Tag: wwe backlash

Asuka gives update on WWE status

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Asuka discussed her WWE status, reassuring fans she is still signed to the company but will make sporadic appearances in the future.

Sharing an update on her YouTube vlog KanaChanTV, Asuka addressed her WWE status. Citing it a personal request to WWE, Asuka iterated she is still signed to the company and will make sporadic appearances in the future. She claims to still be at the top of her game and fans can stay updated via her social media accounts and the vlog. 

“It’s already been about two weeks since my last match at Backlash. I know there are a ton of rumors flying around out there… people asking, ‘Are we ever going to see Asuka wrestle again?’ ‘Is she going back to Japan?’ ‘Is she leaving WWE?’ The truth is, it was a personal matter – I reached out to WWE and we talked it through. But let’s be clear – as you all know from watching my matches, I can still go. I am still at the top of my game!”

“I’ve been with WWE for over 10 years now, almost like it was just a given. And because it became such a part of your daily routine, I think my presence there just became something everyone took for granted. But remember… nothing lasts forever. Everything is finite. You see, I’m not just a wrestler by trade; I’m a designer too. Even the way I live my life has to be art.”

“I’m sure you’re all wondering what’s next for me, and how I’ll be involved with TV and the tours moving forward. But don’t forget – I am still officially with WWE. So there’s a chance I might just pop up in front of you when you least expect it!”

“Let’s be honest, no-one will ever make the kind of historic impact I made from day one. I don’t think anyone will ever climb to the top non-stop, grabbing every title and accolade along the way, the way I did. And because I’m a true pioneer, there will never be another Asuka!”

“So from here on out, if you ever catch a glimpse of me, you better cherish it. Because it’s going to be rare. That said, my YouTube channel and social media are staying active to stay connected with you guys!” 

Earlier we had reported that Asuka was semi-retired following her Backlash match on May 9 against IYO SKY. The two wrestlers embraced and shared a heartwarming moment after their match which raised speculations on Asuka’s WWE future. 

May 18, 2026 Observer Newsletter: WWE Backlash review & ratings, Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano preview, Tenzan to retire

Posted on by F4W Staff

The new Wrestling Observer Newsletter has arrived.

Dave Meltzer leads off with a look back at last weekend’s WWE Backlash, including his match ratings and analysis.

He also does a deep dive into this Saturday’s Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano fight on Netflix and all the news and interesting quotes from Rousey leading into it.

Dave looks at Hiroyoshi Tenzan’s retirement announcement, the Triller legal in-fighting drama and how AEW is involved, a preview of ROH Supercard of Honor, plus all the news and happenings from all around the world of wrestling and MMA.

Please note there will be no WON next Friday as Dave takes a well-earned vacation, virtually ensuring a massive news story will break.

Click here to read (sub needed)

WWE Backlash ratings for ESPN2 simulcast revealed

Posted on by Josh Nason

The viewership and 18-49 demo rating for the one hour simulcast of WWE Backlash last Saturday are now available, courtesy of Wrestlenomics.

The outlet reported that the hour brought in 998,000 viewers from 6-7 pm Eastern Saturday with a .33 18-49 demo ratings. The data does not include ESPN Unlimited which aired the entire show.

That hour featured Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker and WWE United States Champion Trick Williams defending against Sami Zayn.

The numbers were understandably down from last month’s WrestleMania 42 of which ESPN aired the first hour of each night, one on ESPN and another on ESPN2.

It’s unknown if ESPN will continue to air the first hour of upcoming PLEs on their networks. The next opportunity will be Clash in Italy on Sunday, May 31 — an early show in the United States.

Recent WWE on ESPN ratings & 18-49 demo performance

Show (First Hour)ChannelViews18-49
BacklashESPN2998,000.33
WrestleMania 42 SundayESPN1,822,000.65
WrestleMania 42 SaturdayESPN21,616,000.62
Averages–1,478,000.53

WOR: UFC 328 & WWE Backlash fallout, Ted Turner WON bio

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and Garrett Gonzales are back with Wrestling Observer Radio, post UFC 328 and WWE Backlash.

