It’s the kind of absurd comedy angle that some wrestling fans get a kick out of, but makes others cringe. That’s apparently the case even within WWE. According to a new report from WrestleVotes Radio, multiple members of WWE’s creative team don’t like the Gingerbread Man angle because it’s too “hokey and archaic.” I’m just reading between the lines here, but the fact that the Gingerbread Man gets so much TV time despite the “significant internal pushback” shows that someone important behind the scenes must really like the idea. Perhaps tonight’s show is the swan song for the Gingerbread Man story because it’s a funeral segment. United States Champion Trick Williams will be there to speak in memory of Gingerbread, and Zayn is sure to interrupt and maybe even desecrate the mannequin body, hopefully in a way that doesn’t bring back memories of Katie Vick. I don’t think this is leading to a Coffin match stipulation being added to Trick’s title defense against Zayn at Backlash, but I guess you never know.

This week, the official representative of Giulia, Kiana James, looks to bring back the gold to their camp as she challenges Tiffany for the Women’s U.S. Title. These two have had massive issues over the past few months, and all culminated when Stratton finally stripped Giulia of the title. Now, Gunther may be sticking around on Friday Nights, as he targets the man whom he has never beaten. On Friday Night SmackDown, Gunther speaks to the WWE Universe, more than likely shedding light on his actions against the “American Nightmare.” Gunther looks better than ever, and it’s been a while since he’s held gold, and he’s finally making his move against a star he’s had his eyes on for the last two years. The Ring General will be on tonight’s show to address his actions.

Last week’s episode of SmackDown featured a truly bizarre angle where Sami Zayn dismembered and killed the Gingerbread Man. WWE commentators were broken up about Gingerbread’s untimely demise (Rest In Pieces), and a funeral for Man is scheduled on tonight’s broadcast. A reign of terror doesn’t even begin to explain the run Gunther has been on for the past 12 months. The “Ring General” has decimated legends and put them out to pasture, ending the illustrious careers of John Cena, Goldberg, and AJ Styles. Gunther has threatened the longevity of Rey Mysterio and Seth Rollins, as well as trying to cut the burgeoning career of one Dragon Lee. Now that he’s established himself as a Career-Killer, it seems like Gunther wants to be known for one more thing: Undisputed WWE Champion. After a tense match between Cody Rhodes and a debuting Ricky Saints, Gunther would storm the ring and put Rhodes to sleep.