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WWE Backlash 2025: John Cena Remains Undisputed Champion Defeating Randy Orton; Are Clues Adding Up That His Heel Turn Might Be Temporary?

By Michael Fairman

Published

12 months ago

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Photo: WWE

John Cena walked out of Enterprise Center in St. Louis on Saturday night, May 10, not only retaining the WWE Undisputed Heavyweight Championship, but shifting from tears to a grimace. The rollercoaster of emotions from the 17-time GOAT was on full display after the match and after WWE Backlash 2025 went off the air on Peacock. The moments were captured on video not only by the WWE, but fans around the world and those in attendance.

For ‘Backlash,’ would be Cena’s first title defense since defeating Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, and the opportunity to face one of his oldest rivals in Randy Orton, (in “The Viper’s” hometown) one last time during his retirement tour. The match was bound to have some big time moments . Over a 25-year span the two have wrestled each other in various types of matches 94 times (including singles and tag team matches) so they know each other all too well.

While this heel version of John Cena is resorting to winning matches by outside interference (this time by R. Truth), low blows and title belt to the face moves, the WWE Universe seems conflicted. Chants of “Cena Sucks” vs. “Let’s Go Cena” ring out in arenas and stadiums everywhere. Many love finally seeing Cena as a heel, others feel it’s just is so hard to compute in their brains that this is the same guy who has granted more wishes to Make-A-Wish children with serious illnesses than anyone in history. Here are five takeaways from the five-bout card that comprised WWE Backlash 2025.

Photo: WWE

TOO MANY RUN-INS AND INTERFERENCE

While the Cena and Orton match was better than Cena vs. Rhodes at WrestleMania 41, both wrestlers were capable of doing the moves they can successfully execute at this point in their careers. The trouble came when we had a knock-the ref-out-orama when multiple refs went down, and we had the obligatory babyface of the match, in this case Orton, winning with more than a three count pinning Cena, but no ref to do the official count.

Eventually, R-Truth, who in this storyline is confused as his hero is Cena is in trouble during the match, gets into the ring and in front of Orton, who has a helpless Cena lined up for his patented Punt Kick. That opened the door for Cena to deliver a low blow and smash the championship belt over Orton’s head for the win … just as the ref came to just in time for the count.

Photo: WWE

Later, in the WWE Backlash Post-Show media scrum, R-Truth was thrown through the media table, where John was about to take questions for the first time since his heel turn, but instead he got pissed at “Ron” (R-Truth) for interrupting him, After disposing of R-Truth, Cena took off in a huff.  GRADE B-

WHEN THE RING ANNOUNCERS TEAM UP TO BRING DOWN “THE RING GENERAL”

Sports commentator and WWE on-air host, Pat McAfee stepped into the ring for a singles match for the first time in two years to take on Gunther. Previously, Gunther had choked him out, when McAfee cane to the aid of his friend and co-announce partner, the legendary Michael Cole.

Now to even the score could McAfee get retribution against one of the greatest WWE superstars on the roster, a man who has held multiple titles? Things did not look good throughout for McAfee. At one point, Cole couldn’t stand it anymore, and interfered in the match, pulling Gunther’s boot while it was near the ring rope to stop him from pinning McAfee. Throughout it was the two Davids battling the Goliath.  In the end, Gunther won, and Pat McAfee did an admirable job making us root for the underdog and the least experienced “wrestler” of the two.

The one thing that this match needed was someone to come out to help Cole and McAfee when they are in critical danger of being taken out for good by Gunther. Rumors were Bill Goldberg might show up and confront Gunther, but that did not happen, leaving us wondering where does this Gunther go from here? GRADE C

WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY “MASKED” FRIEND

Dirty Dom Mysterio has gone from fans booing him so loud you can’t hear anything else in arenas everywhere, to fans rooting for him, and this was to be his first title defense at a PLE after winning the Intercontinental title at WrestleMania 41 and it was against the popular Luchador, Penta.

Photo: WWE

Mysterio showed the moves in this bout, and in fact, this might have been the best singles match his WWE career and he seemed to out wrestle one of the greats in Penta. Later in the match his buddies from the Judgment Day show up to ringside: Finn Balor, JD McDonaugh and Carlito.

