WrestleMania Aftermath: New Title Challenger Emerges

Roman Reigns walked out of WrestleMania 42 earlier this month as the World Heavyweight Champion, but soon after, a new contender stepped into the spotlight.

Last week on Monday Night Raw, Jacob Fatu declared his intentions to chase after his first world title. Reigns responded, saying Fatu needed to prove his worthiness before considering a championship opportunity. Demonstrating his strength, Fatu not only defeated Solo Chicor on “Friday Night SmackDown” but also took down the entire MFT faction.

When Reigns appeared on Raw this week, he was with Jey and Jimmy Uso, discussing the threat posed by the “Samoan Werewolf.” Jimmy Uso commented that Fatu’s quest for greatness shouldn’t come at the expense of Reigns. Meanwhile, Jey Uso cautioned about Fatu’s dangerous nature.

The tension escalated into a match between Reigns and Fatu later that evening. Reigns emphasized how he’d elevated the World Heavyweight Championship, making it significant. When Fatu confronted him, he expressed hope that Fatu had chosen to unite the bloodline instead of dividing it.

Fatu replied, “You said you gave me a week, but I didn’t need that long. I knew what I wanted when I came out here last Monday.” He asserted his unwavering desire for the title, declaring, “I didn’t stutter, I didn’t hesitate.” He then critiqued Reigns, suggesting that the champion hadn’t worked as hard to get where he is.

“But it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” Fatu warned. “Before WWE, I wasn’t called by you or the Usos; it was Solo who reached out to me.” Fatu’s journey had been supported by Solo, not Reigns.

Reigns countered that Chicor had no bearing on Fatu’s journey to WWE, mockingly stating that not even Solo could manage simple tasks. “Who do you think runs this place?” Reigns asked. “It’s not nepotism; you haven’t earned it yet.”

Just as Reigns was finishing his thought, Fatu struck him with a Tonga death grip, making his intentions clear: “I’m going to take everything from you.” At that moment, Reigns accepted the challenge.

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque later announced the upcoming World Heavyweight Championship match at Backlash.

Further Developments

Seth Rollins kicked off the show with a reflection on Bron Breaker’s recent loss to Gunther at WrestleMania. The two exchanged heated words regarding accountability for Breaker’s success. Breaker indicated he didn’t need Rollins’ assistance to become a main event star, insisting he was already on that path.

Rollins asserted he saw potential in Breaker, while also noting his extensive experience in the company. He complimented Breaker’s unique attributes but stressed that raw talent alone isn’t enough for success.

Breaker fired back, claiming he was already on track for main event status regardless of Rollins. He threw shade at Rollins’ physical condition and suggested he was unfit for high-stakes matches. Rollins, in turn, belittled Breaker, claiming he wasn’t even the top performer in his own family.

After further exchanges, Rollins decided to offer Breaker a match at Backlash, which Levesque confirmed later that night.

Additional Matches and News

• Levesque booked Iyo Sky vs. Asuka for Backlash, reigniting their longstanding rivalry.
• Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez unexpectedly attacked Stephanie Vaquel, resulting in an injury to Vaquel.
• Paul and Theory interrupted a concert by Joe Hendry, seemingly initiating a new feud.

Match Results

• Becky Lynch defeated Iyo Sky to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
• Rey Mysterio overcame El Grande Americano.
• Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez triumphed over Bayley and Lyra Valkyrie.