WWE Smackdown Preview: 5 Things to Look for in Tonight's Episode (March 30)

It's almost here!

All we've got left is tonight's episode of Friday Night Smackdown, and then it's time to head to Miami for WrestleMania 28.

We all know that it's been a long journey to the WWE's biggest pay-per-view of the year and you just want it to be here already, but we've got one more stop. And it's only a few hours away.

The final build to WrestleMania happens tonight on Smackdown.

Here are five things you should look for in the final episode of WWE TV before the superstars and divas take over Miami on Sunday.

5. Two Matches

All of the matches for tonight's Smackdown were taped prior to Raw on Monday, and by all, I mean two.

The only matches that we know we are going to get on the show tonight are Kofi Kingston vs. Chris Jericho and Zack Ryder vs. Drew McIntyre.

Ryder is looking to win on Smackdown for the second-straight week against Team Johnny member McIntyre, and this could be a quality little match if given enough time.

The match I'm really looking forward to is Kingston vs. Jericho.

These two have faced off at a number of live events recently and tore the house down when they did, so hopefully we'll be treated to a great match since we're not going to get much wrestling from the blue brand tonight.

4. Triple H and Shawn Michaels?

Both Triple H and Shawn Michaels made an appearance during the Smackdown part of Monday's tapings, but it's unclear if what they taped will air on Smackdown or not.

Judging by what I've read, it seems like it won't. But I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

3. A Ton of Footage from WrestleMania Axxess

The WWE superstars and divas have been busy all week long at WrestleMania Axxess in Miami.

As has been the custom for a few years now, the go-home edition of Friday Night Smackdown tends to be comprised largely of a variety of footage from all of the Axxess events that have been happening throughout the week.

This could feature anything from matches to promos to just random clips of superstars hanging out with fans, and a large portion of it may not even acknowledge the major WrestleMania story lines.

It's more about showing what's been going down in Miami over the past few days than it is highlighting the big feuds and matches, although you can expect that to happen as well.

2. Promos

Since only two matches were taped for tonight's Smackdown, you can bet your bottom dollar that you're going to see a promo or two for the final buildup of some of the WWE's top feuds.

Whether these promos are shot backstage or at WrestleMania Axxess, they are going to have to happen in order to keep the blue brand's major feuds relevant on the final show before WrestleMania.

I would expect to see someone like Sheamus, Randy Orton, Daniel Bryan or Kane cut a final promo since none of them will be competing in tonight's matches.

After all, it only makes sense to give these guys one final chance to make us want to buy the pay-per-view.

1. Video Packages Galore

You know what I have really mixed feelings about? The WWE's video packages.

Though they're always extremely well done, I think the company often goes overboard with them, and sometimes, it feels like that's all I see on Raw, and especially on Smackdown.

The WWE higher-ups have made a bad habit out of taking a big chunk of Smackdown's TV to show video packages or full segments for Raw, and unfortunately, we're probably going to see a few of those tonight.

Don't be surprised to see that Undertaker/Triple H promo from above, a video package on the feud between The Rock and John Cena, and perhaps even another one on the WWE Championship feud between Chris Jericho and CM Punk.

Oh joy! How thrilling.

Note: As part of the new WWE blog, I'll be asking all of the B/R wrestling readers for questions for a new mailbag that I will post on Fridays. It will be a slideshow featuring 10-20 questions and answers on a wide range of topics. You can submit questions either through Formspring or Twitter, and the best ones will be answered in the B/R mailbag.