Overview
- Jacob Fatu choked out World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns with the Tongan Death Grip during Raw on Monday in Laredo, prompting Reigns to accept a title challenge.
- WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque made the title bout official for Backlash on May 9 in Tampa at Benchmark International Arena.
- The faceoff escalated family tensions after Reigns dismissed Solo Sikoa’s role in Fatu’s rise, framing the feud as a struggle within the Bloodline.
- Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker was also confirmed for Backlash after their on‑air clash kept their post‑WrestleMania issues alive.
- Asuka vs. Iyo Sky was added to Backlash after Asuka interfered in Sky’s match with Becky Lynch, who retained the Women’s Intercontinental title as fans chanted for Kairi Sane.