WWE delivered in its follow-up to WrestleMania 42 with its PLE Backlash 2026 emanating from the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa in front of a red-hot crowd who was fully invested in all of the matches on the card. And, if the rumors are true, that WWE parent company, TKO, is going young, they certainly put over their younger superstars in a major way on the Saturday, May 9 event.

In the end, Roman Reigns cheated to get the edge on Jacob Fatu to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, but in the wake of that move, Fatu went ballistic and attacked the OTC. Iyo Sky and Asuka set the bar for the best match of the night, where in its aftermath, it appears an emotional Asuka says goodbye, or goodbye for now, to the WWE Universe.

Bron Breakker got the biggest win of his career defeating Seth Rollins; which left questions about Rollins’ future, which he addressed at the WWE Backlash Post Show, John Cena’s got a new tournament and title named after him, and Danhausen is proving to be so over with the crowd, no matter what he does. Now comes the build towards August’s two night SummerSlam where the journey to it begins from here. With that, here are Michael Fairman TV’s top five takeaways from Backlash.

Courtesy/WWE

1. ROMAN, WE HAVE A PROBLEM

The Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu match was a gem. Throughout it, the crowd was often split on who they were rooting for. It was also unclear who was the babyface and who was the heel. Fatu was clearly about to put Reigns down, when the wily OTC pulled the ref into the melee which allowed him to reach over and grab the turnbuckle, exposing the steel ring post. Next, he shoves Jacob head first into it and secured the pin.

However, afterwards, Fatu loses it and continues to attack and attack Reigns, as officials try to get him out of the ring. He even attacks RAW GM, Adam Pearce. When the smoke cleared, Fatu screamed to the camera, this isn’t over, while Reigns said that Fatu will never get a shot again in the title (in so many words).

Fatu came away as a genuine threat to the Tribal Chief. Questions to be answered: Will there be a rematch at Clash in Italy in a few weeks? Does Reigns cheating to win fully bring him back to the full on heel he was for the four years he and the Bloodline ran down the competition in the WWE? Stay tuned.

MATCH GRADE: A

Photo: WWE

2. BRON BREAKKER IN THE TITLE PICTURE

The opening match which was part of the free first hour of Backlash on ESPN, kicked-off with The Vision’s Bron Breakker vs former Vision leader, Seth Rollins. In the back-story, after Rollins needed shoulder surgery, he had to relinquish the WWE World Heavyweight Championship currently held by his former Shield partner, Roman Reigns. The Vision attacked their leader with Breakker putting down Rollins, to facilitate Rollins’ time off-screen for surgery.

Now, with Rollins back as the babyface and Breakker the full on heel, the two went at it in a great match bell-to-bell. However with Breakker getting the clean pin, it’s clear they are pushing the guy to top status. Will Bron and manager, Paul Heyman stay with the rest of The Vision (Logan Paul, Austin Theory and the injured Bronson Reed) or will they break off into their own 1-2 punch for a world title?

As for Seth, in the post show interview, he indicated he has to get back to the drawing board and retool himself as he turns 40 in just a few weeks, and just how he needs to come back stronger. Seth shared he realizes he is not in his prime after so many sidelining injuries. Our take: Maybe Seth was told he needed more time off by the doctors from his shoulder surgery and this paves the way for another break before a full-time return.

MATCH GRADE: A

Photo: WWE

3. THE POETIC GOODBYE FROM ASUKA

Iyo Sky and Asuka provided the WWE universe with an incredible match: rough and tumble, technically excellent, and it told the story of the former mentee of Askua’s taking on her teacher and the passing of the torch, if you will.

All of this against the backdrop of chants for Kairi Saine, who many believed, even though she was recently released by the WWE, would show back up in in this match-up and double-cross Asuka. But, sadly, Saine appears to be truly gone.

In the end, Sky was victorious, but it was the emotional embrace after the match that felt like a turning point for Asuka. Then in a follow-up post, Ivo Sky gave thanks to Asuka as she leaves on X and Asuka had a post on Instagram set to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”

Sky wrote: “Our story comes to its final chapter with today’s match. The moment the match ended, my heart was filled with all sorts of emotions. Meeting ASUKA-san, Spending the same time together, Being able to learn so much up close— These are irreplaceable treasures to me. Thank you so much ASUKA-San.”

