– Jim Ross will not be on this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown. Ross asked for the night off due to a family obligation, likely his wedding anniversary which was this week. This was the first time in JR’s broadcasting career that he’s asked for a night off while booked. Michael Cole will fill in for JR this week.
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– The following matches were taped for this week’s SmackDown:
* Finlay vs. Mike Knox vs. Dolph Ziggler in a Team SmackDown Qualifying Match
* Cryme Tyme vs. The Hart Dynasty in a Team SmackDown Qualifying Match
* Matt Hardy vs. Eric Escobar in a Team SmackDown Qualifying Match
* R-Truth vs. Drew McIntyre in a Team SmackDown Qualifying Match
* Batista vs. Rey Mysterio
