World Wrestling Entertainment is planning a major championship match for its Backlash 2025 Premium Live Event scheduled for May 10 in St. Louis. The expected main event will feature Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena defending his title against longtime rival Randy Orton.
The planned bout marks the first one-on-one meeting between the two competitors in more than eight years. It is expected to be billed as "One Last Time."
Cena secured his 17th world championship at WrestleMania 41 Night Two, defeating Cody Rhodes in the main event. His first challenge for the title emerged on the following Monday Night Raw in Las Vegas.
Randy Orton appeared from under the ring and attacked Cena with his signature RKO maneuver, staking his claim for the championship. With Backlash set for Orton's hometown of St. Louis, the stage appeared set for the encounter.
Confirmation of the planned match came through reports aligning with the post-WrestleMania television events. WWE's plans to stage a major title match at the Backlash Premium Live Event on May 10 have been revealed.
Cena and Orton have a storied history spanning over two decades, dating back to their time in WWE's former developmental territory, Ohio Valley Wrestling. Their rivalry was prominent throughout the late 2000s and early to mid 2010s.
Other potential matches for the Backlash 2025 card have been discussed following the fallout from WrestleMania 41 and recent television programming. One speculated bout is Becky Lynch against Lyra Valkyria. The two initially teamed to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania but lost the titles on the subsequent Raw broadcast, leading to Lynch attacking Valkyria.
A potential tag team contest could see Roman Reigns and CM Punk facing Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker. This scenario stems from Paul Heyman aligning with Rollins and Breakker following events at WrestleMania 41 and the subsequent Raw.
Another anticipated match involves Jey Uso defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Gunther. Gunther previously held the title and reportedly remains focused on reclaiming it.
Additional matches for WWE Backlash are expected to be announced as the event date nears.
Reporting on the main event plan, WrestleVotes noted:
"Surprise, surprise: The main event of Backlash is set to be John Cena vs. Randy Orton for the WWE Championship—billed as “one last time.” This will be their first singles match since 2/11/17, when they headlined a house show in New Mexico."
