WWE Backlash 2026 predictions, picks for each match scheduled for Saturday in Tampa

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WWE Backlash takes place on Saturday from Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. While the card only features five matches, some of them have major implications for WWE's future direction.

In the main event, Roman Reigns will put his world heavyweight championship on the line against his cousin, Jacob Fatu. "The Samoan Werewolf" laid out a challenge the night after Reigns won the title from CM Punk in the main event of WrestleMania 42, shocking Reigns. Things have only gotten more violent since, with Fatu breaking out the Tongan Death Grip on Reigns several times.

Other big matches set for Saturday include Seth Rollins taking on Bron Breakker and Asuka clashing with Iyo Sky.

Let's take a look at how CBS Sports wrestling experts Brent Brookhouse and Shakiel Mahjouri expect things to play out at Backlash.

2026 WWE Backlash predictions

Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker

This is a match that obviously should have happened at WrestleMania, but injuries to both men disrupted the timeline, leading to it now happening at Backlash. Breakker has been getting the better of Rollins at every turn, which historically would suggest that Rollins should get the win to grab some momentum back. That's not what we're expecting on Saturday, however. Breakker needs momentum more than Rollins. Rollins can get his eventual revenge over Breakker and The Vision down the road. Saturday should be about continuing to build Breakker into a terrifying force. Pick: Bron Breakker wins -- Brent Brookhouse (also Shakiel Mahjouri)

United States Championship -- Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn

Williams and Zayn is a midcard title feud that revolves around a dead gingerbread man. Talk about a stale follow-up to Williams' WrestleMania moment. The whole thing is disjointed. Zayn is doing a slow burn heel turn after fans soured on him. It's the right call, but it's cornered Williams into a tweener role that doesn't suit him. WWE has been hot potato-ing the U.S. title for a long time, but they have a great thing with Williams. He should win this match, put Zayn in the rearview, and forge ahead.