- 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.

- 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

EDGE’S RETURN, HOT NEW KELLY PIX, BACKSTAGE REY/BATISTA NEWS AND MORE