WWE Releases 4 Superstars, 2 Divas

Shocking news today that WWE has released four male wrestlers and two of its WWE Divas. According to a note on WWE.com, they've released Shad Gaspard, Luke Gallows, Vance Archer and Caylen Croft as well as divas Jillian Hall and Tiffany.

This may come as quite a shock seeing as several of these individuals had been featured in recent matches and feuds. Shad was the least recently seen of those released, but Vance Archer and Luke Gallows had both been involved in recent contests. Gallows was seen on Friday's edition of Smackdown, albeit in a brief backstage appearance as Kane rushed past.

Vance Archer had been a tag team partner along with Curt Hawkins, while Caylen Croft was one half of the Dudebusters. It'll be interesting to see if they continue to announce Trent Barretta as one half of the Dudebusters, or if they will officially disband that concept.

As for the divas, the Tiffany release is less shocking than that of Jillian Hall. Hall had pretty much been a main stay to help push divas over. She had been involved in a recent feud with the Bella Twins and even released new Christmas music. According to website Diva-Dirt, it appears Jillian will be doing more work as a part of the developmental training staff. Still, her gimmick of awful singing prior to matches will be missed on Raw and other events!

Tiffany had been involved in some off-screen drama with hubby Drew McIntyre, and was suspended from WWE. This happened after a successful bit of feuding with Team LayCool and partnering up with Kelly Kelly. Tiffany has been tweeting about her release and mentioned her off-screen real life husband, WWE star Drew McIntyre:

"I am sad that I won't be able to work with Drew. He is the best thing in my life and I know he is going to do amazing things with WWE. WWE is still a major part of my family and will always be. I am so proud of my husband and will be his biggest cheerleader. If it wasn't for WWE, we would have never met. I love you Drew. Thanks for being my rock :)"

Wishing best luck to Shad, Luke, Vance, Caylen, Tiffany and Jillian in all future endeavors. Any guesses as to which of these former WWE stars will show up in TNA?

WWE Superstars Recap 05.06.10

WWE Superstars Recap 05.06.10

Carlito vs Primo

Carlito gained control against Primo down the stretch. He had him set up for a finisher, but then chose not to do it. Instead, Carlito grabbed a mic and said it seems the fans don't care if two brothers destr each other in the ring. Carlito said as the first ever UnifCarlito's NXT rookie, Michael Tarver was at ringside to watch his pro mentor fight. Late in the match, Primo gained the advantage and had momentum as he jumped up on the corner to punch on Carlito. He dropped down and tried to whip Carlito to the other corner, but got reverse whipped. Primo tried for a reverse flying bodypress, but Carlito avoided it. Carlito looked at his brother as he was standing up, preparing for the Backstabber. Carlito didn't complete the move though, and told the referee no way. Carlito asked for a mic instead.

Carlito asked Primo if he cares what the people think, saying the audience doesn't care about either of them. Carlito said they both deserve more respect since they were first ever unified tag team champions. Carlito told Primo he can either start wasting his career, or re-join him and make an impact. Primo grabbed Carlito before he could leave the ring, then extended his hand and hugged him. The Colons are re-united. Michael Tarver followed them up the ramp looking bewildered.ied tag champs they deserve better. After hesitating a bit, Primo chose to hug his brother.

Winner: No contest, match was never completed.

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Chris Masters vs. Chavo Guerrero

Early on, Masters knocked Chavo out of the ring, then went out to collect him. He pressed Chavo overhead and tossed him in over the middle rope. However, when Masters got on the apron, Chavo struck, and eventually dropkicked Masters off. Chavo returned Masters to the ring and then did a flip onto him from the apron.

Masters gained the advantage late in the match. As Chavo was getting up, Masters tried to put a Masterlock on, but Chavo elbowed out of it, then slammed Masters down for a near fall. Chavo went for the Tres Amigos suplexes. He got one, but on the second try, Masters blocked it and put on the Masterlock. Chavo struggled to get free, then finally submit to the hold.

Winner: Chris Masters wins via submission over Chavo Guerrero.

Newest Smackdown diva Kelly Kelly was shown in the locker room. Kelly appeared to be getting ready to leave, when all of a sudden Team LayCool was there. They called her "Smelly Kelly", but Kelly shrugged it off saying it was the smell of a winner, since she and Beth beat them last week. Vickie Guerrero arrived in and asked who forgot to shower. LayCool pointed out Kelly to her. She grabbed some sort of spray out of a bag and sprayed it on Kelly as LayCool held her back. Kelly yelled at Vickie that she's not the official Smackdown consultant she's the official cow. Vickie got some sort of soap or deodorant out of Kelly's bag and started rubbing it on her face. Just then Beth Phoenix and Tiffany came in, causing the "mean girls" to leave.

