WWE SmackDown! Preview For Tonight: Batista Returns!

The Animal returns
July 7, 2006

There will certainly be no brotherly love when WWE storms into Philadelphia s Wachovia Center for Friday Night SmackDown.

The biggest story and perhaps one of the most anticipated and talked about stories of the year is the return of Batista. It s been six months since WWE fans have seen The Animal in the ring, which has left many people wondering how he ll address the situation involving the Championship he was forced to vacate. Will Batista still be the force he once was, or has injury tamed the beast?

But Batista's return isn't the only huge story for SmackDown. A Battle Royal will be held to determine the No. 1 Contender for Rey Mysterio's World Championship for The Great American Bash. Who will be the next Superstar to try and bring Mysterio's amazing dream ride as Champion to an end? We will find out Friday night.

Also, Mark Henry was out for blood last week, decimating the Guerrero family name and even going as far as saying he d spit in the face of Chavo Guerrero s late Uncle Eddie for Chavo s interference in Henry s match with World Champion Rey Mysterio. After unleashing a ferocious beating on Chavo s, Rey tore down the ramp to come to his friend s aide. Unfortunately, Mysterio was met with the same fierce attack as Chavo, and looked to be knocked out as The World s Strongest Man left the ring. What kind of shape will the Champion and Chavo be in this week after suffering such a vicious beating?

The Great Khali continued to wreak havoc on SmackDown, rolling Gunner Scott into a body bag, mocking Undertaker. Then, through his manager Daivari, Khali issued the Deadman a challenge in a Punjabi Prison Match a first of its kind in WWE to take place at The Great American Bash. Will the Deadman break his silence and respond to the challenger, or is Undertaker as afraid of the 420-pound giant as Daivari insists?

Friday night on UPN at 8/7 CT is the only place to see this week s must-see Friday Night SmackDown.