WWE Now - Roman Reigns' biggest threat? | Full Backlash 2026 preview
40 min
•May 8, 202626 days agoSummary
WWE Now hosts discuss the Backlash 2026 preview, analyzing major matches including Braun Breaker vs Seth Rollins, Trick Williams vs Sami Zayn, and Jacob Fatu vs Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship. The episode explores character momentum shifts, emerging talent like Dan Hausman, and storyline implications across multiple feuds.
Insights
- Emerging talent can quickly displace established stars when they command charisma and audience connection, as evidenced by Trick Williams overshadowing Sami Zayn despite Zayn's Hall of Fame credentials
- Career trajectory inflection points occur when veterans face rising stars—losses can shift perception from main event contender to gatekeeper role, fundamentally altering career momentum
- Unexpected character debuts with unconventional gimmicks (Dan Hausman) can generate organic audience investment within weeks if executed with authenticity and creative consistency
- Family dynamics in wrestling narratives create multi-layered storytelling that engages audiences emotionally beyond traditional hero-villain frameworks, as seen in the Bloodline evolution
- Isolation from support systems (Seth Rollins without allies) can paradoxically increase performer focus and intensity by removing external dependencies
Trends
Rapid talent evaluation cycles in WWE where audience sentiment shifts within single TV appearances rather than over monthsGimmick innovation through character authenticity—unconventional personas succeed when performers fully commit rather than rely on traditional wrestling tropesMulti-generational family storylines becoming primary narrative drivers for world title programsYoung talent using momentum from secondary title programs to challenge for world championships in accelerated timelinesAudience preference for nuanced, morally complex feuds over traditional good-vs-evil storytelling in main event programsMentorship dynamics (Paul Heyman with Braun Breaker) as career acceleration mechanisms for rising talentVeteran performer repositioning as gatekeepers when unable to maintain momentum against emerging starsSurprise celebrity appearances and announcements driving live event attendance and viewership
Topics
Braun Breaker's return and main event positioningSeth Rollins' career momentum and faction leadershipTrick Williams' charisma and star power developmentSami Zayn's world title aspirations and career crossroadsJacob Fatu vs Roman Reigns world championship programDan Hausman's unexpected character successAsuka vs Bianca Belair women's division matchThe Miz and Kit Wilson tag team dynamicsPaul Heyman's talent management and mentorshipJohn Cena's retirement and surprise Backlash announcementBloodline family storyline evolutionEmerging talent vs established veteran matchupsCharacter gimmick innovation in professional wrestlingWWE women's division competitive landscapeLive event announcement strategy and surprise reveals
Companies
People
Steph McMahon
Listed as host of 'What's Your Story? with Steph McMahon' podcast series
Sam Roberts
Co-host of WWE Now discussing Backlash preview and match analysis
Megan Morant
Co-host providing analysis on women's division and character development
Big E
Guest analyst discussing Braun Breaker, Seth Rollins, and match predictions for Backlash
Roman Reigns
World Heavyweight Champion facing Jacob Fatu at Backlash; central to Bloodline storyline discussion
Braun Breaker
Facing Seth Rollins at Backlash; discussed as rising main event talent with championship potential
Trick Williams
US Champion facing Sami Zayn; analyzed as emerging star with exceptional charisma and promo ability
Jacob Fatu
Challenging Roman Reigns for World Heavyweight Championship; discussed as rising Samoan/Tongan talent
Seth Rollins
Facing Braun Breaker at Backlash; analyzed as veteran seeking momentum after WrestleMania loss
Sami Zayn
Defending US Championship against Trick Williams; discussed as Hall of Famer at career crossroads
Dan Hausman
Discussed as unexpected success story with unconventional gimmick gaining rapid audience acceptance
Paul Heyman
Discussed as mentor to Braun Breaker; analyzed as seeking new top talent after Brock Lesnar retirement
John Cena
Announced to appear at Backlash with history-making announcement; recently retired from in-ring competition
Asuka
Facing Bianca Belair at Backlash; discussed as underrated technical wrestler with legendary career
Bianca Belair
Facing Asuka at Backlash; discussed as pound-for-pound elite worker coming off strong WrestleMania performance
The Miz
Tag team partner with Kit Wilson at Backlash; discussed as veteran maximizing current creative direction
Kit Wilson
Tag team partner with The Miz; discussed as rising talent with unique anti-toxic masculinity character
Quotes
"I think he's the now. He's no longer the future. He is the now."
Megan Morant•Discussing Braun Breaker's promo at Madison Square Garden
"Every time he cuts a promo, I'm putting my phone down. I'm not talking to anyone else. I'm locked in. His charisma is unparalleled."
