WWE Smackdown TV taping report
April 27, 2010
Hershey, Pa.
Report by Aaron Jumper, Torch reader

The Giant Center wasn't sold out, as the camera side had many seats open. I was right behind Justin Gabriel when he was selling programs during NXT.

Smackdown taping for Friday night's show

(1) Kofi Kingston beat Chris Jericho. Jericho's opening promo was very good saying that Smackdown needed him. His match with Kofi was much like their other match-ups, but still good.

-- Afterward, Jericho was talking smack to Big Show backstage and got knocked out for it.

-- Throughout the night, they aired four or five "Did You Know?" videos about Jack Swagger to build heat for the final segment of the show.

-- Chavo Guerrero came out to say he's done being treated wrong by Raw guest hosts and his reunion with Vickie Guerrero would lead to good things. Kane chokeslammed him and said welcome to Smackdown.

(2) Cody Rhodes beat John Morrison in about a 15-minute match. It was oe of the better singles matches I've seen Rhodes in.

-- Edge came out to a huge pop, even after they showed video twice on him screwing Randy Orton on Raw. He said Smackdown was his show and he loved the fans. Christian came out and they teased a reunion. Christian said he knows Edge is lying. He said they're best friends, though. Edge finally said he's used everybody to get to the top. Christian said he thought about a reunion when he returned, but not after he realized Edge would try to use him too. Christian said he didn't want to see Edge & Christian, but Edge vs. Christian right now. Edge said no, but they brawled and Christian led the crowd in the goodbye chant.

(3) Kelly Kelly & Women's champion Beth Phoenix beat Laycool (Michelle McCool & Layla). The Divas match was short, as usual.

-- C.M. Punk came out to talk about defeating Rey Mysterio at Extreme Rules "without help." MVP then came out said Smackdown was fun when he was there and he will make it fun again. He hit Punk, then SES attacked MVP. Rey Mysterio made the save and the tag match was announced.

(4) Rey Mysterio & MVP beat C.M. Punk & Luke Gallows. In the post-match, the hooded man returned to attack Rey and escape through the crowd.

-- Jack Swagger came out for a promo and had to re-start several times after the crowd heavily booed him as he listed his accomplishments. Very good heel promo. Teddy Long announced Big Show as number one contender. Big Show then knocked him out at the end of the show.

Post-taping: Teddy Long announced a triple threat for the World Heavyweight Title with Jericho and Big Show. It was advertised Edge vs. Swagger vs. Jericho. Big Show took water and poured it on Swagger to wake him up.

Dark Match: World Hvt. champion Jack Swagger beat Chris Jericho and Big Show in a three-way to retain the World Title. Show knocked out Jericho, but Swagger hit Show with the belt and pinned Jericho. Show then knocked out Swagger again.

After the show, I heard ring announcer Tony Chimel say Jericho wanted to remain knocked out while the fans left. Great show tonight. Best show I've seen live in the last year (which includes the three-hour Thanksgiving show hosted by Jesse Ventura and the Raw hosted by Shaq last July).

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