WWE Backlash 2025: 5 matches that didn’t make the final cut

As WWE Backlash 2025 is set to unfold in St. Louis on May 10, excitement is at an all-time high. The premium live event promises high-stakes matchups and explosive showdowns. However, not all the anticipated bouts made it to the final card in St. Louis. WWE’s creative decisions, storyline shifts, and long-term planning have led to several high-profile clashes being sidelined - for now.Tensions have been boiling within the new-look Bloodline, particularly between Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa.Their on-screen friction after WrestleMania 41, including interference in key matches, hinted at a major fallout. While fans expected a one-on-one clash at Backlash, Fatu has instead been booked to defend his U.S. title in a Fatal 4-Way match. With Sikoa still looming large, their eventual showdown might be on the horizon.Dominik Mysterio’s pinfall over Judgment Day teammate Finn Balor at WrestleMania for the Intercontinental Championship seemed like the perfect setup for a personal grudge match. However, WWE has instead announced a title bout between Mysterio and Penta at Backlash. While Balor remains in the picture, it appears the company is opting for a slow-burn approach to this inevitable Judgment Day implosion.After the chaotic betrayal at WrestleMania involving Paul Heyman and Seth Rollins, many predicted a high-profile tag team match featuring Roman Reigns and CM Punk taking on Rollins and Bron Breakker. Although teased on RAW, the storyline was quietly diverted. Rollins is now set to challenge Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight title, while Punk has been involved in a separate angle with Sami Zayn.Tiffany Stratton’s surprise cash-in on Nia Jax in January was expected to lead to a revenge match. While post-WrestleMania tension between the two intensified, WWE chose a different route. Jax will face Jade Cargill on SmackDown for a shot at the Women’s Championship, but Stratton herself isn’t scheduled to compete at Backlash.After sneak attacks and post-show chaos, many assumed Logan Paul would be Jey Uso’s first challenger. However, WWE hasn’t confirmed this bout for Backlash. The feud is still brewing and could be building toward a future main event on another platform.Backlash 2025 is shaping up to be an impactful event, but with these canceled matches - WWE seems to be saving some of its biggest showdowns for another day.