Backlash (2026)

Production

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===Broadcast outlets=== ===Broadcast outlets=== In addition to airing on traditional [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) worldwide, it will be available to [[livestream]] on [[ESPN]]'s [[ESPN (streaming service)|direct-to-consumer streaming service]] in the United States, [[Netflix]] in most international markets, [[SuperSport (South African broadcaster)|SuperSport]] in Sub-Saharan Africa, and [[Abema]] in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Where to Watch WWE Premium Live Events, Raw, SmackDown, NXT and more|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/where-to-watch-raw-smackdown-nxt-ple-netflix-usa-cw-peacock |access-date=January 1, 2026 |website=[[WWE]] |language=en}}</ref> This marks the first Backlash to livestream on ESPN in the United States, as WWE's contract with [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]] to air main roster PPV and livestreaming events expired at the conclusion of [[Clash in Paris]] in August 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |title=WWE Wrestlepalooza Announced For September 20, Will Air On ESPN As WWE-ESPN Partnership Begins |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-wrestlepalooza-announced-for-september-20-will-air-on-espn-as-wwe-espn-partnership-begins/ |access-date=August 20, 2025 |work=Fightful |date=August 20, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rumsey|first=Connel|title=WWE Clash In Paris To Be Final PLE Airing On Peacock |url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/wwe-clash-in-paris-final-ple-peacock/ |access-date=August 20, 2025 |work=WrestleTalk |date=August 20, 2025}}</ref> During the May 1 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, WWE announced that in the United States, the first hour would be simulcast on [[ESPN2]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Ishaan|first=Sharma|title=ESPN2 To Air First Hour Of WWE Backlash 2026|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/espn2-to-air-first-hour-of-wwe-backlash-2026/|access-date=May 2, 2026|work=Fightful|date=May 1, 2026}}</ref> In addition to airing on traditional [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) worldwide, it will be available to [[livestream]] on [[ESPN]]'s [[ESPN (streaming service)|direct-to-consumer streaming service]] in the United States, [[Netflix]] in most international markets, [[SuperSport (South African broadcaster)|SuperSport]] in Sub-Saharan Africa, and [[Abema]] in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Where to Watch WWE Premium Live Events, Raw, SmackDown, NXT and more|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/where-to-watch-raw-smackdown-nxt-ple-netflix-usa-cw-peacock |access-date=January 1, 2026 |website=[[WWE]] |language=en}}</ref> This marks the first Backlash to livestream on ESPN in the United States, as WWE's contract with [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]] to air main roster PPV and livestreaming events expired at the conclusion of [[Clash in Paris]] in August 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lambert |first=Jeremy |title=WWE Wrestlepalooza Announced For September 20, Will Air On ESPN As WWE-ESPN Partnership Begins |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wwe-wrestlepalooza-announced-for-september-20-will-air-on-espn-as-wwe-espn-partnership-begins/ |access-date=August 20, 2025 |work=Fightful |date=August 20, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Rumsey|first=Connel|title=WWE Clash In Paris To Be Final PLE Airing On Peacock |url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/wwe-clash-in-paris-final-ple-peacock/ |access-date=August 20, 2025 |work=WrestleTalk |date=August 20, 2025}}</ref> During the May 1 episode of ''[[Friday Night SmackDown]]'', WWE announced that in the United States, the first hour would be [[simulcast]] on [[ESPN2]], marking the first Backlash to air on an ESPN linear channel.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ishaan|first=Sharma|title=ESPN2 To Air First Hour Of WWE Backlash 2026|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/espn2-to-air-first-hour-of-wwe-backlash-2026/|access-date=May 2, 2026|work=Fightful|date=May 1, 2026}}</ref>

In order to lower the risk of clashing with the ''[[UFC 328]]'' main card, the event will have a special start time of 6:00 p.m. [[Eastern Time]], which will be the third consecutive Backlash to take place on the same night as an [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] (UFC) PPV since the formation of [[TKO Group Holdings]]. In order to lower the risk of clashing with the ''[[UFC 328]]'' main card, the event will have a special start time of 6:00 p.m. [[Eastern Time]], which will be the third consecutive Backlash to take place on the same night as an [[Ultimate Fighting Championship]] (UFC) PPV since the formation of [[TKO Group Holdings]].

