Summary

WWE has confirmed that Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker and Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn for the United States Championship will air during the ESPN2 portion of Backlash on May 9.

That update adds specific matches to the earlier announcement that the first hour of the premium live event will be carried on ESPN2 before the rest of the show moves to ESPN Unlimited. WWE had already revealed that the first hour of Backlash will air on ESPN2.

ESPN2 matches confirmed for Backlash

The two matches named for the ESPN2 window were confirmed during Monday's Raw.

WWE also listed the current Backlash lineup as Roman Reigns defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu, Danhausen and a mystery partner facing The Miz and Kit Wilson, IYO SKY vs. Asuka, and an appearance by John Cena for an announcement.

What the Rollins and Trick Williams placement means for Backlash

Putting Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Trick Williams, and Sami Zayn in the ESPN2 hour tells fans WWE is loading that opening stretch with some of the strongest name value on the card. That gives the televised portion immediate stakes, especially with the United States Championship match included.

It also suggests the company wants Backlash to feel important from the opening bell rather than treating the ESPN2 simulcast as a brief preview. If WWE is using the first hour to hook a broader audience again, these are the matches it has chosen to do it.

Sources

As reported by Fightful