WWE SmackDown May 8 Lineup: GUNTHER and Funeral Segment Confirmed

WWE has confirmed the lineup for the May 8, 2026, edition of SmackDown, which will serve as the final broadcast before the WWE Backlash event. The episode is scheduled to take place live at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida and will air on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix internationally.

The event features two confirmed matches, a live appearance by GUNTHER, and a storyline segment involving a funeral. These developments follow the events of the May 1 episode of SmackDown, setting the stage for several high-profile rivalries heading into the May 9 premium live event in Tampa, Florida.

Confirmed Match Card

Tiffany Stratton will defend the Women’s United States Championship against Kiana James on May 8. The match was established after a backstage confrontation on May 1, during which Giulia pushed for a rematch for the title. According to reporting from 411MANIA, Stratton agreed to a defense but specified that she preferred to face James instead, a decision Giulia accepted.

A six-woman tag team match is also scheduled, pitting Alexa Bliss, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley against the trio known as Fatal Influence, consisting of Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, and Lainey Reid. This match follows the May 1 broadcast, where Jacy Jayne secured a victory over Charlotte Flair. Following that match, Henley and Reid continued an attack on Flair and Bliss, leading Rhea Ripley to intervene and save her teammates despite reported tension between Ripley, and Flair.

GUNTHER and Cody Rhodes

GUNTHER is scheduled to appear live on the May 8 broadcast to address his recent actions. On May 1, GUNTHER attacked Cody Rhodes immediately after Rhodes defeated Ricky Saints. Reports from SoloWrestling and Last Word On Sports indicate that this move positions GUNTHER as a likely challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship, as he hoisted the title during the assault.

The Gingerbread Man Funeral

The May 8 episode will include a funeral segment for a character referred to as the Gingerbread Man. The segment is a continuation of a storyline involving Sami Zayn, Trick Williams, and Lil Yachty. During the May 1 show, Zayn destroyed the costume during a segment intended to embarrass him, an act that commentators described as the character being murdered.

The destruction of the costume led to a physical confrontation between Trick Williams and Sami Zayn. This rivalry has now culminated in an official match for the United States Championship between Williams and Zayn, which is scheduled for the Backlash event on May 9.

Road to WWE Backlash

As the go-home show for the May 9 premium live event, the May 8 SmackDown will finalize the build for several key matchups. The current confirmed card for WWE Backlash in Tampa includes:

• Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship.
• Trick Williams (c) vs. Sami Zayn for the United States Championship.
• Danhausen and a mystery partner vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson.

The May 8 broadcast is expected to feature other prominent superstars, including Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill, and Randy Orton, as the promotion concludes its preparations for the event in Tampa.