However, the official ended up throwing them all out of ringside and to the back. With the referee distracted, out of nowhere came El Grande Americano hit Penta with a plated head butt, which allowed Mysterio to take the victory. GRADE B

LYRA CAN HOLD HER OWN

Lyra Valkyria had to prove she could go toe to toe with the woman she idolized, and who turned on her, “The Man”, Becky Lynch. During the match, this jealous heel version of Lynch would appear in control and then completely lose her temper. In fact, Becky tried to humiliate Valkyria in front of Lyra’s fiancé in the crowd, Irish Wrestler LJ Cleary, who was in the front row.

Photo: WWE

The end of the match saw Valkyria continually stop Lynch’s attempt to use an exposed turnbuckle on her. As Valkyria came up with some powerhouse maneuvers on Lynch, eventually “The Man” would poke Lyra in the eye and try to roll her up for the win. However, the Women’s Intercontinental champion would come up with three count on Lynch despite not being able to use her other arm to hold Lynch down because of possible broken nose.

After the match, being a sore loser, Lynch attacked Valkyria in the ring until security had to get her off of the champ and out of the ring. GRADE B+

FATU FOR YOU

Jacob Fatu is quickly becoming an overwhelming fan favorite, especially with his Samoan Drop finisher, moonsaults and athleticism. In the fatal four-way at Backlash in which Fatu defended the U.S. Heavyweight Championship for the first time since winning at WrestleMania 41 against LA Knight, Drew McIntrye and Damian Priest, he was pretty unstoppable.

Each wrestler had their spots in one of the better matches of the night and it was the show opener. LA Knight showed why he is still so viable with his great timing and moves. Will the WWE give him another push soon, or is it too late? Meanwhile, bitter rivals Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest beat the crap out of each other, until while in the crowd, Priest delivered a South of Heaven through a table that knocked them both out of the match.

Photo: WWE

When Fatu was in trouble, Solo Sikoa showed up pulling the ref out of the ring when it looked like LA Knight had him beat. All of a sudden, Jeff Cobb shows up and is beating up the Megastar so Fatu could hit his patented moonsault to secure the victory.

Trouble is now brewing because Fatu looked completely puzzled why and how Cobb showed up and aligned himself with Sikoa, when it seemed like Jacob didn’t want any help. Is the going to be the turning point, where Fatu puts his alliance with the Bloodline 2.0 to bed and just continues to build to a main event star? We hope so.  GRADE B+

So, what did you think of WWE Backlash 2025? Are you enjoying Cena’s heel run? Do you hope he retires with the belt? Share your thoughts, and check out the Michael Fairman Channel’s latest episode of our talk show “What’s Up? Wrestling” were we shared our reactions and reviews from WWE’s latest premium live event.

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What a way to kickoff the PLE with the Fatal Four way match. Four different wrestlers that worked against each other, calling the match. That takes talent and they did a good job with some decent spots. [Fatu retains]

“The Man” goes up against Lyra. Something is off. The same issues with Charlotte and Tiffy. The two living legends are not working well with the new talent. I think the seasoned veteran ladies need to feud. And by the way, Lyra’s bird gimmick is horrible! She needs to scrap that. One way is to go heel and go with a [Lyra retains.]

Michael, what do you think of Penta? I have grown to really like him. you could see that the man is very talented. But I like his style. The way he carries himself. Kind of funny when he enters the runway and heads to the ring. He is good to the fans to. [Dirty Dom retains.]

“Slap” McAfee. Did you see how red he was from the beating he took from Goonther! Not bad for what it was. I expected more out of Pat. He needed to do more high spots to make it a little interesting. I guess there is too much on the line with all the jobs he has. Gunther finished playing with him, Michael Cole got a little involved, but Gunther wrapped it up and that was that and that was the end of Pat!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Main Event, Cena versus the hometown legend, St. Louis’s number one heel/baby face, Randy Orton. We knew Cena would retain. Old school gimmicks and a master class on calling the match and executing their spots. John Cena stole the post event presser!

