WWE Backlash 2026 Preview And Predictions

WWE Backlash 2026 Streaming Info

Date: Saturday, May 9th

Location: Benchmark International Arena (Tampa)

Start Time: 6 pm EST/5 pm EST (3 pm PST)

Streaming Info: ESPN Unlimited (US), Netflix (internationally)

WWE Backlash 2026 Predictions

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

Although Fatu is one of WWE’s fastest-rising stars, his sudden feud with Reigns appears to be more about the latest developments in The Bloodline saga than pushing “The Samoan Werewolf” to the promised land.

This unexpected rivalry has been quite compelling so far, but Reigns is highly unlikely to drop the World Heavyweight Championship he just won a few weeks ago. The more pertinent question is exactly how Reigns retains his beloved title.

During his previous run as The Bloodline’s “Tribal Chief,” Reigns would often win thanks to help from the Usos. Now with Reigns as a babyface, that could still hold true, only with Reigns getting assistance he doesn’t really need or want. Expect the Usos to help Reigns beat Fatu, though the “OTC" may not necessarily be thrilled about it.

Prediction: Reigns (with help from the Usos)

Seth Rollins Vs. Bron Breakker

WWE has taken lots of twists and turns to get to Breakker vs. Rollins, mainly because both stars suffered untimely injuries that forced the creative team to change course.

Now, it’s finally here: Rollins vs. Breakker in a highly anticipated singles match. After Breakker returned at WrestleMania 42 to cost Rollins his match against Gunther, it would make sense for Rollins to get his revenge by beating Breakker at Backlash. But the timing isn’t right for Breakker to lose.

Widely considered to be a future world champion, Breakker shouldn’t lose his first match after a lengthy layoff. Likewise, Rollins should be protected as well. That means that, much like Fatu vs. Reigns, WWE fans can probably expect a controversial finish with lots of outside interference from The Vision.

Prediction: Breakker (The Vision interferes)

United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) Vs. Sami Zayn

WWE is moving full steam ahead with the double turn for Williams and Zayn, who is clearly transitioning to a heel role.

That’s the right move given Williams’ soaring popularity, and there’s really no reason to pull the rug from underneath him by having him drop the Intercontinental Championship back to Zayn. Of course, Williams just won the title at WrestleMania last month, and WWE shouldn’t play a game of hot potato with SmackDown’s midcard title.

Williams is the hot hand right now, and he should hold the US Championship for the foreseeable future.

Prediction: Williams

Asuka vs. Iyo Sky

WWE really dropped the ball with the Sky vs. Asuka program, first delaying it to Backlash and then releasing Saine, a key figure in the feud, mid-storyline.

The silver lining in the creative mess here, however, is that on a non-WrestleMania PLE, Sky and Asuka should have more time and, thus, a bigger spotlight. Once upon a time, Asuka was invincible and essentially impossible to beat, but those days are long gone.

Sky, despite inexplicably being left off WrestleMania 42, is arguably WWE’s best in-ring performer, and at WWE Backlash 2026, she should win unless WWE really wants to drag out this rivalry even more.

Prediction: Sky

Danhausen And A Mystery Partner Vs. The Miz And Kit Wilson

WWE hasn’t confirmed who Danhausen’s mystery partner will be, but regardless of who it is, it’s a safe bet that his team will win.

After a rocky start with a strange debut, Danhausen has been a massive hit in WWE, and though he’s not known for his in-ring prowess, he’s so beloved that he’s likely not going to lose to The Miz and Wilson. Some potential surprise partners for Danhausen would include Royce Keys, Ricky Saints or even CM Punk, who are all former AEW stars as well.

This will be a comedic palate cleanser of a match that should be filled with pure ridiculousness. That’s fine and dandy, though it won’t go over well with some of WWE’s most diehard fans.

Prediction: Danhausen and his mystery partner

This article was originally published on Forbes.com