2026 WWE Backlash Review

If WWE Backlash 2026 proved anything, it’s that the next generation of WWE superstars isn’t just knocking on the door, they are kicking it down. From passing-of-the-torch moments to chaotic sports entertainment and a grueling main event, the fallout from WrestleMania 42 is officially here.

Here are the RHR match-by-match breakdown and grades from the show.

Bron Breakker vs. Seth Rollins

The Vibe: Raw, gritty, and  physical.

This felt like a classic “passing of the torch” match that leaned heavily into the age gap and mileage of both competitors. It was impossible not to notice that Seth looked like a veteran who can’t quite pull off the high-impact style as much anymore (please stop putting your knees in danger, Seth! 🙏🏾). Meanwhile, Bron Breakker looked like an unstoppable, reckless force of nature. While there were a few rough spots and botches, it actually added a layer of gritty realism to the match, it felt like a desperate struggle rather than a choreographed routine. Bron picking up the win cements him as a main-event pillar.

RHR Grade: B

United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn

The Vibe: Pure, unadulterated “Sports Entertainment.”

Trick Williams + Lil Yachty + The Gingerbread Man = Massively over! The fans are loudly telling the brass who the real babyface in this feud is, and despite how hard WWE is trying to push the narrative, it is definitely not Sami Zayn.

This rematch was less about technical wrestling and more about Sami’s psychological unraveling. Sami was completely obsessed with Lil Yachty at ringside, resorting to desperate heel antics: kendo sticks, faked injuries, the works. The obsession ultimately cost him. Sami turned his attention to Yachty on the outside, but that momentary lapse is exactly what opened the door for Trick to recover and land the Trickshot to retain. A chaotic, high-energy spectacle.

RHR Grade: B-

The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen & Minihausen

The Vibe: Comedy done right.

Look, as much as Danhausen’s gimmick isn’t usually my personal thing, I have to admit this act has gotten over like crazy with the live crowds. The absolute absurdity of everything Danhausen does is where the charm lies. The actual in-ring match itself was whatever, but Minihausen was incredibly entertaining and did exactly what a match like this is supposed to do: get the crowd invested and smiling early on in the show.

RHR Grade: C

Asuka vs. IYO SKY

The Vibe: An absolute banger of a match.

The crowd chanting “We Want Kairi” during this match was hard to ignore, but the action in the ring quickly took over. I might be in the minority here, but I could watch Asuka vs. IYO SKY all day long. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it’s always a fantastic battle of styles. IYO is spectacularly over right now, and this win should hopefully rocket her into a title feud with Liv Morgan in the near future.

The ending of this surprisingly lengthy match was excellent, with SKY securing the victory. The emotional embrace between both women afterward felt like an official passing of the torch between two generations of Japanese female wrestling icons. Let’s just hope it was a sign of mutual respect and not a hint at an Asuka retirement! 😩

RHR Grade: A-

The Big Announcement: The John Cena Classic

Well, it wasn’t the announcement regarding the “WWE Club” that some were expecting, but John Cena appearing to announce the John Cena Classic Tournament was awesome. I’m always pro-tournament when they are executed correctly, and the prospect of NXT vs. the Main Roster introduces some highly intriguing dynamics for the summer.

Now, do we need another championship belt in WWE? Dear God, no. The twist that the fans will entirely decide who wins the tournament is a choice I’m still on the fence about. It sounds a bit convoluted on paper, but I’m open to seeing how it actually shakes out on TV. Cena’s run as a corporate ambassador has been pretty solid so far, and this tournament gives WWE TV a major shot in the arm.

World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu

The Vibe: A big fight feel.

I don’t know if WWE’s creative plan was to get Jacob Fatu booed out of the building, but if it was, that wasn’t and isn’t going to happen. Seeing this matchup felt long overdue, and it proved that these two absolutely need to main event a major stadium show like SummerSlam or WrestleMania down the road.

The crowd atmosphere for Roman’s entrance is nothing short of remarkable right now, putting him in that elite tier with CM Punk and Cody Rhodes. As excellent as Punk was as a fighting World Heavyweight Champion, there is just something that feels “right” about Roman Reigns holding championship gold, though we still desperately need that Roman vs. Punk rematch!

Early on, Fatu established a level of raw power that caught the champion completely off guard. The pacing and near-falls down the stretch were unreal. Fatu kicking out of a Superman Punch at a count of one was a jaw-dropping moment, and Roman kicking out of a pop-up Samoan Drop into a double-jump moonsault at 2.8 had the entire arena biting their nails.

Fatu finally locked in the Tongan Death Grip, but Reigns managed to escape. After a series of chaotic, high-level exchanges and another Death Grip attempt, Roman hit a devastating spear to survive and retain.

The post-match, however, belonged to Fatu. He went completely ballistic, attacking Reigns and everyone in sight, leaving Roman literally foaming at the mouth only to return and lock the Tongan Death Grip back on once more. The show ended with Fatu standing tall over a broken Roman Reigns, World Heavyweight Title held high. He may have lost the match, but Fatu won the night.

RHR Rating: B+

Final Thoughts on the Show

Backlash 2026 succeeded because it leaned into the future. Whether it was Bron Breakker standing over a broken Seth Rollins, Trick Williams outsmarting an unhinged veteran, or Jacob Fatu proving he belongs in the main event conversation with Roman Reigns, the guard is changing. Toss in a fan-voted John Cena Classic tournament, and WWE is trying to set up a fascinating roadmap for the rest of 2026.

Overall RHR Rating: B