Jacob Fatu, Trick Williams and Most Likely Heel, Face Turns at WWE Backlash 2026

At Backlash 2026, WWE is promising major developments in the aftermath of WrestleMania 42.

The Show of Shows was a mixed-bag event that lacked true surprises, but Saturday's premium live event could take advantage of that perception with major swings.

In particular, the roster needs fresh characters and directions on Raw and SmackDown that can make an immediate impact.

The following are the most likely heel and face turns that could help WWE get back on track in the aftermath of Backlash.

Heel: Jacob Fatu

Is WWE ready to push Jacob Fatu down a dark road?

Since confronting Roman Reigns, The Samoan Werewolf has teased a heel turn, clearly playing the heel in direct interactions with The OTC.

However, this may be a temporary move where Fatu is teasing to build heat for the biggest match of his career.

A victory though, particularly in dirty fashion, over Reigns would solidify the return to the dark side with The Samoan Werewolf.

Whether on Raw or SmackDown, Fatu has shown he is ready to be a top guy. If he needs to be a heel to find his spot, then WWE should take the chance.

Heel: Roman Reigns and The Usos

Rich Wade/WWE Via Getty Images

While Jacob Fatu has played the heel in the buildup to Backlash, Roman Reigns comes off more as the man in the wrong in this story.

The Samoan Werewolf was isolated and ignored by his family for a long time and is repeatedly belittled by The Tribal Chief.

Reigns has kept an egotistical edge during his face run, but he has always sounded most natural as a heel.

Especially with The Usos back behind him, The Bloodline could truly arrive anew if Reigns needs help to conquer Fatu.

That would certainly extend and elevate this feud to new heights that would make it the bedrock of WWE's weekly product over the year to come.

Face: Trick Williams

Meg Oliphant/WWE via Getty Images

Is Trick Williams already a babyface? The crowd certainly believes he is or at least cheers for him regardless of what role he may play.

However, Trick's antics have certainly leaned more heel, particularly relying on Lil Yachty to help him pick up wins.

The United States champion could solidify himself as a face by defeating Sami Zayn clean while overcoming cheap tactics from the newly turned heel.

This is the best path forward for Trick as WWE needs to acknowledge the crowd support in his booking from here on out.

Face: Kit Wilson

Kit Wilson and The Miz make for an odd pairing, but they have worked well enough off the wild antics of Danhausen.

However, after setting the stage for Danhausen to end this rivalry at Backlash, Wilson might be best served also putting The A-Lister behind him.

Miz has repeatedly mocked and derided the English wrestler, showing the "toxic" traits that the star often points out in others.

It would be easy for Wilson to call out Miz's failures as a mentor and embrace the crowd love for his new presentation and theme going forward.

This is the least likely move but would certainly make the most of a rare PLE spotlight for Wilson.