=== Storylines === === Storylines === The event will include matches that result from scripted storylines. Results are predetermined by WWE's writers on the [[Raw (brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (brand)|SmackDown]] brands,<ref>{{cite web|title=How Pro Wrestling Works|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|last=Grabianowski|first=Ed|work=HowStuffWorks|publisher=[[Discovery Communications]]|access-date=March 5, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129050844/https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2013|date=January 13, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Live & Televised Entertainment|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218142749/https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|archive-date=February 18, 2009}}</ref> while storylines are produced on WWE's weekly television shows, ''[[Monday Night Raw]]'' and ''[[Friday Night SmackDown]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|title=WWE's 'Smackdown' Will Move To Live Broadcast On USA (Exclusive)|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=May 25, 2016|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526113045/https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|archive-date=May 26, 2016}}</ref> The event will include matches that result from scripted storylines. Results are predetermined by WWE's writers on the [[Raw (brand)|Raw]] and [[SmackDown (brand)|SmackDown]] brands,<ref>{{cite web|title=How Pro Wrestling Works|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|last=Grabianowski|first=Ed|work=HowStuffWorks|publisher=[[Discovery Communications]]|access-date=March 5, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129050844/https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2013|date=January 13, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Live & Televised Entertainment|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|work=[[WWE]]|access-date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218142749/https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|archive-date=February 18, 2009}}</ref> while storylines are produced on WWE's weekly television shows, ''[[Monday Night Raw]]'' and ''Friday Night SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|title=WWE's 'Smackdown' Will Move To Live Broadcast On USA (Exclusive)|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=May 25, 2016|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|access-date=May 25, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160526113045/https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/wwe-smackdown-live-usa-1201782569/|archive-date=May 26, 2016}}</ref>

At [[WrestleMania 41]], [[Seth Rollins]] allied himself with [[Paul Heyman]].<ref name="WM41N1">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WrestleMania 41 results: Powell's live review of night one with Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins, Gunther vs. Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/19/wrestlemania-41-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-with-roman-reigns-vs-cm-punk-vs-seth-rollins-gunther-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 19, 2025|access-date=April 19, 2025}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Raw'', [[Bron Breakker]] also aligned himself with Rollins and Heyman.<ref>{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Skylar|title=Bron Breakker Aligns With Seth Rollins And Paul Heyman On WWE Raw, Helps Them Attack CM Punk And Roman Reigns|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bron-breakker-aligns-seth-rollins-and-paul-heyman-wwe-raw-helps-them-attack-cm-punk-and-roman-reigns/|website=Fightful|date=April 22, 2025|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref> At [[Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIX]] on May 24, [[Bronson Reed]] returned to assist Rollins and Breakker in a victorious effort, leading to the formation of [[The Vision (professional wrestling)|The Vision]].<ref>{{cite web|last=DeFelice|first=Robert|title=Bronson Reed Returns At WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, Aligns With Seth Rollins|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bronson-reed-returns-wwe-saturday-night-s-main-event-aligns-seth-rollins/|website=Fightful|date=May 25, 2025|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Moss|first=Jeff|title=WWE News: Raw live results from Brooklyn|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-raw-live-results-the-aftermath-from-summerslam/|website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]]|date=August 4, 2025|access-date=2025-08-05}}</ref> However, months later on the October 13 episode of ''Raw'', Breakker and Reed turned on Rollins, attacking him and expelling him from the group. Because of the attack, Rollins was forced to [[vacant (professional wrestling)|vacate]] the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Brennan|first=Corey|title=Bron Breakker And Bronson Reed Turn On Seth Rollins On WWE Monday Night RAW|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bron-breakker-and-bronson-reed-turn-on-seth-rollins-on-wwe-monday-night-raw/|website=Fightful|date=October 13, 2025|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref> After that, The Vision added [[Logan Paul]] and [[Austin Theory]] to the group. At the [[Royal Rumble (2026)|Royal Rumble]], during the [[Royal Rumble match|eponymous match]], a masked individual attacked Breakker, causing his elimination. Following that, a series of attacks by masked individuals targeted The Vision over several weeks.