Roman Reigns successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu at WWE Backlash 2026. Asuka's future remains uncertain following her performance at the event.
Key points
Roman Reigns retained his title at Backlash 2026
Jacob Fatu challenged Reigns for the championship
Asuka's future is uncertain after the event
Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker delivered standout performances
Backlash 2026 followed WrestleMania 42
Roman ReignsJacob FatuAsukaIyo Sky
Whatâs next in WWE? Backlash provided the answers.
The next chapter in wrestling kicked off with Backlash 2026, with WWE turning the page on its calendar while also dealing with the fallout of WrestleMania 42.
Newly crowned World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns had his first title defense, and it was a family affair with Jacob Fatu challenging his cousin for the title in a thriller that had a wild ending. Four other matches took place and most of them were great performances. Asuka and Iyo Sky delivered, while Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker stole the show. But the question is, who won, and how will it carry the momentum forward?
USA TODAY Sports has all of the results, highlights and analysis from Backlash 2026:
Watch: Backlash 2026 post-show
World Heavyweight Championship match: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
Reigns learned very early on Fatu isn't easy to take down, absorbing the early hits and knocking the champion down. He would be able to bounce back with some of his own hits, just for Fatu to get right back to unleashing his punishing arsenal. The champion landed his patented Superman punch that has taken out so many stars before, but when he went for the pin, Fatu kicked out before the count could begin and immediately got up, shocking his cousin. A second Superman punch still wasn't enough.
The announcer's table was cleared off by Reigns, just for Fatu to use it, sending the champion through with a powerbomb. He drags Reigns back in the ring, and gets greeted with a spear. Still, Fatu kicks right out of the pin attempt. Reigns tries another, just to get a Samoan Drop and then moonsault from Fatu, which nearly gets him the win. The unhinged Fatu delivers several headbutts and climbs the rope again for a Swanton, but Reigns gets the knees up.
When both stars are up, Fatu locks in the Tongan Death Grip. Reigns starts to fade, but can keep himself alive. He gets out by pushing Fatu into the referee, who gets taken down. Three Superman punches are landed, followed by a spear, and it's still not enough to beat Fatu.
Fatu pops up to get the Tongan Death Grip in, and Reigns is grasping to get out. He actually takes off the turnbuckle and pushes Fatu into the exposed part. It knocks him down, and Reigns lands the spear. This one finally does it, Reigns getting the pin to retain the title.
Q&A
Who won the match between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu at Backlash 2026?
Roman Reigns won the match, successfully defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu.
What were the highlights of WWE Backlash 2026?
Highlights included great performances from Asuka, Iyo Sky, Seth Rollins, and Bron Breakker, with Reigns' title defense being a key moment.
Is Asuka retiring after WWE Backlash 2026?
There are speculations about Asuka's future following her performance at Backlash 2026, but no official announcement regarding her retirement has been made.
What is next for WWE after Backlash 2026?
WWE will continue to build on the momentum from Backlash 2026 as they move forward in their storyline developments post-WrestleMania 42.
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Fatu is frustrated with the loss and continues to attack Reigns with the submission, attacking the referee and any official that comes out to try and break it up. The "Samoan Werewolf" eventually lets go, but comes back to unleash another attack. He stands over Reigns and holds the World Heavyweight Championship over him, letting him know he's still coming after the title.
Analysis: Reigns met his match, and he's not done dealing with his crazed cousin.
The match was thriller; you couldn't keep your eyes away from it. The intensity was incredible and the match didn't have any lulls, with both Reigns and Fatu on their A-game.
The family affair turned out to be a stunner, with someone able to not only stand up to Reigns, but completely overpower him. Fatu made the most of his opportunity, and the match did a great job to show the "Samoan Werewolf" is still a deadly force to handle. It would have been a bold decision to strip the title off Reigns so early, but it's a smart move to instead keep this rivalry going because Fatu is worthy of being in the main event.
John Cena announces the John Cena Classic
The Champ is here.
Cena was so happy with how his last match went, reflecting on how it allowed younger stars the chance in the spotlight. He said he wants to do it again, and he announces the John Cena Classic, "an entire evening of the best of today competing with the best of tomorrow."
It's an event where main roster stars will go against NXT stars for the chance to become a champion, meaning it will be a new championship.
