WWE Backlash 2025 delivered an electrifying night of action on Saturday, May 10, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, with the spotlight shining brightly on the main event featuring John Cena defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton. This marked the first one-on-one encounter between these two legends since 2017 and was billed as their last match ever, adding extra drama to an already charged atmosphere.
The event kicked off at 7 p.m. ET, drawing fans from across the globe eager to witness the aftermath of WrestleMania 41. The show was available on Peacock in the United States and Netflix internationally, ensuring a wide audience for what promised to be a memorable night.
In the headline match, John Cena emerged victorious against Randy Orton, retaining his title in a contest filled with high stakes and emotional moments. The match began slowly, with both competitors exchanging mind games and minor strikes. Cena, known for his resilience, briefly left the ring, indicating he might accept a count-out loss. However, Orton, in front of his hometown crowd, dragged Cena back into the ring, igniting the battle.
As the match progressed, the crowd was treated to a flurry of signature moves. Cena hit his Five Knuckle Shuffle and applied the STF, but Orton managed to escape, countering with a Draping DDT. The tension escalated when Cena executed an Attitude Adjustment (AA), only for Orton to kick out, much to the delight of the fans.
In a moment of desperation, Cena attempted to use the title belt, but Orton reversed the situation, delivering an RKO. As the referee was incapacitated, chaos ensued, with both men trading blows and using the environment to their advantage. Ultimately, Cena capitalized on a moment of distraction caused by R-Truth, delivering a low blow followed by a belt shot to secure the win, leaving Orton frustrated and the crowd buzzing.
Earlier in the night, Jacob Fatu defended his WWE United States Championship in a thrilling fatal four-way match against LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest. The match kicked off with all four competitors brawling, showcasing their athleticism and resilience. Fatu, the reigning champion, overcame a temporary alliance between Knight and Priest, who initially teamed up to take him down.
As the match unfolded, Fatu executed a series of impressive moves, including a Pop-Up Samoan Drop and a Swanton Bomb, demonstrating why he was the champion. The match reached its climax when LA Knight attempted a Flying Elbow through the announce table, only to be thwarted by the debuting Jeff Cobb, who interfered on behalf of Solo Sikoa, hinting at a brewing alliance. Despite the chaos, Fatu emerged victorious, hitting his Best Moonsault Ever to retain his title.
In another title match, Lyra Valkyria defended her WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch. The match was a showcase of technical wrestling, with Valkyria initially dominating before Lynch fought back, even taunting Valkyria’s fiancé in the crowd. The action was intense, with both women exchanging near falls and signature moves. Valkyria ultimately secured the victory after a series of counters, surprising Lynch with a pin just as she attempted a third Manhandle Slam.
Dominik Mysterio also retained his Intercontinental Championship against Penta in a hard-fought battle. The match featured a series of high-flying maneuvers and dramatic near falls. Mysterio capitalized on distractions from his allies, using a loaded mask to secure the win after a Frog Splash, further solidifying his reign.
Gunther faced off against Pat McAfee in a singles match that showcased Gunther’s dominance. McAfee, known for his charisma and athleticism, struggled against the powerful strikes of Gunther. Despite a valiant effort, including a flurry of offense, McAfee ultimately succumbed to Gunther’s submission maneuver, securing the victory for the Ring General.
As the night wrapped up, the atmosphere was electric, with fans buzzing about the matches and the surprises that unfolded. The event not only delivered thrilling wrestling but also set the stage for future storylines, including potential rivalries and alliances that emerged during the night.
WWE Backlash 2025 proved to be a significant event in the wrestling calendar, continuing the legacy of this annual tradition. With Cena still holding the Undisputed Championship and Fatu, Valkyria, and Mysterio retaining their titles, the road ahead for WWE looks exciting as the company moves forward from WrestleMania 41.
Fans can look forward to the post-show press conference, where WWE Superstars and executives will share their insights and reactions, further adding to the narrative of this unforgettable night in St. Louis.
