• WWE Might Be Saving Planned WrestleMania 42 Match For Backlash
As we have previously noted, WWE has internally planned Asuka vs. IYO SKY for WrestleMania 42, but hasn’t officially announced it yet. According to the Wrestling Observer, WWE might be saving this match for the Backlash 2026 PLE on May 9th:
“Last week that match was listed on the internal lineup but not yet announced. Asuka did a taped interview on RAW to build the match. SKY put a photo of Allegiant Stadium on her social media teasing it.
When they announced both nights lineups on ESPN, the match was not there, and the Sunday show only had six matches left. At press time, we were told it is up in the air, and I guess this basically depends on how long they want the show to go and how much time is allotted for the six matches.
There is a plan, and it may not even be the backup plan, but the plan, to save the match for Backlash. But we were told this decision is still up in the air.”
Bryan Alvarez previously reported that the delay in making IYO SKY vs. Asuka official comes down to WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella’s condition. If she isn’t cleared in time for the Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal-4-Way match, The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) are expected to step in as replacements for The Bella Twins at the Show of Shows.
• Spoiler On The Possible Main Event Of Backlash 2026
As seen on last week’s SmackDown, Pat McAfee returned and turned heel by joining forces with Randy Orton to attack Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
According to the Wrestling Observer, Jelly Roll (who was RKOed by Orton) will be in Cody’s corner at WrestleMania 42, and this will lead to Orton and McAfee vs. Rhodes and Roll in a tag team match at the Backlash 2026 PLE on May 9th:
“As part of the deal, Pat McAfee will team with Randy Orton against Cody Rhodes and Jelly Roll coming out of WrestleMania and be a key match at the Backlash PPV on 5/9, at least as of plans that were confirmed by multiple people and were still in play at press time.”
McAfee is scheduled to announce a “massive surprise” on tonight’s SmackDown.
