Entertainment
WWE WrestleMania Backlash 2021 preview: UK start time, matches, live stream and more
WWE seems to be extending its busiest season of the year for 2021 with WrestleMania Backlash just hours away.
The Peacock deal in the US seems to be a big reason behind the event’s rebranding to reference the Show of Shows as they look to capitalise on new fans discovering their product through the streaming platform.
In something of a pleasant surprise, there are no straight-up rematches from last month’s double header at Raymond James Stadium.
Some storylines have continued and two of the top matches on the Raw brand are re-runs of sort with added competitors to give fans something different.
There is plenty to get excited about with five title matches on tap and a grudge match which will hopefully mark the end of Damian Priest and The Miz’s long, long rivalry.
As ever, we’ve put together our monthly guide with full match card, streaming details and more.
Here’s what you need to know…
When is WWE WrestleMania Backlash?
WWE presents WrestleMania Backlash tonight (May 16) with all the action on the main card kicking off at midnight for fans in the UK.
How can you watch WWE WrestleMania Backlash?
The Thunderdome registration period has come and gone as it tends to do, so here’s how you can tune in without seeing yourself on the big screens.
Of course, there will be a Kickoff show available on the WWE Network, WWE.com, the WWE app, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Twitch at 11pm.
For fans in the UK, you can tune into the main WrestleMania Backlash show by either streaming live or watching on demand via the WWE Network – or order the event via BT Sport Box Office.
WWE WrestleMania Backlash full match card
- WWE Title: Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Braun Strowman
- Raw Women’s Title: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair
- Universal Title: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cesaro
- SmackDown Women’s Title: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Bayley
- SmackDown Tag Team Titles: Dirty Dawgs (c) vs. Rey and Dominik Mysterio
- Lumberjack Match: Damian Priest vs. The Miz
What can you expect from WWE WrestleMania Backlash?
No matter how lacklustre the build can be for WWE lately – where it’s been particularly inconsistent on the Raw side of things – the company has developed a habit of putting out great pay-per-views during the pandemic.
Going back as far as last year’s SummerSlam, it’s hard to remember a disappointing night in this format, and they’ve almost borrowed from the NXT formula of a smaller card giving matches more room to breath without trying to cram nine or 10 matches into a show.
In terms of the action tonight specifically, we’ve got four main event worthy clashes, and another couple of matches which will more than pull their weight.
Look for Lashley to retain in a bruising bout against McIntyre and Strowman, while Ripley deserves to continue her reign after reaching the summit at WrestleMania last month.
Over on the blue brand, Cesaro and Roman Reigns are poised to deliver the match of the night, and the Swiss Superman will be able to cement himself as a main event player even though it’s unlikely he wins the Universal Championship at his first attempt.
He’s a fantastic competitor and more than deserving of this long overdue rise up the card, but the Tribal Chief has plenty left to do as champion, and the simmering side plot with his cousins Jimmy and Jey Uso is one of WWE’s best storylines in years.
Belair should keep her belt in a great match against Bayley, which means the only title change – unless WWE give fans a huge shock one of the other clashes – looks set to be Rey and Dominik Mysterio becoming the first ever father-son tag team champions.
Finally, Priest will hopefully put his feud with The Miz to sleep in their match – it’s overstayed its welcome despite the talent involved, and the Archer of Infamy needs to be freed up to freshen up the main event scene, perhaps as Lashley’s next challenger.
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