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Beth Phoenix vs. Rosa Mendes

Rosa cut a promo before the match in half English/half Spanish, saying Beth's time as champ was limited. Rosa slapped Beth as the match started, bringing oull rage of the champ. Beth missed on a corner move and Rosa made a comeback, albeit a quick one. At one point, Rosa charged at Beth. Beth dropped down and managed to get a schoolboy rollup pinfall to win the match, however it appeared she suffered a legit injury at some point in the corner area. Beth rolled outside the ring and required assistance from the ref and then two additional WWE staff to get up the ramp.

Winner: Beth Phoenix wins via pinfall over Rosa Mendes.

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They covered the events of Monday Night Raw which featured the newly drafted Edge as he hosted "The Cutting Edge" in-ring show. Edge discussed how being drafted to Raw destroyed all his hard work on Smackdown, trying to be #1 Contender for the World Title. He chose to rebuild his plan and interfered in the Triple Threat #1 Contender match, costing Orton the win and being the most talked about guy on Raw. Guest host Wayne Brady came to the ring asking if he could cut a promo and feel like the guys in WWE do. Orton came to the ring and wlaked up to get in Edge's face. Brady tried to go for a handshake but Orton delivered the RKO on him. Edge tried to explain why he speared him last week, then told Orton he needs to re-join with Edge so they can take over Raw. Orton tried for the RKO on Edge, but Edge shoved him off then gave Orton a big boot to the face. Orton recovered in one corner, holding his chin. Edge prepared for the Spear on him. As Orton turned, Edge rushed him but Orton caught him with the surprise RKO.

Striker and Grisham said the first Over the Limit PPV match has been set up. It will feature Edge going one-on-one against The Viper Randy Orton.

During a commercial break, an ad aired for the WWE's June Pay-Per-View, "Fatal 4Way" scheduled for June 20, 2010. It said there will be one champion with 3 opponents, whoever scores the pinfall or submission will win the title.

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They showed the recent events of Smackdown involving Jack Swagger meeting his new #1 Contender for the World Title, The Big Show. Show came to the ring and ended up delivering a KO punch on Swagger to leave him face down.

JTG vs. Shad Gaspard

The Extreme Rules and Smackdown feud resumes on Superstars between the former Cryme Tyme partners. They showed footage from their Strap Match at Extreme Rules, where JTG wisely was tapping the corners right after Shad did. In the end, JTG hit the Box Cutter to drop Shad, and then he jumped over to tag the final corner for the win.

During the match, JTG managed to knock Shad to the outside, then jumped over the top rope to crash out onto him. JTG hyped up the nearby audience members as Shad recovered outside the ring. Superstars took a final commercial break.

Superstars returned with Shad in control in the ring. He had a nearfall with JTG able to escape barely. JTG tried to mount a comeback but got caught in an abdominal stretch by Shad. Shad continued the punishment as he jumped on JTG's back to hammer him to the mat. Another abdominal stretch with some punches to the midsection. Shad used the top rope until the ref warned him. JTG used that moment for a hip toss to throw Shad down.

JTG started to make his comeback and had a near schoolboy pin. JTG continued his momentum as he hit some shoulder tackles. Shad whipped h im to the corner, but JTG eluded him then dropkicked Shad in the back. JTG did his running move and jumped onto the corner to slam Shad face first to the mat. Shad went outside to recover, but JTG ran out and grabbed him. JTG punched on Shad, then rolled him back in, but as JTG went to get in, Shad retaliated. Shad tried to jump on JTG's back again, but JTG rolled onto his back to get a knee into Shad's groin.

JTG tried to capitalize by whipping Shad to the ropes. Shad reversed it, and JTG went for his finisher box cutter move. Shad held the ropes to prevent it, then used his STO move to finish off JTG.

Winner: Shad Gaspard wins via pinfall over JTG.

During the match, Todd Grisham said that WWE Womens Champ Beth Phoenix is undergoing medical tests and there will be an update on Friday's Smackdown show.

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Smackdown Recap 04.23.10

Smackdown recap from Uncasville, CT:

Todd Grisham welcomed fans to Mohegan Sun Arena just a few nights ahead of Extreme Rules. World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger made his way to the ring for the opening bout. Striker and Grisham talked about the upcoming "Extreme Rules" match between Swagger and Orton, his latest match vs Undertaker on Raw, as well as Swagger outlasting Edge and Jericho last week to keep the title.

Swagger bragged on the mic about defeating Edge and Jericho last week. He also brought up how he dominated the Undertaker on Monday like no other superstar has been able to do, including Shawn Michaels. He had them roll highlights of Raw how he issued an open challenge and Taker showed up. The highlights were edited to only show Swagger's moves scored on the Undertaker, but didn't show Undertaker winning it. Swagger says he hopes to be part of Smackdown's roster next week, after dominating Orton at Extreme Rules so the fans have a champion to believe in. Swagger called himself the "antidote" to "The Viper", saying he's going straight for his neck to cut his head off.

