WWE reveals date and location for Backlash 2026

WWE Backlash 2026 will have a different location than expected.

Last month, it was reported that WWE was planning to hold Backlash in San Juan, Puerto Rico. That won’t be the case, though, with Paul “Triple H” Levesque announcing today that Tampa, Florida will host the PLE. It’s set for Benchmark International Arena on Saturday, May 9.

Backlash will be the first WWE PLE to take place after WrestleMania 42, which is being held in Las Vegas this April. The road to WrestleMania officially kicks off with today’s Royal Rumble event.

“We are moments away from the Royal Rumble here in Saudi Arabia. An epic night, the road to WrestleMania begins. But when WrestleMania finishes, there’s a big event called Backlash,” Levesque said. “Here tonight I’m going to let you know that on Saturday, May 9 [at] Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida — Backlash returns. It’s going to be big. So Tampa, Florida, I’ve just got one question: are you ready?”

Benchmark International Arena is the home of NHL team the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Last year’s edition of Backlash took place in St. Louis, Missouri and was headlined by John Cena vs. Randy Orton. The two years prior to that, the PLE was held in Lyon, France and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Here’s a look at the updated WWE PLE calendar over the next several months:

  • Saturday, January 31: Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Saturday, February 28: Elimination Chamber at United Center in Chicago, Illinois
  • Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19: WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • Saturday, May 9: Backlash at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida
  • Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2: SummerSlam at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Sunday, September 6: Money in the Bank at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana
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Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.