"Roman Reigns set for Raw return after Backlash 2026 title defense and upcoming WWE schedule changes"
Roman Reigns is scheduled to return to WWE television just days after his title defense at WWE Backlash 2026.
Reports show that the World Heavyweight Champion will be part of Monday Night Raw immediately following the back-to-back premium live event.
At Backlash, Reigns retained his championship against Jacob Fatu in the main event, closing the pay-per-view with a physical, hard-fought bout. The title picture remains central to WWE’s storytelling going forward.
Scheduled appearances on Raw and beyond
The first confirmed stop after Backlash for Reigns is the May 11 episode of WWE Raw in Knoxville, Tennessee. That will come just two days after the Tampa Bay event, giving WWE a chance to address fallout from the championship clash and set up future feuds.
Sources tracking WWE’s schedule list additional Raw dates for Reigns through the rest of May, including shows in Greensboro, North Carolina on May 18 and Columbus, Ohio on May 25.
Those appearances suggest WWE intends to keep its top champion present on weekly television at least through the month.
There’s a wrinkle in the June calendar. Reigns is not currently advertised for every WWE Raw in June and is expected to be absent from Night of Champions 2026 in Saudi Arabia later that month.
That has led to discussion among insiders about why his schedule was adjusted.
Reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter indicate the apparent removal from some June events may stem from early promotional listings being updated once plans solidified.
Reigns, sources say, is still expected back on television by July to build toward SummerSlam 2026.
His role at Clash in Italy on May 30 is also on the horizon, though precise match details have not been confirmed. Atlanta tour dates, European stops, and major events are all part of WWE’s broader calendar as it sets up its summer storylines.
With the Backlash chapter closed, the next few weeks of Raw will likely frame what’s next for Reigns and the World Heavyweight Championship.
Creative decisions made on those shows will shape rivalries leading into summer’s biggest milestones, including SummerSlam.
