Tonight’s WWE SmackDown, airing May 8, 2026, promises an action-packed night live from the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The WWE Backlash go-home show sees WWE Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton defend her title against Kiana James. Plus, WWE Women’s Champion “The Eradicator” Rhea Ripley and Charlexa (“The Queen” Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss) will face Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid) in a 6-Woman Tag Team Match.
The show kicks off at 8:00 PM ET on the USA Network and is available for international fans on streaming platforms like Netflix. Ringside News will provide live, match-by-match updates and highlights throughout the night. Stay tuned to this page, refresh for the latest results as the action unfolds, and join the conversation in the comments below!
Matches & Key Moments Scheduled for WWE SmackDown on May 8, 2026
- WWE Women’s United States Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Kiana James
- 6-Woman Tag Team Match: WWE Women’s Champion “The Eradicator” Rhea Ripley and Charlexa (“The Queen” Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss) vs. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid)
- Singles Match: WWE Tag Team Champion Damian Priest vs. MFT’s Talla Tonga
- Funeral For The Gingerbread Man
- “The Ring General” GUNTHER will appear
- “The Samoan Werewolf” Jacob Fatu will kick off SmackDown
WWE SmackDown Results (5/8/26): Live Match Updates and Highlights
The show opens up with a graphic In Memoriam for Ted Turner who recently passed away and we take a look at the Jacob Fatu/Roman Reigns match with a video package.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett then welcomes us to the show as Jacob Fatu’s music hits and he makes his way down to the ring. Fatu then grabs a mic and starts off by saying tomorrow night at Backlash he is not fighting Roman Reigns for that title. Fatu then says he is taking that title. Fatu then says since they were young, all everyone saw in Roman was the future. Fatu then says since they were young, all they saw in him was nothing. Fatu then says they want to talk nice to him and tell him to fall back and fall in line. Fatu then says hell no. Fatu then says he saw this before with Roman. Fatu then says history repeats itself. Fatu then says everyone talking to him aren’t trying to protect him, they are trying to protect Roman. Fatu then says when Roman was born, he was born with opportunity. Fatu then says he was born with doubt.
The Usos’ music then hits and they make their way down to the ring. Jimmy says they are not out here to change his mind. Jimmy then says what they say won’t change what happens tomorrow. Jimmy then says he is proud of Fatu being in the main event of Backlash against Roman. Jimmy then says he respects Fatu because he knows where he is coming from. Jimmy then says part of him is rooting for Fatu, but the other part is looking out for Fatu. Jimmy then says they know how important this W is for you. Jimmy then says have you sat still and wondered what happens if you lose tomorrow.
Jey then says Fatu didn’t think about that. Jey then says you pop off the rails like he does. Jey then says tomorrow night The Tribal Chief gonna beat that a**. Jey then says that ain’t the worst damn part. Jey then says the worst part is that he will break you down emotionally and physically. Jey then says he gonna do all that to you in front of your family. Jimmy then says tomorrow you family will be front row watching this. Jimmy then says if you lose. Jey then says when you lose. Jimmy then says your wife and children will have to acknowledge Roman. Jimmy and Jey then raise their fingers.
Fatu then says hell no. Fatu then says he is going to break it down for them. Fatu then says he is not losing. Fatu then says he can’t lose. Fatu then says you are trying to lace him up about losses to Roman. Fatu then says you never beat Roman. Fatu then says Jimmy you are saying if he loses. Fatu then says there is no losing or acknowledging. Fatu then says this is not just the main event, this is for his family. Fatu then says if there is one thing his family will see him do, it is becoming the new WWE Champion. Fatu then says is Roman ready to die for his family. Fatu then tells them one more thing. Fatu then says tomorrow if you two think about interfering in the match, he swears to God he will burn this whole f***ing family tree down.
We then take a look back at Cody Rhodes last week against Ricky Saints and what GUNTHER did after the match.
We then see Cathy Kelley with Nick Aldis. She brings up that GUNTHER is scheduled to be here. Nick then says what GUNTHER did was unacceptable. Nick then says GUNTHER is part of RAW. Ricky Saints then interrupts and he says they should be talking to him. Ricky then says he had a great debut and now he is facing QB4. Matt Cardona then comes out to address Ricky Saints. He then says he is not here to pass the torch, but to run with it.
