After a “Jekyll and Hyde” two-night WrestleMania, and a less-than-convincing Raw after WrestleMania, the build for Backlash 2023 is starting to take shape.
With reports that World Champion Roman Reigns is not going to be wrestling on the show, WWE will have to stack the deck to bring eyes on the show, without their biggest star.
They are bringing in people like Brock Lesnar and Bad Bunny to sell out the show, which is taking place in Puerto Rico for the first time.
Here is the current WWE Backlash 2023 match card that is expected for the show, taking place on May 6 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is the first pay per view since WrestleMania 39.
Backlash 2023 Match Card
Here are all the matches currently reported to be taking place at Backlash 2023.
Cody Rhodes vs Brock Lesnar
Cody Rhodes vs Brock Lesnar could be the main event of Backlash 2023, even if the setup for the bout was thoroughly stupid.
Lesnar turned on Cody before they were due to team together on Monday Night Raw. He attacked him the day after losing to Reigns at WrestleMania, f5’ing him onto the steel steps.
The next week, Cody Rhodes challenged Brock Lesnar to a match at Backlash 2023, with Lesnar expected to accept the challenge next week on Raw.
Bad Bunny and Rey Mysterio vs Dominik and Damian Priest
The fued between Dominik Mysterio and his father is set to continue, with the addition of pop star Bad Bunny.
Bad Bunny interfered at WrestleMania 39, helping Rey Mysterio beat his son in one of the biggest matches on the show.
Given Backlash 2023 is in Bad Bunny’s hometown of Puerto Rico, it is likely he will be a part of the show, and rumoured to team with Mysterio in a tag team match.
Sami Zayn Kevin Owens and Riddle vs The Usos and Solo Sikoa
Following his return from rehab last year, Matt Riddle is set to team with WWE Tag Team Champions Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, in a huge six-man tag team match at Backlash 2023.
After Zayn & Owens defeated The Usos at WrestleMania 39, they continued the feud against the Bloodline.
The duo wanted to take down the group for good, and a six man tag team match against The Usos and Solo Sikoa is the way to do that.
This match will not be for the tag team titles.
Becky Lynch vs Trish Stratus
Becky Lynch is set to take on Trish Stratus in a huge match at Becklash this year. The two iconic women’s wrestlers have never wrestled against one another, but are soon to team up in a huge WrestleMania match.
At WrestleMania 39, Trish Stratus, Becky Lynch & Lita defeated Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY) in a six-woman tag team match.
While they seemed to be the best of friends at WrestleMania 39, things turned sour on Monday Night Raw.
After losing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, Trish Stratus turned heel and attacked Becky Lynch, setting up a huge match between the two legends.
Bianca Belair vs Iyo Sky (Raw Women’s Championship)
After winning a three-way match with Piper Niven and Mia Yim, IYO SKY earned herself a Raw Women’s Championship match against Bianca Belair.
That match looks likely to take place in Puerto Rico, with Sky getting her first shot at the title on the main roster.
IYO SKY took the place of Bayley in the match, and is likely to face Bianca Belair at Backlash 2023, aiming to win the Raw Women’s Champion after Belair beat Asuka at WrestleMania 39.