WWE has confirmed several segments for next Friday’s SmackDown following a busy May 1 episode. Cody Rhodes successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Championship against a debuting Ricky Saints, but was attacked from behind by Gunther after the match. The Ring General will explain his actions on next week’s show.
In the women’s division, Kiana James was lobbying for a Women’s United States Championship rematch on behalf of Giulia, but Tiffany Stratton instead booked James in the title shot herself. The match is now official for next Friday.
Charlotte Flair faced Jacy Jayne in singles action and was unable to win due to interference from Fatal Influence, who attacked Flair after the match. Rhea Ripley made the save and will team with Flair and Alexa Bliss in a six-woman tag against Fatal Influence next week.
The episode also saw the Gingerbread Man pronounced dead following a vicious attack from Sami Zayn, with a funeral set to air on the broadcast.
The current SmackDown lineup for May 8 features Gunther’s appearance, Tiffany Stratton defending the Women’s United States Title against Kiana James, the six-woman tag with Ripley, Flair, and Bliss vs. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid), and the Gingerbread Man funeral.