WWE Backlash 2026 Card Predictions: Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley And A Stacked Tampa Lineup

InnovationGamingWWE Backlash 2026 Card Predictions: Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley And A Stacked Tampa LineupByBrian Mazique,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Brian Mazique has covered combat sports and video games since 2011.Follow AuthorApr 23, 2026, 08:00am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 20: Roman Reigns enters the arena during Monday Night RAW at T-Mobile Arena on April 20, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Melina Pizano/WWE Via Getty Images)WWE via Getty ImagesWWE isn't slowing down after WrestleMania 42. Monday's episode of Raw was eventful, and I'd expect similar things on SmackDown on Friday. The first bricks in the road for WWE Backlash have been laid and while it's still early, I have some predictions for the card in Tampa.What Do We Know About WWE Backlash 2026?Over the years, we've seen some excellent and memorable matches at Backlash. In 2004, Randy Orton and Cactus Jack tore the house down in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada at Rexall Place. We can only hope to see a match half as good at this year's show.This year, Backlash returns to Tampa on Saturday, May 9 at Benchmark International Arena, with a 6:30 p.m. ET start. The show is the first Premium Live Event of the post-WrestleMania 42 cycle, and as a Mania fallout show, the card will lean on rematches, unfinished business and a few new challengers stepping up.MORE FOR YOURoman Reigns vs. Jacob FatuThis one seems the most like a lock. Reigns has already told us he's not going to be working a part-time schedule this summer. That makes it seem as if he's going to anchor the Backlash show. Jacob Fatu has already challenged him on Raw, in what was one of Fatu's best promos in a year. Reigns didn't officially accept the challenge, but I'd be shocked if this didn't happen at Backlash.The setup...