The slow burn of tension between Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa has more fuel to the fire after what just transpired on tonight's episode of WWE SmackDown.
Opening the show, Damian Priest got into a scuffle with Fatu and Sikoa backstage, while LA Knight decided to head to the ring and cut a promo about how he wanted a proper rematch for the United States Championship after losing it to Fatu at WrestleMania 41.
Priest then came out, and the two shared some verbal barbs, leading to a match between the two that was eventually interrupted by Solo Sikoa, followed by The Samoan Werewolf himself.
As a result of the constant attacks that they pull off, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis decided to punish Fatu by booking him in a Triple Threat match at WWE Backlash where he would have to defend his United States Championship against both Damian Priest and LA Knight.
Sikoa then spoke up, complaining that if anything, Drew McIntyre should be the one challenging Fatu, as he technically won the No. 1 contender's Triple Threat match that took place last week via disqualification due to interference from Priest.
Aldis thought about it for a moment and agreed, but instead of switching it to a singles match between McIntyre and Fatu, he just added The Scottish Warrior to the lineup, making it a Fatal 4-Way match instead.
Fatu, ever confident, said that no matter who he's up against, he's going to dog walk them, because he's all gas and no brakes, but Sikoa was seen upset over clearly overspeaking and making the situation worse.
WWE Backlash is set to take place next Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri.
There's still time to add more matches to the card on the next episode of Monday Night Raw and next week's go-home episode of SmackDown, but as it stands right now, here is the currently advertised lineup for WWE Backlash 2025:
- Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE United States Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre vs. LA Knight
- Gunther vs. Pat McAfee
- Singles match for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch
- Singles match for the Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton
What do you think will happen with the United States Championship? Who will win? Drop your predictions below!