WWE Announces Backlash 2026 in Tampa Bay

Chief Content Officer Triple H confirms the date and location for the post-WrestleMania pay-per-view event.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:47pm

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WWE has announced that its annual Backlash pay-per-view event will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. The announcement was made by Chief Content Officer Triple H on social media, who promised fans that the first post-WrestleMania show will be a big event.

Why it matters

Backlash is one of WWE's major pay-per-view events, coming on the heels of the company's biggest show of the year, WrestleMania. The location change from previous years to Tampa Bay signals a shift in WWE's event strategy, as the company has hosted several NXT and Saturday Night's Main Event shows in the area recently.

The details

After WrestleMania 42 takes place on April 18-19 in Las Vegas for the second consecutive year, Backlash will be the next major WWE pay-per-view, moving from its usual location. The event was previously speculated to be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but Triple H confirmed the new Tampa Bay venue in his announcement.

  • WWE Royal Rumble will air just hours before the Backlash 2026 announcement.
  • Backlash 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026.
  • The last time WWE held a pay-per-view event in Tampa Bay was during the ThunderDome era.

The players

Triple H

WWE's Chief Content Officer who announced the date and location for Backlash 2026.

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What’s next

Fans can expect more details on the Backlash 2026 card and match lineup in the coming weeks and months leading up to the event.

The takeaway

WWE's decision to hold Backlash 2026 in Tampa Bay, Florida signals a shift in the company's pay-per-view strategy, as they look to capitalize on the growing fanbase in the region following recent successful NXT and Saturday Night's Main Event shows.