We then see Nick Aldis tell Jacob Fatu to get ready for tomorrow. Royce Keys then stops to talk to Fatu and says he heard what his cousins said. Keys then says fear is not an option. Keys then says when was Jacob Fatu afraid of anyone breathing the same air. Keys then says they take what they want. Keys then continues to walk and he sees Solo Sikoa. He then tells Solo to be careful what he says. Solo then says you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. He then says there is a place in his family for Royce, but time is running out.
We then see a video from Chelsea Green and she says she wanted to wish Tiffany Stratton luck even though she cannot be there.
Tiffany Stratton then makes her way down to the ring for the first match of the night and Kiana James and Giulia follow.
WWE Women’s United States Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Kiana James
The match starts off with both women locking up and James pushes Tiffany away and Tiffany pushes back. James then cinches in a side head lock and Tiffany with a reversal. Tiffany then hits a slingshot head lock take down. Tiffany then hits a clothesline. Tiffany then hits an Irish whip and James floats over. Tiffany then sends James to the apron and James hits a kick and she wrings the leg into the ring post. They then return to the ring and James hits a suplex. James then hits a kick to the hamstring and she works on the knee. James then hits a punch and she chokes Tiffany in the ropes. James then sends Tiffany into the turnbuckles and she hits a springboard knee to the leg tied up in the ropes.
James then gets a near fall. James then hits an Irish whip, but Tiffany hits an elbow. James then hits several kicks to Tiffany to regain control of the match. James then hits a KneeDT and she gets a near fall. Tiffany then hits several forearms, but James hits a kick to get her back to the mat. James then hits several kicks to the hamstring. James then hits a punch. but Tiffany hits several chops and she goes for a drop kick and James holds on to the ropes. James then cinches in a single leg crab. Tiffany then crawls to the ropes and she gets there. James then takes her time releasing the hold and James kicks Tiffany to the floor in front of Giulia. James then wants to know why Giulia didn’t do anything and they return to the ring. Tiffany then hits several chops and forearms.
Tiffany then hits several clotheslines and a handspring back elbow. Tiffany then hits a handspring cutter and a drop kick for a near fall. James then hits a kick to the midsection, but she misses a running boot. James then hits a thrust kick and a handspring into a round kick. James then hits a Death Valley Driver for a near fall. James then hits several punches to Tiffany. James then sends Tiffany into the turnbuckles and hits several shoulders. James then misses a shoulder in the corner when Tiffany moves and James hits the ring post. Tiffany then gets James up and Giulia gets on the apron. James then escapes and gets a rollup, but the referee is with Giulia. Tiffany then knocks Giulia off the apron and she hits a forearm. She then hits a Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win.
The winner and still the WWE Women’s United States Champion, Tiffany Stratton!
Afer the match, Giulia and James have some words.
We then go to the viewing room for The Gingerbread Man and Sami Zayn shows up. Sami says he wants to know how is this happening. Nick Aldis then says people need closure and he asks Sami to show respect for the proceedings. R-Truth then shows up and he has a rose for Sami’s loss. He then says he sees the family resemblance. Truth then says he was very proud of Sami and talked about him all the time. Truth then tells Sami to be strong.
We then see Cathy Kelley with Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss. She asks about the match. Rhea says they wanted to make an impression and they did. She then says they chose the wrong ones to attack. She then says that is why she is excited for tonight. Charlotte then says they can get their hands on them together. Charlotte then says she is trying to be a team player. Rhea then asks if Charlotte is trying to fight her on everything. Rhea then asks if there is going to be a problem and Charlotte asks her too. Alexa then says they are both big and strong. She then says they have tagged before and they can do it again. Rhea then says she will be fine if Charlotte is. Charlotte then says she is fine.
We then see Damian Priest in the locker room and R-Truth talks about Sami Zayn. Priest says his mind isn’t there. He then says he wants to get payback on Talla for what happened last week. Truth then says they have to handle it so let’s go. Priest then says Truth isn’t 100 percent so he needs Truth to stay back since they will go after him. Truth then says they are the tag champions. Priest then says he is proud they are champions, but he doesn’t want anything to happen to Truth. Priest then tells Truth to trust him.
Talla Tonga and Solo Sikoa then make their way down to the ring for the next match of the night and Damian Priest follows.
Singles Match: WWE Tag Team Champion Damian Priest vs. MFT’s Talla Tonga
The match starts off with Priest hitting an elbow and he sends Talla to the floor. Priest then hits a forearm off the apron and he hits more forearms. Talla then hits a knee, but Priest hits a thrust kick. Talla then catches Priest on a cyclone kick and Talla sends Priest into the ring post. Talla then hits a punch and he sends Priest into the apron. Talla then hits a slam onto the announce desk. Priest then hits a big boot, but Talla hits a right hand. Priest then hits a spinning kick to the head and Talla rolls to the outside of the ring. Priest then heads to the outside and he jumps off the steel steps and hits a double axe onto Talla.
