WWE Backlash 2026: Roman Reigns faces Jacob Fatu in Tampa title defence
Roman Reigns defends his title against Jacob Fatu in the main event, while other card highlights include a United States Championship rematch and a tag team bout with an unconfirmed partner.
WWE Backlash 2026 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 9 May, at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. The event will commence at 6 p.m. ET, with the main event featuring World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns defending his title against Jacob Fatu. This bout marks a significant moment as Fatu, who recently defeated Drew McIntyre, challenges his cousin for the world title while explicitly contesting Reigns' status as head of the Bloodline.
According to the official event digest, Fatu has entered direct conflict with The Usos and The MFTs, creating a situation where the family hierarchy faces a hungry, younger branch. Reigns' position as head of the table is now in danger as he prepares to defend the world heavyweight championship against a challenger who has shown no interest in the existing family dynamics.
The undercard includes a United States Championship rematch between Trick Williams and Sami Zayn. This contest is set to resolve a feud that stems from a previous encounter where Williams' mascot was torn to shreds during a match. Williams, who earned the title by beating Zayn last month, will look to move on from this rivalry altogether as the two square off in this rematch.
A singles bout between Iyo Sky and Asuka is also confirmed for the card. This rivalry has been brewing for months but took a narrative hit when Kairi Sane, a key figure in the storyline, was recently cut by the promotion. Despite this development, the match between the two stars is proceeding as scheduled.
The final confirmed match on the card is a tag team bout where The Miz and Kit Wilson face Danhausen. This contest involves months of backstage disrespect and a recent beatdown administered by Miz and Wilson against their opponent. However, the specific identity of Danhausen's tag team partner remains unconfirmed and is listed as TBD in official announcements.
Viewers can stream the event live via ESPN Unlimited or Fubo. Those with Fubo subscriptions that include ESPN2 can watch the first hour of the event on Saturday. ESPN Unlimited access is free if users log into the ESPN app with their Fubo credentials.
