On Saturday night, WWE returned with its latest premium live event, Backlash. The card in Tampa, FL features just five matches and will also include a special announcement from WWE icon John Cena. There's always a chance for surprises when it comes to WWE PLE, and the last two editions of Backlash included the emergence of new members to the Solo Sequoia version of Bloodline.
With that in mind, we present five potential surprises to look out for on Saturday at Backlash.
Kairi Sane will make a surprise return at WWE Backlash
To the dismay of many WWE fans, women's division stalwart Kairi Sane was one of nearly 30 roster releases over the past few weeks. This left many disappointed as she was unable to complete her ongoing storyline with longtime friend Asuka.
However, in recent times there have been rumors that Sane may make a special appearance at Backlash to finish what he started. Given how much TV time was devoted to the storyline over the past year, look for Sane to make a one-off return to help Iyo Sky defeat Asuka.
Braun Breaker defeated Seth Rollins at Backlash
Had it not been for an unfortunate injury, Seth Rollins would have faced Braun Breaker at WrestleMania 42. However, instead, we got this huge grudge match at Backlash. The couch booker in all of us would suggest that Rollins gets the W on Saturday as The Breaker played a role in his loss to Gunther at 'Mania and has consistently gained the upper hand on his former mentor since then.
However, Rollins is a made man, and WWE is working hard to develop future WrestleMania main eventers. While fans would love a Rollins victory, don't be surprised if Breaker's run of success against the former leader of The Vision continues this weekend.
Roman Reigns vs. Jacob Fatu ends in disqualification
The main event of Backlash will see Roman Reigns defend the World Heavyweight Title for the first time against his cousin, "The Samoan Werewolf" Jacob Fatu. If there's any guarantee on Saturday, it's that Reigns isn't losing his title. However, getting a decisive and clean win over Fatu may not benefit the company long term as he is someone they are trying to build into a main event talent.
That's why we predict Backlash will end with a disqualification to ensure that Reigns hold on to the title and that they keep Fatu strong to set up another match in their next PLE.
John Cena will announce the return of WWE Draft
WWE legend John Cena has been bullish about his appearance at Backlash and on Thursday claimed his announcement would "shake the foundation of WWE." There is speculation that this club will be related to the launch of WWE. However, it may ultimately lead to boos from the crowd in Tampa.
To avoid an unpleasant moment with the beloved legend, we predict the company will go in the other direction and announce the return of WWE Draft. They didn't do that in 2024, and both Raw and SmackDown are in desperate need of a change in the status quo.
'Cola Man Punk' will be Danhausen's mystery partner
One of the most anticipated elements of Backlash this year was the reveal of who Danhausen's mystery opponent would be in the tag match against The Miz and Kit Wilson. There has been much speculation as to who he might be, including the sinister return of Jelly Roll. However, we expect WWE to deliver a fan-pleasing moment that will partner "Cola Man Punk", aka CM Punk.
Danhausen and Punk are real-life friends, and the latter played a big role in bringing the former to WWE. Punk is not in a storyline at the moment, and this would be a fun way to put him in action in a great moment and create an unlikely team-up on television.
