Smackdown Recap 04.02.10

Smackdown Recap from Las Vegas, NV:

Grisham and Striker were on hand to kick off the show, just 5 days removed from Wrestlemania 26. World Champion Chris Jericho was introduced to the crowd and came to the ring in a business suit. They showed still images from WM26 where Jericho used his title belt to clock Edge in the head without the ref seeing it. Edge got revenge by spearing Jericho off the announce table through the crowd barrier.

Jericho bragged about still being champ, then called Edge "inferior and defective" like the fans are. Jericho said he wrestled a perfect match at WM26 to beat Edge and remain champ. Jericho brought up the "cowardly act" after the match when Edge speared him through the dasher boards where the time keeper sits. Jericho said all he heard as he layed in a heap were 72,000 hypocrites cheering for Edge and chanting "Spear". Jericho said the fans are losers just like Edge is, and they've never amounted to anything.

Edge's theme music hit and out came the Rated R-Superstar to confront Jericho in the ring. Edge said Jericho's right, he does have a lot in common with the fans. The fans all love seeing Jericho get speared. Edge demanded a rematch for the World Title tonight. Jericho said Edge blew his chance at Wrestlemania and now he's at the back of the line. Jericho threatened Edge to get out of his ring, so Edge responded by punching away on Jericho and ripping his suit off to expose Jericho's hurt ribs. Edge hit a face plant on Jericho into the mat, then waited for him to stand up in the corner. Edge went for the Spear and hit it on Jericho's taped-up ribs. Jericho rolled around on the mat in pain.

Striker and Grisham reviewed the highlights of what just happened in the ring. All of a sudden, Jack Swagger came rushing down from behind and took out Edge with his MITB briefcase. He grabbed the mic and demanded they send a ref out now. A ref rushed to the ring after several moments and took some time to clear all of Jericho's loose clothes away. Finally, the bell rang. Swagger grabbed Jericho and hit the Gutwrench Powerbomb, then pinned Jericho for the 3 count to become new World Heavyweight Champion! The fans seemed in favor of Swagger as the new champ as he showed off the hardware. Swagger looked over at Edge on the ramp and said some words as he walked up the ramp.

---

Smackdown returned with Striker and Grisham reviewing the highlights of Swagger cashing in MITB to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.

R-Truth & John Morrison vs. Cryme Tyme

Truth started off against Shad. Shad was able to press Truth up overhead, but Truth slid off to fight back. After kicking Shad in the gut, Truth came off the ropes with a scissor kick. With Shad down near the corner, Truth tagged in Morrison, who measured things then hit Starship Pain for a very quick win. JTG looked surprised on the apron, that he never got into the match.

Truth and Morrison left the ring and slapped hands with fans on their way up the ramp. JTG went in to help Shad up. As both guys got up, JTG and Shad began trash talking. JTG yelled something and Shad grabbed him by the throat. JTG pushed him away, but Shad kicked JTG down with a big boot. He began kneeing him repeatedly, then punched JTG down. Finally, Shad stood JTG up then did his STO finisher. Shad looked down at his former partner before leaving the ring. Refs attended to JTG. It appears that Cryme Tyme is now broken apart.

Winners: R-Truth & John Morrison win via pinfall over Cryme Tyme.

The new World Champion Jack Swagger was walking backstage with his belt proudly on display. He passed by Mickie James, Tony Atlas and Slam Master J. He stopped to make sure they saw his new belt, and Tony Atlas congratulated him. Swagger turned a corner and was passing Shelton Benjamin. He grabbed his arm then said "maybe they should call me the Gold Standard now". Swagger walked off and Benjamin looked upset by the remark.

---

Grisham and Striker reviewed a replay of what happened between JTG and Shad in the ring. Josh Matthews interviewed Shad backstage starting by saying he and JTG were together for so much time. Shad interrupted Matthews then said "no more time, no more Cryme Tyme, this is My Time".

Matt Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre

McIntyre rushed Hardy and kicked him as he went to enter the ring. McIntyre continued the attack, using the ringpost, then did his DDT finisher to plant Hardy on the mat. McIntyre asked for his Intercontinental title belt, then raised it up for the crowd to see. The bell never rang, so there was no winner or loser, although Hardy was on the receiving end of some punishment.

Winner: No contest, match never started.

Smackdown looked at behind the scenes footage from John Cena filming a guest role on Nickelodeon's "True Jackson VP". The show airs Saturday night at 8:30PM.

---

After a shot of Vegas, Striker and Grisham once again reviewed the events earlier in the night when Swagger rushed Edge from behind, then hit the Gutwrench Powerbomb on Jericho to cash in MITB for the World Title. They showed Jericho enraged after the fact, as Jericho ripped apart the commentatrs table, then tossed around chairs and the MITB briefcase.

