After WWE SmackDown on Friday from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it appears we have five solid matches in place for WWE Backlash in Tampa, Florida. Here's a breakdown of the matches and the highlights from SmackDown.

  • Event: WWE Backlash 2026
  • Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
  • Venue: Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida
  • Start Time: 6 p.m. ET
  • U.S. Streaming: ESPN Unlimited
  • International: Netflix
  • Confirmed Matches: 5

What Was Added to the Backlash Card on SmackDown?

SmackDown added two matches to the Backlash lineup. Trick Williams will defend the United States Championship against Sami Zayn in a singles match after Zayn ambushed Williams' Gingerbread Man mascot during the show, prompting Williams to grant the rematch.

The second addition is a tag team match featuring Danhausen and a mystery partner against The Miz and Kit Wilson. The angle was set up after Danhausen trapped Miz and Wilson in powder, only for Miz to retaliate with a Skull Crushing Finale before Nick Aldis made the match official with the stipulation that Danhausen needed to find a partner.

Full Backlash 2026 Confirmed Card

Here is everything confirmed for May 9 in Tampa:

  • Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu — World Heavyweight Championship
  • Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn — United States Championship
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (w/ Paul Heyman )
  • Asuka vs. IYO SKY
  • Danhausen & A Mystery Partner vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson

What's Still Being Built for the May 8 Go-Home Show?

The SmackDown side of the card still has openings, and the May 8 go-home episode is the last chance to fill them. The biggest question is the WWE Championship picture: Cody Rhodes remains medically uncleared after the orbital injury Randy Orton inflicted at WrestleMania 42, which leaves the Undisputed WWE Championship match in limbo. An open challenge framing has been teased, with Orton, Gunther, and CM Punk all in conversation as potential opponents depending on Rhodes' recovery status.

The Women’s Championship picture is also developing. Rhea Ripley vs. Jacy Jayne has been rumored after Fatal Influence's debut attacks on the women's roster, but the match has not been officially booked.

How to Watch WWE Backlash 2026

Backlash streams live on ESPN Unlimited in the U.S. starting at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 9. International viewers can watch on Netflix in most markets, with SuperSport carrying the show in Sub-Saharan Africa and Abema in Japan.

This is the first Backlash to stream on ESPN in the United States after WWE’s Peacock contract expired at the end of Clash in Paris in August 2025.