<ref name="RoyalRumble2026">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Championship, AJ Styles putting his career on the line against Gunther|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/01/31/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-drew-mcintyre-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-wwe-championship-aj-styles-putting-his-career-on-the-line-against-gunther/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 31, 2026|access-date=January 31, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201000534/https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/01/31/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-drew-mcintyre-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-wwe-championship-aj-styles-putting-his-career-on-the-line-against-gunther/|archive-date=February 1, 2026|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Skylar|title=Mystery Masked Man Returns, LA Knight Qualifies For Men’s Elimination Chamber Match On WWE Raw|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/la-knight-mens-elimination-chamber-wwe-287804/|website=Fightful|date=February 9, 2026|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Skylar|title=Mystery Masked Man Strikes Again On WWE Raw, Curb Stomps Logan Paul|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mystery-masked-man-strikes-again-on-wwe-raw-curb-stomps-logan-paul/|website=Fightful|date=February 16, 2026|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref> During this time, both Breakker and Reed were sidelined with an injury. At [[Elimination Chamber (2026)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 28, a returning Rollins revealed himself as the masked assailant after interfering in the men's [[Elimination Chamber match]] to attack Paul.<ref name="EC2026">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of CM Punk vs. Finn Balor for the World Hvt. Championship, Elimination Chamber matches, Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee for the Women's IC Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/02/28/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-cm-punk-vs-finn-balor-for-the-world-hvt-championship-elimination-chamber-matches-becky-lynch-vs-aj-lee-for-the-womens-ic-title/|date=February 28, 2026|work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]|access-date=February 28, 2026}}</ref> On Night 1 of WrestleMania 42, Rollins lost his match against [[Gunther (wrestler)|Gunther]] after Breakker returned and struck Rollins with a spear.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=Bron Breakker Returns At WrestleMania 42, Delivers Massive Spear To Seth Rollins|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bron-breakker-returns-at-wrestlemania-42-delivers-massive-spear-to-seth-rollins/|website=Fightful|date=April 18, 2026|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref> On the following ''Raw'', The Vision welcomed back Breakker, who trash talked Rollins, with him subsequently attacking Breakker before being outnumbered by Theory and Paul. Despite external interference from the returning [[Street Profits]] ([[Angelo Dawkins]] and [[Montez Ford]]), who fended off Paul and Theory, Breakker got the upper hand on Rollins.<ref name="Raw04202026">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2026/04/20/wwe-raw-results-4-20-kellers-report-on-the-raw-after-mania-episode-including-finn-balor-vs-mcdonagh-plus-oba-femi-roman-reigns-liv-morgan/|title=WWE Raw results (4/20): Keller's report on the Raw After Mania episode including Finn Balor vs. McDonagh, plus Oba Femi, Roman Reigns, Liv Morgan|date=April 20, 2026|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=[[PWTorch]]|access-date=April 21, 2026}}</ref> The following week, Rollins called out Breakker questioning his actions, to which Breakker replied that he was tired of fighting Rollins' battles, and that he only joined Rollins because he needed Heyman on his side. Rollins then challenged Breakker to a match at Backlash, which was later made official.<ref name="Raw04272026">{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Raw results (4/27): Powell's live review of Roman Reigns responding to Jacob Fatu, Penta vs. Rusev in a non-title match, Joe Hendry's concert|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/04/27/wwe-raw-results-4-27-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-responding-to-jacob-fatu-penta-vs-rusev-in-a-non-title-match-joe-hendrys-concert/|website=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]|date=April 27, 2025|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania 41]], [[Seth Rollins]] allied himself with [[Paul Heyman]].<ref name="WM41N1">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WrestleMania 41 results: Powell's live review of night one with Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins, Gunther vs. Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2025/04/19/wrestlemania-41-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-with-roman-reigns-vs-cm-punk-vs-seth-rollins-gunther-vs-jey-uso-for-the-world-heavyweight-championship/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 19, 2025|access-date=April 19, 2025}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Raw'', [[Bron Breakker]] also aligned himself with Rollins and Heyman.<ref>{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Skylar|title=Bron Breakker Aligns With Seth Rollins And Paul Heyman On WWE Raw, Helps Them Attack CM Punk And Roman Reigns|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bron-breakker-aligns-seth-rollins-and-paul-heyman-wwe-raw-helps-them-attack-cm-punk-and-roman-reigns/|website=Fightful|date=April 22, 2025|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref> At [[Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIX]] on May 24, [[Bronson Reed]] returned to assist Rollins and Breakker in a victorious effort, leading to the formation of [[The Vision (professional wrestling)|The Vision]].