Big E•Analyzing Trick Williams' star power
"I think Seth going into this match knowing there will be no hope. There will be no Paul Heyman to slide him a foreign object. There will be no one to save him."
Megan Morant•Discussing Seth Rollins vs Braun Breaker match dynamics
"Jacob's not just coming for what Roman has today. Jacob's coming for every dollar he missed while he was not in the WWE."
Big E•Analyzing Jacob Fatu's motivation against Roman Reigns
"I cannot wait to watch the entire room change when this match begins and see what this match even looks like."
Sam Roberts•Discussing Jacob Fatu vs Roman Reigns main event
Full Transcript
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Speaking of, isn't it crazy how quickly Dan Hausen has just taken over? Amazing. I have so many Dan Hausen-isms, just floating in my head at all times. I love it. There is a lot of Dan Hausen discussion to have here today. Imagine being one of the people that was on Dan Hausen from the very beginning. Whoever was on Dan Hausen from the beginning, you'd have to categorize as a genius. I'm just surprised you haven't gotten tired from all the victory laps you've been taking. Well, my shoulders are a little thrown out, for patting myself on the back. But that's neither here nor there. Listen, it's not about me, Megan. Come on. It's about Backlash. Backlash and a loaded, a low-key loaded card. It came out of nowhere. It seems like we were just at WrestleMania. And now here we are at Backlash. And one of the matches that we're getting at Backlash is a match that a lot of people speculated would happen at WrestleMania. It did not due to injury. And here we are, Braun Breaker versus Seth Rollins, one-on-one in Tampa. First of all, I'll ask you this. This was a question that was brought up by Seth Rollins. Two weeks ago, maybe, on Monday Night Raw. Is Braun Breaker ready? He is. I think he is. And it's so interesting thinking too about when, the first time we saw Braun Breaker on the main roster really, truly felt like, all right, we're going to build around this guy. He is going to be the face of the company. But he was out with injury. And in that very short time span, we got to see the rise of Oba, a trick of even Dan House. And we can see all these new stars in W-E-E-E. Easy for me to say, in W-E-E. But you know, it's very, I think we can very quickly move on to the next hot thing, the next big thing. But let's not forget who Braun Breaker is. I think a lot of that sizzle has been placed on other talent, on other superstars. But Braun is still that guy. And I think he's going to enter this match, now even more motivated, now to demonstrate that he is indeed someone who belongs at the very top of the card. So I'm excited to see what Braun does. I think this is of all his matches on the main roster so far. I think this one has the most pressure because it's very easy for us in this industry to move on to the next great thing. So Braun really has to assert and demonstrate that not only can he go toe-to-toe with Seth Rollins, but he can beat legends like Seth and then hopefully ascend to the world title picture. That's saying a lot too, is match with the most amount of pressure because I think back to that first raw of the year at Madison Square Garden, right? And for me, the build to that match against CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship was really the moment that, we all saw the potential in Braun Breaker. We all saw he had it when he was down in NXT, but when he cut that promo leading into the match against Punk at Madison Square Garden, I said, this guy is the now. He's no longer the future. He is the now. And this is one of the reasons I'm looking forward so much to this match against Seth Rollins because to your point, E, we do forget quickly. We have short-term memory loss here in WWE. We're distracted by the next shiny object. And I can't wait to see this match between Braun Breaker and Seth Rollins because Braun has proven that he's the now before, but he's got to remind everybody once again. It's a little gimmick in Fringe Mini though because that's what they've been calling this podcast, the now. That's everybody's been saying that's the now. I listened to you guys on the now. So, the now. Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's just the thing. I'm not saying it. But I heard it. Maybe we could add Braun Breaker to the graphic. I wouldn't mind that. I wouldn't mind it at all. I think it would be really, really good. Do you think that the sprint down the WrestleMania ramp, when that was really Braun Breaker's return to the WWE, did that count as a long-distance run? I think that's more of a dash. Dash. Yeah. Okay. I mean, if it was 800 meters, we can call that a run. 400 meter dash. Look, you talk about pressure and you talk about the now here on the now. And where Braun Breaker is at, I think you also have to keep in mind where Seth Rollins is at. I think it's a tricky thing when you're leading a faction full of the future. Because I mean, I would guess that if you're in Seth Rollins position, you want the next big guys around you, but you don't want them to realize they're the current big guys. You want to keep your standing right. And let's be 100% honest. Seth Rollins is 0-1 since returning to the WWE. Gunther beat him at WrestleMania. So yeah, there's a lot of pressure on Braun Breaker. But if Seth Rollins does not beat Braun Breaker at Backlash, where does Seth Rollins career go? Where does his revenge path against Paul Heyman go? I mean, this thing could completely be stopped