Well done to the Flight Crew. I wonder if they suspected structural damage and limited the forward speed in the rapid descent? Gear down would always be an option in this case.
My guess from the photos, is that the damage appears less 'explosive' and more 'corrosive'.
An event with a successful outcome, that is often practised in the simulator, but rarely carried out 'in anger'.
Those who scorn the cabin crew for the tears obviously do not understand the ear pain and general disorientation, such an event causes.