A backstage segment on SmackDown between Jimmy Uso and Gunther has sparked speculation about potential developments leading to WrestleMania 41. The segment featured the World Heavyweight Champion attempting to manipulate Jimmy regarding his brother Jey’s championship match.

Jimmy Uso rebuffed Gunther’s manipulation tactics during their interaction, confidently informing the champion that he would lose his title to Jey at WrestleMania. This confrontation potentially sets up further developments in their storyline.

Jey Uso earned his championship opportunity by winning the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble match. He chose to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 41.

The rivalry between Jey Uso and Gunther has intensified in recent weeks through weekly confrontations. Both competitors have displayed increasing ruthlessness during these encounters as their championship match approaches.

Based on the recent backstage segment, speculation suggests Gunther could potentially attack Jimmy Uso on an upcoming SmackDown. Such an attack might leave Jimmy unable to compete at WrestleMania this year.

A targeted attack by Gunther would create additional emotional stakes for Jey Uso heading into the championship match. This personal element could add complexity to Jey’s challenge against The Ring General.

This potential angle would transform their championship match from a competitive contest into a more personal conflict. The added emotional element could impact Jey’s performance in the championship opportunity.

The scenario described remains speculative at this point, as WWE has not officially indicated such plans for the ongoing storyline between these competitors.

Nice try, Uce 🤨

Jimmy Uso wasn't gonna just sit there while @Gunther_AUT talked down on Jey Uso #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/jBW9JH8iB3

— WWE (@WWE) March 15, 2025

WWE SmackDown broadcasts live tonight from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. The show features multiple matches and segments, including a WWE Women’s Championship defense.

Complete Match And Segment Schedule

The event opens with a Rey Mysterio promo segment, where Kevin Owens will become involved. A non-title match pits Bianca Belair and Naomi against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae.

Additional matches include Jimmy Uso facing Carmelo Hayes, Motor City Machine Guns competing against Los Garza, and B-Fab taking on Piper Niven. The main event features Tiffany Stratton defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Bayley.

Segments include a Bayley interview, a Solo Sikoa promo with Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu, and backstage interactions featuring B-Fab, Piper Niven, Michin, Chelsea Green. Cody Rhodes will appear in a backstage segment with Nick Aldis, which also includes Pretty Deadly, DIY, and Apollo Crews.

The women’s championship match receives three segments, while other matches are allocated two segments each. B-Fab versus Piper Niven spans two segments.

Prior to the broadcast, Chris Sabin faces Grayson Waller in a WWE Speed taping. Dan Engler serves as referee for the main event. Jamie Noble produces Bloodline-related segments, while Michael Hayes is not listed as a producer for any segments.

No dark matches are scheduled following the broadcast.

WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has scheduled a first-time match between Jimmy Uso and Carmelo Hayes for tonight’s show. Hayes announced the match following his conversation with Aldis.

Alright… I got done talking to Slick Nick, and you know I always get my way. So, tonight it’s gonna be Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes, and Big Jim… make sure you bring them working shoes, and not those shoes you wore at WrestleMania 40.

HIM vs JIM #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/fNuWPy9ACK

— Carmelo Hayes (@Carmelo_WWE) January 17, 2025

Jimmy Uso’s Recent Singles Competition History

Jimmy Uso competed in only two televised singles matches over the past year. He lost to his brother Jey Uso at WrestleMania XL, which led to Solo Sikoa removing him from The Bloodline. After returning from hiatus in October, Jimmy faced Sikoa on SmackDown but lost due to interference. A non-televised rematch against Sikoa in December also resulted in defeat.

The match adds to an already full card at Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Additional matches include Naomi and Bianca Belair against Candice LeRae and Nia Jax, Los Garza versus The Motor City Machine Guns, and Tiffany Stratton defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Bayley. Solo Sikoa will also make his return to SmackDown.