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Retired WWE star AJ Styles discussed watching WWE WrestleMania 42 as part of the crowd. Styles stated this was the first time he experienced "The Show of Shows" as a fan rather than as a performer.
Nick LoPiccolo, who has worked with WWE talent including Drew McIntyre and Liv Morgan as well as AEW wrestlers, stated that WWE doesn't care about AEW and doesn't negotiate against them when making talent decisions. During an appearance on BodySlam.net's podcast, LoPiccolo said WWE talent are more focused on Hollywood and bigger opportunities rather than AEW, and that WWE operates without factoring AEW into its strategy.
Kevin Nash revealed that his personal stories about Hulk Hogan were cut from the Netflix documentary, including a moment where Hogan shared details about taking his boat out with his second wife during a financially difficult time. Nash said he tried to show the "complicated, human side" of Hogan through these personal moments, but they didn't make the final version of the docuseries.
Ridge Holland criticized the "TikTok style" direction of NXT under Shawn Michaels, saying the brand has become much faster-paced with shorter matches compared to the Triple H era. Holland explained that while this approach may connect with modern audiences who don't want to lose interest, it creates challenges for wrestlers trying to tell stories and build meaningful matches, particularly when getting only three-minute matches. Holland's WWE deal was not renewed in November 2025 after a reported breach, ending his time working under both versions of NXT leadership.
John Cena announced on social media that he will attend WWE Backlash on May 9 in Tampa to break "history-making news" that he claims will "change the WWE experience for Superstars and fans." Cena stated that the announcement comes after "months of planning and effort" and emphasized that it will have a significant impact beyond just his appearance at the event.
John Cena has officially confirmed that he will announce "history-making news" at WWE Backlash 2026. The event is scheduled to take place this Saturday in Tampa.
WWE legend Booker T discussed a recent WWE NXT release, stating that the wrestler passed the "airport test" but had their potential limited by being part of a group. Booker T said the released star needs to "figure it out."
John Cena will appear at WWE Backlash on May 9 in Tampa, Florida, as part of contractual appearances included in his WWE deal, though he has stated he will not wrestle again. Cena confirmed on social media that he plans to "do something epic in Tampa" and promised "Club WWE something special," indicating his involvement will focus on fan experiences and special segments rather than in-ring competition.
WWE released multiple wrestlers across its main roster, NXT, and developmental divisions after WrestleMania 42, including Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Kairi Sane, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, and the Motor City Machine Guns. According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE contracts typically do not provide real job security unless talent has a rare "no-cut" clause, which he says only one or two wrestlers in the company may have. Meltzer noted that even top wrestlers who have tried to negotiate no-cut contracts have been denied, despite being told verbally that they would never be released.
The May 4, 2026 episode of Monday Night Raw will feature a contract signing between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu ahead of their WWE World Heavyweight Title match at Backlash, following Fatu hitting the Tongan Death Grip on Reigns last week. The show will also include a sit-down discussion between Asuka and IYO SKY before their Backlash match, an open challenge by Oba Femi, and matches including JD McDonagh vs. Finn Balor and Rusev & Ethan Page vs. Je'Von Evans & Penta. The episode airs live from CHI Health Center Omaha at 8 PM ET and can be streamed on Netflix.
Former WWE Champion Jinder Mahal is teaching wrestlers about financial literacy as part of his mission to educate the current generation of wrestlers. Mahal stated that more than 90% of wrestlers don't really understand taxes.
A WWE contract update has emerged regarding John Cena ahead of his advertised appearance at the May 9 Backlash event. The update relates to Backlash 2026 plans involving Cena.