WWE Backlash Returns As Post-WrestleMania PPV

After presenting 15 live pay-per-views in 2016, WWE's 2017 schedule is starting to take shape. Sky Sports, who carry WWE television and PPVs in the United Kingdom, have released an updated list of major events on their official website. This includes a handful of previously unannounced dates, and gives a strong indication of WWE's direction through the summer.

The most notable talking point is Backlash's shift back to its original role as a post-WrestleMania event. Last year's event saw AJ Styles defeat Dean Ambrose for the WWE Championship, and took place on September 11th: a break from tradition, as Backlash has typically featured as WWE's first post-Mania PPV.

Set to take place on May 21st, Backlash will likely be SmackDown's first PPV following Mania, with April 30th's Payback event serving as the Raw roster's follow-up.

Locations for a number of 2017's minor pay-per-views are still to be revealed, but there's a strong chance that Extreme Rules or Backlash will take place in Chicago, where WWE typically tour in the early summer months. Payback is another option, but with Raw in Milwaukee (a similar market) one month prior, this is unlikely.

WWE's upcoming PPV schedule is as follows:-

Fastlane: March 5, 2017
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Brand: Raw

WrestleMania 33: April 2, 2017
Location: Orlando, FL
Brand: Raw/Smackdown

Payback: April 30, 2017
Location: n/a
Brand: n/a (likely Raw)

Backlash: May 21, 2017
Location: n/a
Brand: n/a (likely Smackdown)

Extreme Rules: June 4, 2017
Location: n/a
Brand: n/a (likely Raw)

Money in the Bank: June 18, 2017
Location: St. Louis, MO
Brand: Smackdown

SummerSlam: August 20, 2017
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Brand: Raw/Smackdown

Survivor Series: November 19, 2017
Location: Houston, TX
Brand: Raw/Smackdown

Royal Rumble: January 28, 2018
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Brand: Raw/Smackdown

WrestleMania 34: April 8, 2018
Location: New Orleans, LA
Brand: Raw/Smackdown