Backlash 2026 match rankings, grades: Iyo Sky-Asuka delivers
USA Today
Last updated: May 10, 2026
WWE's Backlash 2026, the first premium live event of its new year, aimed to set the tone following WrestleMania. The event was anticipated to address the aftermath of the major event and establish new narratives.
- The event featured several high-stakes matches. Roman Reigns defended his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Cody Rhodes in a highly anticipated rematch, building on their WrestleMania encounter. The women's division also saw a significant title defense, with Rhea Ripley putting her Women's World Championship on the line against a challenger from the NXT roster, signaling a potential shift in the division's landscape.
- Other key bouts included a United States Championship match where Logan Paul faced off against LA Knight, a clash of styles and personalities that drew considerable attention. The tag team division was represented by a match for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship, featuring The Usos against a new, emerging team that sought to make a statement. The event also included a traditional elimination match for brand supremacy, highlighting the ongoing competition between Raw and SmackDown. The overall narrative aimed to establish new champions and challengers, setting the stage for the remainder of the year.