John Morrison vs. Jack Swagger

The two competitors faced off in a rematch from their match two weeks ago on Smackdown.

Late in the match, Morrison hit his mule kick off the ropes to take Swagger down. Swagger escaped a pinfall, then was able to drop Morrison on the top rope and hit a Gutwrench Powerbomb. Morrison was down for 2, then grabbed the bottom rope. Swagger stomped on Morrison wondering why he was unable to put Morrison away. He picked up Morrison on his shoulder, but JMo slid off and shoved Swagger into the corner. Morrison hit a Pele kick on Swagger followed by Starship Pain from the corner to collect a hard fought pinfall win over the World Champion. Striker said "it's not exactly the momentum Swagger wants going into Extreme Rules Sunday."

Swagger recovered near the announcers table. He had a bit of a bust up lip, but still raised his championship belt up near ringside.

Winner: John Morrison wins via pinfall over Jack Swagger.

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Smackdown returned with a shot of the steel cage hanging above the ring. They showed CM Punk backstage with part of his hair cut off after Monday night. Punk complained to Teddy Long about it. Serena and Gallows were with Punk, and they asked about what Teddy Long is going to do about it. Long said he hopes Punk wins for everyone's sake, because he'll look real ugly bald. Punk told Teddy he'll be sorry when he finds Rey Mysterio and makes him pay. Long said he won't have to wait much longer for that, because Punk and Gallows will get a tag match against Rey and his handsome bald partner- Kane.

R-Truth & Matt Hardy vs. Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre

Truth came out doing his rap entrance theme involving the crowd before Hardy was introduced next. Striker brought up how Hardy cost McIntyre the win in MITB at WM26.

Outside the ring, Hardy was laying on top of the steel steps. With the ref distracted, McIntyre came over and stomped on Hardy's head on the steps. The ref came out to check on Hardy even though he never saw Hardy get stomped. Ziggler tossed Hardy back in and almost captured the pinfall win. Back in the ring, Hardy was stumbling around and couldn't seem to find his way around. The ref finally backed Ziggler off and had the bell ring. R-Truth came over to check on Hardy, then got him out of the ring before McIntyre could do any more damage.

Several WWE training staff helped Hardy to his feet to start walking. McIntyre got out of the ring and attacked from behind. He hit Truth and tossed him into the ring for Ziggler to deal with. With Hardy down, Drew got in his face telling him it's the last time he wants to see him.

Winners: Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler win due to referee's decision when Matt Hardy couldn't continue.

Chris Jericho was shown walking backstage with his WWE NXT rookie, Wade Barrett. They showed the steel cage lowering down around the ring as Smackdown went to commercial break.

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Chris Jericho arrived out from backstage with Wade Barrett. They got into the steel cage for Jericho to talk about his upcoming Extreme Rules match against Edge. Jericho vowed to end Edge's career this coming Sunday at Extreme Rules and said he layed the groundwork for the win last week on Smackdown. Jericho walked around the cage talking about how he will use it as a weapon to beat up Edge.

Jericho said after Sunday the Edge heads will no longer be chanting "Spear" but "Goodbye Edge." That brought Edge out to respond. Edge came limping onto the top of the ramp with mic in hand. Edge told Jericho he did injur his ankle last week, and many are wondering how he'll be able to compete. Edge limped down the ramp saying nothing will stop him from getting inside the cage on Sunday, and nothing will stop him from getting in the cage now. Edge got inside the steel cage with Jericho and Barrett.

Edge told Jericho he knows what it takes to come back from injury, saying he's broken his neck for the company before, but came back. Edge asked Jericho if he looks like a man with anything to lose. Edge told Jericho he doesn't think he has what it takes to come back from an injury after Sunday. Edge said nothing will stop him from Spearing Jericho through the cage Sunday. Edge said nothing will stop him from Spearing Jericho now. He went after Jericho then punched on Barrett, however Jericho clipped Edge in the hurt achilles. Jericho tried to put on Walls of Jericho, but Edge kicked him away.

Edge managed to fight off Jericho and Barrett. He went for a Spear on Jericho, but Jericho avoided it and exited through the cage door. He shut it and Barrett came crawling over asking him to let him out, with Edge still there. Barrett ended up taking a Spear with Jericho witnessing what could happen to him at Extreme Rules.

They reviewed highlights of this past week's Raw hosted by the cast of MacGruber.

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JTG vs. Mike Knox

Shad Gaspard joined Striker and Grisham for commentary. He brought a strap along with him. Striker told Shad that JTG asked for a match against Knox to prepare for Sunday. Shad said he's a 6'6 296 lb Brooklyn Beast who will dominate anything in his way.

