WWE has confirmed that WWE Backlash will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida. This event will mark the first Premium Live Event after WrestleMania 42, which is set to take place in Las Vegas earlier that spring. The Backlash show traditionally explores the developments and rivalries that emerge immediately following WWE’s flagship event.
Details on Ticket Sales and Fan Experience Options
The ticket sale for WWE Backlash is scheduled to begin on Friday, February 20, at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT, with an exclusive presale available a day earlier, starting Thursday, February 19 at the same times, accessible via the promotional code WWETIX. Alongside regular admission tickets, WWE is offering Priority Pass packages through its official fan hospitality partner, On Location. These priority packages include ringside seats, pre-show hospitality with WWE Superstar appearances, photo opportunities at ringside, and additional exclusive benefits to enhance the fan experience.
Tampa’s Continued Role as a Vital WWE Market
Tampa maintains its significance within WWE’s event circuit, having hosted multiple major shows in recent years. Notably, the city was the site of the 2024 Royal Rumble at Tropicana Field. Earlier events include WrestleMania 37 and Hell in a Cell in 2021, Backlash in 2021, Battleground in 2014, Extreme Rules in 2011, Survivor Series in 2000, and the 1995 Royal Rumble. This history underscores Tampa’s importance as a strategic location for WWE’s live events.
Implications of Backlash’s Return to Tampa for WWE’s 2026 Calendar
By placing WWE Backlash in Tampa soon after WrestleMania 42, WWE signals its intention to build momentum out of its biggest event of the year, leveraging a city with strong wrestling support. This move adds a prominent marker to WWE’s 2026 event schedule and sets the stage for continuing storylines and championship rivalries to unfold in the weeks after WrestleMania.
“The announcement was made this past Saturday by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Triple H Levesque.” – Paul Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer
“These premium packages offer ringside seating, pre-show hospitality experiences featuring WWE Superstar appearances, ringside photo opportunities, and additional exclusive perks.” – WWE Fan Hospitality Announcement
