Smackdown Recap 07.03.09

Smackdown Recap from Fresno, CA:

SmackDown opened with CM Punk talking about The Bash. He demanded an apology from Jeff Hardy for attacking him. Smackdown GM Theodore Long came down to the ring. CM Punk asked Teddy to bring Jeff out and have him apologize for what happened. Teddy said he doesn't need to do that, because Mr. McMahon likes how Teddy has shaken things up with Smackdown recently. Long said to continue making controversy and shake things up, tonight he's going to put Jeff and CM Punk together in a tag match against the Unified Champs, Edge & Jericho.

Finlay vs. Ricky Ortiz

In his Smackdown debut, Finlay showed the relatively new superstar, Ricky Ortiz, just why Finlay is the man who loves to fight. Ortiz displayed some early offense including a knee to Finlay and a slam to the mat, but Finlay soon clotheslined Ortiz down and rammed into him in the corner later. Ortiz tried to regain his momentum to win it, but Finlay managed to hit the Celtic Cross for the victory.

Winner: Finlay wins via pinfall over Ricky Ortiz.

Dolph Ziggler was doing pushups backstage to prepare for his match. WWE Diva Maria walked up and introduced herself to Ziggler. They discussed their matches tonight. Maria told Ziggler she had fun last night and Ziggler said he did too. They ended up agreeing to go out again sometime and Ziggler said tonight he just might get lucky.

Jim Ross announced that the new IC champ, Rey Mysterio, will take on Kane tonight.

Dolph Ziggler vs. R-Truth

R-Truth came to the ring doing his "What's Up?" rap song and allowing crowd members to participate in the chorus. Todd Grisham asked JR what's up, and he said he's got a new contract so his wages are up. Early in this match, after Truth landed some offense to take down Ziggler, Dolph managed to gain control and had a submission hold locked in on Truth. Ziggler used elbow drops on Truth down on the mat and continued staying in control of the match. Truth regained control and hit several moves on Ziggler including a powerslam to try for a pinfall. Ziggler kicked out at 2, and Truth did a running kick to Ziggler's face. Truth went over to pull Ziggler over for a pinfall, but Ziggler held onto the bottom rope, then went out of the ring. Truth tried to reach over the ropes to grab him and Ziggler yanked him against the top rope. Ziggler quickly got back in and did his finisher to win.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler wins via pinfall over R-Truth.

A Cryme Tyme "Word Up" segment was shown with Cryme Tyme backstage. WWE Diva Eve came out to give the word and definition. Today's word was "Wangsta" a person who acts and looks like a thug or gangster but isn't. They brought out some binoculars and spotted Layla standing over with a WWE personality. Eve took the binoculars and found an "Asian Redneck", then JTG picked up Jesse who was dressed as a "wangsta". Jesse came over to introduce himself as a G and Cryme Tyme told him not to follow them.

Kane vs. Rey Mysterio

Kane hit a back suplex for an attempted pin late in the match, with Mysterio kicking out at 2. At one point, Mysterio tried to land a move off the corner and Kane caught him with an uppercut. Mystero didn't quit though and eventually was able to knock Kane against the ropes and hit the 619. However, Kane recovered and was able to grab Mysterio around the throat to Chokeslam him. Kane collected the pinfall victory over the new Intercontinental champ.

As the match ended, The Great Khali came to the ring along with Ranjan Singh. Kane quickly jumped the crowd barrier to escape as Khali tried to go after him with a steel chair.

Winner: Kane wins via pinfall over Rey Mysterio.

* Chris Jericho & Edge cut a promo saying that they won’t have a problem defeating CM Punk & Jeff Hardy.

Cryme Tyme vs. The Hart Dynasty

In this tag match featuring the brand new acquisition for Smackdown, the Hart Dynasty, Cryme Tyme gave them a hard-hitting welcome. JTG was trapped in the ring by Smtih and Kidd who took turns trying to wear him down, keeping him away from Shad. Kidd had JTG seated on the mat and yanked his arms back in an excruciating submission hold. JTG eventually escaped to tag in his big partner Shad, who was able to take the fight to David Hart Smith, using an elbow drop and several other key moves. JTG was able to help his partner by using the ropes to discombobulate Smith, allowing Shad to get the win.

Winners: Cryme Tyme wins via pinfall over The Hart Dynasty.

Melina & Maria vs. Layla & Michelle McCool
Fourway

Divas tag action featured the new Womens Champion, Michelle McCool and Melina, the former champ, on opposing sides. Early on, Layla tried to gain the upperhand on Melina as she went to throw her face first into the corner. Melina put her foot up to prevent it and then was able to gain momentum. Maria soon tagged in, but so did the new Womens Champ, Michelle McCool. McCool eventually had Maria down on the mat and began twisting her ankle. Melina tagged back in and McCool had some offense against her, but it was against Layla that Melina delivered her finisher, followed by the split-like pin to win it.

Winner: Melina wins via pinfall against Layla, Michelle McCool & Maria.

Edge & Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk & Jeff Hardy

In the main event, Jeff Hardy and CM Punk had to try to set aside their differences to win a tag match. The two worked together early as Jeff held Edge's arm while Punk jumped off the ropes to hammer him. Jeff was able to hit a legdrop on Chris Jericho when he had tagged in. When Edge was back in, Jeff brought him down to the mat and focused on his arm. With Jeff still the legal man, CM Punk began to put his hand on his hurt eye, so Jeff couldn't tag out. Jericho and Edge took advantage of that fact to punish Hardy more, including Edge tossing Hardy into the crowd barrier outside the ring. Punk started playing it up by reaching out for a tag with Jeff nowhere nearby. Then, Punk continued selling his eye injury again. Jeff finally was able to take Jericho down and managed to force Punk into the match. Punk didn't see Edge get a tag in, and was hit by the Spear. On the outside of the ring, Jeff mockingly held his eye in pain while Punk was pinned, then did the same in the ring with Punk.

Winners: Edge & Chris Jericho win via pinfall over CM Punk & Jeff Hardy.