What would Undisputed WWE champion John Cena’s final year as a competitor be without an historic battle against longtime rival Randy Orton?
The Viper struck Cena with an RKO, one day after Cena shockingly defeated Cody Rhodes to win his 17th World Title at WrestleMania 41.
On SmackDown, Orton officially challenged Cena at Backlash, which will emanate from The Viper’s hometown, St. Louis.
Cena and Orton have a legendary rivalry, having faced each 21 times in a wide variety of matches including two Hell in a Cell Matches, a TLC Match, an “I Quit” Match and more.
In their 21 battles, Cena is 13-7-1 against Orton in singles matches. The last time these two squared off was on an episode of SmackDown in 2017, when Cena emerged victorious. Cena is undefeated against Orton in their last four matches.
With Cena eclipsing Ric Flair’s record of 16 World Titles, Orton is not far behind the new record, with 14 World Titles attached to The Apex Predator’s resume. With an impressive 31 World Titles between these legendary Superstars, this match may have the most World Titles shared ever in a singles contest.
VALKYRIA V LYNCH
In a heated rivalry born in betrayal, Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria will battle Becky Lynch for the title at WWE Backlash.
When Valkyria's WrestleMania tag team partner Bayley was mysteriously attacked prior to the WWE Women's Tag Team Title Match against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, The Man returned to action to help Lyra win the gold on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
Morgan and Rodriguez reclaimed the title the next night on Raw, however, promoting an outraged Lynch to suddenly assault her partner.
After making it known that she had been the one who ambushed Bayley in order to replace her at The Show of Shows, The Man was confronted by the titleholder, leading to the announcement of their showdown on Saturday.
MCAFEE V GUNTHER
Former world heavyweight champion Gunther will battle Raw commentator Pat McAfee in what is sure to be a can't-miss matchup in St. Louis.
The ring general snapped on the Raw after mania and attacked Michael Cole, prompting McAfee to jump in and save his broadcast partner, only to incur the wrath of Gunther and be put to sleep.
Raw general manager Adam Pearce suspended Gunther, but McAfee challenged Gunther to a match, which will be McAfee's first singles match since WrestleMania 39.
Will The Ring General tear apart McAfee, or will WWE Backlash be the home of one of the biggest upsets in WWE history?
US CHAMPION FATU V KNIGHT V PRIEST V MCINTYRE
Jacob Fatu will defend his United States Championship against LA Knight, Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre at WWE Backlash.
Since capturing the title at WrestleMania, Fatu has exuded sheer dominance, with Solo Sikoa at his side to disrupt matches and help bring bedlam to Friday night.
With several Superstars vying for an opportunity to challenge the Samoan Werewolf, Priest caused a disqualification in LA Knight's No 1 contenders' match against McIntyre.
The continued chaos promoted SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to set up a Fatal 4-Way Match for the United States Championship on Saturday.
INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION MYSTERIO FACES PENTA
Whether he likes it or not, Intercontinental champion Dominik Mysterio will battle Penta in a highly anticipated rematch for the title at WWE Backlash.
"Dirty" Dom captured the gold in an explosive Fatal 4-Way Match against then-titleholder Bron Breakker, Finn Bálor and Penta at WrestleMania, but Penta wasn't pinned. Mysterio retained the title against Penta one-on-one the following night on the Raw after WrestleMania, but JD McDonagh returned and interfered in the title fight to help Mysterio win.
And now that the explosive Penta has defeated McDonagh, he is again turning his attention to unseating Mysterio and becoming champion.
Many of Mysterio's antics cloud the fact that he is a dangerous Superstar once the bell rings, but can he overcome Penta and his explosive arsenal? Will The Judgment Day be on the same page, particularly with Liv Morgan away making a movie?