Smackdown Recap 12.19.08

Smackdown recap from Baltimore, MD:

As Smackdown opens the brand new WWE Champion Jeff Hardy is introduced to the fans. Jeff makes his way out with a grand entrance, complete with pyrotechnics display and confetti falling to celebrate his title reign. Jeff talks about the long journey he's had to finally become WWE champ. Suddenly, Edge came out to interrupt Jeff's speech. Edge confronted Jeff in the ring, telling him that it will take more than just a few days to be a successful WWE champion. Edge informs Jeff that Smackdown GM Vickie Guerrero has scheduled two matches for tonight: Edge vs. Matt Hardy, and Jeff Hardy against Vladimir Kozlov. After Edge finished his bit, Jeff proceeded to give him a Twist of Fate in the ring.

Hurricane Helms & R-Truth vs. Shelton Benjamin & MVP

Another loss for MVP, and another victory for Helms since his return. In this match, Helms scored the winning pinfall on United States Champion, Shelton Benjamin.

Winners: Hurricane Helms & R-Truth win via pinfall over Shelton Benjamin and MVP.

Festus vs. John Morrison

Both Jesse & The Miz were at ringside. The Miz clocked Jesse with the bell at ringside which caused Festus to go into his pre-match stupor. This allowed Morrison to hit the Moonlight Drive and score the winning pinfall.

Winner: John Morrison wins via pinfall over Festus.

Backstage, Matt Hardy discussed his upcoming match with Edge, while the fans in the arena cheered for Hardy.

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Matt Hardy vs. Edge

Edge looked to extract revenge on Hardy for what happened at Armageddon this past Sunday. In the match, Edge was able to defeat the ECW Champ using a Spear to get the pinfall in a non-title match.

Winner: Edge wins via pinfall over Matt Hardy.

Carlito vs. Ezekiel Jackson

Primo Colon and The Brian Kendrick were both at ringside during this match. In the contest, the much bigger Ezekiel was able to defeat Carlito by pinfall.

Winner: Ezekiel Jackson wins via pinfall over Carlito.

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Maria vs. Maryse

This match would determine the #1 Contender for Michelle McCool's WWE Divas Championship. To start off the match, Maryse slapped Maria in her face. Michelle McCool watched the contest from ringside, in which Maryse used a DDT on Maria followed by the winning pinfall. After the win, Maryse began to taunt and trash talk Michelle at ringside.

Winner: Maryse wins via pinfall over Maria to become #1 Contender for Divas Championship.

Mr. Kennedy delivered a promo involving MVP to promote the Behind Enemy Lines Colombia DVD which arrives January 6, 2009.

WWE Diva Eve Torres interviewed Great Khali and Ranjin Singh backstage. During the interview, Singh says that Khali thinks Eve is the 2nd best kisser, but Mae Young is the Great Khali's soulmate. The Great Khali smiled at this.

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Jeff Hardy vs. Vladimir Kozlov

In the main event, the Moscow Mauler, Vladimir Kozlov, faced the brand new WWE Champ, Jeff Hardy. The match was back and forth, but Kozlov began to dominate it. Hardy got the upperhand briefly with a ton of punches on Kozlov, but Vlad overpowered him to get out of it. Hardy managed to hit two Whisper in the Winds on Kozlov, but just then Edge rushed out to attack. The ref called for the bell for the DQ. Vlad held Hardy while Edge beat him up, but Triple H rushed down in street clothes to fend off the attackers. HHH went after Kozlov and eventually pulled out the Sledgehammer causing Kozlov to take off.

Winner: Jeff Hardy wins due to disqualification when Edge interfered in the match.