May 10, 2025 sees the first post-WrestleMania WWE PLE, Backlash, taking place at the Enterprise Center in St Louis, Missouri.
The show will be headlined by hometown hero Randy Orton, as he challenges forever rival John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Title in the main event.
With this big-time clash and four other matches announced, there’s still room for surprises and potential debuts.
Here are five potential debuts that could shake up the roster at Backlash.
6. Hikuleo
The Backlash card features a potential show-stealer: a four-way match for the United States Title, with champion Jacob Fatu defending against Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest, and LA Knight.
Tension has been building towards a new chapter in the Bloodline civil war, this time between Fatu and Solo Sikoa.
One debut that could play into this – and is long overdue – is that of Hikuleo, the towering 6’8″ younger brother of Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa.
The 34-year-old left New Japan Pro-Wrestling last June and has long been rumored to join the Bloodline – Backlash could be the perfect stage for his long-awaited WWE debut.
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5. Mariah May
It looks like Mariah May is planning to leave AEW and make the jump to WWE.
The 26-year-old has quickly made a name for herself as one of the most exciting rising stars in the business, especially after her incredible match against Toni Storm at AEW Revolution – a bout celebrated as one of the best women’s matches in North America this year.
With WWE’s women’s division firing on all cylinders across all three brands, May would be an impactful addition wherever she lands.
Word is she’s set to leave once her contract is up this summer, though no exact date has been confirmed – so the big question is: could she show up as soon as Backlash?
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4. AAA’s Luchadores
It was reported this week by Super Luchas that WWE has officially signed several AAA wrestlers to contracts, including stars El Hijo del Vikingo, La Parka, El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., and Alberto El Patron.
With WWE acquiring a majority interest in the Mexican promotion, we can likely expect to see AAA talent appearing on WWE programming.
Former AAA Mega-Champion Vikingo already appeared at WrestleMania, so could another luchador debut at Backlash?
Perhaps the hugely charismatic son of the legendary Dr. Wagner Jr. – El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. – could be next to make his presence known in WWE.
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3. Mayu Iwatani
Japanese star Mayu Iwatani left her home joshi promotion, Stardom, last month.
On May 4, she debuted for rival all-women’s promotion Marigold, defeating Nanae Takahashi in a widely praised bout.
Marigold’s growing relationship with WWE has already seen its original top star, Giulia, sign with the company – and IYO SKY appear in a Marigold ring last year.
Long hailed as one of the best wrestlers in the world, could Iwatani make a surprise one-off appearance at Backlash through that same connection?
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2. Oba Femi
NXT Champion Oba Femi has quickly proven himself as one of WWE’s most impressive young talents.
The WWE homegrown star made his NXT debut in 2022 at just 23 years old, showcasing an incredible in-ring presence and an impressive move-set perfect for his powerhouse style of wrestling.
It was certainly interesting to see him confronted by The Undertaker on the April 29 edition of NXT – could this be a sign that he’s about to be moved to the main roster?
With his rapid rise, Backlash could be the perfect time for his much-anticipated debut.
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1. Jeff Cobb
Since former Olympian Jeff Cobb departed New Japan Pro-Wrestling in April, it has felt inevitable that he would appear on WWE programming.
Yet that moment has yet to come – the former IWGP Tag Team and Television Champion remains waiting in the wings.
Aptly nicknamed “Mr Athletic,” Cobb is a phenomenal in-ring performer, combining explosive power with jaw-dropping agility.
Could Backlash be the stage where he finally makes his long-anticipated WWE debut?
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