Recaps
WWE Backlash 2025: John Cena Remains Undisputed Champion Defeating Randy Orton; Are Clues Adding Up That His Heel Turn Might Be Temporary?
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.
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!
General Hospital
Could Kristen Vaganos and Josh Kelly Be Exiting ‘General Hospital?’

General Hospital fans took to social media following the airing of the Wednesday, October 21 episode of the ABC daytime drama series. In story, Molly (Kristen Vaganos) reveals to Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) that she has received an offer to join the top law firm in Chicago that practices civil law. She says it’s her dream job.
The problem Molly says is relocating from Port Charles and uprooting her life and being away from her mother, Scout and boyfriend Cody Bell (Josh Kelly). Wistful that she may lose another daughter to a long-distance situation (Kristina left a few months back to go to medical school in California), Alexis urged Molly to get Cody to go with her.
Molly still seemed concerned and has trouble committing to the idea. Alexis tells her to talk it over with Cody. Meanwhile, Cody asked Tracy (Jane Elliot) is he can have Thanksgiving off because he and Molly planned to spend Thanksgiving together with their families. After initially balking, Tracy agrees.

Courtesy/ABC
WILL MOLLY AND CODY HEAD TO CHI-TOWN?
Later, Cody shows up at Miller & Davis and the conversation turned to Thanksgiving dinner that Alexis is hosting. Molly and Cody asked her not to cook anything. Cody hugged Molly reassuring Alexis that he and Molly would take care of whatever was needed on Turkey Day.
So, this raises the question, why out of nowhere are we learning that Molly received an amazing law offer in Chicago, if the character was not being written out? If Molly leaves the canvas, would the character of Cody make his exit too?
Kristen Vaganos joined GH as a recast Molly Lansing-Davis back in September of 2023 and went on contract in August of 2024. Josh Kelly began playing Cody Bell back in June of 2022. Initial reports were that Kelly joined the show on contract and then as of June 2025 went on recurring status with the show per his choice.
Do you see a world where GH is writing out Molly and Cody? Would you be sad to see Kristen and Josh exit the soap opera? If this is not what is going on, is this just a plot point for some other story that is upcoming? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
Recaps
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS: Adam Delivers Sally’s Baby as Billy Reels from Jill’s Health Crisis in Tearjerker Episode

The Tuesday, October 20 episode saw The Young and the Restless deliver some deeply-poignant moments in the aftermath of Billy (Jason Thompson) and Sally’s (Courtney Hope) wedding.
The scenes which will be talked about for some time to come, because of how they can impact longterm story, had Adam (Mark Grossman) being the one to deliver Billy and Sally’s baby, while Billy was gut-punched by a phone call from Snapper Foster that Jill had suffered a heart attack in London.
In story, while up in Sally’s room at the GCAC, wishing his ex all the happiness, (because Adam and Billy have no love lost, and he didn’t want to cause waves), Sally’s water broke. In true soapy fashion, all phones were dead. Sally’s phone was missing because it was with Audra (Zuleyka Silver), Adam’s battery ran out etc. Prior to that, Adam did try to call Billy, but Billy did not pick up his calls, as he was with Cane (Billy Flynn) coming to terms with the news on Jill.

Photo: JPI
TORN BETWEEN RUNNING TO HIS MOTHER OR HIS NEW WIFE AND BABY
Now in the perfect storm of circumstances, Adam is the one to help Sally deliver her baby when she begged him to stay with er screaming, “Please don’t make me do this alone!” Adam reminded Sally that he’d already delivered a baby twice before. She assured him that it will be OK, and not to be scared, because this isn’t the same set of circumstances when she lost their daughter, Ava, during childbirth.
Downstairs, Billy is in tears over his mother. So too is Cane. Cane speaks to Jill on the phone when Snapper holds the phone to her while at her hospital bed. He tells her he loves her. Billy cannot bring himself to talk to his mom.
Cane decides he will go to London. Billy doesn’t know what to do with a new wife and a baby on the way. It’s clear how much losing Jill would devastate Billy. Cane tells Lily (Christel Khalil) what has happened to Jill, and Billy informs Jack (Peter Bergman) before he tries to find his bride who is upstairs in her room.