"This is an event and this is a championship I am personally putting my name on," Cena said.
He adds the fans' voices will be heard, and the fans will be the ones voting for the winner of the John Cena Classic. So, a superstar doesn't need to win a match to become the John Cena Classic winner.
"The sky is the limit on this one," he said.
Iyo Sky vs. Asuka
It was hard to ignore the "we want Kairi" chants from the crowd as the two stars locked up to start the match. Sky was the one to get the first advantage with her acrobatics helping her get ahead, but the technical skills came out of Asuka to lay some punishment.
Some taunting from Asuka gives Sky a chance to get back in the fight, and she does twist and turn her way toward the attack, giving her signature emote in the process. Afterward, it's a quick tempo that keeps both stars' head on a swivel, with momentum changing nearly every second. Asuka gets some version of the Asuka Lock in, and while Sky can get out of it, the move does some damage on the shoulder. After the flurry, they both lay on the mat in exhaustion.
When they get back on their feet, Asuka tries the submission and Sky maneuvers out of several holds before landing her own version of the Asuka Lock. The "Empress of Tomorrow" drags herself and gets her foot on the rope to force a breakup.
Things lead to both stars on the announcer's table, and Asuka tries to mist Sky, but she grabs a notebook to block it. Asuka is stunned and Sky smiles, then gains all the momentum back. She jumps off the ropes for a moonsault out of the ring. She then goes for her finisher, but Asuka moves out of the way and when Sky lands, the Asuka Lock gets in. Asuka nearly gets the win before Sky can get herself out of it.
Sky can feel the momentum back on her side, and she puts Asuka in place for the Over the Moonsault. Sky is able to land it cleanly and wins over her former mentor.
After the match, Sky bows to Asuka. She starts crying and then hugs Sky, showing the relationship has been mended and they get to celebrate together.
Analysis: When two of the best wrestlers get in the ring, what do you expect? Sky and Asuka are so incredibly gifted with their own style, and they blended perfectly in this one. The chemistry was top notch and made for a great match from start to finish. This match could've used Kairi Sane, and the fans clearly want her back, but this fight still delivered.
Who is Danhausen's tag team partner?
It's Minihausen.
Danhausen and Minihausen vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson
Wilson gives Minihausen a boot to start, but the partner doesn't show any fear with some impressive acrobatics on both opponents. When The Miz and Wilson are outside of the ring, Minihausen climbs onto Danhausen's shoulders for a big leap. The Hausens get distracted and it allows The Miz and Wilson to land some cheap shots to Minihausen and control the match.
After taking so much punishment, Minihausen avoids a spear from Wilson and lands a moonsault to break up the rhythm. Danhausen gets the tag and he unleashes a full attack on both opponents. He goes for a running knee on The Miz, but Wilson takes the hit, allowing his partner to get a hit in. However, he doesn't catch Minihausen get a tag in, so he sneaks up for a hit. Minihausen chases Wilson up the ramp, but Wilson gets the idea to put him back in the cloning machine. However, it operates and leads to more Minihausens, like at WrestleMania, to chase Wilson. He runs back in the ring and Minihausen picks up Wilson and throws him.
The Miz comes in and hits Skull Crushing Finale, and when he goes for the pin, Danhausen breaks it up. He drags Minihausen so he can tag him in, and he goes on full attack.
Out of the ring, The Miz tries to use a fire extinguisher, but the curse clearly is still in place. He tries to use it on Danhausen but it doesn't work, and he turns it to his face when it goes off. He gets Wilson too, setting up for the Finishhausen. Minihausen leaps from the turnbuckle to wipe out Wilson, and Danhausen lands the pump kick on The Miz for the win.
Analysis: An absolute hilarious bout from start to finish, this one reminds you wrestling is supposed to be fun and doesn't need to be serious all the time. There was a lot of speculation on who Danhausen's partner would be, and while it wasn't a big name, Minihausen did great in the ring. It did get a little out of hand with the cloning toward the end, and the finish was as much of a chaotic mess as you'd expect.
There will be divisive opinions on this one. Were there several other matches that would've been better on the card? Yes, but this was still entertaining, and made for a lunatic fight that reminds you of some of the Attitude Era silliness.
