WrestleMania Backlash 2021: How to watch and what to watch for WWE’s first post Wrestlemania PPV

Over the years, Backlash has traditionally served as WWE’s first pay-per-view/special event post WrestleMania. The spring show is usually headlined by a mix of: 1. WrestleMania rematches that serve as a final blowoff spot for those respective feuds and 2. burgeoning feuds that will extend into the summer.

With this year’s edition being labeled “WrestleMania Backlash”, there is a clear indication that this show is an extension of last month’s two-night spectacle at Raymond James Stadium. With over six weeks to build the show, let’s see what the WWE will offer up in their first ppv at the Yuengling Center in Tampa.

How to watch

Date: Sunday, May 16
Time: 7 p.m. ET at WWE Thunderdome in Tampa, FL (fans prohibited)
Live stream: Streaming live on Peacock in the U.S. and on the WWE Network internationally

What to watch

To no one’s surprise, WWE Champion Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre will clash once again for the title after their show-opening encounter at ‘Mania last month. But they’ll have company this time around with the “Monster Among Men” Braun Strowman injecting himself into the story to make this a triple threat match. After trading attacks for the past month, the trio are set to have a solid clash of big men that will most likely main event the show

Similar to the men, the Raw women’s division will run back their WrestleMania championship bout that featured Rhea Ripley and Asuka, but will be joined this time around by 10-time world champion Charlotte Flair. The story has been mainly built around Flair’s presence during this match following her absence from Wrestlemania and it seems that the WWE is leaning in on the perception of her being handed opportunity after opportunity on a silver platter, especially with the inclusion of Sonya Deville in this storyline.

Over on Smackdown, new Women’s Champion Bianca Belair has basked in the glow of her ascension to the top after toppling Sasha Banks at WrestleMania and will be challenged by former title holder Bayley. Like Charlotte, Bayley is returning to in-ring action after doing mostly comedic talking segments at Raymond James Stadium, so she’s looking to get back in the swing of things against the young upstart.

Finally fresh off sending Daniel Bryan out of the territory on Smackdown a few weeks ago, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will have a new challenger for his belt when going toe-to-toe with Cesaro. The “Swiss Cyborg” has been built strong since toppling Seth Rollins at WrestleMania and is finally getting an opportunity in a marquee, championship title bout. This match will be sure to a banger on both the in-ring and storytelling fronts and be on the lookout for how the Usos get involved.

Full list of matches

• Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Braun Strowman: Triple-threat match for the WWE Championship
• Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair: Triple-threat match for the Raw Women’s Championship
• Bianca Belair (c) vs. Bayley: Singles match for the Smackdown Women’s Championship
• Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cesaro: Singles match for the WWE Universal Championship
• Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode (c) vs. Rey and Dominik Mysterio: Smackdown Tag Team Championship match
• Damian Priest vs. The Miz: Lumberjack Match