WWE will hold its 19th edition of the annual premium live event, Backlash, next year in France. The company has chosen the LDLC Arena in Décines-Charpieu, which is located in the Lyon area of France, as the venue for its first-ever premium live event in the country. The show is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

The wrestling promotion recently released an official poster for the event. They featured top names in the poster except for two superstars, Roman Reigns and CM Punk. This has raised the possibility of Reigns missing the event altogether. With that being said, let’s dive deep and explore three reasons ‘The Tribal Chief’ might miss the event next year.

Roman Reigns might miss Backlash 2024 due to his health condition

The first and major reason for Reigns’ absence from the 2024 Backlash might be his cancer. He was first diagnosed with leukemia in May 2007, but it wasn’t until 2018, his fans found out about it. He went into hiatus in October of the same year to treat his ailment when it resurfaced after 11 years of being in remission.

He has talked about his health being a major reason why he might even retire early in the past. While he plans to be a wrestler till 45 or 50, his health conditions might reduce the time frame by a significant amount. Therefore, his absence from the PLE may have something to do with his illness.

Reigns might want to give his family priority

Another reason why ‘The Head of the Table’ might miss Backlash France might be for his family. Pro wrestlers rarely get to spend ample time with their families because of their busy schedules. He already has a very flexible schedule. But a full-time commitment to his family (especially his young girls) might sound better to him.

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Being a full-time wrestler for the past decade, he has already lost so much time and special moments with his wife and kids. Given his hybrid schedule now, he might want to make up for the lost time.

Reigns is a special attraction for WWE, which the company uses only on extra-special occasions

⁠WWE books ‘The Head of the Table’ as a special attraction. There are already limited dates already fixed where he is scheduled to appear. He is the top star in the promotion, so the special treatment seems reasonable. But he is not the only one who benefits from the deal.

Absence does make the heart grow fonder and when WWE fills his absence with his presence, then the excitement and thrill among the WWE Universe increase tenfold, which ultimately is good for business. What do you think might be the reason for Reigns’ absence from Backlash next year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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