at step one. I agree. And I think so often like Seth's in this position where you kind of wait for guys like him who have done so many great things. Where is that tipping point? The point where his career is no longer ascending. It's no longer about going after world titles. And now he becomes a bit of a gatekeeper. And Seth is not there yet. But I think if we see him lose definitively to Braun, which there's no shame in that. And if he can't regain that momentum, you start to wonder if his best days are behind him. And I think we're going to see a really, really motivated Braun. But I also think we're going to see a very motivated Seth. He also is going to prove that he still is that guy. And look, Braun is also going to be in the ring with I think people are expecting Braun to have his best match ever. Seth is someone who forces you to elevate your game to levels you have never gone to before. And I expect that from Braun at backlash. What I keep coming back to with Seth though is that when he built the vision, he betrayed a lot of people and actions have consequences and people don't forget. Seth Rollins is someone right now who has zero friends in the locker room. We saw the reaction that the street profits gave Seth Rollins last week on Monday Night Raw. If the street profits aren't willing to be friends with you, who is right now in WWE? I think Seth's back is against the wall. And also Paul Heyman, he's looking for a meal ticket. I would say Paul Heyman's interest in Braun Breaker has definitely elevated. You want this guy to starve? Paul Heyman? Yeah. No, no, no, he needs to stay fed. That's Paul Heyman. He will always stay fed. That's Paul in the wrestling industry. Paul Heyman is not going to starve, but that's a great point. Brock Lesnar puts his, leaves his boots in the ring at WrestleMania. Yeah, it's an emotional moment. Yeah, it's one for us all to talk about. But the reality is that now that Paul Heyman has left Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins has left Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar has conceivably retired. Paul Heyman for the first time this decade is without a top guy. Paul Heyman is, I would imagine, more invested than ever at making Braun Breaker a top guy right now. No, I think you're spot on. And I think Braun having that tutelage, having someone like Paul Heyman in his ear, I think it's going to be really good for him. But you talk about Seth not having friends. I do think Seth in many ways we can go back to the shield days. But besides that, I think so much of Seth's best work is when he's just focused on himself, when it's just Seth Rollins. Because I think too often when you're my case aside, but when you're very used to having a lot of other people around you, sometimes it can be a crutch. Sometimes you're always looking for that person who's going to help you out. Where is the interference coming? Your eyes are on the outside of the ring waiting for that help. I think Seth going into this match knowing there will be no hope. There will be no Paul Heyman to slide him a foreign object. There will be no one to save him. I think Seth will come in with that extra level of preparedness, that extra level of head on a swivel. And I think he's just going to be more focused than ever because of that. I also think that we have another big match that to me, I feel like it's just going to be a good old fashioned one on one incredible wrestling match. EO versus Asuka at Backlash. EO and Asuka, two of the best to ever do it in the division. And I think EO has gotten a lot of credit for that lately. And I think Asuka has not so much. I think people have kind of slept a little bit on what Asuka is capable of, on what Asuka is doing, on how incredibly good Asuka is. And I think at Backlash, being in the ring with EO Sky is going to give Asuka the opportunity to remind everybody why that catchphrase nobody is ready for Asuka is a thing. But people forgetting about who Asuka is has nothing to do with Asuka's performance or a dip in what she has brought to the table. It's simply because we have seen less of her in the ring. We've seen a lot of backstage, you know, yelling. We've seen her in tags. We have really not seen Asuka in this position to have a big singles match in a PLE in quite some time. But look, if you love the craft of professional wrestling, if you love two great workers, this is your match. This is the one you're excited for because these two still got it. I'm sure Asuka could wrestle into her 60s and 70s and will still have it because the way this woman moves, her explosiveness, her technical ability. I feel like she is still it's crazy to think all the legendary things she's done in Japan and in WWE still probably might be the most underrated superstar we have on this roster. We don't talk enough about how incredible she is. And I think in many ways EO because she has coming off of a really banner year, a year prior and having that big match at WrestleMania. She has kind of been in this role of being Rhea's friend, being in tag matches with Rhea. And I'm so excited that we're getting this singles match again. I think in many ways seeing Rhea and EO go to separate brands is bittersweet for a lot of fans who love seeing them together. But I think it will force the two of them to really elevate their game on the single side because EO is truly pound for pound. One of the best workers in the world. Same thing for Asuka. So I am truly excited. There's obviously a lot of history as well. And I know that's going to play into this match. But