During the match, JTG was able to leap over the rope for a flying bodypress onto Knox right in front of Shad. Shad stood up to talk trash with JTG. As JTG got back in the ring, Knox kicked him. JTG made a comeback though right off the ropes to hit his finisher slamming Knox to the mat for the win.

Shad got in the ring to attack JTG with the strap to break up his victory celebration. He repeatedly beat on JTG several times with the strap causing JTG to scream out in pain on the mat.

Winner: JTG wins via pinfall over Mike Knox.

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They showed a barber's chair set up with red carpeting under it as a lead in to CM Punk's upcoming appearance on Smackdown.

Mickie James & Beth Phoenix vs. Michelle McCool & Layla

Vickie Guerrero accompanied Team LayCool to the ring. Grisham and Striker announced that Beth Phoenix will go up against Michelle McCool on Sunday for the WWE Women's Championship in an "Extreme Makeover" match. No rules were given.

Beth had an airplane spin going on Layla, but Michelle had tagged in. She was able to avoid getting hit, but then was elbowed to the mat. Michelle eventually took control though as the legal diva and began to dismantle Beth. Layla came in to take her turn on a worn down Phoenix for a little bit, but Beth eventually escaped for the tag.

Mickie was able to jump off the corner and land with both knees on Layla. McCool rushed into the ring and kicked Mickie to break up the pin. From there, Beth rushed in to attack Michelle and the two divas ended up fighting outside the ring. Layla took advantage of Mickie who was already hurting from the kick to the head. Layla hit a backbreaker on Mickie to win it.

After the win, Layla tossed Mickie out of the ring. Layla and Michelle attacked Beth Phoenix, with Layla grabbing an ironing board from under the ring. She set it up in the corner and Michelle whipped Beth into it, crashing her through the ironing board. After that, Vickie got in the ring and gave lipstick to McCool to put all over Beth's face.

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

Kane and Rey Mysterio were shown backstage talking strategy for their upcoming tag team match.

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CM Punk came out from backstage with Luke Gallows and Serena. Punk got on the mic saying his actions will speak at Extreme Rules. Punk said Rey's actions spoke on Raw that he was nothing but a coward. Punk said his hair will remain after Extreme Rules. He walked up to the podium with the barber's chair at ringside. Punk sat in the chair and said someone will join the StraightEdge Society and get their head shaved. Just then, Mysterio's music started up. Out came Mysterio to his theme music and pyro followed by Kane for the main event match.

Kane & Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk & Luke Gallows

Gallows started against Mysterio, with Punk giving his SES member special instructions before the bell.

During the late stages of the match, Punk and Gallows had control as they dominated Mysterio. Gallows put a submission hold on Mysterio, but Rey began to kick his way out. He got up and came off the ropes, with Gallows picking him up on his shoulder. Rey countered to make it a tornado DDT. Rey began crawling towards Kane and leapt over to make the tag. Kane came in to knock Punk down, then clothesline him in the corner before the sidewalk slam.

Kane got to the corner and jumped off to clothesline Punk to the mat for a near fall, but Gallows broke that up. Gallows ran at Mysterio who dropped down allowing Gallows to spill over the top rope. With Punk down, Kane tagged in Mysterio. Mysterio stood on Kane's shoulders and hit a flying headbutt as he dropped onto Punk. Punk barely kicked out of the pin attempt.

Mysterio dropkicked Punk against the ropes and was going for 619. Serena got on the apron to distract the ref, as Gallows yanked Rey out of the ring. Rey fought him off as Kane came over to punch Gallows into the audience. As Rey got back in the ring he was met by CM Punk. Mysterio flipped off the ropes at Punk, but Punk caught Mysterio on his shoulders in GTS position. Mysterio escaped and tried to roll through for a pinfall attempt. Instead, Punk reversed it and stole the pinfall win.

After the match, Rey sent Punk out of the ring with a dropkick, causing Punk to fall into the barber's chair. Mysterio started up the clippers and went to shave Punk's head. Serena intervened to block it and saved Punk's hair. Punk ran away and fell near the bottom of the ramp holding his hair to make sure he was ok. Rey got up on the barber's chair raising the clippers up and staring at Punk on the ramp.

Winners: CM Punk & Luke Gallows win via pinfall over Kane & Rey Mysterio.

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See the latest updated Extreme Rules 2010 card!

