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Reigns, Futa Sign Backlash Title Match, Replay Brawl

5/8/2026

44 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The contract signing replayed the prior week’s brawl, with Jacob Futa using the Tongan Death Grip despite backstage reports of roster cuts and pay reductions.
Roman Reigns and Jacob Futa signed a contract for a World Heavyweight Championship match at Backlash on May 9.
Adam Pearce attempted to stop the fight during the contract signing.
Roman Reigns said the Tongan Death Grip is a family move and criticized Jacob Futa for using it.

History

Historical Context

WCW launched Monday Nitro on September 4 1995, offering a live, unpredictable alternative to WWF’s Raw. The show’s 1996 “Bash at the Beach” heel turn by Hulk Hogan sparked the nWo, propelling Nitro to outrank Raw for 83 straight weeks starting June 1996. WWE now echoes that tactic, staging a Roman Reigns contract signing before the May 9 Backlash.

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Story summary

The contract signing replayed the prior week’s brawl, with Jacob Futa using the Tongan Death Grip despite backstage reports of roster cuts and pay reductions.
Roman Reigns and Jacob Futa signed a contract for a World Heavyweight Championship match at Backlash on May 9.
Adam Pearce attempted to stop the fight during the contract signing.
Roman Reigns said the Tongan Death Grip is a family move and criticized Jacob Futa for using it.

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