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Reigns vs Fatu, Cena Debuts Club WWE, Rhodes Booked Italy

5/9/2026

48 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Reigns Defends

Roman Reigns will defend the title against Jacob Fatu at Backlash Saturday in Tampa.
WWE announced John Cena will appear at Backlash to announce Club WWE and denied rumors Reigns is unhappy or leaving, noting he has no bookings because he is not slated for Saudi Arabia event.
Paul Heyman gave Cody Rhodes a contract for a WWE Championship match at Clash in Italy on May 31 after Gunther walked out.

Summary

AI Predicts

AI predicts Solo Sikoa will interfere in Reigns vs. Fatu, causing Fatu’s loss.
AI says Paul Heyman will low-blow Rollins, allowing Breakker to win with a spear.
AI lists CM Punk, Jelly Roll, Oba Femi or R-Truth as Danhausen’s mystery partner.
AI forecasts Trick Williams will retain the United States title after Sami Zayn’s underhanded plan backfires.

Summary

Backlash Streams

Backlash 2026 streams live on the ESPN App in the United States and on Netflix elsewhere at 6 ET/3 PT.
A pre-show begins at 4 ET/1 PT and is free on YouTube and WWE’s social media channels.
The main event airs at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT on ESPN’s $29.99-per-month streaming service at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
A post-show with key Superstars follows the main card on the ESPN App and YouTube.

Summary

Reigns vs Fatu

Roman Reigns will face cousin Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash.
Jacob Fatu uses the Tongan Death Grip on Reigns, a rare recent WWE move.
Trick Williams, who won the United States title from Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 42, will defend it against Zayn at Backlash after Zayn’s role in the Gingerbread man murder plot.
The Asuka-Iyo Sky rivalry, moved from WrestleMania, will headline Backlash.

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Reigns Defends

Roman Reigns will defend the title against Jacob Fatu at Backlash Saturday in Tampa.
WWE announced John Cena will appear at Backlash to announce Club WWE and denied rumors Reigns is unhappy or leaving, noting he has no bookings because he is not slated for Saudi Arabia event.
Paul Heyman gave Cody Rhodes a contract for a WWE Championship match at Clash in Italy on May 31 after Gunther walked out.

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