Smackdown Preview 04.23.10

Smackdown airs tonight just two nights ahead of the 2010 Extreme Rules Pay-Per-View. Several Smackdown superstars will look to prepare for the tougher-than-usual event, including the World Heavyweight Champion, Jack Swagger. Swagger had an unfortunate time of it on Raw this past Monday, as he issued an open challenged to the locker room. To his dismay, the man who came forth was none other than the Undertaker, who recently retired Shawn Michaels. Taker was able to defeat Swagger on Raw in his first match back since Wrestlemania 26, leaving many questioning if Swagger's ready for Orton at Extreme Rules. Tonight Swagger will take on John Morrison on Smackdown. Will Swagger gain the momentum heading into Sunday's PPV?

We've seen the demise of Cryme Tyme in the past few weeks on Smackdown. The two former partners ended during a tag team match in which Shad was pinned and JTG never got into the ring. The two have had several encounters since then, with each getting a bit of the upperhand on the other. We've now learned via WWE.com that Shad and JTG will fight in a Strap match at Extreme Rules 2010. How will these two former partners prepare on tonight's show? Will they have words for one another prior to the PPV?

The StraightEdge society led by CM Punk has a lot to lose this coming Sunday, particulary Punk losing his locks of hair. On this past Monday's Raw, Punk ended up on the losing team of a six man tag match, with Rey Mysterio hitting a 619 to allow Triple H to pin Punk. Earlier we saw Mysterio shave a part of Punk's hair off as a possible preview for Sunday's match. If Punk loses the match Sunday, he loses his hair. How will Punk prepare for this upcoming contest against Mysterio?

Catch Smackdown tonight at 8PM EST on MyNetwork TV!

WWE Superstars Recap 04.22.10

WWE Superstars Recap 04.22.10

Smackdown commentators Todd Grisham and Matt Striker were on hand for the open of WWE Superstars. Shad Gaspard made his way to the ring with a strap draped around his neck. He wore new ring attire and had a new theme song as well. Grisham and Striker discussed how Extreme Rules is just three days away.

Goldust vs. Shad Gaspard

Goldust had momentum late in the match after a near fall on Shad. He started pounding away on the big man in the corner, but Shad shoved him off. From there Goldust took a running boot kick from Shad. Shad lazily walked up to Goldust and Goldust rolled him up by surprise. Shad kicked out, then threw Goldust shoulder first into the ringpost. Shad grabbed Goldust for a one-arm slam move where he slammed Goldust's back to the mat.

Winner: Shad wins via pinfall over Goldust.

They introduced highlights from this week's WWE NXT on SyFy with a recap of the "Rock'Em Sock'Em Rookie Challenge". It was an American Gladiators Style contest where you had to knock your opponent off a pedestal with a jousting stick. The winner in the end was Skip Sheffield who got a special feature on WWE.com later that night.

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Yoshi Tatsu vs. Zack Ryder

Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler from Raw were now on hand for this match. Rosa Mendes was along with Ryder for the match.

Ryder was in control after a return from commercial, grounding Yoshi with a hold. Yoshi made a comeback though and avoided Ryder on a corner move. Yoshi was able to do his rolling bulldog from the corner with Ryder followed by a swift kick to Ryder's chest for a near fall. Ryder got a kick in from a whip to the ropes, but Yoshi came back to backdrop him, then smashed him with a punch in the corner. Yoshi jumped off the corner at Ryder, only to get chopped and then a backbreaker hit on him. Ryder had a near fall, with Yoshi barely escaping. He used a series of kicks on Ryder and the action went to the corner where Yoshi hit a roundhouse kick from the apron. Yoshi jumped off the corner with a spinning kick to take Ryder out as Rosa looked disappointed from ringside.

Winner: Yoshi Tatsu wins via pinfall over Zack Ryder.

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Cole and Lawler talked about Cena vs Batista for Extreme Rules. They showed highlights of their feud starting with Batista losing the WWE title at Wrestlemania 26 by tapping out to the STF. They also showed Batista hitting a Batista Bomb to lay out Cena on Raw and then announcing they'd fight in a Last Man Standing match at Extreme Rules, as well as Cena getting in the ring to put the STF on Batista after his match against Orton was a DQ.

They talked about the rest of the Extreme Rules 2010 matches including Edge vs Jericho in the steel cage, CM Punk vs Mysterio, Orton vs Swagger and HHH vs Sheamus in a Street Fight.

Carlito arrived to the ring for the main event along with his WWE NXT rookie Michael Tarver. Superstars took a commercial break.

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John Morrison vs. Carlito

Carlito went off on the mic saying he's sick of not being booked in matches. He said he was one of the few Raw stars to show up this past week, and is now putting the guest hosts on notice. He said "Carlito is Raw" and just then Morrison made his entrance to silence Carlito.

Carlito had a talk with Tarver outside the ring before the match started to make sure he wouldn't mess things up for him. After commercial break, Morrison managed to gain some momentum and had a near fall on Carlito. He punched him into the corner then whipped him across the ring. Morrison tried to jump on the middle rope for a move but Carlito kicked him down. Carlito toyed with Morrison by stopping on his face a bit. Morrison got to his knees to stage a comeback, but Carlito kicked him down for a near fall.

