After the dust settled on an unforgettable two-night WrestleMania 42 in April, the WWE universe is already buzzing for the next major showdown: WWE Backlash 2026. This year’s premium live event heads to sunny West Florida, promising a stacked card of five matchups—including two high-stakes title bouts for the World Heavyweight Championship and the U.S. Championship.
In the main event, all eyes will be on Roman Reigns as he defends his newly won WWE World Heavyweight Championship against the formidable Jacob Fatu. Reigns claimed the belt from CM Punk at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas last month, and now he faces an explosive challenger looking to make his own mark. Adding to the drama, WWE legend John Cena is scheduled to make a major announcement during the event—a moment no fan will want to miss.
If you're wondering how to catch all the action live online, we've got you covered. Here's everything you need to know.
When and Where:
WWE Backlash takes place at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, May 9. The show kicks off at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.
How to Watch:
This year's event streams exclusively on ESPN Unlimited. Unlike some past WWE events, Backlash is not a pay-per-view—so there's no need to purchase a separate PPV pass. Simply grab an ESPN Unlimited subscription starting at $29.99/month to get live access to the entire card.
ESPN Unlimited is your all-access pass to everything ESPN, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN on ABC, ESPN Deportes, ESPN+, SECN, ACCN, SECN+, and ACCNX. It's the ultimate hub for sports fans.
For even more value, consider the Disney Streaming Bundle, which packages ESPN Unlimited with Hulu and Disney+ for just $35.99/month—saving you nearly 40% compared to buying each service separately.
Check out the full main card below, and get ready for a night of high-flying action, intense rivalries, and championship glory. Whether you're a die-hard fan or tuning in for the spectacle, WWE Backlash 2026 is shaping up to be a can't-miss event.