United States Championship match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
Zayn was obviously still frustrated dealing with Williams and Lil' Yachty, trying to attack them before the bell rang. It was a little too much off the jump, allowing the champion to get the advantage once the match was on, and the crowd was only making it worse for Zayn. When it went out of the ring, the challenger was able to get on offense, and was talking to the rapper ringside as he held onto the kendo stick from the Gingerbread Man.
You could see Zayn still confused about the crowd turning on him in favor of Williams. That, mixed with trash talking, was allowing Williams a window to attack, but it didn't last for long. A Blue Thunder Power Bomb almost got the win for Zayn. The challenger indicated he hurt his knee, getting the referee to get Williams to back off, but it was a ruse and Zayn nearly got a roll up pin.
When Lil' Yachty tried to yell at the official, Zayn grabbed the kendo stick to hit Williams. That looked to be the big blow needed but Williams kicked out. He continued the assault on Williams, and when the referee checked up on him, the rapper then hit him with the kendo stick. Williams executed Trick Shot for the win, yet Zayn kicked out.
Outside of the ring, Zayn decided he was tired of Lil' Yachty and landed several punches and a Helluva kick. He got back in the ring and went to do it on his opponent, just for Williams to get out of the way. Zayn turned around and was given a Trick Shot. This one did it, with Williams getting the count to successfully defend the title.
Afterward, Lil' Yachty and Williams made it rain with dollar bills.
Analysis: It's another big showing for Williams, with the match at Backlash a solid encore performance after WrestleMania. This match felt a lot more smoother than the first edition, with more fun twists and turns. Lil' Yachty's involvement gave this feud more flair, and he played a good enough role in this one. You can see Williams is starting to show more growth in the ring.
This should be the end of the battle as Williams now needs a new challenger to keep his momentum going, while it will be intriguing to see where Zayn goes from here, and whether the heat will stay. How he's perceived will dictate his next direction.
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
Breakker tried to end the match immediately with a spear, but Rollins was ready for it. He jumped out of the way and Breakker hit his face, allowing the former leader of "The Vision" to get out ahead early. Rollins goes flying in and out of the ring to stun Breakker.
Once Breakker is able to catch his breath, his athleticism comes out and it's clear he's one step ahead of his opponent. He essentially throws him around the ring, talking trash through it all. Rollins tries to break up the momentum but he can't turn it into anything significant. A Frankensteiner lands but Rollins kicks out of the pin attempt.
Seeming to get agitated, Breakker throws Rollins out of the ring and is locked in on the running spear. When he goes for it, Rollins gets the boot up and both stars are on the ground, just able to avoid the 10-count. When they get back in the ring, the "Visionary" is the one out front, even delivering a running knee that lands with a big blow, yet isn't enough for a win.
He blows a kiss to Paul Heyman and readies the stomp, just for Breakker to catch it and deliver a military press. Rollins tries to counter another hit but he awkwardly gets tangled with Breakker and ends up landing on his head. Eventually Rollins gets out of the ring, and licking his lips, Breakker leaps for a flying clothesline on the announcer's table. Back in the ring, Rollins gets up for a superplex and tries to lead it into a Falcon's Arrow, just for Breakker to turn it into his own slam in a stunning counter that nearly gets the win.
When Breakker tries another Frankensteiner, Rollins lands on his feet, shocking Breakker. It leads to a Pedigree and he stomps Breakker. Heyman tries to interfere to draw attention to him, so he goes out to grab a chair. Logan Paul and Austin Theory get attacked and chased out when they try to help, but it gives Breakker time to recover. Rollins gets back in the ring and Breakker lands a spear. That looks to be it, but Rollins kicks out.
Breakker tries another super spear, and Rollins counters it with a mid-air Pedigree. He goes on the top rope for a super stomp, and when he does, Breakker catches him for the spear. With Rollins slow to get up, Breakker bounces off the ropes once more for the punishing spear, and that does the job to get the win.
Analysis: An absolute banger to start the night, Breakker and Rollins put on a show.
The animosity built up in this was palpable and it set the stage for both of these stars to really dig deep in laying the punishment. Rollins showed off his veteran skillset while Breakker's insane athleticism was on full display. It would have been easy to just let Breakker fully control this match, but allowing this one to develop was the right way to tell this story. What helped was The Vision interference was a given, but it wasn't over the top and didn't steal the spotlight to let Breakker win. The match was able to continue in a normal fashion, and the ending sequence was beautifully executed.