Morrison gained momentum again, but was hit by Carlito's elbow from the corner. Carlito had a nice reversal/counter on Morrison for a DDT and another near fall. Carlito pulled Morrison away from the ropes for a sunset flip but Morrison rolled through and kicked Carlito. He then went for Starship Pain, but Carlito got out of harm's way.

In the closing moments, they traded punches with Carlito hitting a Spinebuster. Morrison got onto the apron, then slid under Carlito's legs. Carlito tried to go for the Backstabber, but Morrison blocked then elbowed him and kicked Carlito in the head. After a failed near fall, Morrison set up for Moonlight Drive. Carlito blocked it and got a pinfall, but Michael Tarver had got on the apron to distract the ref. Morrison finally kicked out as the ref turned around. Carlito went over to ask Tarver what he was doing, and Morrison hit a Springboard mule kick to knock Carlito down for the pin.

Morrison got out of the ring and went to celebrate near the crowd as Tarver was enraged at ringside.

Winner: John Morrison wins via pinfall over Carlito.

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Smackdown Recap 04.09.10

Smackdown Recap from Chicago, IL:

Smackdown kicked off with highlights of last week when Edge and Jericho had their in-ring confrontation. It resulted in Edge beating up Jericho and spearing him again. Jack Swagger rushed down the ramp to bash Edge with the MITB briefcase and eventually cashed in his contract to defeat Jericho for the World Heavyweight title.

Jack Swagger came down to the ring wearing the World Heavyweight title around his waist. Swagger mentioned the #1 contender for his title will be determined tonight when Edge and Jericho face each other. Swagger said it doesn't matter who wins because he's odds on favorite to leave Extreme Rules still as the champ. Swagger said some people are just born to be champions, and he's one of them. Swagger said not one WWE Superstar can stop his momentum. He added that since Shawn Michaels' career is over, Swagger should be recognized as greatest natural competitor in WWE.

Swagger's speech was interrupted as John Morrison came out for their opening match. Morrison stepped into the ring with a mic in hand to confront Swagger. He said Swagger got lucky on one night to get the title, but he didn't look like a champion against Randy Orton on Raw. Morrison had them roll the highlight footage. Morrison brought up Swagger's speech impediment, which enraged Swagger. Swagger said Morrison's claim to fame is living in the shadow of The Miz. Morrison continued to mock Swagger's speech impediment, causing Swagger to rush at him. Morrison moved aside and tossed Swagger out of the ring.

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John Morrison vs. Jack Swagger

Swagger went for the Gutwrench Powerbomb late in the match, but Morrison slipped out and fell to the mat. Morrison barely kicked out of Swagger's pinfall. From there, Morrison managed to get a near fall of his own. Next he kneed Swagger in the face to knock him down, then went for Starship Pain. Morrison landed on his feet as Swagger rolled out of the way. Swagger went to the outside, and Morrison got on the apron. Morrison prepared for a reverse jump move, but Swagger swiped his leg and Morrison hit back of his head to the outside. Swagger took some time but collected JMo and put him in the ring, then did the Gutwrench Powerbomb for the win.

Winner: Jack Swagger wins via pinfall over John Morrison.

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Chris Jericho was backstage with his NXT rookie Wade Barrett. Jericho said Barrett should be #1 in the Pro's Poll. Jericho said he should be #1 also. Just then, Jack Swagger came in to gloat about being World Champion. Swagger said only reason he cashed in on Jericho is because he was hurt. Jericho started to throw a tantrum telling Swagger to give his title back. Swagger refused to do so. Jericho said the spikey hair, suits and stern look doesn't make Swagger a world champ. Swagger patted the belt and said the belt makes him the champ.

Shad Gaspar came to the ring in street clothes to the Cryme Tyme theme song. With a mic in hand, Shad spoke about breaking apart the tag team last week. Shad had them roll highlights from the match against R-Truth and John Morrison. Shad said there's always someone standing in the way when you deserve respect. He said some fans can relate to the family member or co-worker in the way of them getting respect. Shad said all of the fans need to be more like him. Shad said they need to "take what they deserve" and don't let anyone like JTG stand in the way. Shad said it's not Cryme Tyme or the fans' time. Shad said this is my time, "Shad Gaspar's time". JTG rushed to the ring from backstage. Shad slipped to the outside. JTG slid out after him and was met by a big boot kick. Shad yelled "it's my time" at his former partner who was on the ground. A replay was shown of JTG getting the boot.

