WWE Smackdown's Greatest Hits
Smackdown Live is set to debut on the Fox Network on Friday, October 4th. Needless to say, it’s a very important episode.
WWE champion Kofi Kingston vs Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship has already been announced. Plus Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sting, Goldberg, Trish Stratus and many others will be appearing.
On the second episode of the podcast, I went over Smackdown’s greatest moments and superstars. Today, I wanted to revisit that list and add many more additions to it as I cover WWE Smackdown’s Greatest Hits. Again, this list is completely my opinion, which makes it entirely subjective.
Shawn Michaels Assists Triple H During the Debut Episode
Shawn Michaels served as the Special Guest Referee for the Rock vs Triple H. The Rock went for his trademark People’s Elbow but ate a face full of Sweet Chin Music instead before he could land it.
Triple H landed the Pedigree to retain his WWF World Championship
Arnold Schwarzenegger knocks down Triple H
Following the main event of SmackDown on Nov. 11, 1999, which saw Test pin WWF World Champion, Triple H confronted Arnold who was a guest commentator. Arnold backhanded Triple H into oblivion and then proceeded to land more punches while the Game was lying on the floor. Stone Cold Steve Austin then punches Triple H and raised Arnold’s arm in approval.
That’s how you utilize a celebrity guest properly.
Steve Austin blows up the DX Express
From the April 27, 2000 edition of Smackdown, it was the closing segment that saw the McMahon’s and DX came out to the ring.
Triple H challenges the Rock, who appeared moments later on stage. Rock later introduced Stone Cold on screen, who was outside of the arena.
Austin made it clear whose side he was on heading into Backlash. He went into his Austin Deconstruction crane and dropped a beam on the DX Express. It then blew up.
Steve Austin fights Booker T in a supermarket
This was must-see television. It took place following the Invasion angle. The brawl came together out of revenge since it was Booker who placed Austin on the injury list. Booker even cost Austin the Undisputed Championship against Jericho as well.
Booker T is eating some dry cereal when an announcement is heard over the intercom.
“Attention shoppers, full cans of Whip Ass in Aisle 2.” Booker T is looking around until he hears a beer can open, he turns around and Austin hits him with a forearm.
Austin squirted ketchup onto Booker, threw him into oranges and even attempted to beat him up with hard to come by crackers. Booker locked Austin cold storage until Austin emerged from the milk fridge. “Thanks, Book. You’ve got milk!”
Utilizing all of their surroundings in the best way possible, this was arguably one of the most entertaining segments in pro-wrestling history. It continued to display Austin’s range as he could be fearless and intimidating, but also comedic and great at improv.
Austin’s one-liners were brilliant and the same applies to Booker’s facial reactions.
Rhyno Gores Chris Jericho through the Smackdown Set
This took place on August 9, 2001. At the time, these two were in the middle of a feud and this particular moment took their rivalry to the next level.
Taz’s memorable call: “Y2J just got gored into the next millennium. “
The Smackdown after 9/11
Just two days removed from the horrific events of 9/11, Smackdown was a freedom from concern providing viewers with entertainment during a grim timeframe. America needs sports entertainment more than ever.
Lilian Garcia sang a stirring rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" on the first SmackDown after September 11th.
Vince McMahon also provided an inspiring speech to kick off the show too.
It wasn’t about competing, they were out there to put on a show.
John Cena's debut against Kurt Angle
This took place in June of 2002. At the time, John Cena was merely an upstart prospect with the Prototype gimmick in OVW. Kurt Angle issued a challenge and John Cena stepped up.
Who the hell are you?
I’m John Cena?
What is the one quality that you possess that makes you think you can walk out here and come into the ring and face the very best in the business?
RUTHLESS AGGRESSION
Cena then proceeds to slap Angle and tackle him down. These two then had a very competitive match which instantly put Cena on the map.
Rey Mysterio's WWE Debut
On July 25, 2002, Rey Mysterio made his long-awaited WWE debut on Smackdown by defeating Chavo Guererro with a 619 and West Coast Pop
During the conclusion of the show, Rey came to the aid of John Cena and Edge to fight off Chris Jericho, Test, Christian and Lance Storm.
Brock Lesnar Destroys Hulk Hogan
On August 8th, 2002 episode of Smackdown, Brock Lesnar squared off against the immortal Hulk Hogan and completely tore him apart.
The opportunity to face the Rock at SummerSlam was up for grabs. In the end, The Next Big Thing forced Hulk Hogan to pass out in the middle of the ring in a bear hug.
Brock then smeared Hogan’s blood over his chest.
It was an extremely effective visual and weeks later, Brock Lesnar would defeat the Rock to become the youngest WWE Champion.