as far as just technical ability, this is the match that I think is going to steal the show. Be careful, Biggie. If you say too much about EO and Rhea, Sam will accuse you of being a hater. So just be careful. That's weird. That's that feels that what's that? Thou doth protest too much? What had nobody brought up Megan being a hater until Megan just kind of was that a confession? I don't know you talking about EO and Rhea. And I was like, I just want to warn my friend, Biggie, to be careful. I know. I know you well. I spend a lot of time with you. First of all, Biggie just came from a very positive place. You just came from a very negative place. So I would feel like you just kind of spelled. And you just what are the children say you snitched on yourself there? Is that what they would say? That was that was tough. But I mean, now that you bring it up, you are a hater have been one for a long time. And you have been chomping at the bit while everybody in the world was enjoying Rhea and EO together as best friends, uniting is this incredible tag team. Every week, you would be like, when are they going to fight? They must hate each other. Why would you say do you think it bothers Rhea that she's never pinned EO? I mean, I yeah, bothers her. She cries on her WWE Women's Championship title. Here's my question for you, Megan, from your perspective of Haterdom, do you feel like EO is going to be sending a message? This is EO's opportunity to be back in a big singles, PLE match against somebody like Oscar. Do you think that this is the moment that she she, you know, going back to reminding people or talking about Oscar reminding people? Is this where EO goes? Hey, like, I hope that you guys haven't stopped putting me in contention for singles gold. Yes. And I would like to see a little bit of an edgier side of EO Sky. Right. I'd like to see EO get a bit gritty here because we saw what happened between Oscar and EO and how it was very emotional for EO to be treated the way she was by Oscar. Here's Oscar, who paved the way for someone like EO Sky to come along and have the career that she's had in WWE. So when Oscar treated EO the way that she did, we saw an emotional side of EO. Now it's been some time. This has been building for a while between EO and Oscar. I think EO has an edge. I think she's all business. I think not having a match at WrestleMania is something that she certainly hasn't forgotten. And I think she's looking to send this message not only to Oscar, but to the entire WWE Universe that she is the best wrestler on the planet. And she's going to show everyone at Backlash. Wow. I mean, listen, Oscar the same way, right? Oscar's probably heard that opinion too and doesn't love that everybody credits EO with all this stuff, especially in such a combative negative way. But I will tell you that even the haters are going to be invited this July when Fanatics Fest. So I'll be there. Yeah, you will. It's gonna be the haters ball when Megan shows up. The number one sports fan festival Fanatics Fest returns to the Javits Center in New York City from July 16th through the 19th of 2026. It's a must attend event for WWE fans. You'll be able to meet your favorite superstars, watch live WWE podcast and enjoy surprise appearances all weekend long. WWE superstar autographs and photo opportunities at Fanatics Fest are on sale now. Confirmed WWE superstars for photo and autograph opportunities include Braun Breaker, Drew McIntyre, Tiffany Stratton, Trish Stratus and Charlotte Flair. More WWE superstars will continue to be announced. So fans should stay tuned to Fanatics Fest social channels for the latest updates. Fanatics Fest tickets are on sale now at FanaticsFest.com. And you know, we've been having a little fun. I've been, you know, getting some shots in at ya. Everybody's having a good time here. But if we could just take a moment to be a little bit more serious, a little bit more solemn and realize that, you know, one of the big matches at backlash on Saturday is unfortunately, there's a dark cloud over it as on Friday night, we did unfortunately late arrest the gingerbread man. He passed on. May he rest in pieces. Gingerbread man, unfortunately, no longer with us as we look ahead at Trick Williams versus Sami Zayn and E for you. Do you find that the loss of the gingerbread man, you know, the medical, they threw up the X and then medical coming out right in the middle of tricks promo of all times to tell us that unfortunately the gingerbread man did not pull through. Do you think that that heightens the the emotionality of this match at backlash? Uh, no, I do not. I do not. And the way you introduced that to I was like, is there is there something really serious on this card that I was unaware that I was like, did I miss something? And then and then when I realized where this was going, no, look, I this match as much as we all miss the gingerbread. I love shenanigans to RIP the gingerbread man. But let's get let's get to the meat of this matter. All right. I think Sami Zayn is at a real crossroads in his career. This man, not that long ago, truly one of the most beloved figures in all of WWE. He has given us so much to see this turn. And what I'm curious is, I don't know if it's just because of tricks magnetism and his star power that people are turning on Sami. Is it the trick effect or is it just people tired of what Sami has to say and what he's doing right now? But this is this is the most frazzled version of Sami Zayn that I've seen in quite some time, like someone who is on the verge of snapping if