Backlash is a strange PLE on the WWE calendar each year. WrestleMania has already happened and with it, the slower of season of WWE typically begins. Yet, there is Backlash, a show that is full of WrestleMania level matches that just don’t get the WrestleMania sizzle.
Two Backlash matches this year could have easily been on the WrestleMania 42 card. One of them likely would have had it not been for injuries plaguing the storyline.
Seth Rollins needs a W
That match is Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker. When Breakker turned on Rollins over the summer and took The Vision for himself, the idea was that they would end their long rivalry with an epic clash at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Instead, Rollins recovered from his injury, but Breakker was sidelined with his own.
Now, Rollins and Breakker has the spotlight, but it’s just a little dimmer because it’s Backlash. The build to this match has been effective in that the WWE audience wants to see both guys fight one another. At the same time, it seems as if WWE crowds are confused about who to actually cheer for. Rollins has the song and is well, Rollins. Breakker has the barking and is just kinda cool.
WWE should clean that mess up, but I wouldn’t hold your breath for that to happen at Backlash. I’m expecting these two to tear it up and essentially have the WrestleMania match they would have had. It just won’t mean quite as much.
This feud is going to continue after Backlash. Lots of feuds do. For that to happen most efficiently Rollins needs to steal a win. Rollins already took a loss to Gunther at WrestleMania, so another one here would sting. A Rollins victory gets him back on track and gives Breakker something and someone to chase heading into the summer.
Iyo is gonna Iyo
The other WrestleMania match that is on this show is Iyo Sky vs. Asuka. It felt like Triple H was angling at this for months, but the trigger wasn’t pulled for Las Vegas. Because that’s what Backlash is for, right?
It’s been a while since WWE fans have been able to sit back and watch Sky cook inside of a singles match. If this gets enough time, they’ll have that chance on this show. Asuka and Sky have history they can play off of during the match and both can work. This is a secret match of the night candidate if you ask me.
Jacob Fatu grabs a top spot
The card rounds out with Roman Reigns against Jacob Fatu for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. A fresh match, which is nice to see. Like Breakker vs. Rollins, fans don’t really know how to feel about Reigns or Fatu right now. That will hurt the drama of the match a little bit, but shouldn’t derail what will be an action-packed title bout.
Plus, Trick Williams and Sami Zayn will tangle again in a WrestleMania rematch. Will the gingerbread man make an appearance? God, let’s hope not.
Finally, John Cena is back! In true Cena fashion, he says he’s going to shock the WWE with his special announcement. Will he? I doubt it.
WWE Backlash 2026 airs live on ESPN Unlimited and Netflix, internationally. The full card and full prediction show from The Takedown on SI is below.
WWE Backlash 2026 Full Match Card
Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu - WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
Iyo Sky vs. Asuka
Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn - WWE Men’s United States Championship
The Miz and Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen and a mystery partner
WWE Backlash 2026 Preview
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