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WWE World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns delivered a stern warning to his cousin Jacob Fatu following WWE Backlash 2026. Reigns told Fatu "This is your last night here" after the event.
WWE star Danhausen has addressed criticisms of his character following his second match with the company. Danhausen responded to the criticisms by stating "It hasn't burned up yet."
Following Asuka's loss to IYO SKY at WWE Backlash and an emotional post-match moment, conflicting reports have emerged about her WWE status. Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that Asuka is "semi-retired," though he admitted he didn't know what that term meant in this context. However, BodySlam.net's Viper contradicted this report, stating that Asuka is "out indefinitely" for personal reasons and that retirement is not the case as of his latest information.
WWE Women's United States Champion Tiffany Stratton expressed excitement about Paige's return at WWE WrestleMania 42. Stratton was thrilled for Paige's comeback to the company.
Danhausen has commented on his tag-team match at WWE Backlash, addressing the rumors surrounding his mystery partner. He questioned "Who put that responsibility on me?" in response to reactions about the mystery partner situation.
Following Asuka's loss to IYO SKY at WWE Backlash, IYO SKY posted a Twitter message describing their match as the "final chapter" of their story and thanking Asuka for being an "irreplaceable treasure" to her career. According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE talent and staff were saying goodbye to Asuka backstage at Backlash, with sources telling him that Asuka is considered "semi-retired," though the exact meaning of her status remains unclear.
John Cena appeared at WWE Backlash to announce the launch of the "John Cena Classic," a tournament-style event featuring WWE and NXT talent competing for a new championship. However, fans on social media focused on what they perceived as Cena's returning bald spot, making jokes about his hair transplant procedure that he had previously discussed publicly.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Asuka is reportedly "semi-retired" following her loss to IYO SKY at WWE Backlash, with people backstage treating her post-match moment like a goodbye. Meltzer stated he doesn't know the exact meaning of "semi-retired" in Asuka's situation or whether she plans to continue wrestling outside WWE, but confirmed that backstage personnel were wishing her goodbye.
JBL defended WWE wrestlers who accepted reduced-money contracts under TKO during an appearance on the Something to Wrestle podcast, arguing that fans criticizing these decisions don't understand the financial realities involved. He emphasized that modern WWE contracts still offer millions of dollars with better quality of life, reduced travel schedules, and fewer live events compared to previous eras, contrasting this with his own early WWE career where he made around $60,000 working nearly every show. JBL called on fans to stop attacking wrestlers for making decisions based on what's best for their careers and families, stating it's not fans' business to dictate how wrestlers handle their contracts.
Following Asuka's emotional post-match moment with IYO SKY at WWE Backlash, there is genuine uncertainty backstage within WWE about whether fans witnessed the end of Asuka's career. Multiple WWE contacts and even talent who work closely with Asuka have admitted they don't know what her current situation is, with one wrestler stating they are "trying to figure it out myself." The emotional tone of the moment after her match against IYO SKY has led to widespread speculation both among fans and WWE personnel about Asuka's future with the company.
WWE US Champion Trick Williams has addressed the possibility of defending his title against Carmelo Hayes following Backlash 2026. Williams responded to the potential matchup by saying "Let's see what happens."
Asuka is reportedly now 'semi-retired' following WWE Backlash 2026. An update has emerged on the WWE star's in-ring status amid speculation about her potential retirement.