WWE Backlash 2026 will feature Roman Reigns defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu. The event includes two title matches and appearances from John Cena and Danhausen.
Key points
WWE Backlash 2026 is the first event after WrestleMania.
Roman Reigns defends his title against Jacob Fatu.
Two title matches are scheduled for the event.
John Cena and Danhausen will also appear.
Mentioned in this story
WWE
DanhausenRoman ReignsJacob FatuJohn Cena
The proverbial calendar has flipped in WWE after WrestleMania, but there's still some unfinished business to settle, so it's time to deal with the backlash of it.
Backlash 2026 is the first premium live event to take place after WWE's major event, and it's setting the stage for the next part of the wrestling world. After defeating CM Punk to win the World Heavyweight Championship, Roman Reigns has his first title defense, and it comes against cousin Jacob Fatu in a new chapter in the Bloodline saga. It's one of two title matches scheduled, with the other a WrestleMania rematch for the United States Championship.
Some feuds that have been boiling for months will finally meet in the ring, and everyone awaits to see who Danhausen will have as his tag team partner. Plus, John Cena will appear, and what will he have to say?
Here's what to know for Backlash 2026:
WrestleMania showcases a mix of high‑profile matchups and crowd‑driven moments across its biggest stages.
See scenes from WrestleMania as competition unfolds and post‑match celebrations follow.
Above, LA Knight celebrates alongside The Usos following their pinfall victory over The Vision and IShowSpeed on Night One of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18, 2026.
LA Knight lands a punch against Logan Paul on night one of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Q&A
What time does WWE Backlash 2026 start?
WWE Backlash 2026 is scheduled to start at 8 PM ET.
How can I watch WWE Backlash 2026 live?
WWE Backlash 2026 can be watched live on the WWE Network and Peacock.
Who are the main matches at WWE Backlash 2026?
The main matches include Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship and a rematch for the United States Championship.
Will John Cena appear at WWE Backlash 2026?
Yes, John Cena will make an appearance at WWE Backlash 2026.
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Austin Theory, IShowSpeed and Logan Paul enter the arena during the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LA Knight enters the ring on the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Usos enters the ring during the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
John Cena enters the ring at the start of the first night to host WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Building wraps for WrestleMania 42 are shown on the exterior of Allegiant Stadium on April 17, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The WWE's flagship event will be held at the venue on April 18th and 19th.
1 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
WrestleMania showcases a mix of high‑profile matchups and crowd‑driven moments across its biggest stages.
See scenes from WrestleMania as competition unfolds and post‑match celebrations follow.
Above, LA Knight celebrates alongside The Usos following their pinfall victory over The Vision and IShowSpeed on Night One of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18, 2026.
1 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
WrestleMania showcases a mix of high‑profile matchups and crowd‑driven moments across its biggest stages.
See scenes from WrestleMania as competition unfolds and post‑match celebrations follow.
Above, LA Knight celebrates alongside The Usos following their pinfall victory over The Vision and IShowSpeed on Night One of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18, 2026.
2 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
LA Knight lands a punch against Logan Paul on night one of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
3 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
Austin Theory, IShowSpeed and Logan Paul enter the arena during the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
4 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
LA Knight enters the ring on the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
5 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
The Usos enters the ring during the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
6 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
John Cena enters the ring at the start of the first night to host WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
7 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
Building wraps for WrestleMania 42 are shown on the exterior of Allegiant Stadium on April 17, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The WWE's flagship event will be held at the venue on April 18th and 19th.
WWE Backlash 2026 start time
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.
Internationally, WrestleMania will be available on Netflix in most markets.
Where is WWE Backlash 2026?
It takes place 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
Danhousen 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?
The Backlash 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.