Priest then hits a big boot onto Solo who is sitting on a chair. Priest then sends Talla back into the ring. Priest then climbs the top rope and he hits a flying clothesline. He then goes for a cover, but Talla kicks out. Tama Tonga then makes his way out and that distracts the referee. Solo then gets on the ring apron, but Priest pushes him down. Priest then turns around and Talla hits a clothesline. He then goes for a cover, but Priest kicks out. Priest then rolls to the outside of the ring. R-Truth’s music then hits and he makes his way out. R-Truth then hits right hands onto Tama and Solo. Tama then grabs R-Truth, Solo then goes for the Samoan Spike. Priest then heads to the outside and he pushes Solo onto Tama. Priest then talks to R-Truth. but Talla hits a right hand. He then sends Priest into the ring. He then hits a T-Bomb chokeslam for the win.
The winner of the Singles Match, MFT’s Talla Tonga!
After the match, Truth checks on Priest and Tama, Solo and Talla surround them. Royce Keys’ music then hits and he makes his way down to the ring as Solo, Tama and Talla leave. Solo then thinks Keys is with them so he does nothing.
We then take a look at what happened with Danhausen, The Miz and Kit Wilson last week. Danhausen tries to get people to sign as his partner. Kit and Miz then show up and Miz says Danhausen doesn’t have a partner. Kit then calls Danhausen toxic. Kit then tells Miz to take their time and destroy Danhausen at Backlash. Kit then says the only person toxic enough to team with Danhausen is Danhausen. Danhausen then looks at the mirror and says that’s a great idea. Danhausen then gets up and leaves.
We then see Paul Heyman walking in the back and he is standing in front of the office of Nick Aldis. Heyman then opens the door and walks in.
We then see stills of Hulk Hogan body slamming Andre The Giant at WrestleMania 3, Steve Austin being arrested and John Cena celebrating winning the title. In the three pictures, we see The Gingerbread Man in attendance.
We then see Paul Heyman with Nick Aldis in his office. Aldis tells him everything they discussed is in the contract. GUNTHER then shows up and Heyman gives him the contract. He then tells him as requested. Aldis then tells GUNTHER what he did last week was unacceptable, but with that being said he is happy to have him on SmackDown. GUNTHER then asks Aldis if that is really how he wants to talk to his future WWE Champion. On the television behind them, we see Cody Rhodes walking down to the ring. GUNTHER then says this was his time. He then says he doesn’t do business like this and he gives Aldis the contract. GUNTHER walks away and Heyman tells Aldis he will handle it.
Cody then asks Jacksonville what do they want to talk about. Cody then says last week GUNTHER showed that he is next in line. Cody then asks GUNTHER to come out and say it to him. Paul Heyman then interrupts and he comes out with the contract. Heyman then says there is a problem and he is here to try to fix it. Heyman then says he has a contract for a title match. Cody then interrupts and he asks Heyman if he is the advocate for GUNTHER. Cody then says if everyone is here and they can do the match now. Heyman then says he owes GUNTHER a favor. Heyman then says this is the favor he owes GUNTHER. Heyman then says he is an enormous fan of Cody Rhodes. Heyman then says that is why he wanted Cody to know that he needs a contract if his Undisputed Title is at stake.
Heyman then says the contract for the title match is not for Jacksonville, Florida. Heyman then says the contract is not even for the United States of America. Heyman then says the match against GUNTHER, if Cody accepts, will be in Turin at Clash in Italy. Heyman then says the favor for GUNTHER was to set it up, but if Cody wants GUNTHER’s signature on the contract, he will have to do that himself. Heyman then gives Cody the contract.
Cody then says Brock Lesnar retired on him, Roman wants nothing to do with him and CM Punk has discarded him. Cody then says Heyman is in the ring and he has to ask. Cody then says is it because Heyman is out of options. Heyman then says the way he looks at it, he’s not the one running out of options. Heyman then leaves the ring and says sooner or later, they all need the wise man.
