WWE Backlash 2023 was one of the best-received events in wrestling that year and it looks like the promotion is heading back to the island in 2026. Post Wrestling broke the news on Friday, December 26 that the company is planning an event in Puerto Rico in the next calendar year.
“While we have not confirmed the exact date, a source with access to an internal calendar indicates Backlash is listed for Saturday, May 9,” According to Post Wrestling. WWE has not confirmed the intentions, date, or location as of this writing.
Bad Bunny is a key figure for WWE in Puerto Rico
WWE Backlash 2023 was widely seen as a success of a show. Much of that was due to none other than Bad Bunny, who took on Damian Priest that evening. They battled for more than 25 minutes in a match that included the returns of Savio Vega and Carlito. That match received 4 and ½ stars from the Wrestling Observer, and currently sits at an 8.55 rating on Cagematch.
Bad Bunny is one of the biggest superstars in the world, but it will be interesting to see if he is involved in this show. He’s currently putting on a world tour that does not include the United States. Why? Because Bad Bunny initially refused to perform in the United States due to President Donald Trump’s actions on immigration. He’s since signed on to do the halftime show at XL, but that has been met with widespread criticism from the GOP and MAGA base. Trump himself has criticized the plan to have Bad Bunny perform. WWE has faced blowback for its growing allegiance with Trump, and it will be interesting to see if that plays a role in if Bad Bunny is involved with the PLE.
The reported attendance at the 2023 event was 17,966. Post Wrestling also reported that this event received a “$1.5 million dollar subsidy, and a $300,000 in-kind contribution from the Puerto Rico Conventions District Authority. The event generated a $1.4 million dollar gate on 15,145 tickets sold.
Another point to watch closely for this show is how AAA is leveraged. WWE has integrated the Latin American performers within the NXT product, but they could be further featured in this show where the Latino performers on the roster will connect with the fanbase.