The rocket stays strapped on Breakker's back since this was the biggest win of his career. He and The Vision likely aren't done with Rollins just yet, but if this is it, what a way to cap off the heat.
Roman Reigns celebrates after defeating CM Punk to win the World Heavyweight Championship match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Roman Reigns celebrates after defeating CM Punk to win the World Heavyweight Championship match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Backlash national anthem singer
Retired Air Force sergeant and longtime Tampa Bay Lightning anthem singer Sonya Bryson-Kirksey sings the âThe Star-Spangled Banner.â
When is WWE Backlash 2026?
Backlash is on Saturday, May 9.
WWE Backlash 2026 start time
WWE Backlash 2026 starts at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Coverage begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. ET.
Afterward, Backlash will stream exclusively on ESPN's streaming service. Viewers can sign up for a subscription to the site here, which starts at $29.99 a month.
ESPN's service is available through select cable and TV packages, including:
If your cable or TV package includes the ESPN streaming service, you can figure out how to activate it here.
Is Backlash on Netflix?
Not in the U.S. Internationally, Backlash will be available on Netflix in most markets.
Where is WWE Backlash 2026?
Backlash is at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
WWE Backlash 2026 match card
Matches not in order
John Cena appearance
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
Iyo Sky vs. Asuka
Danhausen and "mystery partner" vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson
United States Championship match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
World Heavyweight Championship match: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
When is WWE Backlash 2026 preshow?
Backlash 2026 preshow begins at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.
How to watch WWE Backlash 2026 preshow
The preshow will be available to stream for free on YouTube and WWE's social media channels. It will also be available to stream on ESPN's streaming service, and the final hour of the show (5-6 p.m. ET) will air on ESPN2.
What time does Backlash end?
There is no hard end time for Backlash, but it likely will end around 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Backlash 2026 predictions
What happens at Backlash? See the full predictions here.
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
Winner: Bron Breakker
Iyo Sky vs. Asuka
Winner: Iyo Sky
Danhausen and mystery partner vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson
Winner: Danhausen and mystery partner
United States Championship match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
Winner: Trick Williams
World Heavyweight Championship match: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
Winner: Roman Reigns
Backlash 2026 first match
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker will be the first match of the night.
WWE PPV schedule 2026
A new year has started in WWE after WrestleMania, with Backlash as the first premium live event to take place after the company's flagship event. The full calendar hasn't been released yet, but here's what to know about the PPV schedule so far in 2026:
Backlash: May 9 in Tampa.
Clash in Italy: May 31 in Turin, Italy.
Night of Champions: June 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
SummerSlam: Aug. 1-2 in Minneapolis.
Money in the Bank: Sept. 6 in New Orleans.
Survivor Series: TBA (typically in late-November).
Who is Danhausenâs mystery partner?
Who is the partnerhausen?
After getting into shenanigans with The Miz and Kit Wilson, Danhausen will finally face them in a match. However, he needs a partner, and SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis said he needs to find his own partner, making it a mystery who will join forces.
There have been a wide range of predictions from Oba Femi and CM Punk, to wild suggestions like Jelly Roll, Mr. Iguana and Stephen A. Smith. Regardless, it will be revealed at the match.
Here are the current champions heading into Backlash:
Undisputed WWE Champion: Cody Rhodes
World Heavyweight Champion: Roman Reigns
WWE Women's Champion: Rhea Ripley
Women's World Champion: Liv Morgan
Intercontinental Champion: Penta
Women's Intercontinental Champion: Becky Lynch
United States Champion: Trick Williams
Women's United States Champion: Tiffany Stratton
WWE Tag Team Champions: Damian Priest and R-Truth
World Tag Team Champions: The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory)
WWE Women's Tag Team Champions: Brie Bella and Paige
WWE releases
Backlash will be the first premium live event since WWE made significant roster moves, with several big names gone. They've caused some uproar as fans have voiced their displeasure. Here are some notable names that are no longer with WWE:
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)
Kairi Sane
The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan and Dexter Lumis)
Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin)
