WWE Reportedly Bringing Backlash Back to Puerto Rico, And Fans Are Already Asking: Will Bad Bunny Return?

WWE’s Puerto Rico era might be loading up for another historic chapter.

Multiple wrestling outlets are reporting that WWE Backlash is set to return to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2026, with an internal date currently listed for Saturday, May 9, 2026 (though WWE has not officially announced it yet).

And if this ends up being true, it’s more than just another Premium Live Event (PLE) location reveal, it’s WWE signaling that Puerto Rico is now a marquee destination after the massive success of the last PLE on the island… the one fueled by Bad Bunny’s unforgettable hometown moment.

Why Backlash in Puerto Rico Was a Cultural Moment (Not Just a Wrestling Show)

When Backlash 2023 hit Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, it became the first WWE PPV/PLE in Puerto Rico since 2005, and the energy instantly entered wrestling history.

WWE later confirmed the event drew 34,800+ fans across SmackDown + Backlash (16,896 for SmackDown and 17,944 for Backlash), with Backlash becoming the most social Backlash ever, driven by 40+ million views for Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest (San Juan Street Fight).

That night wasn’t just loud, it was global.

For Latin culture and Latin music fans, it was one of those rare moments where mainstream entertainment, Puerto Rican pride, and a world superstar all collided in a way that felt bigger than the ring.

Bad Bunny’s WWE Backlash Match: The Moment That Made History

Bad Bunny’s San Juan Street Fight against Damian Priest delivered exactly what fans hoped for: chaos, storytelling, and pure Puerto Rico adrenaline. WWE’s own recap highlighted Bunny’s signature entrance music (“Chambea”), the weapons, and the full-scale spectacle of a hometown hero fighting with the crowd fully behind him.

It also proved something important for WWE’s global strategy: when the company books international markets correctly and treats them like the main event, the audience answers in legendary fashion.

So… Is WWE Actually Returning to Puerto Rico for Backlash 2026?

As of December 29, 2025, the key detail is this: it’s being widely reported, but not officially confirmed by WWE yet.

According to POST Wrestling’s reporting, Backlash returning to San Juan appears on an internal WWE calendar, and the 2023 event also involved support from local entities (including the Puerto Rico Convention District Authority).

If WWE locks this in, expect the announcement to land with the same “international PLE” hype as recent stadium weekends across Latin America and Europe because Puerto Rico already proved it can deliver one of the loudest wrestling crowds on Earth.

The Big Question: Will Bad Bunny Get Involved Again?

This is where the internet is already on fire.

Bad Bunny has openly expressed interest in returning to WWE. In a January 2025 interview covered by People, he said he wants to get back in the ring again, even hinting at going further than a one-off appearance.

And WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, has publicly engaged the idea on social media, fueling the “when, not if” conversation.

What could a Bad Bunny return look like?

If Backlash 2026 happens in Puerto Rico, WWE has a few realistic lanes:

• A surprise appearance to ignite the crowd (the easiest “goosebumps” move).
• Hosting / special guest role to sell the show without requiring a full match.
• A featured match or storyline, if Bunny’s schedule allows, the training camp WWE-level performances require.

The honest answer right now:

There’s no confirmed report that Bad Bunny is booked for Backlash 2026 but the ingredients are there for WWE to chase another “can’t-miss” Puerto Rico moment.

Why This Matters for Puerto Rico (And the Culture)

A Backlash return would reinforce something huge: Puerto Rico isn’t a “special stop” anymore, it’s a major-league destination for global live entertainment.

And culturally? Bad Bunny helped shift the perception of what a Latin superstar can do in WWE: not a cameo, not a novelty — a real performer who can headline a major match and make the world pay attention.

What Fans Should Watch Next

Until WWE confirms it, here’s what to track:

• WWE’s official PLE calendar announcements (likely tied to WrestleMania season planning)
• Venue confirmation for Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot or another San Juan site
• Any new Bad Bunny WWE teases, training hints, or storyline breadcrumbs

If WWE makes this official, LaMezcla will have the full breakdown, and yes, we’ll be watching closely to see if Benito’s name gets pulled back into the storyline.

Want more crossover moments like this where Latin culture meets global entertainment? Download the LaMezcla Music App for the latest Latin hits, breaking trends, and curated playlists, and keep up with LaMezcla on our socials for real-time updates as WWE’s Puerto Rico plans develop.