Reports on Sunday, say Asuka is leaving for “personal reasons” that are not being divulged, but she will be ‘semi-retired.” Asuka is 44 years old, but will she be back one more time before hanging up her boots? We shall see.

MATCH GRADE: A+

Photo: WWE

4. JOHN CENA THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING

John Cena returned to a WWE ring just one month after hosting WrestleMania. This time, Cena was in Tampa,where he lives, so it was not too big of a stretch for the G.O.A.T to make an appearance.

The 17-time champion revealed that there will be John Cena Classic; an evening where NXT talent will wrestle more established WWE talent for the chance to win a new championship. And that’s not all! The fans will vote that night of who should be crowned the inaugural champion, which Cena says will become a yearly event.

The way it was presented by Cena, left us a bit confused: Is the title called the “John Cena Classic Championship?” Is it something to be defended throughout the year on WWE and NXT programming and PLE’s? Will it mean anything in the end, or will it elevate the talent the WWE universe wants to see get a push on the main roster? Please fill in the blanks WWE and or Cena!

ANNOUNCEMENT GRADE: B

Photo: WWE

5. DANHAUSEN AND MINHAUSEN

Right now, Danhausen can do no wrong in the WWE. Since his arrival, the organization has put him to good use and it’s clear the WWE writing team is having a field day with him!

The major mystery going into Backlash was …. who will be Danhausen’s partner when he was offering $400 of human monies to team with him against The Miz and Kit Wilson. When the time came to unveil who was in the crate that would be his partner, out came a mini version of himself called Minihausen who would go on to team with him in the ring. Later, more minhausens appeared as the old school attitude-era type gimmick went full tilt.

While this was not the payoff we were hoping for; the gimmick seemed to go over with the fans. The question is, will the WWE go way back to the style of yore when Vince McMahon would pull something like this, couple that with the Gingerbread Man funeral on Friday Night SmackDown, or will it cool off? Whatever the case, Danhausen is here to stay and we are here for it!

MATCH GRADE: B+

Photo: WWE

HONORABLE MENTION: Lil’ Yachty

The Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn rematch for the United States Championship was a much better match than last month at WrestleMania 42. Williams went in with the title belt and left with the belt, as Zayn’s world continues to crumble and his heel run looks firmly cemented. The WWE universe wants to “boo” Sami and cheer Trick!

However, it should be noted, rapper Lil’ Yachty, who has been in Trick’s corner, is one of the better celebrities who gets into the melee and makes it look believable! He’s taken shots and delivered come Candy Cane kendo stick blows to Zane in this one. He’s a keeper!

MATCH GRADE: B

So, what did you think of WWE Backlash 2026? What were your favorite moments of the night? Weigh-in via the comment section, but first check out some of the highlights below. Followed by the Michael Fairman Channel’s special WWE Backlash watchalong episode that was live on What’s Up? Wrestling.

Over the weekend, the hot topic in professional wrestling was that The New Day, comprised of longtime WWE superstars, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods (real name Austin Creed) have exited the company. Their exit came after WWE released a list of several other notable names on their roster the week prior.

However, Kingston and Woods departure was reported to not be that they were released. Instead, although they had both signed long-term deals in 2025 set to expire in 2030, TKO, the parent company of WWE, asked the duo to restructure their contacts for a reduced payroll. That move, caused them to bolt from the company where for the last 12 years they were one of the preeminent tag teams on WWE.

Kingston joined WWE in 2006 and Woods joined the promotion four years later in a development deal. They were paired with Big E. in 2014 and formed “power of positivity” which was rejected by the fans which turned them into heels, and later became “The New Day.” Fast-forward to 2022, and after Big E suffered a career-ending neck injury, Woods and Kingston continued as a tag team which saw them go from babyfaces to heels. Kofi Kingston, also won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 36 becoming the first African-born champion in the company history.

Photo: WWE

On Monday, May 4, Kingston and Woods separately took to their social media accounts on Instagram and shared their thoughts, thank you’s, wisdom and more on their exit from the WWE and what the future may hold.

Kofi Kingston expressed, “It’s taken me two full days to respond to all my texts. I hadn’t been on social media until today and I’m overwhelmed by all the messages here too. So much love. So I can’t help but to be filled completely with gratitude… My story has been nothing short of remarkable and I am truly blessed to have had such an illustrious, accolade-laden and, most importantly, fun-filled career. I made my childhood dream become the most wonderful reality.”

