This past Saturday, WWE brought the heat to St. Louis for its electrifying annual Backlash premium live event, headlined by a thrilling showdown between wrestling titans John Cena and Randy Orton. It was the first pay-per-view following WrestleMania 41—a chance for superstars to either build momentum heading into summer or quiet their naysayers.

The Standouts of Backlash

So, who emerged victorious and who faced the harsh reality of defeat? Let's break down the winners and losers from the May 10 extravaganza.

Winner: Jacob Fatu - A Star is Born!

Jacob Fatu set the stage ablaze in the opening match of Backlash, successfully defending his United States Championship against formidable opponents LA Knight, Damian Priest, and Drew McIntyre in a high-paced Fatal 4-Way bout. Fatu's incredible athleticism and intensity have made him one of the most exciting talents in WWE today. Adding intrigue to the match was the shocking debut of Jeff Cobb, who attacked Knight, hinting at a burgeoning alliance with Solo Sikoa, sparking some confusion for Fatu. Yet, this twist only advanced Fatu's character development, and fans chanted his name as he captured the spotlight and drew them into his evolving storyline.

Winner: Lyra Valkyria - Rising from the Shadows!

Women's Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria faced off against the beloved Becky Lynch, entering the ring as the underdog. Early in the match, the crowd favored Lynch, but Valkyria ignited their support with her fierce fighting style. Her gritty exchanges and athleticism won over the audience, showcasing WWE’s newfound strategy for promoting the Irish star. When Valkyria clinched victory over Lynch, it set the stage for an ongoing feud, all but guaranteeing her increased exposure as a breakout sensation in 2025.

Loser: Penta - A Tough Night at Ringside!

Following his victory at WrestleMania for the Men's Intercontinental Championship, Penta found himself overshadowed by the rising popularity of Dominik Mysterio. Despite being the clear babyface in his ongoing feud with The Judgment Day, he struggled to capture the audience's support in St. Louis. It wasn't until interference from JD McDonagh, Finn Balor, and Carlito—who he dispatched impressively—that fans began to shift their allegiances. While this setback was just a blip for Penta, his looming alliance with Rey Fenix and ongoing feud with Chad Gable promise brighter days ahead.

Winner: Gunther - Dominance Personified!

Gunther showcased his unmatched wrestling prowess in a surprisingly entertaining match against Pat McAfee. His ability to draw the crowd into the story was a testament to his skill, seamlessly transitioning from taunting to dominant offense. While the bout may not earn accolades as the match of the year, Gunther's performance demonstrated why he remains a centerpiece of WWE, even against an untraditional opponent like McAfee.

Loser: The Main Event - Overbooked Chaos!

The main event between Cena and Orton fell victim to excessive overbooking, with referee bumps and surprise appearances diluting the match's quality. While fans remained engaged, the contrived chaos masked the physical limitations of both superstars at this stage in their careers. Initially, Cena and Orton displayed undeniable chemistry, channeling the energy of their prime, but the over-the-top antics disrupted what could have been a classic chapter in Cena's retirement tour. As Cena navigates his new role, it's crucial for him to find his footing before fans begin to lose interest.

Conclusion: A Spectacle of Ups and Downs!

WWE Backlash 2025 offered a thrilling mix of triumphs and tribulations, revealing the dynamic nature of its superstars. With fresh rivalries brewing and evolving stories, the road ahead promises to be as captivating as ever!