Friday Night Smackdown!

Las Vegas, Nevada
April 2, 2010
results thanks to pwtorch.com


[Q1]

-After the Smackdown opening, as Chris Jericho made his ring entrance, Matt Striker spoke first, introducing it as the first Smackdown since WrestleMania. They went to Todd Grisham and Striker at ringside who talked over still-shots of Jericho beating Edge at WrestleMania, but Edge spearing him afterward through a ringside barrier. Jericho raised his World Title belt in the air and declared himself "still World Heavyweight Champion" and "the best in the world at what I do." He said he told everyone last week he was genetically superior to all of the fans, who are inferior and defective. He said he's proven Edge is just as bad as the fans. He said he's proven he's as good as anyone in this generation by beating Edge like he did.

He complained about Edge's actions after the match, saying he tried to permanently end his career. He pointed to the "dasher boards" at ringside that Edge speared him through. He said he was an innocent victim asking himself what he did to deserve it. He said he could barely breath and was internally bleeding, yet all he heard were fans chanting Edge's name and "Spear! Spear!" He said he then realized Edge and the fans are the same, people who never realized their potenitals and took shortcuts. He called all of the fans losers. He said he always does what he says he is going to do, which is why he still has the title. He said he doesn't stand there to say "I told you so," but rather "It is so."

Edge's music played. He walked to the ring. He said he makes a valid point, that he and the fans have a lot in common. He said they all enjoy, like he does, watching him get speared. He said they'd like to see him do it again tonight. He said he wants a World Title rematch "tonight... right now!" Jericho asked if that's what the fans want. Then he said he doesn't care what the fans want. He said he had his chance at WrestleMania and lost. He said that puts him at the back of the line "because you're a loser, just like all of them." He said nothing he says or does will change that. He vowed to tear his Achilles a final time if he doesn't get out of "his ring right now." Edge attacked him and tore off his jacket. Edge showed fire and set up a spear. Then he gave him a spear. The crowd sort of popped, but still not as much for that move as it should get at this point. I think they're waiting for Edge to actually turn babyface and not just sort of act like one because he's anti-Jericho.

As Edge left the ring, the announcers acted like they were going to a break, but Jack Swagger ran out, hit Edge from behind with his briefcase, and then called for a referee. A ref ran out. Swagger waited for the bell eagerly. The ref had to clear the ring of debris. Then the ref checked on whether Jericho was okay enough to fight. Jericho stood, barely, but that was enough for the ref to call for the bell.

1 -- CHRIS JERICHO vs. JACK SWAGGER -- World Hvt. Championship Match

WINNER: Swagger in a few seconds with the gut-wrench suplex.

[Q2]

2 -- CRYME TYME vs. JOHN MORRISON & R-TRUTH

Striker called Cryme Tyme one of the most dynamic tag teams in WWE. It opened with R-Truth vs. Shad Gaspar. Truth hit a scissors kick early, then tagged in Morrison. Morrison immediately hit Starship Pain and scored the pin.

WINNERS: Morrison & Truth in 1:00. That was fast.

-J.T.G. couldn't believe what he saw from the ring apron. He consoled J.T.G., but then when Shad stood they began to argue. Shad stuck his hand in J.G.T.'s face, then kicked him in the face. If this means no more Cryme Tyme backstage street definition skits, this in the running for my favorite angle of the decade. Shad helped J.T.G. up as if he might be having second thoughts, but then gave him the STO. He looked down a this partner, seeming conflicted but mostly content with his actions.

-They showed a very serious Swagger walking backstage. He passed Tony Atlas who congratulated him. He walked up to Shelton and said, "They should call me the Gold Standard now." [c]

[Q3]

-They replayed Shad's turn on J.T.G. Backstage Matthews asked what that was about. Shad intensely said, "It's my time." Between Swagger and Shad, this new post-WrestleMania season is shaking things up.

-Drew McIntryne made his ring entrance. Matt Hardy came out to face him. Before the bell, Drew threw Hardy into the ringpost at the start. He then DDT'd him. Grisham said that Drew had a clear path to the briefcase at WrestleMania but Matt stopped him. Drew then stood over him with the IC Title belt held over his head. The bell never sounded so the match didn't take place, but this set up a mid-card feud for these two.

