{"id":161334,"date":"2026-05-11T19:11:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T23:11:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=161334"},"modified":"2026-05-11T19:11:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T23:11:09","slug":"wwe-backlash-2026-4-things-wwe-got-right-at-the-ple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/05\/11\/wwe-backlash-2026-4-things-wwe-got-right-at-the-ple\/","title":{"rendered":"WWE Backlash 2026: 4 Things the PLE Got Right"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/05\/09\/wwe-backlash-2026-results-5-9-26-live-updates\/\" target=\"_self\">WWE Backlash 2026<\/a> is in the history books. As the first major PLE after WrestleMania 42, expectations were high, and some surprises were expected. Furthermore, WWE had a loaded card packed with top stars like Roman Reigns, Seth &#8220;Freakin&#8221; Rollins, Bron Breakker, and IYO SKY.<\/p>\n<p>On the whole, the company delivered a solid show. While it may not have had the surprises fans wanted, it still delivered on many levels, and fans seem to be satisfied. On that note, let&#8217;s look at 4 things WWE got right at Backlash 2026.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>#4. Bron Breakker Got His Biggest Singles Win at WWE Backlash 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>It is no secret that Bron Breakker is the future of WWE. The Unbreakable Badass is only two years into his main-roster debut and has already won the Intercontinental Championship twice. Furthermore, he has pinned and taken out some of the finest talents in pro wrestling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 610px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"a61405551f80e72f675225f083759bb9\" image-id=\"fwuQm2yJ2uzz\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 2667px; aspect-ratio: 2667\/4000;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<p>However, Breakker solidified his potential and stake at the top with a resounding win over Seth &#8220;Freakin&#8221; Rollins this past weekend. The finish wasn&#8217;t entirely clean as the Vision interfered to distract Rollins. Nonetheless, the wicked mid-air Spear to Rollins&#8217; Super Stomp, followed by another spine-jarring Spear, put the Visionary away for the three count.<\/p>\n<p>The inaugural World Heavyweight Champion is still one of the top stars in the company with an all-star resume. Rollins put over Breakker in the best way possible at Backlash. The Unbreakable Badass feels like a big deal now.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker: Backlash 2026 highlights\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Av_uZ7XKQzo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><strong>#3. The John Cena Classic Tournament Was Announced to Everyone&#8217;s Amazement<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>John Cena was <a  href=\"https:\/\/slamwrestling.net\/news\/john-cena-says-backlash-announcement-will-shock-wwe\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">advertised<\/a> to make a special announcement at Backlash 2026. Fans had several ideas, which ranged from a return to the ring to the announcement of WrestleMania 44&#8217;s location. Nonetheless, the eventual revelation didn&#8217;t disappoint.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" style=\"max-width: 610px\"><smartframe-embed class=\"smartframe_wp_element\" customer-id=\"8afcbf7a9ed3fd6bf7763b62addc7cf8\" image-id=\"3He6bIW4QBcZ\" style=\"width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 1732px; aspect-ratio: 1732\/1155;\" ><\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n<p>As expected, Tampa was ecstatic to see Cena yet again. The Champ indulged the crowd, thanked them, and then announced the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/05\/09\/wwe-backlash-2026-john-cena-makes-monumental-announcement\/\" target=\"_self\">&#8220;John Cena Classic&#8221;<\/a> Tournament. On paper, it seems like a fabulous idea. If done right, it could help create new stars.<\/p>\n<p>Cena proposed that NXT stars will battle main roster talent, much like what happened at Saturday Night&#8217;s Main Event in December 2025. However, the catch is that the WWE Universe will choose the winner. Furthermore, participants can still win the tournament even if they lose their respective match.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"John Cena announces the John Cena Classic: Backlash 2026 highlights\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YiKQ4yJqIns?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><strong>#2. Giving Danhausen a Match on PLE Was a Wonderful Idea<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>When Danhausen emerged from the mystery crate at Elimination Chamber 2026, fans were not pleased. However, the very nice, very evil character turned it around for himself, and organically became over with the WWE Universe. He was consistently cheered on TV, and everyone laughed at his shenanigans and curses.<\/p>\n<p>He finally wrestled his first PLE match at Backlash 2026, but WWE made yet another controversial decision. Fans had wild theories for Danhausen&#8217;s mystery partner. Hence, it was a bit of a letdown when Minihausen was revealed as his partner against the Miz and Kit Wilson.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_160899\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-160899\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/05\/11-6.webp\" alt=\"WWE Backlash 2026 graphic of Danhausen, The Miz and Kit Wilson.\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" class=\"size-full wp-image-160899\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/05\/11-6.webp 1600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/05\/11-6-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-160899\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A WWE Backlash 2026 graphic advertising Danhausen and a Mystery Partner versus The Miz and Kit Wilson. (Photo Credit: WWE)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>While the match went longer than it should have, it was still pretty entertaining. Minihausen was quick between the ropes. The Miz and Wilson sold the action perfectly. Wilson also unknowingly brought out an army of Minihausens, which led to his downfall.<\/p>\n<p>On paper, the whole segment should have been disastrous. However, Danhausen has a way with the crowd, and he made it work. The very evil, very nice star is a rare breed because the fans can&#8217;t seem to get enough of him.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Danhausen reveals Minihausen as his tag team partner: Backlash 2026 highlights\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j9ea8SQPsTY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><\/p>\n<h2><strong>#1. Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu Was a Great Main Event<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Expectations were high for Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu, and both men <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/05\/09\/wwe-backlash-2026-results-5-9-26-live-updates\/\" target=\"_self\">exceeded them<\/a> at WWE Backlash 2026. The WWE Universe knew that Fatu wasn&#8217;t going to win the World Heavyweight Championship, yet he came out stronger following a clean loss to Reigns.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_160847\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-160847\" style=\"width: 960px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/05\/11-4.webp\" alt=\"WWE Backlash 2026 results graphic featuring World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu.\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" class=\"size-full wp-image-160847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/05\/11-4.webp 960w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/15\/2026\/05\/11-4-768x432.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-160847\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Official WWE Backlash 2026 in Tampa, Florida poster featuring World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns and challenger Jacob Fatu. (Photo Credit: WWE)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The story felt real. The Samoan Werewolf was desperate to prove himself and win the title. Hence, we saw a more aggressive, resilient, and dangerous version of Fatu. He no-sold Superman punches, put the OTC through the announce table, and nearly choked his cousin out with the Tongan Death Grip.<\/p>\n<p>The history books will list Reigns as the winner, but the OTC survived his younger cousin in Tampa. The post-match assault by Fatu only added to his credibility and laid the foundation for a longer feud.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu | World Heavyweight Title Match: Backlash 2026 highlights\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HS2UBTNf4Oo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>WWE Backlash 2026 is in the history books. As the first major PLE after WrestleMania 42, expectations were high, and some surprises were expected. Furthermore, WWE had a loaded card packed with top stars like Roman Reigns, Seth &#8220;Freakin&#8221; Rollins, Bron Breakker, and IYO SKY. On the whole, the company delivered a solid show. While [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5689,"featured_media":161201,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4,2192,3],"tags":[7986,3006,165,9738,77,9731],"class_list":["post-161334","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wwe","category-wrestling","category-wwe-universe","tag-bron-breakker","tag-jacob-fatu","tag-john-cena","tag-john-cena-classic","tag-roman-reigns","tag-wwe-backlash-2026"],"modified_by":"Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161334","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5689"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=161334"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161334\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":161362,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/161334\/revisions\/161362"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/161201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=161334"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=161334"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=161334"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}