In an exciting announcement for wrestling fans, John Cena is set to defend his newly obtained undisputed WWE championship against long-time rival Randy Orton at the upcoming WWE Backlash event on May 10 in St. Louis. This confrontation marks a significant chapter in their fierce rivalry, which has seen them compete in the ring over 20 times since their initial clash. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether this showdown will be their last before Cena’s anticipated retirement at the end of the year.
Alongside the main event, several intriguing bouts have been confirmed for Backlash, including contests for championships and intense storyline developments. The entire event will be available for streaming on Peacock, drawing further attention to this well-loved wrestling franchise. As excitement builds, various matchups promise to deliver both action and drama, making for a can’t-miss event for WWE enthusiasts.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) The Historic Rivalry: Cena vs. Orton |
| 2) Other Confirmed Matches at Backlash |
| 3) Storyline Developments Leading up to Backlash |
| 4) Streaming Details and Event Timing |
| 5) Predictions for the Matches |
The Historic Rivalry: Cena vs. Orton
The rivalry between John Cena and Randy Orton spans over two decades, establishing its place in WWE history as one of the most notable feuds. They first crossed paths in professional wrestling during the early 2000s, and since then, they have faced each other 21 times, with Cena leading the series 13-7-1. Their encounters have included not only singles matches but also multi-man match formats that pulled in additional talent from the roster.
With Cena set to defend his title in St. Louis, the significance of this match goes beyond just the championship. For fans, this bout represents nostalgia and a reflection on how both competitors have evolved throughout their careers. Cena’s struggle against Orton reflects not just a rivalry of athletes but also a narrative of perseverance that resonates with many fans. This storyline culminates a journey for Cena, who has promised to retire this year, making this encounter potentially a final chapter in their storied history.
Other Confirmed Matches at Backlash
In addition to the highly anticipated title match, several other exciting bouts are slated for WWE Backlash, enhancing the overall card and electrifying the atmosphere. One of the major matches features Lyra Valkyria defending her women’s intercontinental championship against the formidable Becky Lynch. Their rivalry escalated after a partnership turned sour, resulting in a dramatic fallout that adds layers of intensity to their contest.
Competing alongside them will be Gunther, facing Pat McAfee in an exciting clash rooted in recent tensions. Gunther’s aggression towards WWE commentator Michael Cole set this rivalry in motion, culminating in this highly anticipated match. Additionally, a fatal four-way match for the United States Championship will see Jacob Fatu defend his title against challengers including Drew McIntyre, LA Knight, and Damian Priest, ensuring that fans have plenty of action to look forward to on the night.
Storyline Developments Leading up to Backlash
Building up the drama, the storylines leading to Backlash have been carefully crafted to heighten anticipation. The fallout from recent encounters has added depth to each match, especially the rivalry between Valkyria and Lynch, which began when Valkyria unexpectedly teamed up with Lynch post-injury. Their partnership had a brief but promising run, leading to mixed results before quickly dissolving due to a chaotic sequence of events, ultimately leading to Lynch’s attack on Valkyria. Fans can expect their match at Backlash to be a culmination of personal rivalries and emotional stakes.
Similarly, the match featuring Gunther and McAfee has evolved from a commentary table incident into a full-blown rivalry. After Gunther’s dramatic confrontation with Cole, McAfee’s intervention secured his position as a key player in this storyline. The emotions in these matches are set to heighten the stakes as each competitor strives not just for victory, but also for personal redemption and payback.
Streaming Details and Event Timing
WWE Backlash is scheduled to stream live on Peacock on May 10, with the main card kicking off at 7 p.m. ET. The event is expected to draw a large audience, as fans keenly await the action from St. Louis, Missouri. Streaming on Peacock allows viewers to escape the physical constraints of traditional television, enabling easy access from various devices. This strategic move to online streaming aligns perfectly with the gradual pivot towards digital mediums in sports entertainment.
The decision to host Backlash in St. Louis not only revives memories for local fans but also serves as a testament to WWE’s ongoing commitment to presenting thrilling content in diverse locations across the U.S. By promoting local venues like the one in St. Louis, WWE signals its intention to connect with the regional fanbase while simultaneously generating heightened excitement around the event.
Predictions for the Matches
As the event draws near, speculation around the outcomes of the matches is rampant among fans and analysts alike. The championship match between Cena and Orton appears to be a classic showdown, with the edge potentially going to Cena given his determination for a strong title defense as he nears retirement. However, the unpredictable nature of wrestling suggests that Orton may capitalize on any misstep from Cena in a bid to reclaim his own legacy.
In the women’s championship match, Valkyria and Lynch’s deeply personal battle promises fierce competition. Many experts believe Lynch, with her extensive experience, may have the upper hand, yet Valkyria’s fresh momentum may cause a surprising upset. The fatal four-way match will also keep fans on the edge of their seats, with each competitor having a vested interest in triumphing for their respective narratives within the WWE universe. Overall, predictions buzz with excitement as to who will emerge victorious across the variety of compelling matchups.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | John Cena defends his undisputed WWE championship against Randy Orton at Backlash. |
| 2 | The Cena-Orton rivalry spans over 20 years and has seen them face off 21 times. |
| 3 | Other confirmed matches include Lyra Valkyria against Becky Lynch and Gunther vs. Pat McAfee. |
| 4 | The event will be streamed live on Peacock, starting at 7 p.m. ET. |
| 5 | Predictions are widely varied among fans regarding match outcomes and story developments. |
Summary
WWE Backlash is poised to be an exhilarating event showcasing iconic rivalries, especially the upcoming championship defense by John Cena against Randy Orton. With several other entertaining matches on the card, the event promises to deliver excitement and drama, marking a significant moment in WWE history. Furthermore, the local setting of St. Louis enhances its appeal, as fans commemorate not only the action inside the ring but also the rich tapestry of narratives surrounding the matches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the main event of WWE Backlash?
The main event features John Cena defending his undisputed WWE championship against Randy Orton, a rivalry that has lasted over two decades.
Question: Where can I watch WWE Backlash?
WWE Backlash will be streamed live on Peacock, with the main card starting at 7 p.m. ET on May 10.
Question: Who are some other competitors featured at Backlash?
Other matches include Lyra Valkyria vs. Becky Lynch and Gunther vs. Pat McAfee, among others, creating a stacked card for viewers to enjoy.
