SmackDown Next Week Set with Two Matches, GUNTHER Appearance and Funeral Segment

WWE News, WWE 2K24 News, WWE 2K23 CAWs, Creations, Unlockables & Guide

Posted by admin on May 2nd, 2026

WWE has confirmed several segments and matches for the May 8 edition of SmackDown following developments on this week’s show, setting up a mix of title action, faction rivalry, and an unusual storyline segment.

Women’s United States Title Match Confirmed

Giulia confronted Tiffany Stratton backstage, pushing for a rematch for the Women’s United States Championship. Stratton agreed to defend the title, but made it clear she was more interested in facing Kiana James instead.

Giulia accepted that decision, confirming that Stratton will defend her championship against James on next week’s show.

Six-Woman Tag Match Announced

A major tag team match is also set, with Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley joining forces to take on Fatal Influence.

The match stems from Friday’s events, where Jacy Jayne picked up a notable win with help from her stablemates Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid. After the match, Henley and Reid continued the attack on Flair and Bliss before Ripley made the save, despite earlier tension between her and Flair.

GUNTHER Set to Appear

GUNTHER is also scheduled to appear live on SmackDown. His return follows his attack on Cody Rhodes after Rhodes’ victory over Ricky Saints.

The segment established GUNTHER as a likely challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship, and his appearance next week is expected to continue that direction.

Funeral Segment Announced

In a more unusual addition, WWE has announced a funeral for “The Gingerbread Man,” a character involved in a segment with Sami Zayn and Lil Yachty.

The character was “killed” during Friday’s show when Zayn destroyed the costume during a segment meant to embarrass him. Trick Williams attempted to intervene but arrived too late. Later in the show, it was stated that the character had “passed away,” leading to the announced funeral segment.