Kristina Roberts
The WWE universe witnessed another thrilling chapter in the long-standing rivalry between John Cena and Randy Orton at Backlash 2025. The event, held in St. Louis, was WWE’s first premium live event after WrestleMania 41, and it did not disappoint. While the matches were packed with action, none of the championships changed hands, and some finishes left fans a bit confused. Still, the night was filled with excitement, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
The evening kicked off with a high-energy Fatal Four-Way match for the United States Championship. Jacob Fatu defended his title against LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest. The match was fast-paced and full of near falls, making it one of the best matches of the year so far. Just when it seemed like someone might dethrone Fatu, a shocking debut changed everything. Jeff Cobb, a powerhouse wrestler, made his first WWE appearance, interfering in the match and helping Fatu retain his title. This added another twist to the ongoing Bloodline saga, leaving fans wondering what’s next for the faction.
Next up was the Intercontinental Championship match, where Dominik Mysterio faced a tough challenge. The match was solid, with both wrestlers showing great skill, but the ending left some fans frustrated. The referee got distracted at a crucial moment, allowing Mysterio to sneak in a cheap win. This victory not only kept the title around his waist but also helped continue the storyline involving El Grande Americano. Meanwhile, Judgement Day, the group Mysterio is associated with, seemed to grow stronger, silencing any doubts about their unity.
The women’s division also had a big moment at Backlash. Lyra Valkyria defended her championship against Becky Lynch in a hard-fought battle. Lynch, a multiple-time champion, played the role of the villain perfectly, but Valkyria managed to hold on to her title. Just like in Mysterio’s match, the referee’s distraction played a part in the finish. Lynch’s loss continues her downward spiral as a heel, while Valkyria’s win proves she is a force to be reckoned with in WWE.
One of the most surprising matches of the night was between Gunther and Pat McAfee. Gunther, known for his brutal in-ring style, dominated McAfee from start to finish. While the match was entertaining, it felt more like a one-time showdown rather than the start of a long rivalry. McAfee, a former NFL player turned WWE personality, put up a good fight but was no match for Gunther’s power.
The main event of the night was the highly anticipated match between John Cena and Randy Orton. These two legends have faced each other countless times over the years, but their Backlash showdown was something special. The match lasted nearly 30 minutes and was packed with dramatic moments, including multiple finishers and referee bumps. Orton, who hails from St. Louis, had the crowd firmly behind him. At one point, he even delivered RKOs to WWE officials, much to the delight of the fans.
Despite Orton’s efforts, Cena managed to retain his Undisputed WWE Championship. The ending, however, was chaotic. Out of nowhere, R-Truth ran into the ring, causing confusion. While his involvement was funny—playing into his ongoing joke in WWE—it didn’t really add much to the match. Cena still won, but the interference took away some of the excitement. After the match, Cena cut a passionate promo, saying he needs real competition in WWE. This has left fans speculating about who might challenge him next, especially with Money in the Bank just around the corner.
Overall, Backlash 2025 was an entertaining event with great matches, even if some finishes felt a bit messy. Cena and Orton proved once again why they are two of the greatest of all time, while younger stars like Jacob Fatu and Lyra Valkyria showed they are ready to carry WWE into the future. The surprises, like Jeff Cobb’s debut, kept things exciting, and even though no titles changed hands, the stories moving forward are more intriguing than ever.
As the WWE universe looks ahead to Money in the Bank, one thing is clear: John Cena is still the man to beat, but with so many hungry challengers waiting in the wings, his reign as champion might not be as smooth as he hopes. Whether it’s a returning superstar or a rising talent, someone will step up to give Cena the competition he’s asking for. Until then, fans will be talking about Backlash for a long time, especially that unforgettable moment when R-Truth somehow found himself in the middle of a championship main event.
The night may not have been perfect, but it was definitely memorable. From shocking debuts to classic rivalries, Backlash 2025 delivered exactly what WWE fans love—drama, action, and a whole lot of surprises. The road to Money in the Bank is now wide open, and if Backlash was any indication, the next few weeks in WWE are going to be must-see television.
