Relocating the showdown between Jey Uso and Logan Paul for the World Heavyweight Championship from a Premium Live Event (PLE) such as Backlash to Saturday Night’s Main Event is arguably one of WWE’s most strategic moves this year. Following WrestleMania 41, WWE hinted at Paul as Uso’s next challenger, a choice that spurred mixed reactions among fans. While some supporters viewed Paul as the optimal contender, others doubted the match’s potential appeal.
The announcement that Jey Uso would defend his title against Logan Paul during the Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24—rather than at Backlash—left many viewers astonished. This decision came as a surprise, particularly after WWE had built anticipation for a showdown between the two during a recent episode of Raw, capped off by Paul delivering a punch to Uso just after the show concluded.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjHewGkYRYMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjHewGkYRYM
While the rationale for this shift isn’t clear, it could be argued that WWE’s decision to transition a potential PLE bout to regular television is, in fact, a move that benefits the overall business strategy—a sentiment echoed by the slogan from The Authority.
Was the World Heavyweight Championship Match Scrapped from Backlash?
Expectations Were High for Jey’s Title Defense at the Initial PLE Post-WrestleMania
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFQOKzxs9eQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFQOKzxs9eQ
Labeling the match as canceled or removed from the Backlash card is somewhat misleading, as the match was never officially confirmed for the event. Nevertheless, wrestling enthusiasts had grown accustomed to the idea of witnessing this confrontation, especially following the dynamic build-up in the aftermath of WrestleMania 41. Despite the anticipation, no immediate match materialized.
In reality, with less than two weeks to adequately establish a high-profile bout, Backlash may have been too soon for such a pivotal contest. Even though the time between WrestleMania and Backlash is traditionally brief, many matches on the menu benefit from substantial narrative foundations built over months or sometimes years. For instance, matches like Randy Orton vs. John Cena were the result of long-term storytelling, while the conflict between “Dirty”Dom Mysterio and Penta also began to intensify on the road to Mania. Comparatively, a World Heavyweight Championship match involving mere weeks of build-up through unexpected assaults may lack the necessary gravitas.
The WWE Universe Is Mixed on the Uso vs. Paul Match-Up
Controversial Reaction Among WWE Fans
they made jey uso’s first feud as champion logan paulpic.twitter.com/mhqGUORZQ0 — abbi (@abbipaperbag) April 29, 2025
Despite the investment in time to promote this matchup, the anticipation surrounding Jey Uso versus Logan Paul has not generated enthusiasm among WWE fans. Social media has been rife with discontent regarding Paul as Uso’s inaugural challenger, particularly regarding both athletes’ in-ring competencies and the potential for effective chemistry during their bout. Simply put, many fans fear an unexciting match.
Moreover, Seth Rollins’ recent match against Jey Uso on Raw seemed to address the prevailing skepticism about Uso’s abilities. By performing competitively against Rollins, widely regarded as one of WWE’s top ring performers, Jey Uso demonstrated his capacity to be a credible champion. However, the lingering doubts about his potential to deliver a compelling match alongside Paul remain prevalent.
WWE’s Opportunity to Revitalize Logan Paul vs. Jey Uso
Their Upcoming Match on Saturday Night Could Change Perceptions
The backlash from fans regarding the planned championship match may have motivated WWE to reconsider its original Backlash lineup. It appears that audiences were hesitant to commit to either watching the match at home or purchasing tickets for an event centered around this rivalry. However, airing the match on free television may foster a more open reception. This adjustment allows for lowered expectations, offering the duo a chance to exceed viewer preferences, particularly given the prestigious legacy associated with SNME.
Furthermore, extending the storyline between Paul and Uso offers the advantage of further developing the narrative beyond mere surprise attacks. WWE now possesses the opportunity to forge a compelling story that fans can follow diligently without the constraints of time leading up to Backlash. As Jey Uso and Logan Paul prepare to clash at Saturday Night’s Main Event on May 24, it presents a critical chance for WWE to engage the WWE Universe and cultivate excitement around this championship bout, emphasizing the importance of a robust storyline.