WWE Backlash is live this Saturday, May 9, kicking off at 6PM ET. But, for the first time ever, the first hour of Backlash will air on ESPN2. This is similar to what they do for WrestleMania this year, and now it’s rolling over to Backlash.
Last night on WWE RAW, it was announced that the heated rivalry between Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker will air on the first hour, as well as the United States Championship Match between Trick Williams and Sami Zayn.
The rest of the card will air on ESPN Unlimited, Netflix internationally. You can see the full card for the event on May 9, below.
WWE Backlash (5/9)
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu
Danhausen & Mystery Partner vs. The Miz & Kit Wilson
IYO SKY vs. Asuka
John Cena to make an announcement
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (to air on ESPN2)
WWE United States Championship: Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn (to air on ESPN2)
Fox Sports’ Rob Parker had a lot to discuss when it came to the discussion of professional wrestling fans.
After the massive weekend that was produced from plenty of pro wrestling companies, from the Indies to the WWE in Las Vegas, Nevada for Mania Week. It sparked a lot of athletes, celebrities, and even TV personalities diving into the conversation to give their thoughts on what they think about professional wrestling.
One Fox Sports TV host by the name of Rob Parker had this to say about grown men that are into pro wrestling on his show, The Odd Couple.
“I’m just shocked to see ESPN….I know McAfee was involved and Stephen A. It was a big ordeal. I saw stuff online where people were ripping it that it wasn’t good. A lot of commercials. Four hours and they only wrestled for an hour and a half.
“I can’t understand how grown men are still into wrestling. I can’t. We all went to the zoo. We all went to the circus as kids, right? At some point, you grow out of it. I just can’t get over how older guys who are sports fans, who watch the NFL, baseball, the NBA, and live and die for that stuff, but they have this soft spot for wrestling, and they’re walking around with the belts, and they’re going to a watch party at a sports bar. I need somebody to explain it to me, because I don’t understand it.”
Parker has worked for FOX Sports and ESPN, where he has appeared many times on shows like Colin Cowherd’s The Herd and on First Take, alongside Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith where he talked about controversial takes in sports.
You can see his comments about WWE’s WrestleMania 42 below.
A decision to deny credentialed media access to a major event can have ripple effects far beyond a single newsroom. That concern came into focus today when longtime combat sports journalist Andreas Hale took to social media to announce that he had been blocked from covering WrestleMania 42, despite the established relationship with WWE and its premium live event distribution partner ESPN.
WWE Blocks ESPN Reporter
Andreas Hale via X.Com
“I will not be covering WrestleMania 42 for ESPN,” Hale wrote via X. “WWE denied my credentials and blocked my access. Neither I nor ESPN has been told why. You can speculate on the reasons, but if you want answers, ask WWE. Let me know what they tell you.”
For large companies, restricting access to journalists or media outlets can undermine credibility at a time when public trust is already fragile. Access to events like WrestleMania is not simply about coverage. It is about accountability. Journalists serve as a bridge between organizations and the public, offering context, critique, and analysis. When access is selectively limited, it raises questions about whether companies are attempting to control narratives rather than engage with them.
The reported decision is particularly notable given the complicated history between WWE and ESPN. While the two entities have collaborated in various capacities, the relationship has not been without friction. In January, their business dealings were scrutinized through a class-action lawsuit alleging deceptive marketing practices tied to premium live event distribution. Though details of that case continue to develop, it has already cast a shadow over what might otherwise be seen as a standard media partnership.
Further tension has reportedly surfaced in editorial influence. ESPN was said to have adjusted aspects of its coverage, including the removal of its letter-grade review system for shows, following pressure from WWE. If accurate, such changes blur the line between editorial independence and corporate influence, a distinction that is critical in maintaining journalistic integrity.
Blocking access to a journalist like Hale amplify concerns for integrity. Established reporters bring knowledge, trust, and a track record of fair coverage. Denying them entry does not eliminate scrutiny, it often intensifies it, shifting the conversation from the event itself to questions about transparency and control.
Final Thoughts
Moments like this go beyond one reporter or one event. They show how companies handle scrutiny when it matters most. If transparency only exists when it’s convenient, trust will erode.