-A recap aired of Swagger's win and then Jericho throwing a tantrum at ringside afterward.

-Striker then said Monday may have been greatest moment in WWE history. A video package aired on Shawn Michaels's career and retirement speech.

[Q4]

-Backstage, Vickie complained to Michelle McCool and Layla backstage about people calling her frog splash the "frog splash." McCool said, "If anything they should be calling it the Cougar Splash." Great line. Swagger walked in looking for G.J. Teddy Long. She said she's an official consultant, so maybe she can help. He asked for a chance to give a State of the Championship Address later. She said he could have all the time he wanted. [c]

3 -- THE GREAT KHALI vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER

Khali tossed Ziggler around for a minute, but then Ziggler applied a sleeper. Khali tried to escape, but just rolled around and couldn't break the grip. He also couldn't quite reach the bottom rope to force a break, either. The ref then called for the bell when he sensed Khali was out. No three arms drops, though. Striker said this is the night to expect anything.

WINNER: Ziggler in 2:00.

-Afterward Khali spoke to his manager and "brother" who interpreted for him. He said Khali says he did some soul searching and he's decided to go back home to his native India, regroup, build up his strength and stamina, and when he returns, he'll become World Champion. Striker said that's admirable he wants to return home to spend time with his family and he's willing to admit he needs to recharge his batteries.

[Q5]

-C.M. Punk entered the ring with Luke Gallos and Serita. Gallos told the fans to open their eyes. He said they should look at what has happened to him since joining Punk. He said all of his impurities have washed away. He said the time to make their life better is "right here, right now." Punk then took the mic, but when the crowd booed before he spoke, Serita said they should show him respect. She said he is perfect in every way. She said he is selfless and remarkable and a healer. She told fans to "take a moment and look into his beautiful eyes." She said they should see that he is not blinded by sin and addiction like the fans are. She said when she looks at her savior, Punk, she sees an angel. Punk does a good job being a cross between a generic cult leader and John Lennon (beard era).

Punk took the mic and said if there's ever a city that needed to be saved, it's Las Vegas. He said they can get themselves an alcoholic beverage 24 hours a day. The crowd popped. Punk added, "Seven days a week." More cheers. "365 days a year." More cheers. He said you can also smoke in any public place. He scolded the fans for cheering. Punk then went on to Rey to another match. He said: "I am willing to sacrifice something that represents my eternal purity, something that represents my position as leader of the Straight Edge Society." He asked him to grant him one more match and if he loses he's willing to sacrifice his hair. He said that he's willing to sacrifice part of himself just to save Rey.

-Swagger said: "What happens in Vegas will now be known around the world." He plugged that Swagger would give a State of the Championship Address later on the show. [c]

[Q6]

MICHELLE MCCOOL & LAYLA (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. "GLAMAZON" BETH PHOENIX & TIFFANY

Michelle opened against Tiffany, beating her up for a minute. Layla tagged in and worked over Tiffay, but at 2:00 Phoenix got the hot-tag and finished Layla quickly with an airplane spin, clothesline, and Glam Slam. Vickie was not happy afterward.

WINNERS: Glamazon & Tiffany in 3:00.

-As exasperated Jericho told G.M. Teddy Long backstage that he must reverse the Swagger decision. Long said he couldn't do that, but he could get him a rematch. Jericho said he was hurt at WrestleMania and taken advantage of tonight. Long said there's nothing he can. Jericho said he won't let Swagger get away with it. [c]

-They showed Striker and Grisham at ringside. They plugged the WWE website, and then talked about the Vince McMahon vs. Bret Hart match.

-Josh Matthews interviewed The Hart Dynasty. They let Natalya talk at the start. David Hart Smith then said it was a huge honor to be present for Bret Hart being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Tyson Kidd said now that the Bret-Vince match is over, it's their time to carry on the tradition of the Hart Family. Swagger walked in front of them and displayed the World Title belt, blocking the camera. Not the most charismatic or dynamic interview from the Hart Dynasty, but at least if they're going to be around, they're letting them talk. This week at least.