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Matt Hardy vs. Drew McIntyre

A replay showed last week how McIntyre gave Hardy a beatdown before a match could even start. Drew hit his Future Shock DDT on Hardy before posing with the Intercontinental belt. Drew got on the mic to say he isn't going to waste his breath talking to the WWE fans tonight. Striker mentioned that McIntyre is likely upset after what Hardy did at Money in the Bank, costing him the win.

Hardy had momentum after a commercial break and set up Twist of Fate. McIntyre countered and set up the Future Shock DDT, but Matt Hardy hit a backdrop to escape it. Hardy was able to level Drew with a clothesline then kicked him out through the ropes. Hardy did an elbow to the back of Drew's skull on the outside, then pounded away on him. McIntyre lifted the apron cover and yanked Hardy by the pants so he hit face first to the steel supports under the ring. McIntyre hit the double underhook DDT on the outside, then rolled Hardy in at around the ref's 9 count to pin Hardy.

Winner: Drew McIntyre wins via pinfall over Matt Hardy.

They talked about StraightEdge society and said tonight Darren Young will be inducted into SES. Young was shown backstage looking nervous.

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CM Punk, Luke Gallows, Serena and Darren Young arrived to the ring. The Chicago fans chanted "You Suck" once they were in the ring. Serena got on the mic to denounce the fans as sinners and addicts living such pathetic lives. Serena said they need to find Straightedge through the grace of the angel, CM Punk. Gallows took the mic next, after Punk whispered something in his ear. Gallows said the moment of realization and cleansing is worth a lifetime of pain. Gallows spoke about being saved then raised up one arm.

CM Punk spoke next with the crowd starting up their "You suck" chants again. Punk said that Gallows and Serena used to be as weak and powerless as the audience members are today. Punk said when he came along he saved them and their lives were changed forever. Punk said they have now ascended to the top of the food chain, at the Straightedge Society. Punk said he used to see loneliness and despair in the eyes of Gallows and Serena, just like he sees in Darren Young's eyes now. Punk told Young he can tell he's feeling despair, now that he's dead last in the NXT ranking. Punk said Young can accept him as his savior and become a winner.

Serena gave Punk the hair clippers and Punk said Young's hair has been mucked up by the fans. Punk told Young to raise his arm up and pledge himself to SES and accept Punk as savior. Young looked at Serena and Luke then lowered his hand. He stood up and said he changed his mind. Punk got upset but Young shoved him down. Luke smashed Young down from behind, then held Young back as Serena kicked him.

Punk started up the hair trimmers to shave Young's hair, but Rey Mysterio's music hit. Mysterio rushed to the ring and took out Gallows, then was left alone in the ring with CM Punk. Both men noticed the hair trimmers near the side. Punk rushed for them, but Mysterio landed a dropkick to his head and grabbed the trimmers. He got on Punk's back and started the trimmer up, but Serena yanked Punk's legs to pull him out of the ring.

Mysterio got on the mic and accepted Punk's challenge for a match at Extreme Rules. The stipulation will be if Punk loses, Rey gets to shave Punk's hair off. Mysterio said he's going to put an end to SES at Extreme Rules.

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Trent Barretta and Caylen Croft vs. The Hart Dynasty

Croft and Barretta got on the mic in the ring, saying it's time for Hart Dynasty to meet their opponents, the Dudebusters. They mentioned they don't have a famous family they came from. They said they've got skills though. Croft said Trent beat Call of Duty 4 in a day. Trent said Croft hit 12 3-point shots in his driveway blindfolded. They gave their names again, Trent Barretta and Caylen Croft. They said to write it down and memorize it, because the Dudebusters are going to change everyone's life.

Kidd went for a Sharpshooter late in the match, but got kicked out of the ring by Caylen Croft. Barretta tagged in and hit an elbow drop on Kidd by jumping over the top rope. Barretta continued the onslaught against Kidd, to prevent a tag. Barretta went for a running move on Kidd in the corner, but got dropped face first on the turnbuckle. DH Smith tagged in and began to beat on Trent, then dropped him with clotheslines and a shoulder block. Smith put Barretta up for a Hart Attack, but Croft came in so Kidd jumped to dropkick him down. Kidd and Croft wound up outside the ring. Smith took control and put Barretta into the Sharpshooter for the win.

Winners: The Hart Dynasty wins via submission over Croft and Barretta.

Josh Matthews interviewed Dolph Ziggler backstage, asking him about putting Great Khali to sleep last week. Matthews asked how does it feel? Ziggler said it feels like this, then put Matthews into a sleeper hold. He eventually dropped Matthews to the floor after putting him out.

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Striker and Grisham introduced highlights from Raw which was guest hosted by The A-Lister David Otunga. Otunga booked himself as John Cena's tag team partner in a match for the Unified tag titles against The MizShow. Striker and Grisham discussed the matches for Extreme Rules so far: Cena vs Batista in a Last Man Standing match, Mysterio vs Punk with Punk's hair on the line, and either Jericho or Edge against Swagger for the World Heavyweight title.

