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WWE Backlash: Top 5 Takeaways

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: WWE

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.

 

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Sonny Tells Dante, “I Don’t Want a Son Like You,” While Michael Tells Brook Lynn to Bide Her Time Till Chase and Willow Have an Affair

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Sonny, Dante, Michael, Brook Lynn General Hospital

On the Thursday, October 1 episode of General Hospital, both Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) and Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson) had some things to say and what they had to say didn’t go over well with whom they were talking to!

Sonny had a confrontation with his son, Dante (Dominic Zamprogna), while Michael leveled with Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) over Chase (Josh Swickard).

GH is setting up a scenario where everyone is going to make it look like Sonny was responsible for having Sidwell (Carlo Rota) beat up in Pentonville; while viewers already know Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) were behind it.

Sonny and Dante

Courtesy/ABC

A VISIT WITH DAD

Now, Dante comes to Sonny’s house. He wants to know straight up from his dad if he ordered the attack at Pentonville. Sonny flatly denies any culpability or responsibility, but Dante refuses to believe him.

Dante informs Sonny he has video footage of Sully and Vito at the prison. Sonny explains to Dante he doesn’t know why Sully beat up both Curtis and Dante. Things escalated when Sonny was deeply hurt that Dante refused to believe him. Dante says he was disappointed that his father didn’t respect him enough to be truthful with him!

Sonny asks Dante to consider that he was being set up. He says all he did was to tell Vito to instruct Sully to keep a watchful eye on Sidwell, not to harm him. No matter what Sonny said, Dante continued hammering him with how he knew deep down, even though he said he left the mob, he had to finish off Sidwell for himself.

Next, Sonny explains everything he has ever done was to provide for and to protect his family. Dante fired back that he doesn’t want to deal anymore with Sonny’s half-baked truths. As the two men argue, Gio (Giovanni Mazza) shows up at Sonny’s front door and overhears Sonny losing his temper and shouting at Dante, “Get out of my house! I don’t want a son like you!”  The scenes featured an excellent performance by Maurice Benard.

Michael and Brook Lynn

Courtesy/ABC

MICHAEL THE MANIPULATOR

While this is going down, outside the Quartermaine boathouse, Brook Lynn opens up to Michael about living at the Q’s with Chase being there, since he only came back due to legal advice from his lawyer, Monet Mitchell (Blythe Howard).

Brook Lynn questioned whether they should get legally separate. Michael insisted that would be a big mistake. When she asks why, Michael tells Brook Lynn to bide her time until Chase and Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) have an affair; then she’d have full custody of Phoebe.

An angered Brook Lynn pushed Michael into the water and accuses him of moving Willow back into the gatehouse with intent on putting Chase and Willow in closer proximity and sacrificing Brook Lynn’s family in the process.  As the two cousins bicker, Chase shows up asking Brook Lynn if she is OK. Michael punctuates their talk with “You know, I’m right.”

CURTIS FIGURES OUT A WAY TO GET OUT OF THE SLAMMER

At GH, Willow visits Curtis (Donnell Turner) in his hospital room. Curtis wants Willow to get him pardoned and keep him out of jail, and in return, he will help her nail Sonny.

Next, Willow tells Dr. Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) she wants Curtis held for observation for three more days. He agrees to do so under one condition, that she understands that he may need to call in a favor from a congresswoman.

So, what did you think of how Dante accused his father and refused to believe Sonny’s answers? Is this the end of their father and son relationship for good? Is Michael the most manipulative person of all, except for Willow? Do the two deserve each other? Do you want Chase and Willow to have an affair? And what of Curtis? Does he have many redeeming qualities left? Share your thoughts via the comment section,  but first check out the talk Michael had with Brook Lynn.

