St. Louis, Mo. — WWE’s Backlash 2025, the first major event since WrestleMania 41, erupted with energy and high-stakes matchups on Saturday night. Despite the action-packed card featuring five key bouts, there was a notable absence of title changes. Several match finishes left fans questioning the outcomes, somewhat overshadowing the impressive in-ring performances.
The night kicked off with a thrilling Fatal Four-Way for the United States Championship, where Jacob Fatu defended his title against LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest. This contest stood out as one of the best matches of the year, showcasing a fast-paced and intense atmosphere. Fatu emerged victorious, aided by the surprise debut of Jeff Cobb, igniting renewed interest in the ongoing Bloodline saga and leaving open possibilities for future rivalries.
In two championship matches that followed, both Dominik Mysterio and Lyra Valkyria managed to hold onto their respective titles. Mysterio faced Penta while Valkyria battled Becky Lynch. Though both matches had solid performances, distractions during crucial moments detracted from their intensity. Lynch’s ongoing transformation into a heel continued with her loss to Valkyria, raising questions about her future direction.
The non-title matchup between Gunther and Pat McAfee, while entertaining, felt more like a one-off than a significant chapter in either wrestler’s storyline. Gunther dominated the match and undoubtedly positioned himself for future opportunities, while McAfee, who did not suffer a decisive loss, is set to return to commentary duties.
The headlining match of the night featured John Cena against Randy Orton, a rematch that captivated the local crowd. Their nearly 30-minute battle was filled with dramatic spots and referee mishaps. Although Cena secured the victory, much of the match’s suspense was diminished by chaotic interactions, including a surprise appearance from R-Truth. Post-match, Cena expressed a desire for fresh competition, hinting at potential new rivalries as the WWE landscape evolves.
Each match during Backlash exhibited the strengths and weaknesses of storytelling in wrestling. Fatu’s successful title defense opened up intriguing narratives about allyships and betrayals, while Mysterio’s match underscored his potential future as a world champion. Valkyria’s resilience showcased the depth of talent in the women’s division, yet the questionable officiating left some fans unsatisfied.
Gunther’s decisive win against McAfee may have set the stage for a Money in the Bank opportunity. Similarly, Mysterio’s ongoing relationship with the Judgment Day heightens the tension within his current storyline. Notably, the ramifications of Cena’s victory and his call for competition could pave the way for compelling matchups in the coming weeks.
As the dust settles from Backlash, WWE fans eagerly anticipate the buildup to Money in the Bank, where stakes will be raised, and new rivalries are bound to emerge.