Edge was shown getting ready for his main event match backstage. Swagger walked in and told Edge he's pulling for him tonight and hopes he has better luck than at Wrestlemania against Jericho. Swagger said if they meet at Extreme Rules, he's going to put Edge on Injured Reserve again. Edge said Swagger is a lot like he was when he cashed in his first MITB, cocky and over-confident. Edge said because of that he lost the title 3 weeks later. Edge said he'll beat Jericho tonight and in several weeks he'll Spear Swagger to win the World Title.

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Edge vs. Chris Jericho

Late in the match, Edge hit a Flapjack on Jericho then a face plant DDT. Edge had the near fall for the win. Jericho retaliated with a kick to Edge's gut and then the Bulldog. Jericho stood up near the ropes, and went for a Lionsault. Edge put both knees up to block it, but Jericho landed next to Edge's legs and put Edge into the Walls of Jericho. Edge yelled out in pain but refused to tap out. Edge got up on his fists and crawled over to the ropes to break the hold. Jericho started arguing with the referee, and Edge got to his feet. Jericho turned back and got a boot kick down from Edge, for another near fall.

Jericho countered Edge's DDT move and went for Walls of Jericho. Edge countered and put Jericho in a small package. Jericho escaped then hit the Codebreaker. Edge fell to the outside, as Jericho also fell flat to the mat. Jericho got up and looked around to finally find Edge outside the ring. He went out and retrieved him. In the ring, Edge escaped another near fall. Jericho started yelling at Edge "stay down you idiot" as he slapped his head.

Edge managed to knock Jericho down near the corner, then set up for the Spear. As Jericho got up and turned, Edge ran for the Spear, but Jericho leapfrogged him and escaped the ring. Edge hit the baseball slide dropkick to send Jericho into the crowd barrier. The two started fighting in the crowd as the ref's count hit 6. Finally, the ref hit 10 and counted both men out as they kept fighting in the crowd. Edge kept going after Jericho near the crowd and up the ramp. They headed towards the ring with Jericho whipping Edge into the steel steps.

Back in the ring, Jericho grabbed a steel chair and brought it into the ring to go after Edge. The ref warned Jericho. Edge managed to get up and hit a Spear on Jericho to prevent any damage from the chair. Edge posed with his arms raised as his theme music hit and Smackdown left the air.

Winner: Draw due to a double countout.

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Smackdown Preview 04.09.10

Last week's Smackdown saw plenty of surprising moments, but perhaps none more surprising than the crowning of a new World Heavyweight Champion. Not even 20 minutes or so into the open of the show, Jack Swagger was able to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase for a shot at Chris Jericho's World Title. This came just moments after Jericho had been Speared down in the ring by Edge, and after Swagger had clocked Edge from behind with the briefcase. Swagger called for a ref, and after several moments of ring-clearing, the bell rang with Swagger picking up Jericho for the Gutwrench Powerbomb. With that, Swagger became World Champion for the first time in his career, but Jericho and Edge both feel they are the rightful owners of the title. Due to that fact, Teddy Long announced that Jericho and Edge will lock up tonight, one-on-one, with the winner of the match getting Swagger at Extreme Rules. Will it be Chris Jericho or Edge who becomes the #1 Contender on tonight's Smackdown?

Also last week, we saw the breakup of longtime tag team, Cryme Tyme. It happened after Shad was defeated by John Morrison and R-Truth in a tag match which never saw JTG able to tag in. After the loss, the two partners got into a heated argument. Shoving ensued, but ultimately the big man Shad Gaspar layed out his partner JTG in the ring. After hitting his finisher, it seemed that the days of Cryme Tyme had ended. Later backstage, Shad told Josh Matthews there's no more Cryme Tyme, but that now is "his time". What will go down next between these two former friends and tag team partners? Will JTG retaliate against his former Cryme Tyme partner for last week's post-match attack?

And finally, the CM Punk Rey Mysterio feud didn't quite end at Wrestlemania 26. Even though Mysterio was able to win at WM26 and avoid becoming StraightEdge, CM Punk is not satisfied. During a promo last week, Punk said he wants a rematch with Rey and is willing to put his own locks of hair on the line. If Rey loses, he has to join Straightedge Society, but if Punk loses, his hair gets shaved off. Rey Mysterio has yet to be heard from regarding this latest challenge. Meanwhile, Punk is also the pro mentor for WWE NXT rookie Darren Young. Young seems to blame Punk for his #8 ranking, dead last among NXT competitors. Will Young find a way to turn things around? What will Rey Mysterio's answer be to CM Punk's latest challenge?

Catch Smackdown tonight at 8PM EST on MyNetwork TV!