Iga Swiatek with new coach Francisco Roig. –SWIATEK INSTAGRAM

ROME— It was supposed to be a fun game between Iga Swiatek and her new coach on a special court in downtown Rome to help promote the Italian Open.

It ended with a torn Achilles’ tendon for Francisco Roig, who was recently hired by Swiatek, the six-time Grand Slam champion.

READ: Iga Swiatek announces former Rafael Nadal mentor as coach

Swiatek recounted that there was a 100 euro ($120) bet on the line for a volleying game and Swiatek had match point when the injury happened.

“He did a split step and tore his Achilles. It happened on Saturday. On Tuesday he had surgery already in Warsaw. We kind of took care of him,” Swiatek said after a three-set victory over American opponent Caty McNally in her opening match Friday.

Roig, who formerly coached Rafael Nadal, was hired by Swiatek after she parted ways with Wim Fissette.

“He basically just missed one practice,” Swiatek said. “It’s not easy right now in the practices because he can’t be next to me. But we’ll make it work.”

The practice session was held in the downtown Piazza del Popolo.

“I don’t think people noticed how serious it was because he was so brave in the moment,” Swiatek said. “I would burst out crying. I would make such a drama. His face was like normal. I thought he was joking at the beginning. My hitting partner thought he was joking as well.”

Swiatek is a three-time champion in Rome and is preparing for the French Open, which she has won four times.

So has the injury helped her bond with her new coach?

“We had a good relationship from the beginning,” Swiatek said. “Didn’t need any health issues for that.”

WWE released more than 25 superstars shortly after WrestleMania 42 in a move that generated a lot of backlash from fans online. Over the last few years, post-WrestleMania budget cuts have become a regular thing for the company, with several notable names getting released annually.

That said, some of the recently released stars could still find their way back to WWE television sooner rather than later. WWE has brought back released stars in the past whenever there was a strong storyline reason, especially during major premium live events.

Backlash is set to take place this weekend, and the show already features multiple rivalries where surprise returns could happen. Several ongoing feuds have become highly personal over the last few weeks, making outside interference a real possibility.

Given the buzz surrounding the releases, WWE could use Backlash as the perfect stage to bring back a few familiar faces. In this listicle, we will look at four recently released WWE Superstars who could return at Backlash 2026.

#4. Aleister Black

Aleister Black and his wife, Zelina Vega, were part of WWE’s mass releases following WrestleMania 42. Earlier this year, Black was involved in a rivalry with Sami Zayn and even defeated him in a high-profile match in March.

The feud also played a major role in Sami’s recent character change, as the former Intercontinental Champion slowly became more aggressive following his interactions with the Dutch star. Black repeatedly targeted Zayn mentally and physically during their feud.

Despite the change in persona, Zayn lost the United States Championship to Trick Williams at WrestleMania 42. The Canadian star now has a rematch against Williams for the title at Backlash. Given Black’s history with Sami and his tendency to target stars chasing success, he could return during or after the match.

Aleister Black confronting the winner of the bout could instantly set up a new direction for the United States Championship picture. If Sami wins the title, Black could continue their unfinished rivalry. On the other hand, Trick Williams would also be an interesting target for The Dark Father.

#3. & #2. JC Mateo and Tonga Loa

JC Mateo and Tonga Loa were recently released by WWE, and their final appearance saw them getting brutally attacked by Jacob Fatu. The Samoan Werewolf single-handedly took out Mateo, Loa, and Tama Tonga.

Now, there is a chance that the two stars could return at Backlash during the World Heavyweight Championship match. Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu’s rivalry has already turned into a full-blown family war, with multiple Bloodline members getting involved.

At the same time, Fatu’s recent actions against his own family members could give Mateo and Tonga Loa extra motivation to get involved in the match. The two stars may want revenge after being taken out by The Samoan Werewolf before their release.

That said, Mateo and Tonga Loa interfering in the match and costing Fatu the title would make a lot of sense. Both men were associated with Solo Sikoa’s side of the Bloodline, which keeps them connected to the ongoing storyline. Their return could add even more chaos to the feud between Reigns and Fatu.

#1. Kairi Sane could return at WWE Backlash

Kairi Sane was heavily involved in the rivalry between IYO SKY and Asuka before her departure from WWE earlier this year. Fans were most surprised by Sane’s release since she was a part of an ongoing storyline. A ‘We Want Kairi’ movement even sparked online following her release, as fans were frustrated with her sudden release.

That said, there is still unfinished business in the storyline. IYO SKY and Asuka are set to collide at Backlash, and Sane could return during the match to play a major role in the outcome.

The Pirate Princess often found herself caught in the middle of the tension between the two stars and even helped Asuka target SKY on multiple occasions. At the same time, Sane also shares a close history with IYO SKY, which makes her role in the feud even more interesting. Throughout the storyline, there were several moments where it felt like Kairi was conflicted about choosing sides.

Since Kairi shares history with both women, her involvement could immediately add another layer to the rivalry. The Pirate Princess was tormented by The Empress of Tomorrow for a long time. Sane could finally stand up for herself and cost Asuka the match against SKY.

Kairi Sane was an important piece of the puzzle in this feud, and she could return, even if it’s for one night, to complete her role in the rivalry. Given how fans have been vocal about seeing the Japanese star back in WWE, the company could even bring her back full-time.

That being said, all of these scenarios are only based on speculation, and nothing has been confirmed. It remains to be seen what the Triple H-led creative team has in store for Backlash.