The next chapter in professional wrestling unfolded at Backlash 2026, as WWE moved forward following WrestleMania 42. Newly crowned World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns faced his cousin Jacob Fatu in a thrilling first title defense that ended in chaos. Four other matches delivered strong performances, including standout efforts from Asuka and Iyo Sky, while Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker stole the show. Now, the question is who won and how this momentum will carry forward.
**World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) def. Jacob Fatu**
Reigns quickly learned that Fatu was no easy opponent. Fatu absorbed early hits and knocked the champion down, then bounced back with his own punishing strikes. When Reigns landed his signature Superman punch—a move that had felled many before—Fatu kicked out before the count began and immediately rose, stunning his cousin. A second Superman punch still wasn’t enough.
Reigns cleared the announcer’s table, but Fatu used it against him, powerbombing the champion through it. Fatu dragged Reigns back into the ring and was met with a spear, yet still kicked out. Reigns attempted another spear, only to receive a Samoan Drop and a moonsault from Fatu that nearly secured the win. The unhinged Fatu delivered several headbutts and climbed the ropes again for a Swanton, but Reigns got his knees up.
When both stars were on their feet, Fatu locked in the Tongan Death Grip. Reigns began to fade but managed to push Fatu into the referee, who went down. Three more Superman punches followed by a spear still couldn’t put Fatu away. Fatu popped up and applied the Tongan Death Grip again. Reigns tore off the turnbuckle and shoved Fatu into the exposed steel, knocking him down, then landed the spear. This time it was enough, and Reigns pinned Fatu to retain the title.
Frustrated with the loss, Fatu continued attacking Reigns with the submission, then went after the referee and any officials who tried to intervene. The “Samoan Werewolf” eventually let go, but returned for another assault. He stood over Reigns, holding the World Heavyweight Championship high, signaling his intent to keep coming for the title.
**Analysis:** Reigns met his match, and his crazed cousin is far from done. The match was a thriller from start to finish, with relentless intensity and no lulls. Both Reigns and Fatu brought their A-game, making the family affair a stunning showcase. Fatu proved he could not only stand up to Reigns but overpower him. While stripping the title off Reigns so early would have been bold, keeping this rivalry alive was a smart move—Fatu has proven himself worthy of the main event.
**John Cena Announces the John Cena Classic**
The Champ is here. Cena reflected on how much he enjoyed his last match and the spotlight it gave younger stars. He announced the John Cena Classic, promising “an entire evening of the best of today competing with the best.” The tournament aims to give rising talent a platform to shine.
