Smackdown Recap 04.03.09

Smackdown recap from Dallas, TX:

A WrestleMania XXIV video package is shown to open the Smackdown show. There was no opening pyrotechnics display for SmackDown this week. There were also less matches than usual as many of the feuds and matches for Wrestlemania 25 were highlighted during the show. Jerry Lawler and Todd Grisham brought the WWE Universe all the action of Smackdown from Fan Axxess in Houston, TX.

Gail Kim & Maria b. Maryse & Michelle McCool

After last week's return to Smackdown, WWE Diva Gail Kim made her return to the ring, teaming up with fellow diva Maria to take on Michelle McCool and the Divas champion, Maryse. Maria seemed to gain the upperhand on Michelle, but when Maryse got in she put Maria into the Boston Crab style submission hold. Once Maria managed to escape, Gail Kim came in with serious momentum, kicking Maryse down and eventually using a double neckbreaker to bring Maryse to the mat for the winning pinfall.

Winners: Gail Kim & Maria win via pinfall over Maryse & Michelle McCool.

Shelton Benjamin vs. MVP
United States Championship

Shelton Benjamin received his official rematch for the United States Championship against MVP. Early on MVP went for the attack on Shelton, but the Gold Standard was hungry to earn back his belt. Shelton dominated MVP, and at one point with MVP on the ropes, jumped high up and onto his back. MVP made the comeback by smashing Shelton's head down to his knee, then delivering a high boot to his head. Shelton hit a Blockbuster for the two-count then MVP hit the Playmaker. After the Playmaker, MVP had retained the United States Title.

MVP wins via pinfall over Shelton Benjamin to retain the US Championship.

It was announced that later in the night Jeff Hardy will go up against Ezekiel Jackson as Jeff prepares for his Extreme Rules match at Wrestlemanai 25 versus Matt Hardy.

A Tribute to the Troops video package was shown.

Jeff Hardy vs. Ezekiel Jackson

Early on, Jeff Hardy took out his frustrations on Ezekiel by using his speed and power to clothesline the bigger opponent out of the ring. At one point, Jeff leapt over the top rope and landed on top of both The Brian Kendrick and Jackson on the floor outside the ring. Jeff continued to display his rage in the ring using a torpedo kick on Jackson in the corner, and the Whisper in the wind. Jeff finished off Jackson with the Swanton Bomb off the top ropes with Brian Kendrick looking on from ringside. After the win, Jeff pointed towards the Wrestlemania 25 banner.

Winner: Jeff Hardy wins via pinfall over Ezekiel Jackson.