Smackdown Preview 04.03.09

Tonight's Smackdown arrives just two days ahead of the biggest WWE Pay-Per-View of the year, Wrestlemania 25! One Smackdown superstar looking to prepare himself for the big event is Jeff Hardy. For weeks Jeff had refused to fight his brother Matt in the ring, despite Matt constantly challenging and provoking him. Matt did all but claim responsibility for the series of accidents that befell Jeff in the prior months, including a hotel room attack before Survivor Series, a pyrotechnics backfire, and a hit and run car accident. All of these incidents caused Jeff some bodily harm but nothing equaled the psychological damage suffered by Matt's actions. Jeff finally agreed to a match and that match will be an Extreme Rules match at Wrestlemania 25. But Jeff will have a major test just a few days ahead of that match as he faces the huge Ezekiel Jackson in the ring on Smackdown. Will Jeff be able to achieve a win prior to Wrestlemania, or will the bigger Ezekiel crush him, leaving Jeff with less fight in him for the Pay-Per-View?

Just several weeks ago, Montell Vontavius Porter was able to reclaim the United States Championship with a clean victory over Shelton Benjamin. Benjamin had worn the title for quite some time but had been badmouthing MVP for weeks. Shelton reminded MVP of his terrible losing streak and kept taunting the superstar as he was the wearer of the US title. MVP kicked off a new winning streak and eventually managed to win back his prized possession. These two men are looking to head into Sunday's Money in the Bank Ladder match at Wrestlemania with hopes of capturing the briefcase high above the ring. If one of them grabs it, they'll get themselves a future title shot, anytime, anyplace. Before that, MVP will put his US Championship back on the line as Shelton Benjamin gets his rematch. Will Shelton be able to reclaim the gold as they head into Mania? Or will MVP successfully defend and head to Wrestlemania with a bigger ego and winning streak?

Last week's Smackdown also saw the surprise return of WWE Diva Gail Kim. Gail who had been a member of TNA after leaving WWE has finally returned to do battle with her fellow divas on Smackdown. During the last show, Gail rushed to the ring during a match between Michelle McCool and Maryse for the Divas Championship. Gail's interference caused a DQ win for Maryse who retained the title. Her attack left both Maryse and Michelle McCool sour though. Will these divas seek some sort of revenge on Gail Kim?

Catch Smackdown tonight at 8 PM EST on MyNetworkTV, and Wrestlemania 25 this Sunday at 7PM EST on Pay-Per-View!