WWE Raw delivered a night of high drama and shocking moments on May 4, 2026, setting the stage for an explosive WWE Backlash. The show kicked off with a bang—literally—as Bron Breakker ambushed Seth Rollins before he even reached the ring, delivering a brutal spear that left Rollins down and out. This surprise attack set the tone for a night where tensions boiled over and new rivalries were born.
The main event saw Jacob Fatu and Roman Reigns face off in a contract signing for their upcoming Backlash showdown. In a chilling preview of what's to come, Fatu trapped Reigns in the Tongan Death Grip once again, then drove him through a table to send a clear message. The arena erupted as officials scrambled to separate the two, leaving fans buzzing about what awaits at the pay-per-view.
Earlier in the night, Otis answered Oba Femi's open challenge and shocked the crowd by scoring a win in under three minutes. The big man's quick victory proved that he's more than just comic relief—he's a legitimate threat in the ring. Meanwhile, Sol Ruca officially signed her WWE Raw contract and immediately set her sights on Becky Lynch, igniting a feud that promises to deliver fireworks.
In tag team action, OG El Grande Americano and Los Hermanos Americanos defeated Los Grandes Americanos in a fast-paced bout that had the crowd on their feet. The match showcased the incredible athleticism and chemistry of the winning team, who continue to build momentum.
The show opened with a grudge match between Finn Balor and JD McDonagh, but the action was overshadowed by controversial officiating from Jessika Carr. Dirty Dom was ejected for interference, but the rest of Judgment Day—Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Roxanne Perez—remained at ringside. In the end, Perez struck her mentor Balor with a bell hammer, allowing McDonagh to pick up the win. The questionable calls throughout the match made Becky Lynch look prescient for questioning Carr's integrity in recent months.
Later, Penta and Ethan Page stole the spotlight in a thrilling six-man tag. Fans chanted "Let's go Penta" as the Intercontinental champion fought through a brutal assault from Rusev. Je'Von Evans was the spark his team needed, delivering a series of high-risk moves including a scary dive that Rusev barely caught. But Ethan Page cut the momentum short, hitting the Twisted Grin on Penta for the pinfall victory. Rusev, who had threatened Page earlier in the week, was ecstatic with the result.
Adam Pearce also made waves by putting the pressure on Sol Ruca, calling her a "surefire, can't-miss blue-chip future superstar" in a video package that highlighted her incredible potential. With new feuds brewing and championship implications growing, WWE Raw is setting the stage for an unforgettable Backlash.