WWE Backlash 2025: Full Match Recap & Review

WWE Backlash 2025: Full Match Recap & Review

Just three short weeks after WrestleMania 41, WWE returned with another main roster Premium Live Event: Backlash, live from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Despite the quick turnaround, WWE managed to deliver a stacked card, headlined by hometown hero Randy Orton facing longtime rival John Cena in a bout promoted as “One Last Time.” With compelling storylines, surprise debuts, and top-tier action, Backlash 2025 packed a punch. Here’s everything that went down:

🏆 United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs LA Knight vs Drew McIntyre vs Damian Priest

This fatal four-way match featured two pairs of rivalries reignited from WrestleMania. LA Knight received one of the night’s biggest pops, a testament to his soaring popularity. Fatu, the newly crowned champion, faced the challenge of three major threats.

As chaos ensued early on, alliances were short-lived and finishers were flying. With Priest and McIntyre brawling into the crowd, Solo Sikoa and WWE’s latest debut Jeff Cobb intervened, helping Fatu retain after a Swanton Bomb on Knight.

Winner: Jacob Fatu via pinfall

🌟 Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs Becky Lynch

This teacher vs student matchup was a technical masterclass. Despite a long layoff, Becky Lynch looked sharp, but Valkyria’s resilience shone through. The Man tried every trick in the book, including using the exposed turnbuckle, but Valkyria kicked out of multiple Manhandle Slams.

After a fierce battle and some interference, Lyra countered Lynch’s final attempt and scored the pinfall. Becky snapped post-match, injuring Valkyria’s arm in a brutal display.

Winner: Lyra Valkyria via pinfall

🏆 Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio (c) vs Penta

The high-flying luchadors put on a fast-paced, hard-hitting affair. Dominik showed off new moves and charisma, while Penta matched him step for step. As expected, interference from Judgment Day played a role, but a surprise debut by “El Grande Americano” (clearly Chad Gable in disguise) sealed Penta’s fate.

Winner: Dominik Mysterio via pinfall

⚡ Gunther vs Pat McAfee

This match exceeded expectations. Gunther delivered his signature brutality, while McAfee, in his first singles match since 2022, impressed with agility and heart. Michael Cole added emotional weight, begging Gunther to stop. Despite a late rally, McAfee passed out in a sleeper hold.

Winner: Gunther via submission

🏋️ Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs Randy Orton

Promoted as “One Last Time,” this epic bout between two legends told a fresh story with reversed roles: Cena as heel, Orton as face. Packed with callbacks, near falls, and ref bumps, it felt like the culmination of a two-decade rivalry.

Multiple RKOs, AAs, interference by R-Truth, and a dramatic belt shot helped Cena steal the win after surviving everything Orton threw at him. A bittersweet ending to a historic feud.

Winner: John Cena via pinfall

Final Thoughts

Backlash 2025 may have lacked the long build of WrestleMania, but it delivered big time. Becky vs Lyra was arguably match of the night, while Jeff Cobb’s debut gave Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline angle fresh life. The Judgment Day storyline continues to evolve, and Penta looks poised for a strong feud with El Grande Americano.

Gunther and McAfee’s match was a pleasant surprise, and Cena vs Orton felt like a true “last chapter.” If this is the end for that rivalry, it ended on a high.

What did you think of Backlash? Let us know your Match of the Night in the comments!

Written by Luke Lewis