Below are a couple of top WWE news stories of the day, featuring Braun Strowman and Backlash.
• Braun Strowman Has An Agreement With WWE After His Release
Braun Strowman has been released from WWE, surprising many fans since he was still involved in active storylines on SmackDown. The former Universal Champion’s exit has now been linked to financial reasons behind the scenes.
According to the Wrestling Observer, Strowman’s salary played a major role in the decision to let him go. WWE reportedly felt that the money he was being paid didn’t match how much he was being used on TV:
“He is the one that, the salary was high. One person told me that they felt he was paid more than how they were using him I guess is the best way to put it, but salary played a part in this.”
In an update from Bill Apter, Strowman has an agreement with WWE after his release:
“I heard that it was not an angry break, and if they call him 6 months or a year down the road, ‘We need you for 3 or 4 months,’ he would be willing to do it again. The door is open.”
Strowman had previously been released in 2021, but WWE brought him back in September 2022 after Triple H took over creative. Since then, he was featured in several storylines. In the past year, he had been feuding with Bronson Reed and Jacob Fatu.
His last match was a Last Man Standing bout against Jacob Fatu on the April 4, 2025 episode of SmackDown. He lost that match and did not appear at WrestleMania 41 before being released.
Also Read: Controversial Wrestler Demands An Apology, Wants To Return To WWE
• SmackDown Star Is Banged Up Heading Into Backlash Title Match
Damian Priest is still dealing with the effects of his WrestleMania 41 match, just days before he competes for the United States Championship at Backlash.
In an interview with MLB Network, Priest admitted he’s not fully healed from the Sin City Street Fight he had with Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania.
“I still haven’t recovered from Mania physically,” Priest said.
Looking ahead to Backlash, Priest is expecting another tough night in the ring. “So I’m looking at this match and I’m thinking to myself, ‘Okay, so I’m definitely gonna feel pain for a while.’ It is what it is,” he said.
He acknowledged the level of competition he’s facing. “These are some of the heaviest hitters in the company, big guys that are mega stars right now. I’m looking forward to it because I love that physicality anyway.”
Priest will compete in a Fatal 4-Way match this Saturday at the Backlash PLE, taking on United States Champion Jacob Fatu, LA Knight, and Drew McIntyre.