<ref>{{cite web|last=DeFelice|first=Robert|title=Bronson Reed Returns At WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, Aligns With Seth Rollins|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bronson-reed-returns-wwe-saturday-night-s-main-event-aligns-seth-rollins/|website=Fightful|date=May 25, 2025|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Moss|first=Jeff|title=WWE News: Raw live results from Brooklyn|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/wwe-raw-live-results-the-aftermath-from-summerslam/|website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online]]|date=August 4, 2025|access-date=2025-08-05}}</ref> However, months later on the October 13 episode of ''Raw'', Breakker and Reed turned on Rollins, attacking him and expelling him from the group. Because of the attack, Rollins was forced to [[vacant (professional wrestling)|vacate]] the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Brennan|first=Corey|title=Bron Breakker And Bronson Reed Turn On Seth Rollins On WWE Monday Night RAW|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bron-breakker-and-bronson-reed-turn-on-seth-rollins-on-wwe-monday-night-raw/|website=Fightful|date=October 13, 2025|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref> After that, The Vision added [[Logan Paul]] and [[Austin Theory]] to the group. At the [[Royal Rumble (2026)|Royal Rumble]], during the [[Royal Rumble match|eponymous match]], a masked individual attacked Breakker, causing his elimination. Following that, a series of attacks by masked individuals targeted The Vision over several weeks.<ref name="RoyalRumble2026">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Championship, AJ Styles putting his career on the line against Gunther|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/01/31/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-drew-mcintyre-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-wwe-championship-aj-styles-putting-his-career-on-the-line-against-gunther/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 31, 2026|access-date=January 31, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201000534/https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/01/31/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-drew-mcintyre-vs-sami-zayn-for-the-wwe-championship-aj-styles-putting-his-career-on-the-line-against-gunther/|archive-date=February 1, 2026|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Skylar|title=Mystery Masked Man Returns, LA Knight Qualifies For Men’s Elimination Chamber Match On WWE Raw|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/la-knight-mens-elimination-chamber-wwe-287804/|website=Fightful|date=February 9, 2026|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Russell|first=Skylar|title=Mystery Masked Man Strikes Again On WWE Raw, Curb Stomps Logan Paul|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/mystery-masked-man-strikes-again-on-wwe-raw-curb-stomps-logan-paul/|website=Fightful|date=February 16, 2026|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref> During this time, both Breakker and Reed were sidelined with an injury. At [[Elimination Chamber (2026)|Elimination Chamber]] on February 28, a returning Rollins revealed himself as the masked assailant after interfering in the men's [[Elimination Chamber match]] to attack Paul.<ref name="EC2026">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of CM Punk vs. Finn Balor for the World Hvt. Championship, Elimination Chamber matches, Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee for the Women's IC Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/02/28/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-cm-punk-vs-finn-balor-for-the-world-hvt-championship-elimination-chamber-matches-becky-lynch-vs-aj-lee-for-the-womens-ic-title/|date=February 28, 2026|work=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]|access-date=February 28, 2026}}</ref> On Night 1 of WrestleMania 42, Rollins lost his match against [[Gunther (wrestler)|Gunther]] after Breakker returned and struck Rollins with a spear.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lambert|first=Jeremy|title=Bron Breakker Returns At WrestleMania 42, Delivers Massive Spear To Seth Rollins|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bron-breakker-returns-at-wrestlemania-42-delivers-massive-spear-to-seth-rollins/|website=Fightful|date=April 18, 2026|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref> On the following ''Raw'', The Vision welcomed back Breakker, who trash talked Rollins, with him subsequently attacking Breakker before being outnumbered by Theory and Paul. Despite external interference from the returning [[Street Profits]] ([[Angelo Dawkins]] and [[Montez Ford]]), who fended off Paul and Theory, Breakker got the upper hand on Rollins.<ref name="Raw04202026">{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2026/04/20/wwe-raw-results-4-20-kellers-report-on-the-raw-after-mania-episode-including-finn-balor-vs-mcdonagh-plus-oba-femi-roman-reigns-liv-morgan/|title=WWE Raw results (4/20): Keller's report on the Raw After Mania episode including Finn Balor vs. McDonagh, plus Oba Femi, Roman Reigns, Liv Morgan|date=April 20, 2026|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=[[PWTorch]]|access-date=April 21, 2026}}</ref> The following week, Rollins called out Breakker questioning his actions, to which Breakker replied that he was tired of fighting Rollins' battles, and that he only joined Rollins because he needed Heyman on his side. Rollins then challenged Breakker to a match at Backlash, which was later made official.<ref name="Raw04272026">{{Cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Raw results (4/27): Powell's live review of Roman Reigns responding to Jacob Fatu, Penta vs. Rusev in a non-title match, Joe Hendry's concert|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2026/04/27/wwe-raw-results-4-27-powells-live-review-of-roman-reigns-responding-to-jacob-fatu-penta-vs-rusev-in-a-non-title-match-joe-hendrys-concert/|website=[[Pro Wrestling Dot Net]]|date=April 27, 2025|access-date=April 27, 2026}}</ref>