WWE Backlash 2026 Feels Like a Bad Omen

Generally, the quality of WWE 2K video games closely mirrors the quality of the WWE itself – specifically, shows like Raw and SmackDown, and their pay-per-view events. WWE 2K20 was a particularly bad game, and it coincided with a creatively weak period for WWE in 2019, before Roman Reigns’ popular character transformation. After a year off and with improvements in WWE’s overall presentation, the WWE 2K games returned to form.

Things started to decline with WWE 2K26, though it wasn’t as bad as WWE 2K20. Still, it’s been the weakest game in recent years, and it seems to coincide with a creative low point for WWE itself. There was a small hope that changes after the WrestleMania storyline adjustments might improve things, but the issues have been ongoing for quite some time. Unfortunately, the upcoming Backlash event doesn’t look promising, and that will likely negatively impact everything connected to WWE, including future WWE 2K games.

Roman Reigns (C) vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship

A match between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu has the potential to be a huge main event, possibly even at WrestleMania. I’m a big fan of Roman Reigns and hope his return to wrestling full-time will improve the quality of storylines in WWE. I’m also incredibly excited about Jacob Fatu – if he doesn’t connect with fans, I’ll be very surprised! This match deserves to happen at a major event like SummerSlam, Survivor Series, or the Royal Rumble, not a smaller show like Backlash. While the way they’re setting it up – following matches with Drew McIntyre and then Roman Reigns – feels a little rushed, the potential story is worth it.

The promotional material is a step in the right direction, and this match promises to be the best on the card. However, it’s frustrating to see another storyline involving a mysterious caller after the Pat McAfee and Randy Orton situation at WrestleMania. It feels like the build-up to what should be a great match between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu is being unnecessarily complicated, similar to what happened on the first night of WrestleMania. While the match itself will likely be excellent, the overall storyline feels messy, and the rest of the event doesn’t quite measure up.

Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (w/ Paul Heyman)

The promising storyline involving The Vision was hampered by injuries to Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker, and it’s hoped this new path will succeed. It has talented performers, strong storytelling possibilities, and the guidance of Paul Heyman. Hopefully, it will become a major highlight and continue to develop throughout the year. However, with Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu positioned as the main eventers, this feels like a strong opening or second match, but the overall quality of the rest of the card is lacking.

Trick Williams (C) vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE United States Championship

I enjoy some fun and lightheartedness, particularly in storylines geared towards families or kids. However, a storyline centered around a gingerbread man costume feels really strange. It’s hard to believe anyone thought that would work, especially when the mid-level championships already don’t feel very important. This isn’t Sami and Trick’s fault – they’re both incredibly talented – but the whole thing just feels uninspired. I’d much rather see Cody Rhodes wrestle Gunther, even if Gunther’s recent actions seem a bit unexpected. Perhaps this was added last minute to create more championship matches, or maybe WWE will deviate from their usual five-match show, but I don’t think that’s likely.

Iyo Sky vs. Asuka

As a fan, I’m really excited about Iyo Sky versus Asuka – both are incredible performers! But honestly, the whole storyline feels a bit empty to me. It felt like it was building to something with Kairi Sane, and those recent releases really took the heart out of it. A great match needs a compelling story behind it, and this just doesn’t feel like it’s been given the chance to truly develop. I’m worried that after Backlash, we won’t see any real follow-up for either of these wrestlers, and that’s what bothers me most.

Who’s That Character? Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.

Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)

5.0s

0/10

Results

High Score: 0 —

More Games

Danhausen & Mystery Wrestler vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson in a Tag Match

I really enjoy Danhausen, and the storyline involving him, his partner, The Miz, and Kit Wilson has been fun. However, this feels more like a typical feud that would be resolved on an episode of SmackDown, not a special event match. It seems like a temporary tag team combination created after the planned match between Cody Rhodes & Jelly Roll and Randy Orton & Pat McAfee fell through. To make matters worse, the recent wave of WWE releases has severely weakened the entire tag team division.

WWE recently released several well-known tag teams – including The New Day, members of the Wyatt Family, and the Motor City Machine Guns – and then continued to focus on tag team wrestling. It’s almost as if the company is satisfied with how its tag team division is currently performing.

WWE 2K27 vs. Backlash

I’m trying to stay optimistic about storylines like Roman Reigns versus Jacob, and Bron versus Seth, and I believe all feuds should be built to that same high standard. However, it feels like WWE is currently focusing on matches that are weakened by poor creative decisions instead of being improved. What benefits the main show should also benefit related products, but unfortunately, issues with the WWE product ultimately hurt everything connected to it. I really hope I’m wrong, but based on the initial reactions to WWE 2K26, it seems likely WWE 2K27 will end up being just as underwhelming as most of the matches on the Backlash card.

2026-05-05 18:08