GUNTHER then comes through the crowd, but Cody stops him. GUNTHER then cinches in a sleeper and Cody hits GUNTHER with the mic. GUNTHER then reapplies the sleeper and Cody snap mares GUNTHER to the floor. Cody then asks if you want everyone to roll out the red carpet and kiss your a**. Cody then knocks GUNTHER off the apron a few times. He then asks GUNTHER if he sweats him because of what he did to Goldberg, John Cena and AJ Styles. Cody then says on SmackDown he is easy to find but hard to beat.
We then see Tama Tonga telling Solo Sikoa that he is a problem to be dealt with. Solo then says he is a solution and a perfect fit for the family. Tama then says Royce Keys came in here and embarrassed them in front of everyone. He then says that doesn’t sit right with him. He then says he will show Keys what he is all about. Solo then tells Talla if Tama wants to go out on his own, he can find out on his own.
Matt Cardona then makes his way down to the ring for the next match of the night and Ricky Saints follows.
Singles Match: Matt Cardona vs. “Absolute” Ricky Saints
The match starts off with both men locking up and Ricky hits a shoulder tackle. Ricky then goes to the ropes, but Matt hits a shoulder tackle. Matt then hits a clothesline. Matt then grabs Ricky, but Ricky slams him into the turnbuckle. Ricky then hits a chop to the chest, but Matt hits a right hand. Matt then sends Ricky to the ropes and hits a flap jack and a clothesline into the corner. Ricky then goes to the floor to avoid the Woo Woo Kick. Matt then hits a drop kick through the ropes and Ricky attacks the ringside barrier. Ricky has had enough, but he decides to return to ringside. Matt then hits several forearms and Ricky hits a kick and a clothesline. Ricky then hits several punches.
Ricky then chokes Matt in the ropes. Matt then hits a forearm and Ricky hits a forearm and a knee drop for a near fall. Ricky then chokes Matt in the ropes and hits a splash to the back. Ricky then misses an elbow drop and Matt hits a forearm. Ricky then holds the ropes to avoid a drop kick from Matt. Ricky then hits an elbow drop for a near fall. Ricky then cinches in a reverse chin lock. Ricky then hits a knee to the midsection and a knee drop. Ricky then hits an Irish whip and a forearm. Ricky then goes to the ropes for Old School and he hits it. Matt then hits a forearm and Matt gets his knees up. Matt then hits a face plant and several forearms in the corner. Matt then sets up for the Woo Woo Boot and hits it for a near fall.
Ricky then avoids an Unprettier with a forearm. Ricky then hits a twisting reverse DDT for a near fall. Ricky then sets up for a Roshambo, but Matt hits a back drop. Ricky then goes to the floor to avoid a Rough Ryder. Ricky then drops Matt on the top rope. Matt then hits a Rough Ryder for a near fall. Ricky then hits a double thrust to the throat followed by a tornado DDT and a Roshambo for the win.
The winner of the Singles Match, “Absolute” Ricky Saints!
We then see Sami Zayn in the room with the casket and he says this is a joke. We then see that Sami is talking to Johnny Gargano. Sami then asks if Johnny Wrestling is still there. Candice LeRae then shows up and she says that Johnny did not move. Sami then asks Rey Fenix what is he doing here. Rey then says he is paying tribute to The Gingerbread Man. Sami then says they are all supporting him. Rey then tells Sami this is not the place and Sami agrees and walks away.
We then see Paige and Brie Bella walking in the back and a ladder falls.
We then see Blake Monroe putting on makeup. She says she can take everything you love and make it hers. She then says she is coming soon.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Brie Bella and Paige then make their way down to the ring. Brie says there are a lot of teams that say they have what it takes to beat them and be champions. Brie then says they showed Nia and Lash that it is not easy to take the titles from them. Brie then says no matter who it is the result will be the same. Paige then brings up The Judgment Day and their talk about a nostalgia tour. Paige then says that is for has beens. Paige then says they are the best they have ever looked and have ever been. Paige then says step up if you want to step up.
Fatal Influence then interrupts. Jacy says she has heard enough. Jacy then says you are in over your heads and you should not be worried about The Judgment Day. Jacy then says two weeks ago they dropped them in the middle of the ring. Fallon then says maybe you have been too distracted to see that they are taking over SmackDown. She then says that means taking those tag titles. Lainey then asks why should they stop there. She then says there is plenty of gold to go around. She then says Jacy will be the new Women’s Champion. Jacy then says they have business to take care of and you can go to the back to see what a real team is like.
