Don’t miss any of the title bouts and grudge matches at WWE Backlash
Don’t miss any of the title bouts and grudge matches at WWE Backlash
From a Bloodline battle to a demon’s mystery partner, the WWE’s post-Mania PLE has a little bit of everything.
It’s been three weeks since WrestleMania, and the fallout is still being felt across the entire WWE, which means that it is the perfect time for Backlash. On Saturday, May 9, some of the promotion’s biggest names will face off in Tampa with titles on the line and scores to settle. In addition, WWE legend John Cena will be on hand to make an announcement that he says will “shock the very foundation of WWE.” The action gets underway at 6 p.m. ET, and the only way to watch every match, swerve, bump, surprise, and title change is with a subscription to ESPN Unlimited.
How to watch the 2026 WWE Backlash
- When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN Unlimited
- Streaming: Watch every match with a subscription to ESPN Unlimited.
- From anywhere: Watch with a subscription to a VPN.
Everything you need to know to stream Backlash
Where will Backlash air?
Unlike last month’s WrestleMania, the 2026 WWE Backlash Premium Live Event will only air in one location, the ESPN Unlimited tier of the ESPN app. While both nights of WrestleMania aired their first hours on ESPN2 and ESPN respectively, Backlash will only be available to wrestling fans in the United States via ESPN Unlimited.
For wrestling fans who live outside of the U.S., you will need a subscription to Netflix to watch all of Backlash.
ESPN Unlimited
ESPN launched its highly anticipated direct-to-consumer streaming service on August 21, 2025. For the first time, this service gives sports fans access to its full lineup of linear channels without a traditional cable or satellite subscription.
How to watch Backlash on ESPN Unlimited
What is the card for Backlash?
Card subject to change. Champions coming into the match designated as (c).
Backlash card
| No. | Matches | Stipulations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu | Singles match for the World Heavyweight Championship |
| 2 | Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker | Singles match |
| 3 | Trick Williams (c) (with Lil Yachty) vs. Sami Zayn | Singles match for the WWE United States Championship |
| 4 | Iyo Sky vs. Asuka | Singles match |
| 5 | Danhausen and Mystery Partner vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson | Tag team match |
Watch a preview for Backlash
Can you stream Backlash for free?
That’s a tricky question. Officially? No. But technically? Yes. Let us break it down. The new standalone ESPN streaming service does not offer free trials. However, since multiple live TV streaming services that offer free trials also provide complementary access to ESPN Unlimited, you can sign up for trials to those platforms and use your credentials to access the PLE.
As of now, the two streamers in question are DIRECTV and Hulu + Live TV. The former’s free trial runs five days, while the latter’s is three. But, since both of those services provide access to ESPN Unlimited as soon as you sign up for a brand new account, even during your trial period, either one will work if you are trying to watch Backlash.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.
Now, if you already subscribe to a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming service that provides access to the ESPN family of networks as part of its channel offerings, then there is a chance that you will be able to authenticate your subscription and stream on the ESPN for no additional cost, but you still have to pay for your initial service. YouTube TV reportedly has not yet been able to work out the technology to provide this perk to its customers, but hopes to have it in place by SummerSlam.
If you are considering paying for a subscription to the ESPN streamer for Backlash, it will cost you $30 per month. The platform does have a cheaper subscription at $13 monthly, but that ESPN Select option does not provide access to the WWE Premium Live Events. So, you will need to go for the more expensive ESPN Unlimited option for $30.
How to stream Backlash from anywhere
If you’ll be away from home and can’t watch the fights as you normally would, you can still catch all of the action, no matter where you are in the world with a VPN. A VPN can be used on your phone, tablet, or computer and make you appear to be back home — even when you’re not — making sure you feel at home no matter where you are. A VPN is a safe and secure way to stay protected online while streaming your favorite sports, movies, and shows on the go. Keep in mind that you will still need a subscription to ESPN or Netflix in order to stream Elimination Chamber with a VPN.
NordVPN is one of the best providers around, at one of the best prices. Currently, you can get two full years of protection for just $3.59 per month — plus you’ll get three extra months FREE. A high-speed VPN with best-in-class security that can be used on up to 10 devices at once — what more could you ask for? Simply sign up, install the software on your device of choice, and start streaming just as you would back home. It couldn’t be easier!
While NordVPN is our recommendation for the best VPN to use while you are traveling, there are a number of other high-quality options available, depending on what you are looking for.
- Best Features: ExpressVPN | Starting at $5 per month
- Best Budget Option: Surfshark | Starting at $2.50 per month
- Best Free Option: Proton VPN | Free plan available