Backstage, Vickie Guerrero was talking with Michelle McCool and Layla about Wrestlemania 26. They brought up how Vickie won the WWE Divas match with a Frogsplash. Vickie was upset people are calling it a "Hogsplash". Michelle and Layla told her she was Flawless, right before new champ Jack Swagger walked in. They all applauded him and Swagger asked for Teddy Long. Vickie asked why he'd want to talk to Teddy. Swagger said he wants to make his "State of the Championship" address later tonight. Vickie told him he can have all the time he wants, then shook his hand. Swagger crouched down and gave Vickie a kiss on the cheek. Michelle and Layla went all gaga over the fact Vickie got a kiss from the new champ, and they all giggled about it.

The Great Khali vs. Dolph Ziggler

Striker said Ziggler's performance at the MITB match at WM26 was inspirational and will allow him to turn the corner to superstardom. Ziggler backed out of the ring as Khali went after him. He got back in then ducked a clothesline and ran against the ropes, but Khali chopped him down. Khali put him in the corner for a massive chest slap. Khali delivered a big boot which caused Ziggler to roll to the outside for recovery time. Ziggler stood up near the apron and Khali grabbed him over the ropes. Ziggler dropped down to yank Khali throat-first against the top rope.

With Khali stunned, Ziggler got on the apron, and then on the corner. He jumped on Khali's back to apply the Sleeper hold. Khali dropped him off once, but Ziggler ran over and jumped right back on. Ziggler kept it locked on and Khali fell to the mat. Ziggler rolled around with the Sleeper in tact until finally Khali was out of it.

Ranjin Singh grabbed the mic since Khali asked for it. Khali spoke in Indian. Singh got on the mic and said Khali said he's been doing a lot of soul searching. He said Khali needs to take some time off and head back to India to be with his family, but when he returns he'll become World Champion.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler wins via Submission against The Great Khali.

CM Punk and his Straightedge Society were shown walking backstage. Striker said they asked for time to issue a special challenge to Rey Mysterio next.

---

CM Punk, Luke Gallows and Serena arrived out to the ring to deliver their message. Gallows spoke first telling the people to listen, since Punk saved him and he can save all of them too. Gallows said the time to make a change is right here and now. Punk took the mic but paused as he looked around. Serena asked for the mic then blurted out "Show some respect to him!" The fans booed her as she said "look at this man, he's perfect in every way." Serena said Punk is selfless and a healer, if they'd just take a moment and look into his beautiful eyes, they'd see Punk isn't blinded by sin like everyone else. Serena said if not for Punk they'd be just like all of the audience who are a "sea of demons". Serena said when she looks at Punk, she sees an angel.

Punk took the mic back as he smiled at Serena. Punk said if any city needs to be saved in the WWE Universe, it's Las Vegas. Punk brought up how they can get an alcoholic beverage in Vegas 24/7, 365 days a year. Punk added that they can smoke in public without a problem. Punk brought up how they hide behind "what happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas". He said the whole town and its residents are a bunch of liars. He said they're lying to themselves just like Rey Mysterio. Punk said he was going to save Mysterio at Wrestlemania 26, but was unable to do so. Punk said Rey needs Straightedge still, just like all the WWE Universe does.

Punk said he wants a rematch, and is willing to sacrifice something very important, his hair. Punk said he'll agree to have his hair shaved off if he loses in the rematch to Rey Mysterio. Gallows removed his own cap to show his bald head. Punk closed by saying he's willing to sacrifice a piece of himself to save Mysterio.

---

Beth Phoenix & Tiffany vs. Michelle McCool & Layla

Team LayCool arrived to the ring with Smackdown consultant Vickie Guerrero. After an early attack by Michelle and some taunting poses, Tiffany turned the tables. She hit a drop toe hold to trip Michelle down and started her attack. Michelle responded in the corner by throwing Tiffany to the mat, then started choking her near the ropes after a near fall.

Layla tagged in so she could help Michelle with a face plant double team move. Layla went for the pinfall, then put a chin lock on Tiffany. Tiffany stood up and dropped Layla off. Tiffany made the tag out and Beth came in to drop Layla several times. She put the airplane spin on Layla. With Layla dazed Beth clotheslined her down hard. Layla got up and went for a spin kick, but Beth avoided it, then put Layla into the Glam Slam for the win.

Vickie Guerrero got in the ring to go at Beth, but Michelle McCool pulled on her to get her out of the ring.

Winners: Beth Phoenix & Tiffany win via pinfall over Michelle McCool and Layla.

Smackdown GM Teddy Long was watching the match on a flatscreen monitor. Chris Jericho walked in behind Long. Jericho demanded that Teddy reverse the decision. Long said he can't do that, but said if Jericho wants a rematch tonight he can do that. Jericho said no way he's still hurt from Wrestlemania 26. Teddy said then there's nothing else to talk about. Jericho warned Teddy that Swagger won't get away with this, because Jericho is the champion.