Lash Legend and Nia Jax then make their way down to the ring. Nia asks when did anyone say you could skip to the front of the line. Lash then says this is not NXT. She then says they can’t think they are going to get in their way for the titles. Nia then says they look like knock off Mean Girls. Lash then tells them to get to the back of the line and Lash punches Brie and Paige. Nia then hits a leg drop to Paige and Lash hits a Lash Extension to Brie.
Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss then make their way down to the ring for the next match of the night. Rhea then goes face to face with Lash Legend and Nia grabs Lash and they walk to the back.
6-Woman Tag Team Match: WWE Women’s Champion “The Eradicator” Rhea Ripley and Charlexa (“The Queen” Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss) vs. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid)
The match starts off with Alexa and Fallon and Fallon sends Alexa to the mat by the hair. Fallon then celebrates and Alexa hits several punches and kicks. Alexa then mocks Fallon. Alexa then blocks a kick and hits a dragon screw. Alexa then hits several knees to the back in the ropes and she pulls Fallon to the mat. Alexa then hits a double knee drop and a flip senton for a near fall. Reid then kicks Alexa and Fallon takes Alexa down. Fallon then hits several kicks and she chokes Alexa in the corner. Reid then tags in and she hits an uppercut. Jacy then hits an uppercut in the corner and a back breaker over the shoulder. Rhea then tags in and she hits short arm clotheslines and a bell heel kick.
Rhea then hits a face plant and a drop kick. She then knocks Fallon off the apron. Rhea then hits a fallaway slam to Jacy. Rhea then goes up top and she hits a missile drop kick on Reid. Rhea then goes to the apron and she hits a cannonball on Jacy and Fallon. Fallon then grabs Rhea’s leg and she kicks Fallon away. Jacy then distracts Rhea and Reid hits a kick and she gets a near fall. Reid then hits a leg drop to Rhea. Reid then sends Rhea into the comer and Fallon tags in and she kicks Rhea. Jacy then tags in and she hits a cannonball for a near fall. Reid then tags in and she kicks Rhea. Reid then hits an elbow to the back of the neck. Rhea then hits several punches and Reid hits an Irish whip and a knee into the corner.
Reid then hits a snap mare and a boot to the head. Reid then gets a near fall. Reid then stomps on the arm. Reid then hits a punch and she punches Flair off the apron. Fallon and Jacy then work over Rhea while Flair takes the referee’s attention. Jacy then tags in and she snap mares Rhea and kicks her in the back. Jacy then gets a near fall. Reid then tags in and she punches Rhea. Rhea then hits several punches, but Reid sends Rhea back to the mat. Reid then keeps Rhea from making the tag. Reid then hits a neck breaker. Rhea then hits a kick to Reid and Reid falls to the mat. Jacy and Flair then tag in and Flair hits several clotheslines and chops.
Flair then hits a walkover clothesline to Jacy. Flair then hits a kick to Reid and she hits a fallaway slam. Jacy then hits an Irish whip and Flair hits the Flair flip and a boot. Flair then kicks Fallon off the apron and Flair goes up to and hits a cross body onto Reid and Jacy. Flair then hits a double Natural Selection for a near fall. Flair then hits a kick. Flair then goes for a Natural Selection while Alexa goes for a blockbuster, but Jacy and Reid hit super kicks. Jacy then gets a rollup on Alexa for a near fall. Jacy then hits a neck breaker. Jade Cargill then pulls Rhea off the apron, but the referee does not see it. Jacy then hits a rolling elbow to Alexa for the win.
The winners of the 6-Woman Tag Team Match, Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and Lainey Reid)!
After the match, Jade enters the ring while Fatal Influence pose. They then leave the ring to let Jade be in there by herself. Jade then stands over Alexa and she tells her to get up. Charlotte Flair then gets into the ring, but B–Fab and Michin stop Flair. Rhea then hits a drop kick to Jade and a head butt to Michin. Rhea then hits a kick to B-Fab. Jade then hits a bicycle kick. Fab then hits a full nelson slam to Alexa. Michin then hits a back heel kick to Flair while Jade stands on Rhea.
We then see Royce Keys walking in the back and The Usos stop him. Jimmy says they saw him talking to Jacob. Jey then says he knows that Keys has ties to the family, but he has to stay in his own lane or he will catch the eyes of Roman and The Usos walk away.
Tama Tonga then makes his way down to the ring for the main event of the night with the MFTs and Royce Keys follows.
