The New Team Smackdown

As of Friday night, five members of Team Smackdown were apparently replaced due to a losing effort on the 10/23/09 episode of Smackdown. The show started off with captains Chris Jericho and Kane arriving out to inform the rest of their team that should they lose in a 4 on 4 match, they all would be replaced for Bragging Rights. In a lengthy match, JTG, Eric Escobar, Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler were defeated by the team of R-Truth, Matt Hardy, Finlay and The Hart Dynasty. Earlier in their speech, Jericho and Kane noted the absence of Shad Gaspar of Cryme Tyme who was reportedly sick and unable to compete in a 5 on 5 match. That left the other four members to fend for themselves in a 4 on 5 tag match.

According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the decision was made on 10/20/09 by Vince McMahon to change the team. He reportedly "saw the two original teams together in the ring on RAW last Monday and felt that the SmackDown team looked too weak." The other report was that Shad Gaspar was supposed to lose the match to a Matt Hardy Twist of Fate, but may have become sick over this and went back to his hotel room, causing his absence.

Team Smackdown is now as follows:

Chris Jericho (co-captain)
Kane (co-captain)
R-Truth
Matt Hardy
Finlay
Tyson Kidd (Hart Dynasty)
DH Smith (Hart Dynasty)

It's a surprise move, although you could also say that Team Smackdown had several newer talents that might need a bit more ring time before starring in a match against the likes of DX, Big Show and others. Eric Escobar has really only had one match on Smackdown to date, with Drew McIntyre basically fighting R-Truth multiple times. Ziggler's no stranger to PPV events, but he hasn't been over with the crowds from the reports given. Personally, I was anticipating the new talents getting in there for this one, and the decision was made very close to the actual PPV. While cards are subject to change, they had this lineup for several weeks as they kept hyping the event. Also, it's important to note that Chris Jericho and Kane didn't win their match on Smackdown either (vs. Batista/Mysterio), so their team may have a point of contention. Stay tuned as things could always change yet again...