The Origins Of WWE Smackdown & How It Was Born, Explained
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SmackDown has been a staple part of WWE television. From its earliest days to the modern day show that fans see now, it has evolved and changed in a number of different ways. However, it has also seen a number of incredible matches, memorable segments, and talented superstars compete on the blue brand. The show has a solidified and important place in WWE history. The story of how SmackDown came into existence is an interesting one, with its name even coming from an iconic line from one of WWE’s biggest stars in history.
The Rock's Show Began As A Television Special
Interestingly enough, SmackDown was initially supposed to be a one night special on UPN. Airing on April 29, 1999, and taking place at the New Haven Coliseum, the name of the show found its origin from the mind of The Rock. One of the biggest names of the Attitude Era, one of his catchphrases, “Layeth the smack down” is what inspired the name of the show. He even referred to it as his show. On this show, it saw a number of matches featuring stars of the Attitude Era, such as Mankind, X-Pac, Ken Shamrock, and more. In the main event, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and The Rock defeated The Undertaker and Triple H of The Corporate Ministry. However, as history has shown, this was not the last time fans would see SmackDown on their televisions.
SmackDown Came Back As A Permanent Show Later In The Year
The SmackDown that fans have come to know and love made its official debut as a second show aired on August 26, 1999. During this period of time, the war between WWE and WCW was still very much alive and in effect. This rivalry between the two wrestling giants translated into a feud between the new SmackDown and WCW’s Thursday night show, Thunder. The two shows would compete against one another for a time. However, due to the decline of WCW, this didn’t last long as Thunder would move to Wednesdays to not have to compete with the more popular SmackDown.
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The inaugural official episode of the show saw the iconic oval titantron make its debut for the stage. It was unique from RAW which helped in creating its own identity. The show’s first segment saw new WWE Champion Triple H and Chyna address fans, with The Rock coming out and challenging the new champion to a title match later in the night. In addition, Shawn Michaels was the special guest referee for the title bout. The first episode was a star-studded evening. The night saw The Undertaker and The Big Show retain their WWE Tag Team Titles against Kane and X-Pac and the APA, Chris Jericho making his in-ring debut against Road Dogg, Shane MchMahon defeating Mankind, and much more. In the main event, The Rock lost after receiving Sweet Chin Music from Michaels and then the Pedigree from Triple H.
RELATED: 10 Things You Forgot Happened On WWE SmackDown's First Year
SmackDown Has Left A Lasting Legacy In Wrestling
The first episode of SmackDown was just the beginning of “the blue show”. Over its time on the air, SmackDown has been featured on numerous different channels and on numerous different nights throughout the week. It has seen an evolution of different sets, such as the oval titantron and the fist, but always keeping the blue color to distinguish itself from RAW. The show has also seen superstars like Batista, Rey Mysterio, and Eddie Guerrerro build their legacies. SmackDown has been home to the legendary rivalries of Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair, Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle, and The Undertaker and Edge. Not to mention that some of WWE’s greatest matches in history have also taken place on SmackDown as well. The evolution of SmackDown, albeit with its highs and lows, has continued to make history over the years as part of weekly WWE television.
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Weekly television is a staple of professional wrestling. Shows such as WWE RAW, AEW Dynamite, and WCW Nitro have their names in history. SmackDown also has its place among these legendary programs. It would be difficult to imagine watching wrestling every week without SmackDown. It is also interesting that the blue brand began its life as a one off UPN television special. However, only a few months later, it came again to stay. The Rock’s show found itself a permanent home in WWE history, alongside RAW, with its status as a fixture of weekly WWE television. With many classic moments from the very first episode to the modern day, there will only continue to be more of these classic moments made on SmackDown with the WWE’s current and future generations.
