Backlash has long been WWE’s post-WrestleMania proving ground, a place for rematches, resolutions, and the first steps toward SummerSlam. Since 1999, there have been 20 editions, but this year’s event features more personal rivalries than almost any before it.
And Danhausen.
Wrestling’s odd yet lovable goblin makes his in-ring premium live event debut this Saturday as he and a mystery partner face The Miz and Kit Wilson. Knowing how pro wrestling works, this is likely to end poorly for Miz and Wilson.
Alas, it didn’t have to be this way.
For weeks, The Miz was searching for a protégé to teach his core values to. Danhausen, eager for guidance, was introduced to him by SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and could not have been more excited.
Miz, however, was less than thrilled. He rejected the offer, got cursed for it, and things unraveled from there. Wilson, who also crossed Danhausen, saw his and Miz’s tag title hopes go up in flames, thanks to the evil one.
Since then, it has been pure chaos, including Danhausen wrecking Miz’s wedding renewal with Maryse. Last Friday on SmackDown, Miz looked to bury the hatchet, only to double-cross Danhausen along with Wilson.
The animosity — hilarious as it is — gives this match its place on Backlash, but the absurdity that’s bound to follow should provide a welcome breather on a night defined by bad blood.
The Card
Including Danhausen’s in-ring debut at a WWE PLE, Backlash features five matches, each carrying different levels of personal hostility and career implications.
World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jacob Fatu. The Usos and Solo Sikoa have weighed in on the pending war between cousins, but Fatu isn’t listening. Tensions spiked when he choked out Reigns with the Tongan Death Grip, a last resort move. The finish could spark a shocking family reunion or another Bloodline civil war.
Seth Rollins opened the door for Bron Breakker, inviting him to join his Vision, but Breakker had his sights set on Paul Heyman all along. Rollins insists the 28-year-old isn’t ready for this stage, but it’s Rollins who is coming off a WrestleMania loss. A heated vendetta, both men need a win, but neither can afford to lose.
A relationship that began in Japan nearly 20 years ago comes to a dramatic end in the United States as Iyo Sky battles her former friend and senpai, Asuka. After Sky’s breakout success in 2025 bred a friendship with Rhea Ripley, Asuka turned cold, accusing Sky of being selfish. With reconciliation off the table, this one promises to be an emotional encounter that could steal the show.
United States Champion Trick Williams seeks revenge after Sami Zayn fatally took out his mascot, the Gingerbread Man. Zayn, meanwhile, looks to reclaim the title he lost to Williams at WrestleMania. The setup may be ridiculous, but the match will be no laughing matter — unless it is.
Watch
Backlash takes place this Saturday, May 9, at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, streaming at 6 p.m. ET and 3 p.m. PT on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan, and on Netflix internationally. Fans can also watch live in select movie theaters, with tickets available at Fandango.