he hasn't snapped already. But I think this is really an opportunity for trick to really solidify his stardom. If he beats Sami Zayn again, a first ballot Hall of Famer, a WrestleMania main eventer, a man who was really done it all besides holding the world title in WWE. If he's able to beat a living legend in Sami Zayn in Tampa tricks, the rocket ship for trick just continues to take off. Because I think him beating Sami once is something to be very proud of, but him beating Sami twice to prove he is definitively the better man really is making a statement that not only am I here as a young guy who has some promise, but I'm the now I'm not the future. I'm not someone who oh yeah, in a couple years, three years, maybe we'll see him do some cool things at WrestleMania. No, I've arrived right now and I'm ready to take this company by the horns. We need to I mean, do we have a trademark lawyer? We need to make sure we are known as the now this show is got to be the now because it's been thrown around and bandied about irresponsibly, I feel like. And we really need to we really need to stake a claim to this the now thing because obviously it's catching on. Obviously it's on the tip of everybody's tongue. Do you think, though, for both of you guys that Sami Zayn being gaslit by the entire Smackdown locker room? I mean, with Joe Tess taking his glasses off to solemnly make that really tough announcement that the gingerbread man hadn't made it. Nick Aldis putting up a graphic that the gingerbread man was going to have a funeral on Smackdown. Do you think that this is that this is going to motivate Sami to be a better Sami or do you think we're going to get back to, you know, Sami Zayn beating up water bottles like on his road to WrestleMania? I think Sami is very close to snapping. I think very close to snapping. But what I worry about with Sami Zayn was really at the beginning of the year, Sami Zayn cut that emotional promo where he talked about being at John Cena's retirement match. And he was sitting in the crowd with his son and his son was asking him how many times he's been a world champion and he had to look his son in the eye and tell him that he's never been a world champion in WWE. And Sami stated his intentions to go after the world title. But if you can't beat Trick Williams and get the United States title back, where does Sami go from here? Probably jail because homicide. That's a good point. I didn't think about that. I didn't think about that at all. Yeah, prison. Hey, prison did good things for Dom. So you never know. People come out of prison and they change person. We could get a new Sami Zayn. That we could. I think you're spot on, Megan. I think what was kind of troubling for me was seeing Sami not whimsically attack the gingerbread man, but seeing the way that all unfolded. I was like, he is too invested in this. He is taking this way too seriously. And my concern is that he is not as focused as he needs to be. I think he's too concerned with the crowd reception, with the mind games, with a little boat, you know, Yachty out there as well. There are a lot of other things that Sami, I think, is concerned with. And I think it's hard when you're someone who has done so many incredible things in this industry, watching a young superstar, not just on this rise, but really just kind of snatch the limelight from you. This doesn't feel like two stars with the same reception from fans. It feels like people are all in on Trick Williams. And I get it. The way this man, every time he cuts a promo, I'm putting my phone down. I'm not talking to anyone else. I'm locked in. His charisma is unparalleled. I don't think we've seen anything quite like him from a young talent in a long, long time. Someone with that kind of panache and command of who he is, the way he understands what he wants to get across. I haven't seen anything quite like Trick Williams, maybe ever. You know, there are some parallels to Booker T, who had some time mentoring him in NXT. But Trick is really carving out a path of his own and his star power is truly undeniable. And I think the fear is for Sami Zayn is your desire to get back to that world title. If you lose to Trick, I think now you're in that position potentially of being that gatekeeper, of being that guy who is now like, OK, if the young stars can beat you, that's their ability to get to the next level. You become a stepping stone. Sami Zayn, I know him. He is still hungry for that world championship. He is not ready to be a stepping stone. He is not working to be someone that others can use to gain their momentum. That's not. And I think if he wants to stop that, if he wants to dead that, he needs to have an incredible performance in Tampa. He needs to be Trick. He really does. And then I think about the backstage interactions between Sami and Cody Rhodes, and that has to get in Sami's head, right? I mean, Cody Rhodes saying, you know, you and I don't have anything in common, Sami. We are not. We are not similar. We are not the same. And Sami making this comparison to the type of performer they are, the type of professional wrestler they are, and just being shot down by Cody Rhodes. It wasn't cool. It wasn't cool. But I do think you're right about Trick Williams. There's a thing about Trick. He's not just another cookie cutter superstar. Oh. All right. Should we talk about Tops? Rest in peace, by the way. Yeah. You talking about Fanatic Slam? Fanatic Slam by Tops? Yes. You can step into the fallout of WrestleMania with the WWE Slam Backlash Box, featuring a dynamic mix of base