WWE Backlash promises to give fans clarity on what to expect in the coming months. There are some high-stakes title contests featuring the company’s top players. While most of them are from the next generation of stars, the headliner is a blast from the past: John Cena vs. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
This Friday is the go-home episode of SmackDown. One night before Backlash, Cena will return to the blue brand. Let’s look at what to expect on the upcoming show.
One or Two More Potential Matches Could Be Added to WWE Backlash
WWE’s chief content officer, Triple H, has always approached the company’s Premium Live Events with a “less is more” system. But then, several storylines have not made it to the cut at Backlash. Only five matches have been announced thus far.
Superstars like World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso, Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton, and WWE Tag Team Champions Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins are not currently booked for the show. Stratton and the Street Profits are part of the SmackDown roster.
Especially for the Buff Barbie, her omission from the PLE is a sin, considering she just successfully defended her Women’s Title against Charlotte Flair at The Granddaddy of Them All.
Tiffany Stratton’s Title Defense — Jade Cargill or Nia Jax?
At WrestleMania 41, Jade Cargill defeated Naomi. Although their rivalry appears to be far from over, WWE is pitting the Storm against Nia Jax this Friday to determine Tiffany Stratton’s new number one contender.
Last Friday, all four women were featured in SmackDown’s main event, with Cargill and Stratton emerging as the victors. Post-match, the former AEW TBS Champion made it clear she is gunning for the Buff Barbie’s gold.
Jax is also not someone to be ruled out, as she has a rich history with Stratton. With just one more SmackDown show before Backlash, the Irresistible Force seems like the right opponent for the Women’s Champion, considering their unresolved issues.
Further Dissension Tease Between Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa
Elsewhere on SmackDown last week, WWE finally addressed Solo Sikoa potentially betraying Jacob Fatu with another character.
During a backstage segment, Sikoa accused general manager Nick Aldis for sabotaging the Samoan Werewolf’s situation. Aldis countered, pointing the gun back at the former “Tribal Chief” of the Bloodline.
Solo Sikoa says he’s the reason why Jacob Fatu is U.S Champion…#SmackDown
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) April 26, 2025
WWE has been teasing a full-blown rivalry between Sikoa and Fatu for a while now. Fans can expect this storyline to continue this Friday, as the two will team up to wrestle LA Knight and Damian Priest in tag team action.
What Is Next for Recently Returned WWE Star Aleister Black?
Aleister Black defeated two-time WWE Champion The Miz last week, while also teasing a program with the A-Lister’s new tag team partner, Carmelo Hayes. Black’s next move is something to look forward to as he heads into his third SmackDown since return.
His wife, Zelina Vega, won the Women’s United States Championship on April 25. Black made his first televised appearance since re-signing on the same night. Vega reflected on the eventful weekend recently, detailing his backstage meeting with Triple H.
An RKO Out of Nowhere Again, or Will John Cena Stand Tall for a Change?
Randy Orton and John Cena have been there, done that in WWE. They have done it all. It makes sense that the creative team did not need to add too many segments featuring the two as there is a rich history already.
The Viper has caught his opponent with the RKO twice already during the build-up to Backlash. With a final confrontation set for this Friday, who would gain the upper hand before their high-stakes Undisputed WWE Championship match?