Singles Match: MFT’s Tama Tonga vs. Royce Keys
The match starts off with Tama hitting a drop kick. Tama then grabs Keys, but Keys sends him to the ropes. Keys then picks Tama up and Keys hits a running power slam. Keys then hits a clothesline. He then goes for a cover, but Tama kicks out. Keys then hits several right hands and he goes for a suplex, but Tama lands on his feet. Tama then hits a chop to the back of the leg. He then goes for a cover, but Keys kicks out. Tama then goes to the ropes, but Keys hits an over head throw. He then grabs Tama, but Tama hits a headbutt. Tama then hits a flat liner and Keys rolls to the outside of the ring.
Tama then goes to the outside, but Keys picks him up and slams him onto the ring apron. Keys then runs towards Tama who is next to the ring steps, but Tama moves out of the way and Keys hits the ring steps. Tama then slams Keys’ arm into the mat. Tama then hits a knee bar and Keys hits several punches. Tama then hits a KneeDT. Tama then hits a sliding clothesline. Keys then hits several punches, but Tama hits a head butt. Tama then works on the neck. Keys then punches Tama and hits a jaw breaker. Tama then hits a drop kick and he gets a near fall. Tama then cinches in a reverse chin lock. Tama then gets on Keys’ back and Keys backs Tama into the corner to get free. Tama then hits a punch and Keys punches back.
Tama then hits an Irish whip and splash followed by a swinging neck breaker for a near fall. Tama then sets up for a Tiger Driver, but Keys hits a back body drop. Tama then misses a splash into the corner and Keys hits several clotheslines. Keys then hits a running shoulder tackle and several splashes. Keys then hits a power slam for a near fall. Keys then gets Tama up, but Tama hits a reverse DDT for a near fall. Tama then kicks Keys in the head. Tama then hits another kick and it angers Keys. Keys then sends Tama to the floor and he sends him back into the ring. Solo. then holds Talla back and Keys gets back into the ring untouched. Keys then runs into a boot and Tama comes off the turnbuckles, but Keys catches Tama and hits him with a spinebuster for the win.
The winner of the Singles Match, Royce Keys!
After the match, Solo asks Keys to join again and Keys leaves.
We then see Danhausen in the back and he has a potion going. Danhausen then takes a tooth out and puts it in blue liquid. He then claps and the lights go out. Danhausen then works on his potion and types on a computer. Sparks then fly and lights go on inside a cloning machine. He. then says in 24 hours he will have his tag team partner for Backlash and they will take over the world at Backlash. His cloning then machine stops working and Danhausen says it broke.
We then see Tama Tonga sitting in the back and Shinsuke Nakamura shows up. Shinsuke tells Tama that he is disappointed and now his own brother won’t help him. Talla Tonga then shows up and he tells Nakamura to stay away from his brother or else they are going to have some problems. Nakamura then speaks to him in Japanese and walks away.
Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett then go through the card for Backlash.
We then see Trick Williams walking in the backstage area. He is stopped by Nick Aldis and he tells Williams that everything he requested is in place. Williams then tells him he appreciates it.
We then see that the ring is being set up for the funeral of The Gingerbread Man. Trick Williams then makes his way down to the ring. Trick tells the production team to cut the music. Trick then tells the WWE Universe to bear with him and hopefully he can get through this. Trick then pays his respect to The Gingerbread Man. WWE then airs a video package to dive into all the memories The Gingerbread Man shared with Trick Williams and Lil Yachty. Trick then says he wants a moment of silence for his friend The Gingerbread Man.
Sami Zayn then comes out to spoil the funeral of The Gingerbread Man and he calls it ridiculous. Sami then says closing out an episode of SmackDown used to mean something. Sami then says he thinks Trick had made a joke out of him. Sami then asks Trick, “You spent all this money for what, huh?” Sami then says he wouldn’t do that because he holds too much respect for SmackDown. Sami then says he is a working-class hero who represents his ride or die fans till the end.
Sami then reminds Trick of who he is. Sami then says he has done everything there is to do in WWE. Sami then says he’s still standing 20 years in the game and isn’t planning to go anywhere. Sami then says he hates to give it to Trick, but admits Trick got under his skin. Sami then says it’s personal. He then promises to make a joke out of Trick this Saturday. Sami then says he’s sorry for his loss, but he will see Trick at Backlash. Sami then hits a right hand. Sami then launches a vicious attack on Trick. Sami then raises the United States Championship, but the Gingerbread man sits up. He then removes his mask and it’s Lil Yachty. He then hits Sami with the candy cane stick. Lil Yachty then begins to laugh. Trick then hits Sami with the Trick Shot. Trick’s music then hits as the show comes to a close.
