WWE Backlash 2026 is coming to…
In a major announcement on social media, WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque revealed that this year’s Backlash Premium Live Event will return to Tampa, Florida. The Game made the announcement while promoting the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“We are moments away from the Royal Rumble here in Saudi Arabia. An epic night; the Road to WrestleMania begins. But when WrestleMania finishes, there’s a big event called Backlash.
“And here tonight, I’m going to let you know that on May 9th—Saturday, May 9th—the Benchmark International Arena, Tampa, Florida, Backlash returns! It’s going to be big.
“So, Tampa, Florida… I just got one question: Are you ready?”
The announcement shifted speculation away from a possible return to Puerto Rico and marked a Backlash homecoming for Tampa for the first time since the 2021 ThunderDome-era event.
Benchmark International Arena is formerly known as Amalie Arena. The venue’s name was changed to its current one after the old rights expired in August 2025.
Backlash 2025 emanated from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and featured John Cena vs. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship in the main event.
Speaking of Randy Orton, The Viper is one of the 22 entrants officially confirmed for the Men’s Royal Rumble match at the time of this writing.
WrestleZone’s coverage of WWE Royal Rumble will begin live at 1 PM EST here.
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