Rivalries coming ahead was the theme of WWE Backlash. The main event saw the resurrection of one of WWE's biggest rivalries in John Cena vs. Randy Orton.
Following an unlikely appearance by R-Truth, Cena retained the Undisputed WWE Championship.
It was a match where roles were reversed, with Cena being the cowardly heel and Orton fighting with his back against the wall. The two knew one another so well after years of sharing the ring together, from reversing moves to kicking out of multiple finishers.
Cena tried to hit the Orton punt kick, ultimately resulting in a ref bump, which affected the rest of the match. Orton hit with an AA on the announcer's table and another through a regular table. Cena kicked out of those and an RKO. Cena eventually hit a new referee with the belt.
A few officials entered the ring to take care of the referee. Orton hit Nick Aldis and company with RKOs. R-Truth, who has a history with Cena, stopped Orton from hitting the punt, allowing Cena to take advantage for the win.
So far, Cena's matches have ended in wins thanks to Travis Scott and Truth. What does this mean for Cena going forward? Will Truth get an opportunity at gold for helping Cena?
Pat McAfee promoted his match against Gunther on his show all week. He knew he would be out of his element against one of the best wrestlers in the world. McAfee's chest was battered and bruised from Gunther's chops. Still, the former football player was resilient.
R-Truth couldn't let that happen! 😲#WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/JSYZsrTrcQ
— WWE (@WWE) May 11, 2025
Michael Cole was very biased in his commentary regarding his friend Pat. Gunther showed no mercy while trolling Cole. Cole got up from commentary to support McAfee, distracting Gunther. After McAfee almost did the unthinkable, Gunther finally put McAfee to sleep.
In a battle of entertaining lucha stars, Dominik Mysterio beat Penta to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Penta has perfectly adjusted to WWE's style, while Mysterio continues to be one of the best heels in the company. One day, he will make a fantastic face.
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At one point, Mysterio honored Eddie Guerrero and Liv Morgan, the latter filming a movie. The Judgement Day tried to interfere in the match, but it appeared Finn Balor purposely took too long. With the referee distracted with the group, El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) helped Mysterio get the win.
It was Ireland vs. Ireland as Lyra Valkyria and Becky Lynch fought for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Title. Lynch acted as a true heel, doing everything she could to take Valkyria out. She attempted to big-time her, even taunting Valkyria's fiance, but Valkyria responded with a unique offense.
Valkyria and Lynch both went after the other's arm. Lynch gave Valkyria all she had. Attempting to use a chair, Lynch distracted the referee to expose the turnbuckle. A theme of the match was Lynch's craftiness vs. Valkyria's lack of experience. Valkyria may not have as much time in the ring as Lynch, but she retained the title via a rollup.
After the match, Lynch assaulted Valkyria. It looks like Lynch is not done with Valkyria. Bayley did not involve herself in the match.
Jacob Fatu, LA Knight, Damian Priest, and Drew McIntyre used their mixed rivalry to craft an excellent opening match for the WWE United States Championship. Priest and McIntyre once again had great chemistry, and Knight impressed in his pursuit to hold gold again.
However, as expected, it was Fatu who stole the show.
Fatu made the Enterprise Center his playground. After McIntyre and Priest removed themselves from the picture, fighting all over the arena before being helped to the back, Fatu went after his rival in Knight. Solo Sikoa came out to interfere, and so did the debuting Jeff Cobb. It was enough for Fatu to get the win.
IT'S JEFF COBB!!! 😲#WWEBacklash pic.twitter.com/SbmSBqsIKn
— WWE (@WWE) May 10, 2025
Cobb is a massive get for WWE. What does this mean for the future of WWE and The Bloodline?
The Sporting News provided results from the entire Backlash event.
WWE Backlash 2025 full card results
- John Cena (c) def. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship
- Gunther def. Pat McAfee
- Dominik Mysterio (c) def. Penta for the WWE Intercontinental Championship
- Lyra Valkyria (c) def. Becky Lynch for the WWE Women's Intercontinental Title
- Jacob Fatu def. LA Knight, Damian Priest, and Drew McIntyre for the WWE United States Championship