WWE RAW (May 4, 2026): Backlash 2026 build; Sol Ruca's contract signing; Rusev teams up with Ethan Page & more set for next week
(Courtesy : WWE)
WWE delivered an explosive edition of Raw in Texas.
The April 27 edition of WWE Raw emanated from the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas. The show intensified the build towards the upcoming Backlash PLE, announcing three high-stakes matches for the show.
Joe Hendry made his debut on the show, while Seth Rollins challenged Bron Breakker for a showdown at Backlash. Meanwhile, Asuka helped Becky Lynch retain the Women’s IC title against Iyo Sky in an open challenge. Asuka then attacked Iyo Sky, where #WeWantKairi chants were audible.
The Judgment Day (Roxanne Perez, Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan) attacked Stephanie Vaquer backstage, and Perez and Rodriguez also picked up the win against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. On the other hand, Oba Femi started an open challenge after beating Grayson Waller.
Penta defeated Rusev, while Rey Mysterio defeated El Grande Americano. In the closing moments of the show, Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu engaged in a promo battle, where Fatu attacked Reigns with the Tongan Death Grip. The attack only made Reigns mad as he accepted Fatu’s challenge for Backlash.
The go-home show for Backlash will air from Omaha
During the April 27 episode this week, the promotion announced matches and segments for next week’s edition, which will serve as the go-home show for the 2026 edition of WWE Backlash.
After making her main roster debut last week, Sol Ruca will officially sign her Monday Night Raw contract next week. This appearance comes two weeks after Ruca competed in a match against Liv Morgan during the WrestleMania fallout show.
Additionally, via a social media exclusive, WWE also announced that Rusev and Ethan Page will team up to take on Intercontinental Champion Penta and Je’Von Evans in a tag team match. Tensions between Rusev and Page were visible during the segment as Rusev warned Page that they would have a problem if they lost next week.
The May 4 edition of Monday Night Raw will air live from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Logan Paul, Liv Morgan, Becky Lynch, and Stephanie Vaquer are listed as featured superstars for the show.
Announced for WWE Raw next week (5/4)
- Sol Ruca signs her Raw contract
- Penta & Je’Von Evans vs Rusev & Ethan Page – Tag Team match
- CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Logan Paul, Liv Morgan, Becky Lynch & Stephanie Vaquer are listed as featured superstars
When and where will WWE Raw take place next week?
The May 4 Backlash go-home edition of Raw will emanate from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
When and where will Backlash 2026 take place?
The 2026 edition of Backlash will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.