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General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ava and Drew Revealed to be Behind Framing Sonny for Sidwell’s Prison Beatdown

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Drew and Ava

If you thought that the person responsible for the Pentonville brawl that saw Sidwell (Carlo Rota) and Curtis (Donnell Turner) taken to General Hospital was Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard) or even Sidwell himself, you were dead wrong! On the Wednesday, September 30 episode of GH, it turned out that the culprits were actually Ava (Maura West) and Drew (Cameron Mathison).

In story, Drew apparently bankrolled the attack on Sidwell and framing Sonny. He told Ava their planned worked (she came up with it!) but was horrified when Drew informed her that Curtis got caught in the crosshairs. Ava is visibly upset because of her longtime friendship with Curtis’ daughter, Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali). Drew tried to make Ava see the bright side. Curtis was witness to it and his presence will cast doubt on Sonny’s claims to that he had gotten out of the mob and gone legit.

Later, Vito shows up at Drew’s. They informed him that his guy on the inside of the slammer made a big mistake by hurting their friend and ordered him to leave town.

Maura West

Courtesy/ABC

BOATHOUSE BRAWL

In other major developments, Danny (Asher Antonyzyn) and Rocco (Finn Carr) have a blow out fight as Danny blames his “brother” for the reason Charlotte was sent off to boarding school.

Rocco told off Danny for Charlotte’s (Bluesy Burke) reckless behavior and he explains he had to protect his sister. He went in on Danny saying that his mother Lulu (Alexa Havins) has been right to send Charlotte to boarding school and far away from Danny.

However, Rocco went a bit too far when he shouted, “And if your mom was alive, she would send you away too!” Next, Danny punched out Rocco, leading to a terrible brawl. An angered Danny yells at Rocco to, “Stay away from me and everyone in my family. And don’t you ever mention my mom again!” Danny storms off.

Rocco

Courtesy/ABC

Now alone outside the boathouse, Rocco flashes back to his first kiss with Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarksi), hoping that his fight with Danny will not escalate and ruin their budding romance. Meanwhile, a bloodied-mouth Danny heads over to Sonny’s and Jason (Steve Burton) is there at the same time. He then admits that he has a bad fight with Rocco and they are both beaten up.

WILL SCOUT WISE UP?

At the end of the episode, Scout, who had a fight with Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) over Drew, and who keeps telling everyone how good a man her dad truly is, comes upon a suspicious scene.

Scout hides behind the wall outside Drew’s. She sees her dad, Ava and Vito talking. Next, Scout seems to overhear Vito assuring Drew and Ava that their business dealings are done, and he’ll be leaving Port Charles for good.

So, what did you think of the reveal that Ava and Drew were behind framing Sonny for the prison beatdown of Sidwell (and Curtis)? Do you think Danny and Rocco’s relationship can be repaired, or do you think the teenagers will continue to be at each other’s throats? Finally, do you hope Scout gets a clue and stops thinking her dad walks on air? Weigh-in via the comment section, but first check out how Ava and Drew conspired below.

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AEW

‘AEW Dynamite’ Pays Tribute to PAC Following the Death of Benjamin Satterley in Emotional, Moving, Pitch-Perfect Episode

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AEW Tribute to PAC

AEW delivered what would turn out to be an tear-filled, exceptionally done tribute to one of their own, Benjamin Satterley. better known as PAC. on the Wednesday night September 30 edition of their signature show, AEW Dynamite.

When the world learned of Satterley’s sudden passing on Sunday, September 27, it came just one day after what would be his final match at AEW All Out the night before. Now, for the first time his death, the AEW locker room, the men and the women who knew him best, gathered together to give “Ben” as they knew him, the send-off he deserved.

The special episode which emanated from the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was filled with emotional speeches, video packages, and matches dedicated to the wrestling favorite, who was one of the greatest to ever do it, and whose life was cut short at just 40-years-old.

TEARS IN HEAVEN

What was so impressive about how AEW produced this episode was they literally broke the fourth wall and allowed their performers to eulogize Satterley and tape them at the arena earlier in the day, sitting in front of the camera and speaking from their hearts.

