WWE Backlash is set to unfold this Saturday at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. Despite having a lineup of just five matches, the event promises significant outcomes that could shape WWE’s future trajectory.
The spotlight will be on the main event where Roman Reigns defends his world heavyweight championship against his cousin, Jacob Fatu. Known as “The Samoan Werewolf,” Fatu issued a surprising challenge the day after Reigns clinched the title from CM Punk at WrestleMania 42. Since then, tensions have escalated, with Fatu repeatedly using the Tongan Death Grip on Reigns, intensifying their rivalry.
Saturday night will also feature four additional bouts, including another championship clash. Trick Williams, the United States champion, faces off against Sami Zayn. Williams captured the title from Zayn at WrestleMania 42 and now must prove his dominance once more in a rematch, following Zayn’s peculiar antics involving the Gingerbread man. Additionally, the much-anticipated showdown between Asuka and Iyo Sky is finally set to happen. These Japanese wrestling icons have been at odds for months, with fans anticipating a WrestleMania encounter. WWE, however, chose to prolong the feud, granting it a prime slot this weekend.
Here’s how CBS Sports wrestling analysts Brent Brookhouse and Shakiel Mahjouri predict the outcomes at Backlash.
2026 WWE Backlash predictions
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
Originally slated for WrestleMania, this match was postponed due to injuries to both competitors, and now finds its place at Backlash. Breakker has consistently outmaneuvered Rollins, which traditionally might suggest a Rollins victory to regain momentum. However, the prediction for Saturday is different. Breakker is in need of a significant push more than Rollins. While Rollins can seek retribution against Breakker and The Vision later, this event should focus on establishing Breakker as a formidable presence. Prediction: Bron Breakker triumphs — Brent Brookhouse (also Shakiel Mahjouri)
United States Championship — Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
Williams and Zayn is a midcard title feud that revolves around a dead gingerbread man. Talk about a stale follow-up to Williams’ WrestleMania moment. The whole thing is disjointed. Zayn is doing a slow burn heel turn after fans soured on him. It’s the right call, but it’s cornered Williams into a tweener role that doesn’t suit him. WWE has been hot potato-ing the U.S. title for a long time, but they have a great thing with Williams. He should win this match, put Zayn in the rearview, and forge ahead. Pick: Trick Williams retains the title — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
Iyo Sky vs. Asuka
Another match that should have happened at WrestleMania, Sky and Asuka has been building toward this for months. Both women could really use some stabilization. Asuka has seen the promotion release Kairi Sane, leaving Asuka without her partner and no satisfactory conclusion to Sane’s part in the story. Meanwhile, Sky is getting some break time from the title picture and her partner, Rhea Ripley, is now champion over on SmackDown. Sky is the woman who benefits most from a win here, so WWE should just make the easy choice. Pick: Iyo Sky wins — Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
Danhausen & TBA vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson
The Miz and Kit Wilson are not winning. That’s no dig at either man, especially Wilson who has broken out as a solo act after Elton Prince’s injury. Danhausen is a cash cow and his mystery partner will likely be CM Punk, who reportedly facilitated WWE signing the very nice, very evil superstar. Pick: Danhausen and TBA win — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
World Heavyweight Championship — Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
Fatu looks like a serious threat to Reigns. Kudos to everyone involved — Fatu, The Bloodline and WWE — for conveying that so quickly. That doesn’t mean that Reigns is losing, despite rumors about an upcoming break. Reigns has been world heavyweight champion for less than one month. It’s unlikely he loses it so soon. After all, Reigns has the fourth longest title reign in WWE history. The company rarely takes chances with their world champions. A Fatu upset would be tremendous, but this feels more like a big first test for a title reign down the line. Pick: Roman Reigns retains the title — Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
