Smackdown Preview 12.19.08

Tonight's episode of Smackdown will be historic, as it will be the first appearance on Smackdown for the brand new WWE Champion, Jeff Hardy. Hardy is coming off a huge victory at last Sunday's Armageddon Pay-Per-View, where he defeated Edge and Triple H in a Triple Threat match. Despite interference from Vladimir Kozlov and the usual tricks from Edge, Hardy managed to hit a Swanton Bomb from the corner and pin the Rated R-Superstar. Now Hardy has impressive victories over both men. What will the brand new champ have to say to the fans and Smackdown roster this Friday? Also, who will be the next man to challenge Hardy?

The other two superstars involved in Jeff's Triple Threat match may try to claim they are the #1 Contender. Triple H was close to the pinfall on Edge after a Pedigree, but Hardy managed to grab it away with a Swanton. Edge, the former champ now, will have the most clout in terms of getting a rematch, especially with Smackdown GM Vickie Guerrero on his side. Will Edge exercise his rematch clause on Smackdown? What will The Game have to say regarding his loss at Armageddon? Will he go after Vladimir Kozlov next?

Vladimir Kozlov continues to dominate the rest of the competition as well. At Armageddon the Russian superstar was impressive yet again. This time Kozlov defeated the ECW Champ, Matt Hardy, in a non-title fight. Kozlov attempted to interfere in the WWE title match, but Matt was there to prevent his attack and get Kozlov away from the ring. Now with Kozlov having defeated Hardy, Triple H, and previously Jeff Hardy in a match, who will he turn his attention to? Will Kozlov continue his pursuit of Matt Hardy, or turn his attention back to Matt's brother, the new WWE champ?

Catch all the WWE Divas and Superstars of Smackdown this Friday at 8PM EST on MyNetworkTV!