Kingston continued, “Throughout this journey, I’m so thankful to have been surrounded by great friends and to have built so many unbreakable connections with people that I’m very proud to call my family. Most people go through life without ever experiencing a love like I have for Woods and E. That bond alone would have made this whole experience worth it. There are far too many people to mention by name here, but to everyone who has ever supported me, guided me, helped me, taught me, cheered for me, praised me, stood up for me, and even rooted against me: Thank you. I appreciate you more than words can say.”

As he concluded his post, Kofi explained, “My main mission has always been a simple one: To provide a comfortable life filled with heartwarming memories for my family. And, largely in part to all of you, I can proudly say that I have achieved that goal and more. This wasn’t supposed to be a novel, so let me wind it down with some advice: Do your best to live a life without regrets, control what you can control, always give it your all, and fight hard for what you believe in. Do not ever compromise or accept less than your due when it comes to your worth. Find the courage to believe in yourself and fearlessly pursue your goals and dreams, because anything is possible. The kid that was too small, short, skinny, and scrawny was never supposed to make it in this land of giants…yet here we are. And so… …as the sun sets on one chapter, so too must it rise in another. Tomorrow is indeed…a New Day.”

Photo: WWE

Xavier Woods shared, “For the past 16 years, WWE has been my home. It’s where I grew up, found myself, failed, learned, and got to live out things the younger version of me could only dream about. When I first walked into FCW, I just wanted a chance to prove I belonged and to bring something different to professional wrestling. That chance became a life full of moments I’ll carry with me forever — WrestleMania, championships, King of the Ring, arenas around the world, and the gift of connecting with all of you by being myself. The New Day gave me a bond with Kofi Kingston and Big E. that I’ll cherish for life. You believed in us, even when our ideas were wild, and because of that, we got to show people that being unapologetically yourself is a strength. UpUpDownDown became another piece of that same mission: a place for joy, friendship, and humanity.”

He continued, “I’m so thankful to everyone, past and present, who helped build it brick by brick. To the locker room, producers, trainers, crew, camera teams, ring crew, everyone behind the scenes, and the props department – thank you. WWE has the most special and hardest working props department that youll ever find. Love you guys and none of this happens without you. And to everyone who has been part of this ride: thank you for believing in me. Thank you for letting me be Xavier Woods. Thank you for giving me the confidence… to walk away as Austin Creed.”

So, are you heartbroken to see the New Day leave WWE? What did you think of their goodbye posts? Do you want to see them land in AEW, TNA, or New Japan? Weigh-in via the comment section.

It’s taken me two full days to respond to all my texts. I hadn’t been on social media until today and I’m overwhelmed by all the messages here too. So much love.

So I can’t help but to be filled completely with gratitude…

My story has been nothing short of remarkable and I am… pic.twitter.com/Tw7ZTpg9Q3

— Kofi Kingston (@TrueKofi) May 4, 2026

It’s taken me two full days to respond to all my texts. I hadn’t been on social media until today and I’m overwhelmed by all the messages here too. So much love.

So I can’t help but to be filled completely with gratitude…

My story has been nothing short of remarkable and I am… pic.twitter.com/Tw7ZTpg9Q3

— Kofi Kingston (@TrueKofi) May 4, 2026

WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus has had an incredible in-ring career, on and off for over 25 years. Having debuted as a heel back in 2000, she held the then WWE Women’s Championship for a record 445 days back in 2005 and into 2006, before dropping the title to her nemesis, Mickie James at WrestleMania 22, and is considered one of the best to ever to it by many in the women’s locker room, then and now. When it was her turn to be inducted into the Hall of Fame Class of 2013, she chose Stephanie McMahon (this year’s Hall of Fame class 2026) to do the honors at the ceremony.

Fast forward and April’s WrestleMania 42 week in Las Vegas, Michael Fairman TV had a reunion with Trish for this very special interview. For when Trish started in the WWE, Fairman was working as a writer/producer for ‘Raw’ and ‘SmackDown’ and as told in their discussion, recalled how he worked with an upstart Stratus to help her learn her lines for her promos and more. Now two and half decades later, we caught up at Trish’s WrestleMania 42 pop up at Flankers at Mandalay Bay entitled First Crush by Trish Stratus. Trish had created an immersive experience for wrestling fans, Trish fans, and offered on stage Q&A’s with special guests and much more.

