WWE is kicking off the post-WrestleMania season with a bang this Saturday at Backlash 2026, and the stakes have never felt higher. The annual premium live event arrives at a pivotal moment for the company, with storylines simmering and tensions boiling over—especially at the top of Raw.
As the dust settles from the biggest show of the year, Backlash promises to be more than just a follow-up. It could reshape the entire WWE landscape, and the biggest question on everyone's mind is whether Roman Reigns should already be dethroned. The Tribal Chief has dominated for years, but the whispers of change are growing louder. Is it time for a new champion to rise, or does Reigns still have more to prove?
Our team of experts—Kel Dansby, Robert Jackman, Drake Riggs, and Anthony Sulla-Heffinger—have gathered to break down the burning questions ahead of Saturday's event. From the state of the roster to the biggest matches on the card, here's what you need to know.
The conversation quickly turns to the broader state of WWE under TKO. Riggs raises a compelling point about the disconnect between the company's massive profits and its treatment of talent. "It's hard to watch sometimes," he says. "TKO has more money than it knows what to do with, yet the company is cheaper than ever. It makes me sad for the wrestlers." He points to the mishandled heel turn of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, and the abrupt release of Kairi Sane, as examples of how nothing feels stable. "How are fans supposed to stay invested when the talent isn't given the respect they deserve?"
Dansby isn't surprised. He sees this as the inevitable result of the "TKO-ification" of combat sports. "This has been trending since day one," he explains. "The corporate lens prioritizes spreadsheets over athletes. WWE, UFC, and boxing are all being run the same way now—profit over people."
As Backlash approaches, the tension is palpable. Will the company listen to the growing calls for change, or will business as usual prevail? One thing is certain: this Saturday could mark the beginning of a new era—or the continuation of an old one. Either way, fans won't want to miss a moment of the action.