Jason Burgos
On Saturday night, WWE returns with its latest premium live event, Backlash. The card in Tampa, FL, has just five matches and will also include a special announcement from WWE icon John Cena. When it comes to WWE PLEs, there is always a chance for surprises, and the last two editions of Backlash included the emergence of new members in Solo Sikoa’s version of the Bloodline.
With that in mind, we offer up five potential surprises to look for on Saturday at Backlash.
Kairi Sane will make a surprise return at WWE Backlash
To the dismay of many WWE fans, women’s division veteran Kairi Sane was among the close to 30 roster releases over the last couple of weeks. It frustrated many because she did not get to finish her ongoing storyline with longtime pal Asuka.
However, there have been rumblings in recent days that Sane could make a special appearance at Backlash to finish what she started. Considering how much TV time was dedicated to the storyline over the last year, look for Sane to make a one-off return to help Iyo Sky defeat Asuka.
Bron Breakker defeats Seth Rollins at Backlash
If not for bad luck injuries, Seth Rollins would have faced Bron Breakker at WrestleMania 42. However, instead, we get this huge grudge match at Backlash. The couch booker in all of us would suggest Rollins will get the W on Saturday since Breakker played a role in his loss to Gunther at ‘Mania and has consistently gotten the upper hand on his former mentor since.
However, Rollins is a made man, and WWE is making a hard push to develop future WrestleMania main eventers. While fans would love a Rollins victory, don’t be surprised if Breakker’s run of success against the former leader of The Vision continues this weekend.
Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu ends in disqualification
The main event at Backlash will see Roman Reigns defend the World Heavyweight title for the first time against his cousin, “The Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu. If there is one guarantee on Saturday, it is that Reigns is not losing his title. However, getting a decisive and clean win over Fatu may not benefit the company long-term because he is among the men they are trying to build into a main event talent.
That is why we predict Backlash will end with a disqualification to make sure Reigns holds on to the title and they keep Fatu strong to set up another match at their next PLE.
John Cena will announce the return of the WWE Draft
WWE legend John Cena has been hyping his appearance at Backlash and claimed on Thursday that his announcement will “shock the foundation of WWE.” There has been speculation that it will be related to the launch of Club WWE. However, that could end up getting boos from the crowd in Tampa.
To avoid an ugly moment with the beloved legend, we predict the company will go in another direction and announce the return of the WWE Draft. They did not do it in 2024, and both RAW and SmackDown badly need shakeups to the status quo.
‘Cola Man Punk’ will be Danhausen’s mystery partner
One of the most anticipated elements of Backlash this year is the reveal of who will be Danhausen’s mystery opponent in his tag match against The Miz and Kit Wilson. There has been a ton of speculation on who that could be, including the horrifying return of Jelly Roll. However, we expect WWE to deliver a fan-pleasing moment, with the partner to be “Cola Man Punk,” AKA CM Punk.
Danhausen and Punk are real-life friends, and the later player a big role in getting the former into WWE. Punk is in no storylines currently, and it would be a fun way to keep him active in a great moment and have an improbable team-up on television.