Paul Fontaine joined us to discuss the show as as well as all of the news coming out it, such as newcomers to the UFC Hall of Fame, Khamzat Chimaev moving up to light heavyweight, and the latest on Conor McGregor’s next fight.

Dave and I also talked about:

  • WWE Backlash fallout
  • Dave’s story on Ted Turner in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Click here to listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube (video sub needed)

WOR: WWE Backlash and Collision reviews, weekend news!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including full results from the WWE Backlash PPV, the future of Asuka after her loss to Iyo Sky, Roman Reigns’ future, the AEW Fairway to Hell edition of Collision, all the weekend news and more! A fun show as always so check it out~!

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IYO SKY and Asuka embrace following WWE Backlash match

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

IYO SKY and Asuka have now hugged it out after their hard-hitting match at WWE Backlash.

Months of animosity and rivalry finally concluded tonight at WWE Backlash, after Asuka offered a truce. In the second-to-last match of the night, SKY defeated Asuka, after which the veteran made a peace offering.

The post-match segment saw Asuka get teary-eyed and emotional. Following this, SKY bowed to Asuka, accepted the peace offering, and embraced to put their rivalry aside.

Throughout the match, fans also witnessed the Tampa crowd cheering and chanting Kairi Sane’s name. Sane was also an integral part of this feud but was let go just days after WWE WrestleMania 42.

Bayley reacts to Asuka and IYO SKY’s emotional WWE Backlash moment

Moments after SKY and Asuka’s emotional moment at WWE Backlash, their former Damage CTRL leader, Bayley, reacted to the moment on social media.

“No matter what, where, or when…Iyo Sky and Asuka are two of the rarest wrestlers in the entire world,” she wrote.

WWE reveals first details on AAA TripleMania 34

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

At Backlash 2026, WWE revealed new details for AAA TripleMania 34.

Following Danhausen and Mascarita Dorada’s tag team match against The Miz and Kit Wilson, WWE announced that a two-night AAA TripleMania 34 will take place on Friday, September 11, and Sunday, September 13, 2026. While night two of the event will take place in Mexico City. Night one’s location has yet to be announced.

While the promotion announced the return of AAA TripleMania, it did not announce any matches for the show. Additionally, for the first time in the show’s history, it will be a two-night event.

WWE’s relationship with AAA TripleMania

Last year at WWE WrestleMania 41, WWE announced its partnership and acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA. TripleMania 34 will mark the second consecutive TripleMania event to take place under the WWE banner.

Last year’s event was headlined by El Hijo del Vikingo defending the AAA Mega Championship against Dominik Mysterio, Dragon Lee, and El Grande Americano.

AAA airs every Saturday at 10 PM ET on Fox Latin America and the WWE YouTube channel.

WOL: Bread Man Walking

Posted on by Jim Valley

It’s the Saturday edition of Wrestling Observer Live with Jim Valley.

The Gingerbread Man closed the go-home Smackdown for tonight’s WWE Backlash, ending a show long angle that was short on big laughs and long on being long. If not for the aura of Trick Williams, this could have been a baking disaster. Will we see a surprise Gingerbread appearance at Backlash? It would all make sense if we did.

Between that, Pat McAfee, Gunther and Paul Heyman, among other WWE surprises haven’t been very surprising lately. Why do I hate fun and whimsy? Because I’m the gatekeeping fun police, that’s why!

Plus, thoughts on tonight’s Backlash, AEW Fairway to Hell and more. Check it out.

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Early rundown for WWE Backlash 2026 reportedly leaked

Posted on by Jake Skudder

WWE Backlash 2026 takes place tonight from Tampa’s Benchmark International Arena, and the early rundown for the show has reportedly been leaked.

According to BodySlam+, the match card as of 3pm today is as follows:

  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
  • Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn
  • Danhausen & ? vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson
  • lyo Sky vs. Asuka
  • John Cena announcement segment
  • Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu

The structure of the card is of course subject to change, but this is how the card looks like it will be shaping up tonight.

