WWE Backlash live results: Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu, IYO SKY vs. Asuka
For the first time ever, Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu will square off one-on-one at tonight’s WWE Backlash from Tampa, Florida, and with a big prize on the line: Reigns’ World Heavyweight title.
As part of The Bloodline storyline, both men have been on a collision course for the better part of two years. This will be Reigns’ first title defense since defeating CM Punk for the gold at WrestleMania 42 while Fatu is looking for his first WWE World title.
In another match months in the making, Seth Rollins will finally go one-on-one with Bron Breakker during the ESPN2 portion of the card. Breakker returned from injury at WrestleMania to spear Rollins which led to him losing to Gunther.
In a grudge match many expected for WrestleMania, IYO SKY will battle Asuka in their first singles match since September 2023.
WWE United States Champion Trick Williams will defend against Sami Zayn in a rematch centered around the Gingerbread Man who had a faux funeral disrupted Friday as Lil’ Yachty sneak attacked Zayn.
Danhausen will team with a much-speculated mystery partner against The Miz & Kit Wilson.
Our live coverage begins at 4 pm Eastern with the pre-show.
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Show Recap —
COUNTDOWN SHOW
Wrestlers were shown arriving. Triple H was shown, too, and he was booed by fans outside the arena watching the pre-show. Everyone else was cheered.
Michael Cole, Big E, Corey Graves and Peter Rosenberg hosted the first portion of the pre-show. I believe this would be Big E’s first live appearance since the departures of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.
There was a sit-down interview with Seth Rollins. They were open about Rollins turning 40 soon, and he acknowledged he may not be doing this much longer.
Fans chanted, “New Day rocks” as Big E talked about Rollins. He ignored it.
Jacob Fatu cut a backstage promo. He said he would kick Roman Reigns’ ass. Cole demonstrated the Tongan Death Grip on Rosenberg, who passed out. Rosenberg was pretending, unfortunately.
Cathy Kelley interviewed Sami Zayn. He calmly stated that he didn’t appreciate people, including Kelley, disrespecting him, and it was Trick Williams who enabled them to do so. Zayn planned on winning the US title back.
Because Backlash is held in Tampa, there was an FCW video package, which included interview clips of Bayley, Charlotte Flair, Rollins, Big E, and Sheamus. They also credited Dusty Rhodes, particularly when it came to wrestlers learning promos. Triple H was credited with transforming the old FCW into the new, shiny Performance Center.
The Usos showed up to the panel to continue the FCW discussions. The fans were excited to see Jimmy and Jey. They also spoke briefly about tonight’s world title match.
WWE Raw and PLE recapper/reviewer. Contributed to WrestlingObserver.com as the SmackDown reviewer in the 2000s before turning to WONF4W in 2015.