8 New Directions For WWE After Backlash 2026
2. A ’Tribal Submission Match’?
Jacob Fatu bringing back the Tongan Death Grip before Backlash was such a key part of the story. He locked it on in Tampa to close out the show after losing his World Heavyweight Title tilt, and a wounded Roman Reigns was left foaming at the mouth as the PLE went off air. Then, afterwards, Roman suggested that Fatu doesn’t belong in WWE because he’s too reckless.
That might be a preview of a 'No DQ'/'Street Fight' stip to come.
An alternative plan? Stick 'em in a submission bout at SNME (less likely) or Clash In Italy (more likely). It's either that or WWE press pause on Roman’s World Title defences so Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther can take centre stage at Clash. However, it sure feels like there’s more to explore with the Tongan before Reigns takes some planned time off in June.
Raw flying without him until July is a bit of a crappy thought, not least when the 'OTC' made a bit of noise about being a full-timer again after WrestleMania 42. If that boils down to one month of TV and Backlash, then people will start asking questions about why the World Title was put back on him at all.
If nothing else, Reigns has to power through another rematch with Jacob. If Triple H feels like springing a massive shock, then putting that belt on Fatu and strapping a rocket to his Death Grip shenanigans would definitely shake things up on the flagship heading into SummerSlam season.
At least get another whirl out of these lads before Roman's next holiday.