The same carried through to the matches on the card. Each held significance, and instead of it being babyfaces vs heels, everyone came together to perform for PAC, for Ben, for this special night.

This unity illustrated how close for the most part the brotherhood and sisterhood among professional wrestlers truly is, in the field of sport entertainment, that is often misunderstood for it’s deeper meaning and what these athletes and performers do night after night by putting their bodies on the line.

The show began with a formal dedication from the commentary team led by Excalibur and Tony Schiavone. Next, they tossed to an unbelievable poignant video package featuring Jon Moxley with the Death Riders and PAC by his side (for what would be for the last time) speaking to the camera after his loss for the AEW World Title at AEW All Out. Moxley’s speech spoke to what it means to be a professional wrestler, and to “do things with purpose and give a shit,” which was a reference to PAC’s own philosophy.

PAC’S FAMILY SEND SPECIAL MESSAGE

A ten-bell Salute followed for Ben as the entire AEW locker room and company took to the stage alongside an empty chair representing PAC. As the cameras panned, tears were being shed by many of the wrestlers and referee Bryce Remsburg was visibly upset.

Later in the night, Renee Paquette struggled through reading a statement from PAC’s family back in the U.K. Paquette was emotional as she shared the words of thanks from the family to all those who showed Benjamin Satterley the love since his passing and what he meant to them.

MATCHES FILLED WITH HUGS AND MOMENTS HONORING ONE OF THEIR OWN

As the wrestlers made their way to the ring for their matches, many times they had tears in their eyes. Each wore an armband with the name PAC on it, and often came to the ring in PAC t-shirts, which AEW is selling online to help out Satterley’s family.

Jon Moxley faced Orange Cassidy in the opening bout, with Cassidy visibly upset. In the end, Moxley retained his Continental Championship. However, after the match, Bryan Danielson, who Moxley also most choked out with a plastic bag, splintering their relationship for what seemed like for good, was greeted in the ring by his former friend, who was in tears. The two hugged it out an emotional moment.

Hangman Adam Page was shown next in a video package just overcome with grief over the loss of Satterley. Next, he along with the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega reunited as “The Elite” took on members of the Don Callis Family, defeating them in a four on four tag match.

Cash Wheeler and Jay White each remembered PAC in two more video packages with both becoming overwhelmed with sadness and emotion. Swerve Strickland and his stablemates The New Level came out with the Trios Titles, something very connected to the legacy of Ben, and laid a PAC tribute towel over them in the center of the ring.

Next, in one of the more heartbreaking moments, Ricochet recalled how he and Pac shared a small room with bunk beds early in their careers as young wrestlers and how much he loved Satterley.

That was followed by a non-title bout between Ricochet and AEW World Champion, Will Ospreay. Before the match, the two hugged and in its aftermath. In tribute to Pac, Ospreay delivered his signature move off the top rope to secure the pin. This was an incredible match by two of the best wrestlers in the world.

MORE MEMORIES OF BEN

The match was followed by Will Ospreay’s tribute to PAC, including memories and the lasting impact Pac had on Ospreay from a young age. Later, Swerve Strickland and Darby Allin spoke to the cameras, In addition, Marina Shafir as the sole woman “Death Rider” shared her memories, before the women’s four way tag-match in which she appeared.

The main event featured The Death Riders with Bryan Danielson joining them to honor their fallen member, PAC against more members of the Don Callis family which included the return of Wardlow.

The show concluded with a video package honoring PAC, and closed out with empty chair placed under a spotlight in the ring as the wrestlers surrounded it, while the audience chanted “Thank you, PAC!”

What did you think of last night’s AEW Dynamite and how the wrestlers and the company came together to deliver this poignant episode dedicated to Benjamin “PAC” Satterley? Let us know via the comment section, but first check out the final video package in honor of the late pro wrestling favorite below.

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