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Recaps

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Has Dylan’s Mystery Caller/Stalker Been Revealed to Be an Alive Luna Nozawa?

Published

12 hours ago

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May 1, 2026

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We have another scream machine on her hands at The Bold and the Beautiful after the dramatic ending of the May 1 episode, and that would be Dylan (Sydney Bullock)!

B&B is finally making some headway on just who was the person behind the mystery call that Dylan received telling her they have some “unfinished business.” At the time of the mysterious call, it was clear that the voice was altered to disguise the true identify of the person on the the other line.

On today’s show, after Dylan and Electra (Laneya Grace) exchange words in the wardrobe room about Dylan wanting to rebuild their trust and friendship and how Electra has issues stemming from way back trusting anyone after what Remy (Christian Weissmanm) did to her by befriending her and then plastering deep fake nude photos of her across social media.

Photo: JPI

The timing of Electra bringing up Remy is also interesting to us, as we had previously reported now that Christian Weissmann is back and on on contract with The Bold and the Beautiful, he’s already teased that Remy has another connection to someone on the canvas, which many are still believing its Dylan.

At the end of the episode, after Electra leaves the room, Dylan hears noises coming from behind the dress rack. She asks, “Jamie” is that with you? After no answer and a bit more hangar and dress ruffling, a figure steps out behind it, while Dylan is looking down at her tablet trying to get back to work.

When Dylan looks up, she lets out a scream that could be heard to Nebraska, as viewers see partial view of what looks to be a woman with long dark hair from the back. Dylan in shock, says, “It’s you!” We fade to black.

So, what’s going on here? Is the reason the caller said to her that we have “unfinished business” because on Monday, it will be revealed to actually be an alive and well, Luna (Lisa Yamada)? Did the two strikes some sort of deal, that allowed Dylan to help Luna escape after Luna supposedly died after Dylan ran her down with her car, which was all off-screen? Another theory, is the mystery caller is Remy and he is doing some sort of Luna fakeout on Dylan for a yet to be revealed reason.

What do you think is going on? Did Lisa Yamada just make an on-screen return to The Bold and the Beautiful? Share your thoughts and theories below, but first check out our recent interview from back in March on the Michael Fairman Channel when Lisa who attended the BBTV app launch party.

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Recaps

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Nick Confesses His Drug Problem to Victor; Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman, Eric Braeden Bring the Newman Bond

Published

12 hours ago

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May 1, 2026

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When The Young and the Restless can deliver an emotional side to their stories and their family dynamics, it usually makes for some great scenes delivered by their A-list cast.

Such was the case on the Friday, May 1 episode when Adam (Mark Grossman) and Nick (Joshua Morrow) returned to Genoa City and gave their father, Victor Newman (Eric Braeden), an update on what had gone down with Matt Clark (Roger Howarth) in Las Vegas.

As Victor questioned, “What the hell happened?” Nick piped up, “We both made mistakes along the way, but we’re here now and we’re sorry for giving you so much worry on top of everything else that you’re dealing with,” which was in reference to Victor trying to reclaim his company Newman Enterprises et al.

Courtesy/CBS

NICK’S CONFESSION

Next, Nick, explains one of the ways he messed up while trying to go after Matt Clark, when he admitted to this father with tears in his eyes, “That’s one of the ways I messed up … I took Fentanyl willingly. Some of it was because of Matt, but most of it was on me. I was in a lot of pain, dad, after my accident, I was burning through my prescription meds really quickly after I left the hospital. I could see that it was becoming a problem. But honestly, I thought that I could manage it.  I was wrong. I was out in LA and Matt had taken Noah (Lucas Adams) and Sienna (Tamara Braun) and he gave me this bag of pills and said I could use it to trade for information. When I went out to that drug warehouse, he was trying to convince me and Sharon (Sharon Case) that Noah was a drug addict. I just put the pills in my pocket of my jacket and I came back to Genoa City and I was in a lot of pain, dad, and I was wearing that jacket. I put my hands in the pocket and the pills were there.”

