• Real Reason WWE Canceled Rumored Backlash Match
Pat McAfee has officially pulled the plug on his storyline with Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, forcing WWE to cancel a match planned for next month.
According to the Wrestling Observer, McAfee chose to opt out of the angle entirely. This decision means the big tag team match that was supposed to happen at Backlash on May 9, featuring McAfee and Orton vs. Cody Rhodes and Jelly Roll, has been completely scrapped.
It turns out that both McAfee and Jelly Roll have been paying close attention to what people are saying online. Many fans have been vocal about not wanting celebrities taking up main-event spots in the ring.
Both men are huge wrestling fans themselves. They reportedly didn’t want to be the reason for any negative vibes or criticism toward the product they love.
It was McAfee’s decision to walk away, largely because he didn’t want the fans’ frustration with celebrity wrestlers to ruin the stories involving full-time stars like Cody and Randy.
Because McAfee stepped back, WWE decided to drop the entire storyline rather than try to force it to work without him. McAfee is now retired from wrestling because Orton lost at WrestleMania 42.
• John Cena Teases Another PLE Appearance After WrestleMania 42
John Cena returned to WWE programming this past weekend as the Host of WrestleMania 42. It looks like we might see the 17-time World Champion at another premium live event.
After Complex incorrectly wished Cena a happy 45th birthday today, Cena replied:
“Man if only it were 2023 again!! I might have different business at WWE #Backlash Alas, the years pass. I am still gonna try to do something epic in Tampa for 5/9. I promised Club WWE something special… stay tuned.”
WWE Backlash 2026 takes place on May 9th in Tampa, Florida.
