At WWE Backlash this Sunday in Tampa, Roman Reigns is set to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu.
The match was made official this past Monday on Raw after both WWE Superstars signed a contract.
Reigns made it clear to Fatu that he’s the main reason why he got a job in WWE, but The Samoan Werewolf was not having any of it. He attacked The Tribal Chief with the Tongan Death Grip, which led to a brawl.
Fatu got the best of The OTC and sent him crashing on the table, which didn’t break. He ended up tossing it to a grounder Reigns, gaining momentum ahead of their title match at Backlash.
Roman Reigns Makes Promise for Backlash in Post-Raw Promo
GettyRoman Reigns celebrates after defeating CM Punk to win the World Heavyweight Championship match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
After the show went off the air, Roman Reigns addressed the Omaha crowd. Reigns hyped the people inside the CHI Health Center, dropping a bold promise for Backlash.
“I’ve held my ground in this company for too long, and I ain’t letting it go just yet,” Reigns said, via Sports Illustrated. “In Tampa, that’s where we have to hold it down. But here in Omaha, this is where we realize what has to happen.”
The Tribal Chief added, “At Backlash, I’m whooping Jacob’s a**. At Backlash, it’s ‘and still.’ At Backlash, you’re looking at the Head of the Table and the Tribal Chief above all.”
Reigns vs. Fatu is one of five matches advertised for Backlash. Other matches include the following:
- Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker
- Asuka vs. IYO SKY
- Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn for the United States Championship
- Danhausen and TBD vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson in a Tag team Match
John Cena is also set to make an appearance and make a “historic” announcement. Cena previously hosted WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Clarification on Roman Reigns Status
GettyRoman Reigns is introduced before his match against CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The WWE Universe was shocked after Roman Reigns was pulled from four episodes of WWE Raw in June. There was plenty of speculation about his future, as well as his status as World Heavyweight Champion and full-time WWE Superstar.
According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, there was a clerical error on TKO and WWE’s part in putting Reigns on their promotional material for June. The OTC isn’t part of the build for Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, so he’s not really factored into the shows leading up to it.
Johnson added that there are no creative differences between WWE and Reigns. There also are no truths to the speculation about Reigns possibly being among those asked to take a pay cut by TKO.
Nevertheless, Reigns’ potential absence for Night of Champions makes it possible for Jacob Fatu to get the upset win and become the new World Heavyweight Champion at Backlash.
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