Turnbuckle Tavern is powered by G FUEL — the clean, zero-sugar, zero-crash energy formula that keeps you locked in for the main event. Whether it's a late-night pay-per-view, a marathon gaming session, or just getting through your day, G FUEL has you covered. Right now, you can save 20% instantly with code TAVERN at checkout at GFUEL.com. Fuel up, save big, and always… keep it Tavern. Turnbuckle Tavern is also proudly powered by the Official Dick Lazer — a wild, over-the-top gag gift that's guaranteed to get a reaction. With the flip of a switch, it projects five laser images, and it also features a red-dot laser with over 1,000 feet of range, plus a flashlight and blacklight, all packed into a sleek, USB-C rechargeable pen weighing just 1.4 ounces. It's perfect for pranking coworkers, lighting up parties, college dorm antics, or just being the funniest person in the room. So don't settle for boring — bring out the Dick Lazer and make every moment unforgettable. Head to DickLazers.com and use code TAVERN for 20% off your order today. Light up the room, get some laughs, and always… keep it Tavern. Episode 185 is a full WWE Backlash preview while also covering one of the most news-heavy weeks wrestling has seen all year. We break down WWE Backlash 2026 from every angle as the company heads into its first Backlash event of the ESPN era in the United States. Roman Reigns defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu in the biggest match on the card, with the Bloodline story entering a completely new phase after reports surfaced that Reigns is currently not planned for Night of Champions or the June television leading into it. We discuss the family history behind the match, Jacob Fatu's rise from enforcer to true singles star, and why this feels like the biggest opportunity of his WWE career so far. Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker may be the most personal match on the show as the collapse of The Vision finally comes to a head. Seth Rollins opened up this week about creating the faction because of insecurity and distrust toward Roman Reigns and CM Punk, while Bron Breakker continues trying to prove he has completely outgrown his former mentor and is ready to become WWE's next centerpiece star. The WWE United States Championship feud between Trick Williams and Sami Zayn has become one of the strangest stories in wrestling all year. We discuss the reported backstage pushback toward the Gingerbread Man storyline, why several people in WWE reportedly viewed the angle as "hokey and archaic," and Sami Zayn's explanation that he intentionally wanted to experiment with a character shift designed to divide the audience rather than function as a traditional heel turn. We also preview IYO SKY vs. Asuka, Danhausen's mystery partner situation against The Miz and Kit Wilson, and the growing speculation that Jelly Roll could appear at Backlash despite CM Punk remaining the betting favorite internally and externally. John Cena also continues heavily teasing what he calls a "history-making" announcement at Backlash that will "shock the very foundation of WWE." Reports now point toward the possible launch of Club WWE tied to the company's growing ESPN integration, and we discuss why WWE is clearly positioning the announcement as one of the defining talking points of the entire event. Outside WWE, one of the biggest stories in wrestling involves Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods officially leaving WWE after reportedly rejecting TKO restructuring deals. We break down the end of The New Day as an active WWE act, why the situation feels different from a normal release, the AEW interest already surrounding both men, and what their departures say about WWE's changing business structure under TKO. AEW delivered an emotional tribute to Ted Turner following his passing at 87 years old. Sting made a surprise appearance alongside Tony Schiavone to honor the man responsible for keeping wrestling alive on TBS and TNT for decades. We reflect on Turner's impact on wrestling history, WCW surviving because of his commitment to the business, and why modern wrestling television likely looks completely different without him. We also discuss AEW Double or Nothing trending toward one of the company's strongest domestic crowds in years from Queens, New York, while Stadium Stampede officially returns for the first time since 2021. Chris Jericho, Ricochet, The Gates of Agony, and The Hurt Syndicate are all becoming part of one of AEW's signature match concepts once again as the company leans harder into faction warfare and spectacle. Plus, we cover Lei Ying Lee regaining the TNA Knockouts World Championship, Yota Tsuji earning an IWGP Heavyweight Championship rematch against Callum Newman for NJPW Dominion, MLW and CMLL's crossover event from Arena México, and the NWA celebrating the reported audience for Powerrr's return to broadcast television on Comet TV. Then we look ahead to Raw, NXT, AEW Dynamite, TNA Impact, SmackDown, AEW Collision, NWA Powerrr, WWE Saturday Night's Main Event, Double or Nothing, Dominion, and the rest of the upcoming wrestling calendar. Be sure to support the show and join our Patreon for just $2.99 a month at Patreon.com/TheTurnbuckleTavern for exclusive content. Follow us on social media @TurnbuckleTavern for all the latest updates. Until the following week, when we wine and dine with you kings and queens, stay out of the alley and away from the pork and beans. Good luck and good speed.
