Set for Smackdown tonight:
- Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels vs. Edge & The Edgeheads
- MVP vs. Batista in a no countout, no DQ US Title match
- Miz vs. Morrison in a Money in the Bank qualifier
- Diva Obstacle Course
- More Mania hype
For a list of SD pre-emptions, click here. Also, here is the full preview from WWE.com:
Preview:Final Stretch
March 14, 2008
As we get closer to The Granddaddy of Them All, are we seeing the last of certain Superstar streaks? Last week on SmackDown, World Heavyweight Champion Edge pinned Undertaker, albeit in a 3-on-1 Handicap Match. Will this loss inject more fire into The Phenom’s heart, or is it an indication that his 15-0 WrestleMania streak is in jeopardy? How will the champion deal with an angry Deadman?
Having never lost to Undertaker, he has his own streak to protect. “When it comes to facing the Undertaker, I am the true phenom,” the champion said last week on SmackDown. Will this hold true? Both men gained momentum on Raw – The Phenom defeated Mark Henry in a Casket Match and The Rated-R Superstar pinned CM Punk – but Edge’s work this week isn’t done.
As announced by WWE.com, SmackDown General Manager Vickie Guerrero has changed the scheduled 3-on-1 Steel Cage Handicap Match, placing Shawn Michaels by Ric Flair’s side to take on World Heavyweight Champion Edge, Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder. Despite “Naitch” putting his career on the line ever since the Chairman’s mandate – lose and he must retire – this match is not slated to be career-threatening, but that doesn’t mean his body isn’t threatened. “We won’t jeopardize your career, just your physical well-being,” said the gloating champion last week on SmackDown.
Why has Vickie Guerrero allowed Flair’s longtime friend to fight by his side? Will HBK’s presence offset the threat of Edge, Hawkins & Ryder inside the ever-dangerous steel cage, or will the WrestleMania opponents find themselves weakened before the Citrus Bowl on March 30?
Montel Vontavious Porter has held the United States Championship since May 2007, but Friday night he will face Batista in a No Count-out, No Disqualification, No Holds Barred rematch for the gold. MVP lost to Batista twice in recent non-title bouts, but when the gold was on the line last Friday night, he squeaked out a win when The Animal was counted out. Can MVP survive when anything goes and once again retain his title, or will Batista go to WrestleMania as the new U.S. Champion? The Animal looked strong in pummeling Umaga on Raw, and MVP will certainly have his hands full on Friday night.
WWE Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison were successful in defending their titles this past Tuesday on ECW on Sci Fi against Tommy Dreamer & Colin Delaney. On SmackDown, however, as seen at the conclusion of the ECW X-Stream, the duo will rekindle their pre-championship reign rivalry with a trip to WrestleMania XXIV on the line when Miz and Morrison square off for the final spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. Will Miz move on to WrestleMania or will John Morrison secure his place in Orlando on March 30?
WWE Divas will kick the show off Friday night as they continue their Diva Competition with a Diva Obstacle Course. Unfortunately, one Diva will be eliminated from the competition as decided by your voting. Which Diva will be the first out of the running for bragging rights and the chance to win a custom-built Beverly Hills Choppers motorcycle? Voting is still open so be sure to text the name of your favorite Friday night Diva to 44993!
Also, Finlay sent a message to JBL on Raw, decimating Mr. Kennedy with his shillelagh after some more comments from SmackDown’s former color commentator angered him. Finlay’s match with JBL at WrestleMania XXIV will now be a Belfast Brawl, Finlay’s signature match. But whose favor will that truly work in? The Irishman will be on hand this Friday night, but will he explain why he attacked Kennedy?
Tune in to SmackDown Friday at 8/7 CT on The CW Network as all of the SmackDown Superstars prepare for battle in a little more than two weeks at WrestleMania XXIV.
