Partial Source: The Wrestling Observer
When the John Cena vs. Batista match for tonight was booked, the feeling was that it would be Batista’s last match with the company, at least for a while. Many within WWE feel that even if he leaves (short term or long term), he’ll be back because of several reasons. He’s making a ton of money, he spends money like a rock star, he can’t make that kind of money anywhere else, and he’s 41 (some say older) so he doesn’t have a lot of time left. They could always do a Batista title win for shock value but it’s a long shot.
Jack Swagger is expected to go over during his match with The Big Show. It could be a DQ finish so both men look good. Swagger is in for a continued big push.
The plan is to keep the Rey Mysterio-CM Punk feud going so the feeling is that Rey Mysterio loses tonight. The end result of the feud is supposed to be CM Punk getting his head shaved and it seems far to early to do that. Of course, it’s WWE so who knows.
Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston for the IC title is a big match for both men. Kingston is in line for a big push soon over on SmackDown!. Heel? We’ll see.
R-Truth vs. Ted DiBiase – DiBiase is a chosen one like McIntyre, so if the match isn’t good, Truth will probably be the one who gets the blame.
WWE Backlash 2026 First Hour on ESPN2 Ratings – May 9, 2026 – Down from WrestleMania 42 Night 1
AEW Dynamite Notes: Andrade El Idolo & The Dogs Joins Ricochet’s Team for Stadium Stampede Match, Brian Cage & Mark Briscoe Returns, Two Men’s & One Women’s Owen Hart Cup 1st Round and MJF vs. Darby Allin in Hair vs. AEW World Title Matches Set for Double or Nothing, 5/20 Show Card, 5/16 Collision Card
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