Jacob Fatu for his decision, hoping for Fatu to unite the family instead of trying to divide it. Fatu said he didn’t need a week, a day, an hour: he needed the title. Fatu said that he grinded for everything he did and never heard from Reigns or The Usos and it was Solo who contacted him and brought him to WWE. 

As Reigns started with his reply, Fatu grew irate and attacked the tribal chief, applying the Tongan death grip. Once he was done Fatu started to leave, but Reigns recovered enough to tell his relative that he’ll see him at Backlash on May 9 in Tampa.

In addition, IYO SKY will face Asuka. SKY challenged Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental title, but Asuka’s interference cost her the match. Later in a promo, Asuka said she wasn’t done with SKY, saying all she did was try and teach her former student but now nothing would stop her from destroying SKY. But she would teach her pupil one final lesson at Backlash: she is not and never will be ready for Asuka.

The opening segment of the show saw Seth Rollins come out and blame Bron Breakker for his loss at WrestleMania against Gunther. Breakker came out and the two exchanged words, with Rollins telling Breakker he “wasn’t ready.” Breakker said he was on his way to becoming a main eventer without Rollins and told the former World Champion that he was the very best at being number two.

Rollins issued the challenge for Backlash and left, but not before hurling one final insult, telling “Steiner” that he wasn’t even number two in his family.

WWE Backlash (May 9):

  • World Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka