Category: WWE

John Cena Announces New WWE Event (John Cena Classic) And Fan-Voted Championship At Backlash 2026

John Cena made an appearance at WWE Backlash 2026 to unveil a brand-new WWE project centered around the next generation of talent.

During the segment, Cena officially announced the creation of the “John Cena Classic,” a new WWE event that will feature crossover matches between WWE main roster stars and talent from WWE NXT.

The WWE legend reflected on his retirement match against GUNTHER at Saturday Night’s Main Event back in December and specifically pointed to Oba Femi’s breakout appearance on the same show as inspiration for the concept. Cena praised Femi’s rise over the past several months, noting that the powerhouse has since become one of the top stars on Raw and famously retired Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42.

According to Cena, the goal of the John Cena Classic is to continue giving younger talent major opportunities on a big stage while allowing established WWE stars to help elevate the next wave of performers.

Cena also announced that the event will introduce a brand-new championship with a unique twist attached to it.

In one of the more surprising details of the announcement, Cena stated that fans will have direct input in determining the champion regardless of the actual in-ring result. He explained that the WWE Universe will be able to vote on who becomes champion, meaning a wrestler could potentially lose their match and still walk away with the title.

While Cena shared the overall concept for the event and championship, he did not reveal additional details about how the voting system will work. WWE also did not unveil the championship belt itself during the segment.

No official date for the inaugural John Cena Classic was announced at Backlash.

WWE Backlash 2026 Results

WWE Backlash 2026 delivered a packed night featuring championship clashes, surprise comedy chaos, and a brutal main event that left Roman Reigns barely standing by the end of the show.

Here are the full results and highlights from WWE Backlash 2026.

Bron Breakker def. Seth Rollins

Backlash opened with an explosive showdown between Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins, and the two wasted no time turning the match into a war.

Rollins came flying out of the gate with multiple dives to the outside, but Breakker eventually turned the momentum around after catching Seth with a massive belly-to-belly suplex over the ropes to the floor.

The former World Heavyweight Champion battled back repeatedly with superkicks, Buckle Bombs, and a Pedigree, while Breakker answered with brutal power offense and multiple spears throughout the match.

Late in the contest, Paul Heyman attempted to distract Rollins from ringside while Austin Theory and Logan Paul appeared at ringside. Rollins fought them off with a steel chair before returning to the ring, only to get nearly split in half by another spear.

After surviving a Pedigree and Blackout combination, Breakker finally finished Rollins off with a devastating spear for the victory.

Winner: Bron Breakker via pinfall

Trick Williams def. Sami Zayn to retain the WWE Men’s United States Championship

Sami Zayn challenged Trick Williams for the WWE Men’s United States Championship in a highly physical contest that also featured plenty of interference from Lil Yachty at ringside.

The match featured strong back-and-forth action, including Zayn delivering a Blue Thunder Driver for a near fall and Trick responding with a Book End and several close calls of his own.

Lil Yachty repeatedly inserted himself into the match using a candy cane kendo stick, creating several distractions that nearly cost both men the match.

Zayn appeared close to victory after taking Yachty out at ringside and setting up for the Helluva Kick, but Williams avoided the move at the last second and connected with Trickshot to retain his championship.

After the match, Yachty celebrated in the ring alongside Williams.

Winner: Trick Williams via pinfall to retain the WWE Men’s United States Championship

Danhausen & Minihausen def. The Miz & Kit Wilson

One of the night’s more bizarre moments came when Danhausen revealed his mystery partner: Minihausen.

The comedic tag team match quickly turned chaotic, featuring cloning machine antics, multiple Minihausens appearing during the closing moments, and plenty of trademark Danhausen absurdity.

Minihausen impressed early with high-flying offense before The Miz and Kit Wilson isolated him for much of the match.

The finish came after the cloning machine seemingly produced several additional Minihausens, creating enough confusion for Danhausen to connect with a pump kick on The Miz for the victory.

Winners: Danhausen & Minihausen via pinfall

IYO SKY def. Asuka

IYO SKY and Asuka delivered one of the strongest in-ring matches of the night in a hard-hitting, emotional battle.

The two traded submission attempts, strikes, counters, and several near falls throughout the contest. Asuka targeted SKY’s arm repeatedly while IYO answered with her trademark speed and aerial offense.

One of the biggest moments came when Asuka attempted to use mist on top of the announce desk, only for IYO to block it using Wade Barrett’s notebook before countering into a huge dive.

After escaping the Asuka Lock late in the match, SKY finally connected with her signature moonsault to secure the victory.

Following the match, the emotional moment continued as Asuka embraced IYO, raised her hand, and showed respect to her longtime rival and student.

Winner: IYO SKY via pinfall

John Cena announces the “John Cena Classic”

John Cena appeared at Backlash to make a major announcement regarding the future of WWE.

Cena revealed the creation of the “John Cena Classic,” a new WWE event designed to showcase current WWE stars alongside rising NXT talent. During the promo, Cena specifically praised names such as Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi.

Cena also announced a new championship tied to the event, with fans reportedly being given voting power in determining the champion, even allowing a wrestler to potentially lose a match but still win the title through fan voting.

The WWE legend stated he hopes the event becomes a long-running tradition moving forward.

Roman Reigns def. Jacob Fatu to retain the WWE Men’s World Championship

The main event saw Roman Reigns defend the WWE Men’s World Championship against Jacob Fatu in a violent and physical clash.

Fatu immediately proved he belonged in the spotlight, matching Reigns shot-for-shot while repeatedly surviving major offense, including Superman Punches and spears.

Roman attempted to target Fatu’s arm throughout the match, but the “Samoan Werewolf” continued fighting back with powerbombs, sentons, moonsaults, and the dangerous Tongan Death Grip submission.

The action escalated when Fatu powerbombed Reigns through the announce desk before later kicking out of another spear.

After a chaotic closing stretch involving an exposed turnbuckle and referee involvement, Reigns finally managed to put Fatu away with one final spear to retain the championship.

However, the story didn’t end there.

Following the match, Fatu snapped and brutally attacked Reigns, referees, and WWE officials. Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, Jason Jordan, Jamie Noble, and even Shane Helms attempted to stop him, but Fatu continued assaulting everyone in sight.

The show ended with Jacob Fatu standing tall over a destroyed Roman Reigns while holding the championship belt high.

Winner: Roman Reigns via pinfall to retain the WWE Men’s World Championship

WWE Backlash 2026 Results Recap

  • Bron Breakker def. Seth Rollins
  • Trick Williams def. Sami Zayn to retain the WWE Men’s United States Championship
  • Danhausen & Minihausen def. The Miz & Kit Wilson
  • IYO SKY def. Asuka
  • Roman Reigns def. Jacob Fatu to retain the WWE Men’s World Championship

WWE Backlash 5/9/2026 (Card)

WWE Backlash – Saturday May 5, 2026 – 6 ET/3 PT on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited Plan in the United States and Netflix internationally – Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, FL.

The first hour to air on ESPN 2.

John Cena to make an announcement.

CARD

  • World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
  • United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn
  • The Miz & Kit Wilson vs. Danhausen & TBD
  • IYO SKY vs. Asuka

WWE SmackDown Preview 5/8/2026

WWE SmackDown live tonight at 8/7c on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix internationally from the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.

  • Jacob Fatu to open the show
  • WWE Women’s United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Kiana James
  • Fatal Influence vs. Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley
  • Damian Priest vs. Talla Tonga
  • Trick Williams host the funeral for Gingerbread Man
  • Gunther to address his attack on Cody Rhodes

WWE Moves AJ Lee, Paige, And Bella Twins To Free Agent Section

WWE has quietly updated its official online roster page, and several high-profile names are now listed as free agents.

Fans spotted on May 8 that AJ Lee, Paige, Nikki Bella, and Brie Bella had all been moved into WWE’s free agent category. Prior to the change, AJ Lee and The Bella Twins were listed under the RAW roster section.

The update means the four stars are no longer officially assigned to a specific brand, potentially opening the door for appearances across both RAW and SmackDown moving forward.

Paige recently made her in-ring WWE return at WrestleMania 42 after stepping in for an injured Nikki Bella during the Fatal Four-Way Women’s Tag Team Championship match. Paige teamed with Brie Bella in the bout, and the duo ultimately captured the titles from The Irresistible Forces.

AJ Lee also made a major comeback to WWE last year after returning in September. Since then, she had been involved in the women’s title picture before dropping the Women’s Intercontinental Championship to Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 42.

At the moment, AJ Lee has not been featured in an active storyline, though reports indicate she is expected to resurface on WWE television ahead of a major upcoming premium live event.

While WWE has not publicly commented on the roster adjustments, placement in the free agent section typically allows talent to appear on multiple brands without being locked into one specific show.

Former NJPW Star Hiromu Takahashi Reportedly WWE-Bound, Could Use Nox Raijin Name

WWE’s recent push to recruit international talent may not be slowing down anytime soon, as another former New Japan Pro-Wrestling standout is reportedly expected to join the company.

According to a report from BodySlam, former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi is believed to be WWE-bound. Sources connected to the WWE Performance Center reportedly indicated that Takahashi could arrive in the company in the near future.

The report also noted that WWE may have a new ring name lined up for the longtime NJPW star: Nox Raijin.

Interestingly, that same name had previously been rumored for another recent WWE signing from Japan — former NJPW faction leader EVIL. However, WWE has since confirmed that EVIL will instead compete under the name Naraku, with the former Bullet Club member scheduled to appear on next week’s episode of NXT.

According to the report, WWE had originally planned to use the Nox Raijin name for EVIL before changing direction earlier this week and settling on Naraku instead.

Takahashi officially parted ways with NJPW earlier this year, ending a run that lasted more than 15 years with the promotion. During his time in New Japan, he became one of the company’s most recognizable junior heavyweight stars, capturing the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship five times and building a reputation for his energetic personality and high-risk in-ring style.

Following news of his departure, both WWE and AEW were mentioned as possible landing spots for Takahashi. AEW fans are already familiar with him thanks to several appearances over the years, including a match against Kyle Fletcher for the TNT Championship at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view.

Outside of NJPW and AEW, Takahashi has also competed in promotions such as CMLL and Pro Wrestling NOAH in recent years, further expanding his international profile.

If the report proves accurate, Takahashi would become another major Japanese addition to WWE’s growing global talent roster and could bring even more depth to the company’s evolving NXT landscape.

Dark Side Of The Ring Returning For Season 7 With First-Ever Multi-Part TNA Story

VICE TV’s acclaimed wrestling documentary series Dark Side of the Ring is officially coming back this summer, and Season 7 is shaping up to be one of the show’s biggest undertakings yet.

According to details released through Variety, the new season premieres on July 7 and will feature the series’ first-ever three-part documentary focused on TNA Wrestling. The episodes will center around TNA co-founder Jeff Jarrett and explore the company’s early years, including the successes, setbacks, and controversies that defined the promotion during its rise.

Series creators and executive producers Evan Husney and Jason Eisner described the upcoming season as the most ambitious in the show’s history. They specifically pointed to the TNA project as a major highlight, noting that Jarrett’s personal story of perseverance and redemption serves as the perfect backdrop for examining the promotion’s complicated legacy.

Since debuting in 2019, Dark Side of the Ring has become one of the most talked-about wrestling docuseries ever produced, diving deep into some of the industry’s most controversial and tragic stories through interviews with those directly involved.

Season 7 won’t stop with TNA. The new lineup will also include episodes focused on several notable names and moments from wrestling history, including:

  • The brutal and infamous Samoa Joe vs. Necro Butcher match
  • Former wrestling valet Missy Hyatt
  • One-legged WWE star Zach Gowen
  • WWE legend Big Boss Man
  • “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff
  • Rick Wilson, a former exotic dancer who portrayed “The Renegade”, a generic version of Ultimate Warrior.

Wilson’s story is expected to revisit his time portraying a character heavily inspired by The Ultimate Warrior during his WCW run.

VICE will kick off the season with two back-to-back episodes on premiere night before settling into its regular Tuesday night schedule at 9 PM ET for the remainder of the season.

With a mix of legendary names, controversial moments, and a deep dive into TNA’s turbulent beginnings, Season 7 looks set to continue the series’ reputation for uncovering wrestling’s most fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.

Ted Turner Passes Away At 87, Leaves Lasting Legacy On Wrestling Industry

The wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its most influential behind-the-scenes figures. Media mogul Ted Turner has passed away at the age of 87, according to CNN. Turner, best known as the driving force behind multiple major television networks and the former owner of World Championship Wrestling, died surrounded by family.

While his legacy spans far beyond wrestling—having founded CNN and played a key role in launching networks like TBS and TNT—Turner’s impact on the pro wrestling business is impossible to overstate.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1938, Turner first became involved with wrestling in the early 1970s when Georgia Championship Wrestling found a home on his TBS Superstation. That relationship helped introduce wrestling to a national cable audience and laid the groundwork for what would become a decades-long influence on the industry.

Things escalated in 1984 during the infamous Black Saturday, when WWE took over GCW’s time slot. The move didn’t sit well with Turner, and it ultimately pushed him to become more hands-on in the wrestling business. He soon brought in Mid-South Wrestling and later facilitated a deal that put Jim Crockett Promotions in that same slot—setting the stage for a fierce rivalry with Vince McMahon.

By 1988, Turner fully committed, purchasing JCP from Jim Crockett Jr. and transforming it into World Championship Wrestling. From there, WCW grew into WWE’s biggest competitor.

Turner’s most significant contribution came in 1995 when he approved Eric Bischoff’s idea for WCW Monday Nitro, launching the iconic Monday Night Wars. For a period between 1996 and 1998, WCW surged ahead, briefly overtaking WWE as the top promotion in the United States.

Despite being a relatively hands-off owner creatively, Turner remained one of WCW’s biggest champions internally, ensuring the company stayed on the air even when other executives were skeptical. His support proved crucial during both WCW’s rise and its eventual decline toward the end of the 1990s.

Following the AOL-Time Warner merger in 2001, Turner’s influence diminished significantly. With WCW struggling financially and losing its television foothold, the company was ultimately sold to McMahon, bringing Turner’s time in wrestling to a close.

Even after stepping away, Turner’s name remained synonymous with one of wrestling’s most competitive and transformative eras. Without his willingness to invest in and believe in pro wrestling, the landscape of the industry—particularly during the 1990s—would look very different today.

Ted Turner’s contributions helped shape modern wrestling into what it is now, and his legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Former IWGP Champion EVIL Rebranded as Naraku, WWE NXT Debut Set

WWE is officially moving forward with its latest international signing, as the man formerly known as EVIL is set to compete on “WWE NXT” under a completely new identity.

After making a surprise appearance on last week’s episode to confront NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has now been given a new name—Naraku. The rebrand was confirmed during this week’s show through a vignette hyping his in-ring debut for next Tuesday.

The promo didn’t waste time establishing direction either. Naraku directly addressed D’Angelo, making it clear that he’s coming after the NXT Championship. The segment closed with a simple but effective message: his debut is imminent.

Before arriving in WWE, Naraku built a dominant résumé in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, where he held multiple titles, including the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. His run in Japan came to an end earlier this year after dropping the NEVER Openweight Championship to Aaron Wolf at Wrestle Kingdom. He competed one final time the following night at New Year’s Dash!! before NJPW confirmed he would not be renewing his contract.

That departure sparked immediate speculation about his next move, with WWE quickly emerging as the likely destination. Still, his debut appearance last week came with a twist—he wasn’t identified by name, leaving fans guessing about how the company would present him.

Now, we have that answer.

The name “Naraku” carries a layered meaning. In Japanese, it translates to “abyss,” fitting his dark persona. It’s also a name familiar to anime fans from the “Inuyasha” series, though it remains to be seen if WWE leans into that connection. There’s also some curiosity about whether the name could be a subtle nod to wrestling veteran Joseph Park’s “Abyss” character, though that hasn’t been confirmed.

Interestingly, earlier reports suggested WWE might go with the name Nox Raijin, but those plans appear to have changed or the reports was false.

With a new identity and a title target already in sight, all eyes will be on next week’s NXT to see how Naraku’s first official outing unfolds—and whether he can immediately shake up the championship picture.

WWE NXT Preview 5/5/2026

WWE NXT tonight on The CW and Netflix (internationally).

  • Jasper Troy vs. Jackson Drake
  • Kali Armstrong vs. Jaida Parker
  • Mr. Iguana & Lola Vice vs. Izzi Dame & Niko Vance
  • Zaria will make an appearance