Photo: JPI
A NEW ABBOTT
Back in Sally’s room, eventually Adam asks Sally (who is deep in labor), if she thought she was having a girl or boy, and she said a boy. But then, Adam introduced her to her “beautiful, perfect baby girl.” It was a moment laced with so much history for Adam and Sally and Adam and Billy, when you think of the deaths of Ava and Deliah.
As Sally cradled her newborn little bundle of joy, Adam went to go get Billy at her request, and as he made his way to the door, Billy was standing there. Billy is stunned to see his rival standing, but then Sally tells Billy to meet his daughter!
Billy rushes to the bedside to be my his new wife and daughter, with the heartbreaking final shot of Adam emotionally overcome thinking of the baby he has lost with Sally. and how he wishes things could have turned out differently in a bittersweet moment.

Photo: JPI
EMOTIONAL PERFORMANCES
The episode was laced with hankie-inducing moments from Jason Thompson, Courtney Hope, Mark Grossman and Billy Flynn, who each delivered, to bring this story so much heart and history. There is plenty of Emmy material within for next year for these four.
You can check out the final moments of yesterday’s episode where Billy meets his daughter for the first time, followed by the final shot of Adam at the door below, followed by our live chat replay with Y&R stars, Jason Thompson and Courtney Hope which streamed immediately after this episode aired in all timezones on the Michael Fairman Channel.
Now let us know, did you reach for the hankies during the episode? Did you like that Adam was the one to deliver Sally’s baby? Do you think something more will happen with Jill? Share your reactions in the comment section.
Recaps
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: Finn Blows a Gasket After Steffy Reveals She’s Gone Ahead and Become Carter and Daphne’s Surrogate

On the Monday, October 19 episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, after Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) stammering around and trying to find a way to couch her lie to her husband, Finn (Tanner Novlan), she finally admits what she has been dreading telling him.
But not before, Finn and Steffy rehash Monaco, Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown), and how it was turning point in their lives (that’s an understatement) with Finn reiterating, “Our marriage is precious. What we have is pure and true.”
Finn promises Sheila is out of their lives for good, and Steffy chokes back tears saying how she wished she hadn’t removed her ring and hightailed it out of Monaco. She says she wishes she could take that back, but she can’t.

Courtesy/CBS
Steffy tells Finn she has a lot to say. Finn tells her there is nothing they can’t overcome. Steffy says she made a significant decision while he was away. She goes to to say what a great friend Daphne (Murielle Hilaire) has been to her. Finn asks if Daphne and Carter (Lawrence Saint-Victor) are still interviewing to find a surrogate? Steffy says they found someone and the process has begun, and its “me.”
Finn gulps, “What do you mean it’s you?” Steffy eeks out of her mouth, “I agreed to be Daphne and Carter’s surrogate.” Finn, who is a doctor no less says, “I don’t understand!” He explains he knows there is a list of medical and legal hurdles someone has to go through before a woman can become a surrogate for a couple. He also tells Steffy he knows she could never carry a child and give it up.
Next, Finn tells Steffy she’s wonderful for considering to do this for Carter and Daphne, but she’ll have to tell them no. Steffy says it’s too late. That while he was out of town they went ahead with the procedure. Finn asks, “What procedure?” Steffy responds, “The fertilization of the eggs.” Finn learns they used Steffy’s frozen eggs and did the implantation and loses it!
“I can’t believe you went and did that! This isn’t something a wife does when their husband is out of town on a business trip,” hollers Finn. He cannot believe what he is hearing and that his wife just went and did this without him! He pushes back on Steffy. demanding answers, “There’s more going on here. What is it? Steffy? Tell me!” We fade to black.
You can check out the pivotal scene between Finn and Steffy below.
Now weigh-in: are you glad Finn is as of now not being a doofus? That he is pushy back on Steffy? Do you think Steffy will continue with this lie or admit she slept with Carter and became pregnant? Either way, would Finn stay with his wife while she became a surrogate for Carter and Daphne? Let us know in the comment section.
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