This week’s episode of WWE Raw emanates at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. It’s the Backlash go-home edition of Raw, with two contract signings and two matches announced among other things.
Some of the advertised WWE Superstars for show are Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Logan Paul, Liv Morgan, Becky Lynch and Stephanie Vaquer.
But with Vaquer’s reported injury, she’ll likely be absent from this week’s show since she was written out last week after a backstage attack by the Judgment Day.
2 Matches Announced for WWE Raw
GettyFinn Balor walks to the ring for the WWE Intercontinental Championship match against Bron Breakker, Penta and Dominik Mysterio during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 20, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Raw general manager Adam Pearce has confirmed two matches are scheduled for this week’s show.
JD McDonagh will face his mentor Finn Balor for the second time since WrestleMania 42. Balor still has a score to settle against the Judgment Day, and he has to go through McDonagh once again.
On the other hand, reigning Intercontinental Champion Penta will be in tag team champion. He will team up with the high-flying Je’Von Evans against Rusev and Raw’s newest star, Ethan Page.
Oba Femi is also expected to be in action after announcing the start of his Open Challenge for any opponent who wants to take on The Ruler.
2 Contract Signings to Happen on WWE Raw
GettyJacob Fatu walks to the ring before the United States Championship match against LA Knight during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In addition to two matches, there will be a couple of contract signings in this week’s episode of WWE Raw.
Sol Ruca will officially sign her contract to become a Raw superstar. She confronted Liv Morgan on Raw after WrestleMania 42, signaling her call-up to the main roster.
Ruca nearly beat Morgan in a non-title match, hitting the Women’s World Champion with the Sol Snatcher. However, Zaria made her presence felt and interfered to take out her rival, leading to Morgan hitting the Oblivion for the victory.
The other contract signing will be Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu confirming their World Heavyweight Championship match at Backlash. The Samoan Werewolf has developed a ton of momentum since challenging Reigns to a match on Raw after WrestleMania a couple of weeks ago.
Fatu used the Tongan Death Grip on The Tribal Chief last week. He then took out Solo Sikoa and Talla Tonga of The MFTs last Friday on SmackDown.
A lot of security personnel is likely needed since most WWE contract signings end in chaos.
Asuka and IYO SKY To Have a Face-To-Face
GettyIyo Sky makes her entrance before a triple threat match against Naomi and Rhea Ripley during the WWE 2025 SummerSlam at MetLife Stadium on August 03, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
After months of torment by Asuka, IYO SKY will finally get her hands on The Empress of Tomorrow at Backlash.
But before it happens, the two stars are to have a face-to-face this week on Raw, which will be facilitated by Adam Pearce.
It’s going to be an interesting interaction given the WWE Universe’s dismay in Kairi Sane’s release on April 24. She was part of the storyline, and the fans didn’t get a proper payoff.
WWE Raw Preview: 2 Matches and 2 Contract Signings Announced for May 4, 2026