cards and premium hits. This release captures the intensity, rivalries, and momentum shifts that shape WWE's next chapter. Chase must have signatures and dual signature cards from Top Talent alongside visually striking tilt cards that bring the action to life. Look for exclusive inserts like Tampa Takeover and Aftershock, highlighting superstars that left a lasting impact in the wake of WrestleMania. And be sure to join the Slam Backlash Watch Party on Saturday, May 9th at 6.30 p.m. Eastern, where users can follow every moment of backlash while collecting free packs, coins, and profile avatars as one of WWE's most explosive rivalries unfolds. WWE Slam by Tops? Download now. And I think that we have brought up a moment ago, the man himself, who we found out will be in Tampa, has a history making announcement to make something like that. John Cena will be a part of Backlash. He'll be there. I think it's to, well, I would just say to make an impactful announcement. I just, the tweet that he put out, there it is, there it is. Because John Cena is one with his words, okay? He said he is so excited to break some, that's what it was, break some history making news. He says, I can't promise it'll be perfect, but I can promise it will change the WWE experience for superstars and fans. So we will see John Cena in Tampa at Backlash. There will be something that will change that experience. There's been wild speculation as to what it could be, but I do believe that anytime the Never Seen 17 Goat steps into any WWE show, it's exciting. Of course. Of course. I mean, this is just months removed from him retiring from being an in-ring performer, which was very emotional for a lot of people. The fact that we get to see John Cena at, you know, we saw him host WrestleMania, the fact that he has a surprise announcement. I can't wait to hear what the announcement is, and the fact that Cena is making this announcement tells me that I'm interested in whatever this announcement is. Anytime John Cena is on our TV screens, I'm locked in, so I can't wait. Yeah, and agreed. I also have a guest that I feel really good about. I think he has a secret son that he's been hiding from the world, and that son is also named John Cena. So we can continue to see John Cena on our screens. Yeah, you know, I think the son is like, you know, early mid-20s, so I think we're going to continue to see John Cena Jr. Actually, is Cena the junior? John Cena the third? Anyway, John Cena the third. That's my guess. Yeah, I think we have an illegitimate son who is now going to be introduced to the world, and he'll wear the shorts as well. That would be great. That would be great. Because I'm not ready to see the shorts go away. I would love to see that. I would love to see that. Although I am holding out hope, there is one thing that I would love to see, I think, more than anything else. Oh, you've been talking about this a lot. Yeah. I think John Cena can, well, he can kill two birds with one stone, as it were. His announcement can also apply to another match that may be the one I'm looking forward to the most. John Cena collects $400, human dollars to be Dan Hausson's tag team partner. Human monies. Human money in John Cena's pocket for bills. John Cena and Dan Hausson together. So, just what the retirement just goes out the window for Dan Hausson? Dan Hausson has a way. You know, Dan Hausson has these incredible supernatural powers. Maybe John Cena doesn't take off the suit, so it doesn't fully, fully count. But I mean, you wouldn't forgive John Cena, even though he said, he specifically said, I'm definitely not coming back. He didn't know Dan Hausson was on his way. When John Cena said, he's definitely, definitely, definitely retiring. So please don't say maybe a little more at WrestleMania, maybe a little more here, maybe a little more there. He didn't know that that crate was going to be delivered to Chicago, and wrestling would be changed forever. He did not know, and you know, you know he felt that in the ring at WrestleMania, standing next to Dan Hausson. A lot of people say John Cena got to Dan Hausson rub that night. And I don't think that John Cena has had enough. I think that, listen, things change. I think John Cena and Dan Hausson would be a hell of a team. That's all. I think it's a wishful thinking. Don't get your hopes up. I could see it. Yeah. Wow. But I'd like to see someone, I'd like to see, you know, we have Royce Keys. That's what I'd like to see in this spot. Someone who I think has been very impressive on SmackDown. But I'd love to see this spot given to one of the newer cats who have walked through these doors lately. But I think Royce would be a great option. But I really have no idea. I'm really curious to see who ends up in this spot. I got it. Undertaker. Let's get the Undertaker in there. He's also retired. Ah, I keep forgetting. Somebody's going to give me the roster. I keep forgetting. No, but he still comes out like on the motorcycle. He just retired the hat and everything. But if the Undertaker comes out on the motorcycle, I would assume it's to put Dan Hausen in the Hall of Fame. That's true. That's a great point. It'd be fantastic. When you see Taker these days, that's what I would assume. But actually, so we had an interaction on the red carpet where Dan Hausen kind of forced me into putting him in the Hall of Fame. So he might already be in for all I know. Do you have that ability? I don't, but I did not want to be cursed. So I just agreed. That's really, really smart. Sam got cursed. Yeah, I did. It was tough. Becky