WWE Backlash Preview: Five Matches, Two Titles, Cena Announcement in Tampa

WWE Backlash marks the first premium live event following WrestleMania 42. The card takes place Saturday at 6 p.m. ET in the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. Five matches headline the show, with the World Heavyweight Championship and United States Championship on the line. John Cena also plans to deliver history-making news.

Iyo Sky faces Asuka in the opener. Their rivalry heated up before WrestleMania 42. Asuka tried to rattle Sky and interfered in her Women’s Intercontinental Championship match against Becky Lynch, costing Sky the win. The pair exchanged words on Monday Night Raw, where Asuka blinded Sky with blue mist. The two share a long history from Japan and formerly teamed in WWE’s Damage CTRL faction before its split.

Trick Williams defends the United States Championship against Sami Zayn. Williams claimed the title from Zayn in a surprise at WrestleMania 42. Zayn retaliated by dressing as the gingerbread man to attack the champion. Their feud escalated at the gingerbread man’s funeral on Friday Night SmackDown. Zayn objected to the stunt, saying he respected the business too much. Williams has drawn fan backing during his title run. Zayn promised to disrespect Williams and assaulted him, but Lil Yachty emerged from a coffin with a candy cane. Williams followed with a Trick Shot on Zayn.

Seth Rollins meets Bron Breakker. Breakker cost Rollins a win over Gunther at WrestleMania 42. After recovering from injury, Breakker speared Rollins repeatedly in Las Vegas. Rollins sought payback as the two brawled and traded insults about their WWE status. Breakker has The Vision in his corner. Rollins lacks a reliable ally; The Street Profits eye Logan Paul and Austin Theory instead. Bronson Reed, another Vision member, remains sidelined with no return date.

Danhausen teams with a mystery partner against The Miz and Kit Wilson. The Miz and Wilson have fought Danhausen’s curse since his WWE arrival, including at WrestleMania 42. They beat him down recently after his singles wins over each. Danhausen prepared a clone in his lab for backup. Rumors point to Jelly Roll, John Cena, CM Punk, Stephen A. Smith or Shane McMahon. Michael Cole hinted the partner loves money.

Roman Reigns defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu. Fatu interrupted Reigns’ first promo as champion on Monday Night Raw after WrestleMania 42. Fatu demanded the title to support his family. Both hail from the Samoan Anoa’i wrestling bloodline; Reigns is second-generation, son of Sika Anoa’i, while Fatu is third-generation, son of The Tonga Kid and nephew of Haku. Fatu hit Reigns with Haku’s Tongan death grip recently. Reigns warned him against using it on family, but Fatu pressed on in his title quest.

John Cena teased a major announcement all week. He appears at his second event as host since retiring from in-ring action in December with a loss to Gunther. Cena captured his 17th WWE title at WrestleMania 41.

Fans can watch WWE Backlash on ESPN Unlimited, with the first hour on ESPN 2.