-Kane's ring entrance aired. He challenged the entire NXT Rookie Roster eight on one.

[Q7] [c]

KANE vs. THE EIGHT NXT ROOKIES

Daniel Bryan started. Striker said he was voted no. 1 in the pros poll. Grisham said that was despite not having the best record. Striker said the next round of voting will lead to the last place wrestler being eliminated each week thereafter. Darren Young tagged in and got in some shots on Kane. Striker announced that NXT Rookie David Otunga would be guest hosting Raw on Monday. That's a new low in terms of established stature for a guest host. Wade Barrett tagged in next at 3:00. Kane caught him with a big boot for a three count. They cut to another break. [c] Kane punched Skip Sheffield and then bodyslammed him. Heath Slater tagged himself in. Striker questioned his wisdom. He dove at Kane, who chokeslammed him for the pin. Michael Tarver entered the ring. Kane tossed him over the top rope almost instantly. David Otunga was going to enter, but he leaped to the floor. The remaining five rookies dropped to the floor and discussed strategy as Kane caught his breath at 10:00. They all jumped Kane, prompting a DQ. They celebrated beating him down for a few seconds. When Kane began to recover and stand again, they bailed out.

WINNER: Kane in 11:00.

[Q8]

-A replay aired of Jack Swagger's title win earlier. It's worth noting he didn't make ay strange faces after winning and there was no silly dance routine. He actually looked tough and legit, rather than a goof or a clown (which is entertaining, but likely keeps him from having the perceived cred to be a top tier player). [c]

-The ring announcer introduced Swagger. Swagger walked to the ring and again looked totally serious, not even showing any signs of celebration or cockiness. "All business, all the time," said Striker. Is that a new line he's been fed, because that certainly hasn't been Swagger's past. He said this is the first of many State of the World Championship addresses he'll be giving. He said he's prepared a few statements. Again, totally serious, even minimizing his lisp. He told the fans this may be the apex of their lives because they were witness to him becoming the World Hvt. Champion.

When they booed, he told them he will be champion for an extreme long time. He demanded their respect and silence until his speech is over. That never works (or always works, depending on how you look at it). He said all of his life he's been an odds-on favorite in everything he's done. He said he set an NCAA record for the most pinfall victories. He bragged about how quickly he became the ECW Champion. He said he could have defeated one hundred opponents at WrestleMania to win the Money in the Bank. He said his title win couldn't have come a better time for all of them. "You have found your replacement for Shawn Michaels as the greatest living wrestler on the planet," he said.

Jericho's music interrupted. This is interesting. Are they setting up fans to cheer Jericho as the lesser of two evils? Jericho tried to yank his title belt back with a sense of desperation. Swagger said it's not his anymore. Jericho said he committed the greatest crime in WWE history. He said he stole it from him and he wants it back. Jericho promised to recover from his injuries quickly and take his title back. He called the fans parasites. Edge's music interrupted. He walked out to the ring. Edge told Swagger if he wants to find out what kind of champion he is, "why don't you face me." He said if it weren't for him, he wouldn't be champion. He praised him for playing the MITB well, saying if anyone can appreciate it, he can. Edge said he's not afraid to face Swagger, then shot a look at Jericho. Jericho aid Edge lost his chance at the title because he beat him. Edge said he gave him the two spears that caused him to be an ex-champion right now.

Teddy Long's music interrupted. He walked out said he sees a situation. He said Edge doesn't have a rematch, Jericho has one but doesn't want one, so he sees an easy solution. Next week Jericho faces Edge for a World Title shot. I don't get the logic at all of that. Swagger then gave Jericho and Edge each gut-wrench powerbombs. Grisham called it the most memorable night of Swagger's career. The show ended with him standing over Edge and Jericho in the ring.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Newsworthy show. Good to see Swagger recast with a more serious attitude. I just wish the announcers hadn't acted like that's how he's always acted, but instead acknowledged the change. Too many other short matches, very little good athleticism and wrestling, and the Kane vs Rookies match was an odd choice to make.