Smackdown!

Nashville, Tennessee
Aptril 24, 2003

John Cena made it clear on SmackDown! that Brock Lesnar's size, strength and skills do not scare him. Judging from his actions on Thursday night, it's clear that Cena won't back down from the WWE Champion when they clash this Sunday at Backlash!

Cena opened the evening by defeating Rhyno to continue his impressive winning streak. Later, as Lesnar was about to pin A-Train, Cena burst into the ring and broke up the pinfall. In an incredible display of strength, Cena manhandled the champion with a Death Valley Driver! By the time Cena got through sending a message to Brock, the champion was dripping blood from his forehead. Will Lesnar's run as WWE Champion be short lived? Tune in to Backlash this Sunday at 8 ET on pay-per-view!

The Sable Invitational brought together three of SmackDown!'s hottest Divas for a Bikini Challenge. With Sable judging the entrants, Nidia, Torrie and Dawn Marie all showed off what they had to offer. Despite the crowd's input, Sable declared that there would be a tie for first place between Nidia and Dawn Marie. Torrie was left speechless, then had to endure Sable's mockery afterward.

If Sean O'Haire hadn't been at ringside to back up Rowdy Roddy Piper, then Rikishi surely would have walked into Backlash with a clean win behind him. However, O'Haire made sure that this match was anything but a fair fight. Although Piper was disqualified, he and O'Haire unleashed a stiff beating upon Rikishi.

The Big Show lost to a Superstar less than half his size for the second week in a row. While the angry giant searched for Rey Mysterio outside the ring, he was blindsided by the high-flyer and was counted out, giving Tajiri the win!

Match results:
John Cena def. Rhyno
Chris Benoit def. Nunzio
Rey Mysterio def. Crash
Rikishi def. Rowdy Roddy Piper by disqualification
Shelton Benjamin def. Chavo Guerrero
Tajiri def. Big Show
Brock Lesnar def. A-Train by disqualification