Backstage, she sat down with us to take a trip down memory lane, share her picks for WrestleMania 42 in the top women’s bouts (see if she predicted, correctly!) and talked some of her greatest moments. opponents. and friendships in the ring and out, plus what keeps getting her to come back when she has already accomplished so much in her iconic career.

Photo: WWE

TO SINK OR SWIM IN THE WWE

Trish shared on being a rookie in WWE with little to no experience, explaining, “I was thrown right into it. I was a fan of wrestling, watching it, enjoying it. Started to dabble into fitness modeling. So suddenly, I was kind of a public figure all of a sudden. Modeling is very different than actually speaking. They (WWE) literally threw me into the water and it was like sink or swim. The wrestling was one thing and they threw me out there for my first couple matches. Most people come up in the independent wrestling circuits. I had done some wrestling, but it was foundational kind of stuff. It wasn’t like performance yet and they gave me my first promo and I was the green one.

In the world of pro wrestling its all about getting the moment to prove yourself and making something out of it, Trish did just that when she became the beautiful manager/wrestler of the late Test and Albert, and suddenly they were known as .. yup … you remember … ‘T and A.”

BAD GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

Photo; WWE

Stratus recalled, “I was sitting backstage waiting for them to find the storyline. I remember just chilling actually with Lilian Garcia (then the ring announcer.) We bonded right away. She was my little bestie. I was on the road for a couple weeks in a row and, and then finally they came to me like, ‘Today’s the day. … we’re putting you out there.’ So, there I was with Test and Albert, otherwise known as T-and-A … get it! Those were the days of the double entendres. We were told we were bad guys, and we had to flesh out our characters.   had to get people to boo me right off the bat.”

“I love being a heel” Stratus said passionately. However, when she comes out of retirement or makes special appearances, or comes back for a lengthy storyline she prefaces it with, “The thing for me to come back to the business for a little while means leaving my kids. I have to make sure that it checks all the boxes, right? I want be challenged as a performer, number one. I want to make sure I’m coming back and giving back to the businesses. Not just being self-serving.  So, when I can check those boxes, it’s exciting, and makes it fun to come back.”

BECKY LYNCH AND MICKIE JAMES

Photo: WWE

Trish revealed her favorite WrestleMania moments through the years and her perfect opponents; the women she feels she created magic with in the ring. “When I returned in 2023, we had done the babyface come back. I’ve come back and they’re cheered me and they’re excited to see me. Nobody expected that, and that’s what I love doing. I love the unexpected. I was working with Becky Lynch.  I knew she was the perfect babyface to be a bitch to and to turn on; bringing in the bestie so that I could turn on her with all those years of history, that’s juicy to me. I love it.”

As to her WrestleMania match resume, it was an easy pick fo Stratus, “I’m going to do with Mickie James WrestleMania 22. We like to call us the hashtag ‘longest rivalry in history.’ Becky Lynch and I might have rivaled that rivalry just because we did have a lot. But, I’m all about the stories, and to make sure there’s a meaning behind it. I want to foreshadow a little. I want to understand what my character’s thinking when I go into this. We had the fans captivated. I think at WrestleMania 22, with the way the crowd reacted and the way they were so invested in our storyline, I feel like we got them.”

Proud of what she and Mickie accomplished, Trish added, “They were like, ‘the women can hold a crowd, like the men can.’ I think that was like the moment we kind of had arrived. I have to say the Jazz/Trish stuff, the Victoria/Trish stuff, this is all stuff that planted the seeds. Mickie James and I, right there at WrestleMania, and we’re talking about a WrestleMania moment. I’m also going to give a shout out to WrestleMania 19 with Jazz and Victoria and Steven Richards … who took the best Stratusfaction I’ve ever seen!”

THE STACKED WWE CURRENT WOMEN’S ROSTER

Photo: WWE

While WrestleMania 42 is in the record books, we asked the Hall of Famer, her picks for the key women’s championship title match-upsbetween: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan, AJ Lee vs. Becky Lee, and Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley as you will see below in our video chat.

Trish went three for three and had nothing but high praise for all six of the women who laid it all on the line less than two weeks ago at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Now below, watch this exclusive conversation with Trish Stratus. For more WrestleMania 42 week interviews, make sure to check them out on You Tube’s Michael Fairman Channel.

Let us know, have you been a fan of Trish through her years in the WWE? Do you agree with her favorite WrestleMania moment with Mickie James? What has been your favorite match and story in Trish’s in-ring career? Share your thoughts via the comment section.