Jacob Fatu Attacks Reigns After Backlash Loss, Slater Nears X Division Record
Jacob Fatu lost to Roman Reigns by pinfall in the main event of WWE Backlash on May 9, 2026, at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. Reigns retained the World Heavyweight Championship, but Fatu delivered a post-match beatdown on the champion. The event featured title defenses and high-profile matches across WWE brands.
Trick Williams retained the United States Championship against Sami Zayn, who faced distractions from rapper Lil Yachty during the bout. Danhausen defeated The Miz with interference from multiple Mini-hausens emerging from a cloning machine, while Kit Wilson competed alongside Miz. Bron Breakker pinned Seth Rollins with a torpedo spear to claim a major victory. Iyo Sky overcame Asuka in a match marked by poison mist attempts and bad blood, highlighted by Sky's Bullet Train attacks and Over the Moonsault; the two embraced afterward amid emotional posts from Sky on X describing their rivalry's final chapter.
Leon Slater approaches Austin Aries' 298-day TNA X Division Championship record, set after No Surrender 2011 until vacated for a world title shot. Slater won the title at Slammiversary in July 2025 and faces Cedric Alexander on Thursday's Impact, where a win would make him the longest-reigning champion. Aries posted support on X, stating Slater would surpass the mark but without facing him.
In NXT, Mason Rook, formerly Will Kroos of Progress Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Noah, debuted by attacking champion Tony D'Angelo after his non-title win over Tavion Heights. AEW's one-hour Fairway to Hell special at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens featured Darby Allin retaining the World Championship against Pac amid unique golf course visuals, Mark Davis winning the AEW national title from Jack Perry, and victories for Megan Bayne and Lena Kross plus Mike Bailey. AAA announced its first two-night TripleMania on Sept. 11 and 13, with the second at Mexico City Arena.