put him up to it. That's a story for another time. But listen, this is, we do, and you would bring this up at the top of the show, E, we do have to take a moment to sit there and say that maybe the most unlikely superstar of all time. And I don't mean superstar in the sense that you kind of brand everybody with their suit. They're not wrestlers. They're superstars. I mean superstar in the most traditional sense of the word. Somebody that has, I mean, I mean resonated beyond the WWE already. I get, I get hit up by people who aren't watching the product week to week, but they go, I'm obsessed with this Dan Hausen. And to watch this guy have this debut in Chicago where everybody said, what is this? Many said, this is a complete disaster. They've destroyed this whole thing to now only like months later on a five match show. Dan Hausen is in a PLE match. I mean, you cannot overstate how massive that is. But the sentiment didn't even take months to change. It was the next time you saw him on TV. People were already behind him. And I remember I was backstage watching. I'm not going to name names, but some other personnel. And a lot of people were very quickly to say, that was rough. I don't know about this Dan Hausen. Good luck trying to get over here. And it didn't take him long at all. I had a chance to talk to him a couple of different times in Vegas, but I think his mind for this, his passion for this, his creativity is so unparalleled. So it's such a beautiful story to watch because I love when talent come in and people are like, they don't have it. I don't see it. And then they're very able, they're able very quickly to turn that sentiment around. And man, he just feels like he's been everywhere. He has been a delight anytime he's on my TV. I giggle, I laugh. I love what he brings to the table. Even seeing, like you said, that that moment with John Cena at WrestleMania. Man, I think of a guy like him just in a very real way. I think of someone like him who's been in the industry for so long. I can imagine there were so many times along the way before he got to WWE. But he's one, I'm sure he, I don't know if he ever thought he'd get here. And if he did, to be in the ring with Miz and Kit has also done a phenomenal job as well. Love me some Kit Wilson. He is someone who has maximized his minutes as well. But Dan Housen, I think is just a really a testament of someone who just refused to be put in a box. He is a one-on-one. No, he was. No one can do what he does. I hate to correct you. He's different and I love it. He was in a box. That was him in the box. I didn't mean quite literally. Oh, sorry. There was an actual box. Yes. All right. The metaphorical box. Don't put him in that. Put him in the coffin, sure, but not the metaphorical box. I'm glad we cleared that up. Thank you. I'm glad you brought up Kit Wilson as well because he is someone, you know, ever since he was sort of a, he debuted this, this, this, uh, the side of him where he's against toxic masculinity. And he's just captured the imagination of the WWE universe. I love seeing him with the Miz. I, there was a part of me last Friday on SmackDown that was very nervous that the Miz was just going to leave Kit. They got me on that one. So I'm glad to see Miz Kit back together again. Me too. And I hope he's got a new Kit fit for Backlash. No, I'm sure he will. And, and the idea that he's made it okay to write poetry. I mean, can you believe, as long as you've watched professional wrestling, the idea that on one side you have a gothic vampire and on the other side, you have a gentleman that writes poetry and the poet is the bad guy. The gothic vampire is the good guy. It's just the most remarkable, lovely thing. And just such a great demonstration of how wonderful pro wrestling is. It really is. There's nothing quite like it. And I do, I love me some shenanigans and I think we're going to see so many great matches, so many heated rivalries, but this will be the one match that's very different from everything else on the card. You're going to be entertained. You're going to laugh. I don't know what we're going to see. I have no idea who the mystery partner is, but I am very much looking forward to analyzing this afterwards on the Poe show or breaking it down because it's going to be something. I know that. I don't know what it'll be, but it's going to be something. Absolutely. It will be something. Speaking of being something, before we get to something, let's get to something else. Tops now captures major milestones and viral moments from the biggest events we saw on incredible cards already this year from WrestleMania. As they always do before PLEs, Tops put out a backlash poster card. Customers who buy this card have a chance at receiving rainbow foil short prints and gold super short prints limited to just 26 copies each. Cards are available Friday, May 8th, until Monday, May 11th. Also, look out for WWE Tops Now moments from Backlash launching Monday, May 11th. As always, make sure you're following at Tops on social and sign up for notifications on Tops.com for the big moment cards from Backlash this weekend in our main event at Backlash for the World Heavyweight Title. Something that like, I mean, whatever, a month ago, this wasn't in anybody's head. This wasn't on any bingo card. This wasn't anywhere. And now all of a sudden, A, we have World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns. B, he's wrestling at Backlash. And C, the guy that he's fighting, he doesn't want that title. He needs that title and everything that comes with it. Jacob