Nick sadly added, “I was desperate. I couldn’t get anymore prescription meds, so I took the fentanyl  I’m deeply ashamed that I was so weak, but all I can do is stand here and tell you the truth that I’m going to make this right and I’ll get better.”

BROTHER TO BROTHER

Adam stood up for his brother and reconfirmed to Victor the plan for help Nick through his pill addiction, “Nick is already on his way to doing that. Sharon has set up an appointment with an outpatient facility. He’s going to do the meetings and he’s going to push through this better than ever.”

Courtesy/CBS

“You should also know that the only reason I’m standing here is because of Adam,” Nick confessed to Victor. “Every time I fell, you were there to pick me up. You risked your life to save me, and that’s not something I will ever forget.”

In the climatic and emotional ending of the scene, Nick in tears admits his shame to his dad, who comes in to give him hug. Nick says, “I’m so sorry. I know that this is the last thing you or this family needs.”

All three actors, Joshua Morrow, Mark Grossman and Eric Braeden, were excellent in this exchange in their scenes, but at its epicenter continues to be the Emmy-worthy performances by Y&R MVP, Joshua Morrow. Nick’s heartbreaking journey and fall from grace with his pill addiction problem has finally shown the clinks in the armor of the man who is always on the ready to help others … now he needs to let others help him through this. Can we do it?

So, what did you think of the scenes between the Newman man featuring Joshua, Mark and Eric on the Friday episode of Y&R? And though who watched also know that at the very end, Matt Clark who clearly has been injured wakes up from being conked out, so there is more revenge to come on the Newman clan. Share your thoughts below, but take a look at these scenes from a Canadian viewers who saw them air yesterday.

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Days Of Our Lives

DAYS OF OUR LIVES: Sophia Seemingly Plans to End Her Life, But Not Before Setting Fire to Johnny’s Apartment With Him Trapped Inside

Published

1 day ago

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April 30, 2026

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The final few moments of the Thursday, April 30 episode of Days of our Lives, will pave the way, to what just may be the end of Sophia Choi’s (Rachel Boyd) life, but not as you may think!

After an unhinged Sophia paid a visit to Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman), maced him in the eyes, knocked him out and then tied up to a chair, now conscious, she lets him know that she holds him responsible for all the trouble and trauma she has gone through from adopting her child, and her being sent to a mental institution.

So instead of the unregistered gun Kristen (Stacy Haiduk) gave her to finish off Johnny, Sophia sets up a plan to light candle, use nail polish remover and turn on the gas on the stove to ultimately create a mass explosion, which although Johnny pleaded to her not to that to all the innocent people inside his apartment building, she doesn’t seem to care.

Photo: JPI

FIERY FACE OFF

The plan was supposed to be, after she takes care of Johnny she will toss the gun in the Salem River, then focus on payback to Holly Jonas before leaving town to start a new life.

Now, Sophia makes her exit, leaving Johnny to be a few moments away from an explosion or gas inhalation, when Chanel (Raven Bowens) comes home after awaiting the results of her mammogram. She sees Johnny tied up, as he panics and tells her to put out the flame on the candle, things go awry, and a fire has begun and everything may go up in flames with Johnny and Chanel inside.

Photo: JPI

A BROKEN SOPHIA

Back in her room, Sophia breaks down after reading the social media comments about her, she planted, and then starts writing a suicide or farewell note which says. “I’m tired of begging for forgiveness for my mistakes. All I wanted was to move forward, to be loved and understood. But it’s clear that I was never going to get that. Holly Jonas said that I was dead to her. So, as her former BFF, I’m going to make her dream a reality.”

Photo: JPI

A DEADLY TRAP

Now, the fate of Johnny, Chanel and Sophia will be revealed on tomorrow’s May 1st cliffhanger, which may be the end of Sophia when she crosses paths with Kirsten at the bridge near the river. We do know Rachel Boyd is no longer appearing in the show credits section and is now off contract with the soap.

So, what did you think of the climatic final moments of DAYS? What did you think of the performance of Rachel Boyd as Sophia Choi? Let us know via the comment section.

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