IYO SKY defeated Asuka at WWE Backlash 2026 before the two former allies shared an emotional moment after the match.

The longtime rivals battled in one of the night’s most technically intense matches, with both stars pushing each other to the limit before ultimately reconciling following the final bell.

IYO SKY vs Asuka Backlash

The match immediately began with fast-paced mat wrestling as both competitors countered each other early.

SKY attempted to use her speed advantage with flips and quick movement, but Asuka quickly slowed the pace after sending SKY into the ring post outside the ring.

From there, Asuka focused heavily on wearing down her former ally with aggressive offense and submission attacks.

Despite repeatedly fighting back, SKY struggled to maintain momentum for long stretches as Asuka continued targeting her with brutal strikes and holds.

Another major turning point came near the announce table when Asuka attempted to drive SKY through it.

After failing to finish the sequence, Asuka attempted to use her trademark mist attack.

However, SKY blocked the mist by using a notepad to shield herself, stunning Asuka and creating an opening for a counterattack.

SKY then knocked Asuka off the announce table and followed up with a springboard moonsault.

Even after absorbing the move, Asuka continued fighting and repeatedly trapped SKY in several painful variations of the Asuka Lock.

SKY narrowly escaped multiple submission attempts while appearing close to losing consciousness during several moments of the match.

The finish came after SKY finally connected with her Bullet Train strike before following it with the Over the Moonsault to secure the victory.

Rather than celebrating arrogantly afterward, SKY immediately bowed respectfully toward Asuka.

An emotional Asuka then embraced SKY in the center of the ring as the crowd reacted loudly to the moment.

Throughout the match, fans repeatedly chanted for Kairi Sane, though she was not referenced during the segment.

The emotional ending appeared to signal an end to the feud between SKY and Asuka following months of tension.

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Bron Breakker scored one of the biggest victories of his WWE career by defeating Seth Rollins in the opening match of WWE Backlash 2026.

The highly physical match showcased the growing rivalry between the former allies as Breakker survived Rollins’ biggest offense before putting him away with multiple devastating Spears.

Bron Breakker vs Seth Rollins

Breakker immediately came out aggressive and charged at Rollins at the opening bell, but Rollins avoided the attack and sent his opponent crashing to the outside.

Rollins briefly controlled the pace early, though Breakker quickly regained momentum once the action returned to the ring.

Breakker punished Rollins with a series of suplexes before both men settled into a back-and-forth battle filled with counters and near falls.

The match featured standing moonsaults, Buckle Bombs, superkicks, clotheslines, and multiple Frankensteiner attempts as neither competitor could secure the decisive advantage.

One of the biggest moments came when Rollins kicked out of Breakker’s Falcon Arrow before later managing to land on his feet after consecutive Frankensteiner attempts.

Rollins eventually connected with a Pedigree followed by a Stomp and appeared close to victory.

However, Paul Heyman jumped onto the ring apron and distracted the referee at a crucial moment.

With the official occupied, Rollins rolled outside the ring and attempted to grab a steel chair before being attacked by Austin Theory and Logan Paul.

Despite fighting both men off, Rollins walked directly into a massive Spear from Breakker after returning to the ring.

Rollins somehow kicked out, extending the match and drawing a loud reaction from the crowd.

The finish came when Rollins attempted another Stomp from the ropes.

Breakker countered in midair with a second Spear before delivering a final running Spear to secure the victory.

Following the match, Heyman entered the ring to celebrate with Breakker while Rollins remained laid out.

The win further establishes Breakker as one of WWE’s fastest-rising stars following his alliance with Heyman.

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John Cena delivered on his promise to make a major announcement at WWE Backlash 2026, unveiling both a brand-new WWE event concept and a new fan-voted championship.

Cena’s appearance became one of the defining moments of the night as the WWE legend addressed the crowd in Tampa and revealed what he called the next phase of his WWE career.

John Cena WWE Announcement – “The John Cena Classic”

Cena entered to a massive ovation and spent several moments taking in the reaction before speaking to the audience.

He thanked fans for their energy and support before addressing ongoing speculation surrounding his future following retirement from full-time competition.

The crowd loudly chanted for one more match, prompting Cena to admit he often thinks about his final bout.

However, Cena explained he was genuinely happy with how his career ended because the moment ultimately became about creating opportunities for the next generation rather than himself.

He specifically referenced WWE’s newer stars and praised the rise of talents such as Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi.

Cena pointed to Oba Femi’s rapid rise from NXT to defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 as proof of what can happen when younger talent receives a major spotlight.

That led Cena into the centerpiece announcement.

He officially revealed “The John Cena Classic,” a new WWE special event built around current WWE roster members competing alongside NXT talent.

According to Cena, the concept is designed to showcase the best of WWE’s present and future on the same stage.

Cena then revealed an additional surprise by announcing a brand-new WWE championship attached to the event.

The championship will carry Cena’s name and feature a unique fan voting system unlike anything previously introduced in WWE.

Cena explained that fans will determine the winner based not only on match victories, but also effort, heart, and overall performance.

He stated the concept represents everything he believes WWE should stand for and repeatedly emphasized that the WWE Universe remains the company’s true biggest star.

Cena closed the segment by thanking Oba Femi, WWE management, and the fans for supporting the idea before receiving another standing ovation from the Tampa crowd.

John Cena Announces “The John Cena Classic”

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