Smackdown Recap 04.17.09

Smackdown Recap from Knoxville, TN:

This week's Smackdown came from the University of TN in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Jeff Hardy vs. Big Show

Early on in this one former Smackdown member The Big Show really punished Jeff with an array of forceful moves including headbutts, stomping and choking. Jeff managed to gain a burst of momentum as he hit a Whisper in the Wind. From there Jeff kept on attacking, but his chance at victory was interrupted when his brother Matt charged to the ring in street clothes. Jeff forced Matt off the apron then crashed out of the ring on top of him. Unfortunately as Jeff got back into the ring, the distraction gave Big Show the advantage as he knocked out Hardy and pinned him.

Winner: Big Show wins via pinfall over Jeff Hardy.

A video preview higlighting tonight's matches between Triple H and Randy Orton and Ted Dibiase vs. Batista is shown.

Great Khali and his manager Singh came to the ring for another edition of Khali's Kiss Cam. Before choosing a female audience member to kiss, Khali announced his excitement over next week's kiss: Santina Marella. Then, Khali chose a pretty brunette woman out of the audience and after a twirl in the ring planted a Khali kiss on her.

---

Gail Kim vs. Maryse

Gail Kim and former Smackdown diva Maryse had a knock-down-drag-out divas fight. In the ring, the cocky French-Canadia divas champion Maryse showed Gail several moves including her Boston Crab style submission. Gail was able to escape it and build momentum, eventually delivering a swift kick to Maryse. Gail Kim picked up the win by pinfall in this non-title matchup.

Winner: Gail Kim wins via pinfall over Maryse.

---

R-Truth vs. John Morrison

A newcomer to the Smackdown roster, John Morrison, battled fan favorite R-Truth. Both men traded offensive control, with Truth able to battle back against the former ECW champ Morrison. Truth got Morrison to the corner to punch on him but Morrison countered to slam Truth down. Morrison used his finisher The Moonlight Drive to ultimately finish off Truth.

Winner: John Morrison wins via pinfall over R-Truth.

Triple H and Randy Orton were scheduled to have a "Face Off" in the ring on Smackdown. HHH arrived to the ring to crowd cheers, but as he awaited Orton, the Legend Killer didn't show. Finally, Orton appeared on the Titantron and announced he wouldn't be there tonight. Orton continued to taunt the Game, but soon the last laugh was HHH's when he informed Orton they'd be having a "No DQ Match" on Monday Night Raw.

GM Teddy Long announced that the Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy match at Backlash will now be an "I Quit" match.

---

Undertaker vs. Shelton Benjamin

The 17-0 undefeated Undertaker made his return on Smackdown in a match against former US Champion, Shelton Benjamin. In the match, Shelton tried to target Taker's head and neck throughout applying several submission holds. Taker used his class moves including Old School and the Chokeslam. In the end, Undertaker was too much for the Gold Standard as he finished him off with the Tombstone Piledriver.

Winner: The Undertaker wins via pinfall over Shelton Benjamin.

New Smackdown member Dolph Ziggler showed up on Smackdown and tried to introduce himself to MVP and GM Theodore Long. Both men ignored Ziggler so he left. Teddy wished MVP good luck on WWE Raw and said he wanted to introduce him to his friend Sherry from "The View" talk show.

---

MVP vs. Dolph Ziggler

Two equally cocky superstars met in this match, with former Smackdown star MVP getting bested by newcomer to the roster, Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler seemed to dominate this match quite a bit, looking quite comfortable with his new home on Friday nights. Once MVP finally seemed to be turning the match in his favor, Ziggler countered his move for a rollup pin. Ziggler held onto MVP's tights without the ref noticing to secure the pin.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler wins via pinfall over MVP.

---

Batista vs. Ted Dibiase

These two wrestlers will be a part of the big six man tag team match at Backlash PPV. Early on, Ted DiBiase gained the advantage by injuring Batista's knee and going to work to exploit the injury. However, the tactic was not enough to stop the power of The Animal. Batista exploded using his powerful offense including a Spear to Dibiase and the finisher "The Batista Bomb" to capture the victory.

Winner: Batista wins via pinfall over Ted Dibiase.

---