If you're still buzzing from the absolute madness of WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, you aren't alone. The dust has barely settled, but the WWE machine never actually stops, does it? We're heading straight into the "post-Mania" season, and that means all eyes are on the Enterprise Center in St. Louis.
Everyone is asking about the WWE Backlash 2025 start time because, honestly, missing the first ten minutes of a PLE these days usually means missing a massive return or a shock title change.
WWE has officially confirmed that Backlash 2025 will go live on Saturday, May 10, 2025. If you’re planning your watch party or trying to figure out if you can squeeze in a workout before the show, here is the breakdown. The main card is scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT).
But wait. There’s the kickoff show.
Usually, the "Countdown to Backlash" pre-show starts about two hours before the main event, so expect things to get moving around 5 p.m. ET. Don't skip the pre-show. Sometimes they throw a solid banger of a match on there just to get the crowd in Missouri properly rowdy.
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Why the WWE Backlash 2025 Start Time Matters for Your Streaming Setup
St. Louis is a legendary wrestling town, and the Enterprise Center is going to be packed. But for those of us watching from the couch, the platform matters as much as the clock.
In the United States, Peacock is still your go-to home for everything WWE. If you’re outside the U.S., things have gotten a bit more interesting lately. Most international markets have transitioned over to Netflix for their premium live events. It’s a huge shift, and you’ll want to make sure your subscription is active well before that 7 p.m. ET bell rings.
Nothing is worse than staring at a loading screen while Twitter is already exploding over an RKO out of nowhere.
The Match Card That’s Driving the Hype
The tagline for this year is "One Last Time," and it’s not just marketing fluff. This event centers on the massive collision between John Cena and Randy Orton.
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Think about that for a second. These two have basically defined the last two decades of professional wrestling. With Cena officially on his retirement tour, this is likely the final time we see these two legends share a ring in a singles match. The fact that it’s happening in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis adds a layer of "big fight feel" that you just can't manufacture.
Aside from the main event, we've got a stacked deck:
- John Cena (c) vs. Randy Orton: For the Undisputed WWE Championship.
- Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Becky Lynch: A student vs. teacher battle for the Women’s Intercontinental Title.
- Jacob Fatu (c) vs. LA Knight vs. Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre: A United States Championship Fatal 4-Way that is guaranteed to be chaotic.
- Dominik Mysterio (c) vs. Penta: The "workhorse" Intercontinental Title is on the line.
- Pat McAfee vs. Gunther: Yes, you read that right. The Ring General is looking to silence the loudest man in sports media.
Navigating the Time Zones
If you aren't on the East Coast, don't get caught doing the math at the last minute. Here is a quick reference to make sure you're ready when the pyro hits.
- Eastern Time (ET): 7:00 p.m.
- Central Time (CT): 6:00 p.m.
- Mountain Time (MT): 5:00 p.m.
- Pacific Time (PT): 4:00 p.m.
- London (BST): 12:00 a.m. (Sunday, May 11)
The show usually runs for about three to four hours. Given the depth of the talent involved—especially that Fatal 4-Way—I’d expect us to be heading toward an 11 p.m. ET finish.
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What to Do Before the First Bell
Planning is everything for a PLE. First, check your streaming device. Peacock and Netflix can both be a bit finicky if the app hasn't been updated in a while. Do that now.
Second, if you're a betting person or just like to play along with friends, lock in your predictions for the US Title match. Jacob Fatu has been an absolute monster since his debut, but putting him in a ring with McIntyre and Priest is a recipe for a title change.
Lastly, keep an eye on the social feeds. WWE loves to "leak" arrivals at the arena about an hour before the WWE Backlash 2025 start time. If a certain superstar's tour bus is spotted outside the Enterprise Center, it could change everything you think you know about the results.
Get your snacks ready. St. Louis is about to get loud.
Actionable Steps for Fans:
- Verify your login: Log into Peacock (US) or Netflix (International) at least 30 minutes before 7 p.m. ET to avoid "high traffic" lag.
- Update the App: Ensure your smart TV or streaming stick is running the latest version of your streaming app.
- Set a Reminder: Place a notification on your phone for 5:00 p.m. ET to catch the start of the Kickoff Show for exclusive interviews and match analysis.
- Join the Conversation: Use the official hashtag #WWEBacklash on social media to follow live updates and potential "spotted" superstar reports.