WWE is set to return to Puerto Rico in 2026 for another premium live event, with sources confirming plans for Backlash to be held in San Juan.
Multiple sources informed John Pollock of POST Wrestling and Brandon Thurston that WWE has penciled in the 2026 WWE Backlash for Saturday, May 9, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jos Miguel Agrelotthe same venue that hosted the wildly successful 2023 installment.
While WWE has not officially announced the event, one source with access to an internal WWE calendar indicates Backlash is locked in for that May 9 date, which falls three weeks after WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 1819.
The 2023 Puerto Rico events were a massive success for WWE, both financially and critically. That weekend saw:
- SmackDown draw 14,282 fans and gross $1.04 million
- Backlash draw 15,145 fans and generate a $1.45 million gate
Those shows also benefited from a reported $1.5 million subsidy and an additional $300,000 in in-kind contributions from the Puerto Rico Convention District Authority.
At this time, its unclear whether similar financial incentives have been offered for 2026. Requests for comment from local officials have not been returned, and WWE has not issued a public statement. POST Wrestling reached out and will update if a response is received.
Though not confirmed, fans are already speculating about a potential return of Bad Bunny, who famously wrestled at Backlash 2023 to massive acclaim. The global music star is slated for his Deb Tirar Ms Fotos World Tour in 2026 but notably, has no shows scheduled between March 1 and May 26, leaving a window wide open for involvement.
If finalized, Backlash 2026 would mark another major moment in WWEs growing relationship with Puerto Rico, cementing the island as a true global destination for wrestling.
Do you want to see WWE make Puerto Rico a permanent stop for premium events? And should Bad Bunny step back into the ring in 2026? Let us know your thoughts below.
