WWE Backlash 2026: 10 Things That NEED To Happen
Randy Orton's revelation; Major WWE returns and John Cena's "history-making" announcement.
It'll feel like WrestleMania 42 was only yesterday when Backlash goes live this Saturday. WWE's latest PLE has had a short, but thus-far satisfying build between Las Vegas and Tampa. Credit where it's due: The creative squad has done a remarkable job of making Jacob Fatu look like a realistic threat to Roman Reigns and his newly won World Heavyweight Title on TV for weeks now.
That was always going to be a challenge, because Jacob is effectively in a death spot as the first challenger after Bloodline boss Roman won gold. Somehow, in spite of that fact, Fatu has come across as somebody who could spring a surprise this weekend. He won't, but he could, and that's important.
TKO pressed the John Cena panic button yet again too. Not content with having the retired great work some in-ring talking head segments at 'Mania, management decided to give him another call. Now, 'Super Cena' is promising a "history-making" announcement at Backlash, and it better be something big.
Elsewhere, Danhausen's mystery tag-team partner will be revealed for a match vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson, IYO SKY and Asuka seemingly put an end to their lengthy battles (there could be a shock return on the cards in that match!), Trick Williams and Sami Zayn need to get serious, and Saturday could be a star-making night for Bron Breakker when he takes on old Vision leader Seth Rollins in a grudge bout.
Here's absolutely everything that must happen on the latest PLE. Includes bonus Randy Orton.
10. Sami Zayn & Trick Williams Get Serious
In kayfabe, there's a sense that Sami Zayn needs to get real as well as serious. His current heel guise is whinging about how the majority of the WWE fanbase has turned against him whilst his "ride or die" supporters still have his back - but those claims are falling on deaf ears and playing before mass boos in arenas.
It's working for him. However, attacking an empty Gingerbread Man mascot outfit on the latest SmackDown did not, and it was super-weird that Trick Williams held up the "X" for it after running in for the save. Yeah, he ran in to save a mascot costume with nobody inside because Zayn kicked it in the non-existent nuts and started tearing it apart.
Hopefully, that's the last of the Gingerbread Man business in this feud, because it's time Sami and Trick got mega-serious. Oh no, wait...it can't be. WWE booked a funeral segment for GM on Friday's TV, so that'll play out 24 hours before Backlash. OK, fair enough. How about after that? Can we actually showcase what these dudes do well, please?!
It's cool that WWE's writers fancy trying some different stuff, but that Gingerbread Man beatdown veered too close to Bobby Lashley and his "3 sisters" territory from many moons ago. Ring the bell, let Zayn be ruthless, have Williams fight from underneath against a pre-match attack, then make him and his lemon pepper steppers look like a million bucks in cold, hard cash by putting him over to retain the United States Title.
Minimal Lil Yachty involvement needed.