Smackdown Preview 04.23.09

Tonight's episode of Smackdown airs just days ahead of the upcoming, intense Backlash Pay-Per-View. To prepare for one of the event's main matches, Smackdown will host a preview tonight as Shane McMahon and Batista will team up to face the team of Cody Rhodes and Ted Dibiase. Last week on the debut of WWE Superstars, Shane McMahon faced Rhodes one-on-one, with the outcome a disqualification when Shane began using a steel chair on his opponent. Batista was able to defeat Ted Dibiase despite a good showing from Dibiase, with the Batista Bomb. This past week on Raw was a different story, as Shane and Batista got involved in Triple H's No DQ matchup against Randy Orton. Triple H's future Backlash opponents, Rhodes and Dibiase rushed to the ring to interfere, but Shane and Batista weren't far behind to try to help. Unfortunately, Batista was blinded by a move and accidentally speared down Shane McMahon, causing a confrontation between The Animal and Triple H. All of the chaos and confusion resulted in a sneaky win as Randy Orton grabbed Triple H and hit the RKO to pin him. How will Shane and Batista get along during tonight's
match? Will Shane seek retribution against The Animal, or will these two Backlash teammates finally be on the same page?

Several new Smackdown stars will be wrestling at this weekend's Backlash Pay-Per-View, including the newest draftees, CM Punk and Kane. Those two saw a surprise finish to their match as Punk used a counter to roll up Kane for a pinfall. The Big Red Machine was shocked at how the 2009 Money in the Bank winner has now defeated him on two straight occasions. Punk and Kane will meet up once again at Backlash, but they'll also be in action tonight. Who will gain the upperhand between these two new Smackdown wrestlers? Also, Matt Hardy has vowed he will completely destroy his brother Jeff Hardy. The brothers are set to fight in an "I Quit" match this Sunday for Backlash, meaning one brother will need to say the words loud and clear for the WWE Universe to witness. With Backlash coming up, something's got to give between the feuding brothers. What will the two brothers have in store for tonight's episode of Smackdown? Will their feud intensify even more?

Another wrestler who was removed from Smackdown by the draft is United States Champion, Montell Vontavius Porter (MVP). The usually cocky superstar will now call Raw his home, and has brought the US title with him. Despite still carrying the belt, MVP saw a strange loss on Smackdown just a week ago, when Smackdown newcomer Dolph Ziggler was able to roll him up in a pin, grabbing MVP's tights to secure the win. MVP was shocked at the loss which came from the man who may be more cocky and arrogant than Porter. Will Smackdown's newest star continue to go after MVP or will he set his sights on another Smackdown superstar?

Also from London tonight, expect to see WWE Divas Champion Maryse, Gail Kim, Big Show and Undertaker all in action. Tune in to Smackdown Friday night at 8PM EST on MyNetworkTV!