Brock Lesnar And Big Show Break The Ring
This transpired during a Smackdown taping on June 12, 2003. Brock executed a top-rope suplex onto the Big Show and roughly 800 pounds came crashing down and broke the ring. More than anything, it was shocking and a sight we had never seen before.
Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle In 60-Minute Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship
This match transpired on September 18, 2003.
At the time, this was arguably the best feud of the year. The two squared off months earlier by headlining the incredible Wrestlemania 19. By now, both men were slightly healthier and their competitive rivalry in the ultimate competition. A 60-minute Iron Man match.
Lesnar eventually won the match with 5 falls to 4 and became the new WWE Champion in the process.
It was an instant classic!
Eddie Guerrero's WWE Championship celebration
This took place the night after No Way Out 2004. That evening he defeated Brock Lesnar to become the new WWE Champion.
Balloons, confetti and approval of the fans.
It was a very emotional moment as it served as validation that Eddie Guerrero was truly the king of the mountain.
Sexy Kurt
This was during the March 24, 2005 edition of Smackdown. In the build-up to their match at Wrestlemania 21, Kurt Angle brought out Sensational Sherri to assist him with a remix of Shawn Michaels theme song, Sexy Boy.
Kurt was out to prove he was not only a better athlete than Shawn but also a better entertainer as well.
I think I'm cute
I got gold medals
I've got the moves
That makes 'em all tap out
The Angle Slam
The Ankle Lock
Marty Jannetty
Still can't walk
I'm just a sexy Kurt
(sexy Kurt)
I'll make your ankle hurt
(ankle hurt)
Smackdown’s Emotional Tribute to Eddie Guerrero
The understandably emotional Batista opened the show by driving out in a lowrider. He eventually placed his World Heavyweight Championship on the hood in tribute of Eddie.
The show was headlined by Triple H and Chris Benoit with The Rabid Wolverine forcing the Game to tap out to the Crippler Crossface.
Edge Cashes In Money In The Bank On The Undertaker
Undertaker defeated Batista in a Steel Cage match and was then attacked by Mark Henry.
During the May 11, 2007 edition of Smackdown, Edge cashed in his MITB contract to defeat the Undertaker.
Edge and Vickie Guerrero's Wedding
Edge and Vickie Guerrero were the power couple ruling over Smackdown with an iron first. They decided to take it to the next level by getting married on Smackdown. Yes, those always turn out well.
Triple H interrupted the big ceremony and cue footage that showed Edge and the wedding planner Alicia Fox partaking in an affair.
Scandalous!
Needless to say, the relationship between Vickie and Edge soon fell apart.
A.J. Styles defeating Jinder Mahal for the WWE World Championship
During the November 7th episode of Smackdown, AJ Styles defeated Jinder Mahal to become the new WWE Championship and end the Mahajara’s lackluster 170-day reign as champion.
The Miz and Maryse Reenact Total Bella’s
At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but the vignettes ended up being some of the best in recent memory.
The Miz acted robotic while Maryse acted as though Nikki was obsessed with Cena and desperate to be proposed to.
While many weren’t looking forward to the mix-tag match at Wrestlemania 33, the build-up was actually far better than expected.
Daniel Bryan Formally Announced He’s Medically Cleared
Daniel Bryan was forced to retire in 2016. From there, he became the Smackdown General Manager. His dream was always to return to in-ring competition, but that reality seemed very unlikely, until 2018.
While WWE.com first announced the fact Daniel Bryan was medically cleared, hearing this from his own words on Smackdown was much more meaningful.
The overwhelming response from the live audience only added to the impactful announcement.
His speech really covered never giving up hope and reliving this moment still induces goosebumps.
Daniel Bryan would team with Shane McMahon to take on Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens at Wrestlemania 34. The same venue where he enjoyed one of the greatest Wrestlemania moments of all-time.
Kofi Kingston Two Parter:
Elimination Chamber Gauntlet Match on February 12, 2019
Ahead of the Elimination Chamber, Mustafa Ali suffered an injury and was forced out of the match. Kofi was then select as his replacement and in a Gauntlet match in an effort to determine the last entrant in the Chamber match
Kofi Kingston defeated Daniel Bryan, Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe prior to losing to submitted by AJ Styles. Kofi lasted over 50 minutes. This was really the beginning of Kofi Mania.
Gauntlet Match: SmackDown LIVE, March 19, 2019
On this evening, Kofi Kingston attempted to beat five of SmackDown LIVE's best for the right to challenge WWE Champion Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 35.
Kofi went on to defeat Sheamus, Cesaro, Rowan, Samoa Joe and Randy Orton on the same evening.
Unfortunately, Vince McMahon announced that he would need to defeat one final opponent to earn his Wrestlemania match and that opponent was Daniel Bryan
Following the running knee, Bryan pinned Kofi. Kingston last nearly an hour.
