WWE Backlash 2026: Date, Start Time, Match Card and How to Watch Live
With WWE WrestleMania 42 now in the rearview mirror, WWE's next Premium Live Event is taking shape-and it's almost here.
WWE Backlash 2026 serves as WWE's first major stop after WrestleMania, a show traditionally centered on unfinished business, new rivalries and the first signs of what the post-Mania landscape will look like. This year's card follows that formula closely.
One championship rematch from WrestleMania is official. Two major stars who did not make the WrestleMania card now have featured spots. Another match originally planned for WrestleMania will finally happen. And in the main event, a family war with championship implications could reshape the future of The Bloodline.
Here's everything to know about WWE Backlash 2026, including the full card, start time and how to watch.
When Is WWE Backlash 2026?
WWE Backlash 2026 takes place on Saturday, May 9 from Tampa, Florida.
The event marks WWE's first Premium Live Event since WrestleMania 42 and continues several major storylines coming out of Las Vegas.
What Time Does WWE Backlash 2026 Start?
WWE Backlash 2026 begins at:
- 6 p.m. ET
- 5 p.m. CT
- 3 p.m. PT
As with recent WWE Premium Live Events, kickoff coverage is expected to begin before the main card.
WWE Backlash 2026 Full Match Card
Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
World Heavyweight Championship
Roman Reigns begins his post-WrestleMania reign with his most personal title defense since Jey Uso.
Standing across from him is Jacob Fatu, a brutal force in the family who wants everything Roman has. This is more than a championship match, it's about power, loyalty and legacy.
A Jacob Fatu win would not just crown a new champion-it could launch an entirely new era of Bloodline storytelling.
Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
United States Championship
Trick Williams and Sami Zayn run it back after WrestleMania 42, but this time the rivalry looks different.
Since WrestleMania, Sami has fully embraced his heel turn, taking out Lil Yachty and even "killing" WWE's gingerbread mascot in a bizarre but memorable escalation of his character.
That shift has added a new edge to the feud, making their Backlash rematch heated.
Iyo Sky vs. Asuka
This was the match that should have happened at WrestleMania.
Despite the snub from the Grandest Stage, these two superstars are set to deliver a classic. It could easily be match of the night. A surprise return from Kairi Sane would be the cherry on top.
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (w/ Paul Heyman)
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker is another match that was supposed to-and from the looks of Breakker at Mania-could have happened in Las Vegas.
It will be interesting to see if this match is treated as a blowoff to their rivalry, or the first of several encounters.
Danhausen and Mystery Partner vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson
Danhausen brings one of Backlash's biggest question marks into Tampa: who will be his partner?
Waiting on the other side are The Miz and Kit Wilson in what could become one of the event's most entertaining matches, depending on the reveal.
How to Watch WWE Backlash 2026
Fans in the United States can stream WWE Backlash live on ESPN's ESPN Unlimited, WWE's U.S. home for Premium Live Events.
The standalone ESPN Unlimited plan starts at $29.99 per month, with bundle options available through Disney+ and Hulu.
The first hour will stream on ESPN2.
Internationally, WWE Backlash will stream on Netflix in most international markets.
Related: Penta, Danhausen, and Every Former AEW Talent Signed to WWE
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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 3:21 PM.