Fatou versus Roman Reigns. You all know how much I love this bloodline story and I am so happy how back we are. I am so happy how prominent Jacob is in this story. I cannot wait to watch the entire room change when this match begins and see what this match even looks like. I'm excited too. The first time I saw Jacob Fatou in WWE, I thought world championships are coming for this guy. And this is the first opportunity. Beating the tribal chief, there's a very rarefied air. There are very, very few men who have pinned Roman Reigns. So him getting it done in Tampa, I don't know. But look, I love his reasoning too. Like man, seeing the life that Roman has built for himself, seeing the draw, seeing the movies he's been able to do. Look, Jacob got eight kids, all right? He got a lot of mouths to feed, okay? He needs that extra bread. And look, being a WWE superstar is one thing, but being the face of the company, being world champion and all that comes with it. I love that for him. It's not personal. There's no real, it has nothing. You know, there's a lot of family stuff here, but it's not even really about that. It's about wanting to provide for his own family, wanting to build a legacy for himself, wanting the things that Roman has built for himself. And you can't fault a man for that at all. What we do, this is prize fighting. That's what this is. It's not just people who get into conflicts for the sake of it, but with it comes championships, comes money, comes opportunities. And Jacob is someone who is not ready to sit back and be in catering and take his time and wait for an opportunity. I love that he's seizing this opportunity and coming off of that performance with Drew at WrestleMania and using that momentum to hot shot himself right till the tribe achieve. I love the bravado. I love that he's not timid. I also love as someone who is a huge haku fan, bringing back the tongue and death grip, making it the Samoan death grip. I'm in. I am in. Oh, especially with the historical connection between Jacob's dad and haku. I mean, I also think that the reality behind this story, right, that Jacob is not just looking for what he's got coming now. Jacob's making up for lost time. This money is not new to Roman Reigns. Roman Reigns has been making a lot of money for a long time. But when you think about it, the whole bloodline era where everybody associated with the bloodline did very well for themselves sitting on top of the industry. Jacob didn't get to be a part of any of that. Jacob wasn't even in the WWE for the entire four year run of the bloodline. And it feels like Jacob's not just coming for what Roman has today. Jacob's coming for every dollar he missed while he was not in the WWE and not invited to be a part of this bloodline. And what I love so much about the bloodline and Roman Reigns being back on our TV screens are the layers that are involved in the storytelling. And, you know, this is similar in a way to the Roman Reigns CM Punk match in the fact that there was no traditional good guy, bad guy. And I love the emotional roller coaster that it takes the fans on from the entrances, the way it makes you feel when Roman is making his way to the ring, the way it makes you feel when Jacob is making his way to the ring. There are layers to this. There are nuances in the storytelling. And to me, when everybody says we're so back, that's what it means. I would agree with that. And I would also, you know, point out that it's gotten complicated for Jacob. Jacob has made a lot of enemies on his way, right? On one end, you have Roman who's now getting along with the Usos. And the Usos have Romans back in this whole thing, but the Usos brother, Solo and his MFT are sitting there looking at Jacob as well. Jacob is going through about nine Samoans and Tongans just on his way to get to Roman Reigns. And the fact that Jacob has done it without missing a beat is like the most Jacob Fatou thing that he could possibly do. And think of when Jacob came to WWE, who had his back? It wasn't Roman Reigns, it was Solo. Solo couldn't order a cup of coffee to the building. Well, you could order it. I don't know if you'd ever get it, but you could order it. Well, that was. But no, you're right. And I also, I wonder how the Usos are involved as well on Saturday. That component, I think, is really going to be interesting because typically, I know Roman has had the bloodline with him for quite some time. But I think Roman wants to prove that he can get this done on his own, that he's not someone who needs to rely on the twins or rely on anyone else. But the Usos to me are that X factor of how are they involved because this is all family, like they all, in many ways, you know, Roman was the cousin that they grew up with and they were all like siblings, but Jacob also a part of that family. So that whole dynamic I find really fascinating. It's hard for me to believe that the Usos won't be involved at all. Also, will we see any MFT, any solo involvement? That whole dynamic, I think, is really fascinating. Yeah. What does this version of Roman Reigns look like? Is this version of Roman Reigns one that is associated with constant interference from his family? Is this version of Roman Reigns one that does things on his own? We will find out at Backlash. I cannot wait, I cannot wait, E, to see what you do on that countdown show as well as on the post-show. Meg, I cannot wait to get back together with you to recap the entire show here on WWE now. It has been a pleasure, E. Thank you so much and we will see you again after Backlash. .