U.S. viewing options breakdown for WWE Backlash 2026

Here is how you can watch the show tonight on ESPN2 and the ESPN Unlimited app:

PlatformTypeBacklash access details
ESPN Unlimited appStreamingFull live PLE with subscription. 
ESPN2Cable / linearFirst hour live at 6 p.m. ET only. 
Fubo / Hulu + Live TV / DirecTV StreamvMVPD bundlesAuthenticate to ESPN app, then stream Backlash via ESPN Unlimited. 
Traditional PPV (cable/satellite)PPVStill listed in many systems as a standalone purchase. 

How to watch WWE Backlash on Netflix (international)

Fans in countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, the Netherlands, New Zealand and many more can watch Backlash live on Netflix at no extra charge beyond their standard plan.

Selected Netflix territories for Backlash 2026

RegionExample countries listed for live WWE on Netflix
EuropeUK, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece. 
AmericasCanada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador. 
Middle EastSaudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt. 
Asia-PacificAustralia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan. 

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

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE Backlash 2026 (Saturday, May 9) —

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

Bryan Alvarez & Big Vinny V hosting post-WWE Backlash show tonight

Posted on by Ian Carey

Join our own Bryan Alvarez and Big Vinny V after WWE Backlash tonight on Twitch and YouTube!

Following the conclusion of the PLE, Twitch and YouTube subscribers can join Bryan and Vinny as they run through the event.

Alvarez announced the news on X, writing:

“Vinny and I will be watching Backlash and then going LIVE immediately after for Twitch and YouTube subscribers! The first 10 minutes on YouTube will air FREE, or you can use Amazon Prime for a FREE Twitch sub! Join us!”

WWE Backlash takes place tonight from Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.

The updated lineup for the show is below.

WWE Backlash (May 9)

  • World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu
  • United States Champion Trick Williams defends against Sami Zayn (airing on ESPN 2)
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (airing on ESPN 2)
  • The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen and a tag team partner TBD
  • John Cena promises “history-making news”

Wrestling Weekly: Pay cuts, executive extensions & salary bumps

Posted on by Victor Sosa

With more departures and pay cuts reportedly being handed out in WWE, the Wrestling Weekly duo of Les Thatcher and Vic Sosa discuss the optics of TKO’s latest moves, a similar situation taking place in Hollywood right now, and the additional scrutiny these moves could attract outside of the wrestling bubble.

We’ll also talk about the late Ted Turner & this week’s AEW TV.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

Bron Breakker reveals World Championship plans after Seth Rollins feud at WWE Backlash 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Bron Breakker has seemingly got his long term plans laid out. He is hopeful to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship after he’s done with Seth Rollins at Backlash. 

In an interview with ESPN, Breakker revealed that his match against Rollins is the final stop before pursuing the World Heavyweight Championship. He dwelled on history with Rollins in The Vision before things turned awry. 

“I think this means everything, especially for me getting back in the World Title picture. I think the first order of business is getting through Seth Rollins and sort of putting that story to bed because we have a lot of history. Obviously, Seth took me under his wing a little bit over a year ago after WrestleMania to sort of groom me as ‘the next big thing in WWE.’ But things things went a little astray along the way cause I just just had this feeling at some point or another Seth was going to either turn his back on me or pull the rug on me as soon as that things maybe didn’t start going his way or along with his vision that he saw the group going so I just beat him to it really.” 

Breakker also discussed how using the spear in wrestling feels natural to him given his football background. 

“I think it just stems back from my football career. I was a defensive guy for the majority of my career. I played linebacker. I played sort of like a hybrid safety linebacker kind of guy that could play in the box and guy that could play in space with skilled players. And I feel like I’ve just been doing this spear my entire life. It’s second nature to me and it’s pretty cool that I can bring that experience from football and translate that over to wrestling.”

Breakker initiated the attack on Rollins in October 2025, which laid the foundation for their ongoing rivalry. At WrestleMania 42, Breakker returned after a few months away due to hernia surgery and cost Rollins his match against Gunther. 

In the week that followed, Rollins confronted Breakker who claimed he never needed him, and mocked him. This ultimately led to Rollins issuing a challenge for WWE Backlash on May 9.

Four matches to make for WWE Backlash | Opinion

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That journey should begin next weekend.

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

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

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

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

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

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

LA Knight vs. Jey Uso

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

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

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

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