WWE 'Backlash' predictions: Who will win?
UPI

WWE 'Backlash' predictions: Who will win?

Wade Sheridan | May 8, 2026

WWE continues the excitement after "WrestleMania" with "Backlash," which streams Saturday. Here are the marquee matches and UPI's predicted winners.

May 8 (UPI) -- WWE continues the excitement only weeks after WrestleMania 42 with Backlash, which takes place Saturday.

Here are the marquee matches scheduled to take place and UPI's predicted winners.

Roman Reigns (champion) vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship

Newly crowned world heavyweight champion Roman Reigns must now confront his dangerous and unpredictable cousin Jacob Fatu in the main event of Backlash. This family affair came about due to Fatu saying he needs the World Heavyweight Championship in order to support his wife and kids.

Reigns, who defeated CM Punk at WrestleMania 42 to capture the gold, feels that Fatu is not yet ready to shoulder the responsibility of being champion and reminded his cousin that he runs their decorated wrestling family as Tribal Chief.

As Fatu likes telling fans, he is "all gas, no brakes" and is poised to bring the fight to Reigns. Fatu can handle Reigns like few can due to his strength and he has the ability to completely immobilize the Tribal Chief with the powerful Tongan Death Grip submission move.

Fatu as champion would be unique and refreshing for WWE, but it's just not time yet with Reigns having just won the title at WrestleMania. Fans will want to see where this new journey with Reigns goes, giving him the best chance at winning. Perhaps when the battle is over and the smoke has cleared, Fatu can join Reigns as part of the Bloodline.

Predicted winner: Roman Reigns

Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker

It's teacher vs. student as Seth Rollins finally takes on his former protege Bron Breakker in a match that could help shape one of WWE's most promising rising stars.

Rollins and Breakker were united as members of The Vision, a group that Rollins started with nefarious wiseman Paul Heyman before Breakker led a coup to kick out his former leader. Untimely injuries to both men have sidelined this match but finally, it is happening.

Breakker has made Rollins' life a living hell in recent weeks, even choosing to help Gunther defeat Rollins at WrestleMania 42. Rollins, who has had to endure multiple Spears from Breakker recently, told his former protege to prove that he is ready to take over Raw by defeating him.

Breakker has a bright future ahead of him and a victory against Rollins would help set him up big time in WWE. This match against Rollins is like Breakker's introduction to the main event scene in WWE. A main event scene that Breakker can totally dominate if he stays healthy.

Predicted winner: Bron Breakker

Iyo Sky vs. Asuka

Iyo Sky must confront her former friend Asuka in this emotionally charged matchup that is months in the making.

Asuka, a decorated star who will be placed into the WWE Hall of Fame someday, has been jealous of Sky's success and her friendship with Rhea Ripley. The jealousy turned to hatred as Asuka has continued to torment her former ally, even costing Sky a match against Women's Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch.

Due to the ability of Sky and Asuka, this has the chance to be the best match of the night. Coupled with the fact that this bout really should have been at WrestleMania 42, Sky and Asuka might feel extra motivation to prove that they are two of the best women's wrestlers in the world.

With how emotional the feud has gotten, this might be just part one of an epic story that can continue throughout the summer. With that in mind, Asuka should win to keep the storyline moving, perhaps by using her signature mist to blind Sky.

Predicted winner: Asuka

Trick Williams (champion) vs. Sami Zayn for the United States Championship

A rematch from WrestleMania 42, Trick Williams must defend his newly acquired United States Championship against the man he took it from, Sami Zayn.

Williams, a newcomer who is still finding his way on SmackDown, is already hugely popular with fans as they scream out "whoop that trick" every time he enters the arena. His win at WrestleMania 42 against Zayn was massive and really helped establish him as one of WWE's most promising upcoming stars.

Zayn has continued teasing that he is turning to the darkside, getting frustrated with Williams and his antics. This title match will most likely further push the idea that Zayn has turned evil. Look for Zayn to cheat but Williams should still win so that he can continue climbing the ranks at SmackDown.

Predicted winner: Trick Williams

Danhausen and a mystery partner vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson

One of WWE's most unique characters in years, Danhausen must find a partner to take on The Miz and his protege Kit Wilson.

Danhausen has taken WWE by storm. The "very nice, very evil" grappler, who is like a cross between a demon, a wizard and a late night host, has only wanted to be The Miz's friend. The A-lister has totally shunned Danhausen though, leading him to curse The Miz at every stop.

Danhausen's curses are effective too. They have led to The Miz losing matches and Danhausen picking up his first WWE victory against Wilson. With mystical, unexplained powers on his side, does Danhausen really need a partner?

In any case, Danhausen has quickly become the most entertaining part of WWE and this match will be no different. Expect Danhausen's partner to either be someone extremely imposing who will dominate The Miz and Wilson, or someone also comedy-focused with Danhausen using his curses to win the match in hilarious fashion.

Predicted winner: Danhausen and his mystery partner

WWE Backlash will stream Saturday at 6 p.m. EDT on the ESPN app in the United States and on Netflix internationally.

Backlash will also feature the retired John Cena making an appearance with a special announcement.

Recommended For You.