Report: The Gingerbread Man gimmick received “notable pushback” from people in WWE’s creative team

As seen during WWE WrestleMania 42, Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn to win the WWE United States Championship. During the storyline, the Gingerbread Man was introduced on SmackDown alongside Williams and Lil Yachty as a way to mock Zayn. Zayn ultimately “massacring” the Gingerbread Man.

According to a report from WrestleVotes Radio, several members of WWE’s creative team reportedly pushed back against the heavy use of the Gingerbread Man gimmick on SmackDown. One source close to the creative process described the angle as “hokey and archaic.” Additionally, there was said to be “notable pushback” from members of the creative team as the direction of the storyline was being discussed.

Zayn is scheduled to challenge Williams for the title at WWE Backlash. In a recent interview, Zayn stated that he doesn’t believe he has fully “turned heel” in WWE.