---

Josh Matthews talked to Hart Dynasty backstage. They talked about the honor and privilege it was to see Stu Hart inducted into the Hall of Fame, and to help Bret Hart in his match against Vince McMahon. They said now that it's over, it's their time to carry on the tradition of the Hart family. Just then, the World Champion Jack Swagger walked in and stood in front of them, raising up the title belt in front of DH Smith's face for the camera.

Kane was introduced and came to the ring to make his pyro explode from the ring corners. Kane got a mic and said he's getting a little bored and when that happens he gets frustrated. Kane said he needs someone to take his frustration out on, and the more the better. Kane said tonight he wants to take on the entire 8-man NXT roster, starting right now. All eight guys were ready adn came walking out from backstage.

Kane vs. WWE NXT roster
8-on-1 elimination Handicap match

Kane started against Daniel Bryan first. Bryan had some good offense until he went for a flying bodypress. Kane caught him and beat on him a bit, before Bryan tagged out to Darren Young.

Kane took out his frustration on Young then tossed him back to the corner. Justin Gabriel tagged in, but Wade Barrett slapped his back to get in. Kane immediately attacked and took control. Michael Tarver taunted Kane to allow Barrett to gain some control for an attack. Kane retaliated though and after a big boot, Kane pinned Wade Barrett to eliminate him.

Skip Sheffield was in next but was dropped by Kane to the mat. Kane hit corner to corner clotheslines, then went for a slam move. Heath Slater slapped Sheffield's leg for a tag, and came in to start attacking. He hit a boot on Kane from the corner, then tried to jump off the corner. Kane caught him in Chokeslam mode and hit the finisher to eliminate him second.

After Kane tossed Michael Young out of the ring. The rest of the rookies dropped off the apron and had a meeting to discuss strategy. They all surrounded the ring, then got in to attack Kane. Bryan jumped on Kane from behind with a sleeper hold, while the others tried to punch away. The ref called for the bell for the DQ. They held Kane in the middle of the ring for Michael Tarver to kick, but Kane got him with a big boot. Finally, they kept a hold of Kane, and Daniel Bryan did a flying dropkick from the corner to take Kane down. The NXT rookies held Kane down for Justin Gabriel's 640 splash move, with Otunga doing an elbow drop after.

Kane began to get up as the NXT rookies all exited up the ramp. Kane got out of the ring and began to chase them up the ramp, holding his ribs.

Winner: Kane wins due to disqualification of the NXT rookies.

Another highlight replay of Edge's spear on Jericho, followed by Swagger cashing in the MITB contract to win the World Heavyweight title. They also showed the enraged Jericho taking apart the commentators' table and tossing other ringside items. Swagger will have a State of the Championship Address.

---

Jack Swagger's State of the Championship Address

After a WWE Did You Know factoid, Striker and Grisham brought up the next WWE PPV, Extreme Rules. Tony Chimel introduced the new World Heavyweight Champion, Jack Swagger. Swagger carried a black folder with him to the ring and looked to be all business as Striker pointed out.

Swagger this is the first of many addresses he'll be giving. Swagger opened his folder saying he had some prepared statments. He congratulated the crowd on being part of history, saying it may be the apex of their lives. Swagger said he's going to be the champion for a very long time. He demanded silence until the speech was over.

Swagger bragged about his wrestling accomplishments in college, and how he became ECW Champion within 4 months of being in WWE. Swagger said then came Wrestlemania, and it didn't matter how many guys were in MITB, he would have won against 100. Swagger said they've now found their replacement for Shawn Michaels as greatest living wrestler on the planet. Suddenly, Swagger was interrupted by Chris Jericho's theme music. An angry Jericho came walking down the ramp to get in the ring with Swagger.

A clearly-injured Jericho got in the ring with a mic and begged for Swagger to give the title back now. Swagger said the title is his now and Jericho can't do anything about it. Jericho told Swagger he committed the biggest crime in history tonight by stealing the title from him. Jericho told Swagger he heals quickly, and once he's better he's going to take the title back. Jericho started ranting and raving saying he wanted this injustice made right, tonight. Just then, Edge arrived out to the ring.

Swagger stepped out of the ring to allow Edge to speak. Edge told Swagger if he wants to show what kind of champion he is, to face him. Edge said Swagger wouldn't be champion right now if it wasn't for Edge. Edge said he appreciates the way Swagger cashed in MITB, "well played". Edge told Swagger to face him in a match since Edge isn't afraid to face him. Jericho got in Edge's face, but Edge reminded him it was his 2 spears that cost Jericho the title now. Teddy Long came out next with a mic in hand.

Long said since they have a title situation there he's stepping in. Long's solution will be a one-on-one match between Edge and Jericho for Smackdown next week. The winner of the match gets a World Championship match against Jack Swagger. Swagger got up on the apron, and Edge turned to face him. This gave Jericho the opportunity to hit the Codebreaker on Edge. Swagger got in the ring behind Jericho, then hit the Gutwrench Powerbomb again. He grabbed Edge and hit the move on him too, to leave both guys layed out in the ring as Smackdown ended.

---