Since its debut in 1999, WWE SmackDown! has become an iconic staple in professional wrestling and sports entertainment. Known for its high-octane action, dramatic storylines, and larger-than-life personalities, SmackDown! has captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying its place in the annals of television history. The show’s enduring popularity can be traced to its ability to evolve with the times, consistently delivering compelling content that resonates with fans of all ages.
The Birth of SmackDown!: A New Era in WWE
WWE SmackDown! premiered on April 29, 1999, as a complement to WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw. The concept behind SmackDown! was to create a second weekly program that would showcase WWE’s talent and expand the company’s reach. Initially aired on the UPN network, SmackDown! quickly gained traction, thanks to its unique brand of entertainment that blended athleticism with drama.
The show’s name, “SmackDown,” was inspired by one of WWE’s most electrifying superstars, The Rock. Known for his catchphrases and charismatic persona, The Rock often used the term “lay the smackdown” in his promos. This phrase became so popular that WWE decided to name its new show after it, cementing The Rock’s influence on the brand.
SmackDown! was positioned as a distinct entity from Raw, with its own roster of superstars, storylines, and championships. This separation allowed WWE to build parallel narratives, giving fans more content to engage with and creating opportunities for different wrestlers to shine. The launch of SmackDown! marked the beginning of a new era in WWE, where the company could explore fresh ideas and showcase its expanding roster of talent.
Evolution of the Brand: From the Attitude Era to the Present
WWE SmackDown! has undergone several transformations since its inception, reflecting the broader changes within WWE and the world of professional wrestling. The show debuted during the tail end of the Attitude Era, a period characterized by edgy, boundary-pushing content that resonated with the late 1990s audience. This era was defined by iconic superstars like Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Triple H, and The Undertaker, whose rivalries and storylines captivated millions of fans.
As WWE transitioned into the Ruthless Aggression Era in the early 2000s, SmackDown! continued to thrive. This period saw the rise of new talents such as John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Eddie Guerrero, who would go on to become some of the biggest names in WWE history. SmackDown! played a crucial role in shaping these superstars’ careers, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and connect with the audience.
The mid-2000s saw the brand split between Raw and SmackDown! become more pronounced, with each show having its own exclusive roster and championships. This era introduced the concept of brand loyalty among fans, who would often debate which show had the better roster or storylines. SmackDown! distinguished itself with a focus on wrestling quality, often featuring longer and more technically sound matches compared to Raw.
In the PG Era (late 2000s to early 2010s), WWE toned down its content to appeal to a broader audience, particularly families and younger viewers. SmackDown! adapted to this shift by emphasizing character-driven storylines and in-ring storytelling. The show became a launching pad for future stars like CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and The Shield (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose), who would go on to define the next generation of WWE.
SmackDown! Live and the Move to Fox
In 2016, WWE made a significant move by reintroducing the brand split, creating distinct rosters for Raw and SmackDown! once again. This led to the relaunch of SmackDown! as SmackDown Live, airing live every Tuesday night. The live format added a sense of immediacy and excitement, allowing for real-time fan engagement and making each episode feel more unpredictable.
One of the most significant milestones in SmackDown’s history came in 2019 when WWE signed a deal with Fox, bringing SmackDown! to one of the largest television networks in the United States. The move to Fox was a game-changer, positioning SmackDown! as a premier sports entertainment property alongside major sporting events like NFL games. The debut episode on Fox featured a star-studded lineup, including appearances by The Rock and Tyson Fury, and marked the 20th anniversary of the show.
The move to Fox not only increased SmackDown’s viewership but also elevated its production values and storytelling. With a prime-time slot on network television, WWE made sure that SmackDown! delivered high-quality content every week. This era has seen the rise of new megastars like Roman Reigns, who has become the face of the brand with his “Tribal Chief” persona, leading to critically acclaimed storylines and matches.
Iconic Moments and Matches
WWE SmackDown! has been the stage for countless iconic moments and matches over the years, many of which have become part of wrestling lore. From shocking debuts and unexpected returns to unforgettable promos and historic title changes, SmackDown! has consistently delivered moments that resonate with fans.
One of the most memorable moments in SmackDown! history is the debut of John Cena in 2002. Cena, then a rookie, answered Kurt Angle’s open challenge, introducing himself with the now-famous phrase “Ruthless Aggression.” This moment marked the beginning of Cena’s journey to becoming one of WWE’s biggest superstars.
Another iconic moment came in 2004 when Eddie Guerrero defeated Brock Lesnar to win the WWE Championship at the No Way Out pay-per-view. The victory was celebrated on SmackDown!, where Guerrero’s emotional championship celebration remains one of the most heartwarming scenes in WWE history.
SmackDown! has also been the site of several groundbreaking matches, including the first-ever televised Iron Man match between Brock Lesnar and Kurt Angle in 2003. The 60-minute bout, which saw Lesnar regain the WWE Championship, is widely regarded as one of the best matches in SmackDown! history.
In recent years, the rise of women’s wrestling has been prominently featured on SmackDown!, with trailblazers like Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Sasha Banks leading the charge. The 2016 SmackDown Women’s Championship match between Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss at TLC, as well as the 2019 Hell in a Cell match between Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch, are just a few examples of how SmackDown! has played a pivotal role in elevating women’s wrestling to new heights.
The Legacy of WWE SmackDown!
As of 2024, WWE SmackDown! has been on the air for 25 years, making it one of the longest-running weekly episodic television shows in history. Its longevity is a testament to its ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to its core mission of entertaining fans through captivating storylines and thrilling in-ring action.
SmackDown’s legacy is built on the backs of countless superstars, from legends like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Undertaker to modern icons like Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, and Seth Rollins. The show has consistently pushed the boundaries of what sports entertainment can be, blending athletic competition with compelling drama and creating a unique form of entertainment that appeals to a broad audience.
Conclusion: The Future of SmackDown!
Looking ahead, WWE SmackDown! shows no signs of slowing down. With its prime spot on Fox, a roster filled with world-class talent, and a dedicated fanbase, SmackDown! is poised to continue its legacy as a cornerstone of professional wrestling and sports entertainment. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to WWE, SmackDown! remains a must-watch, offering a mix of action, drama, and excitement that few shows can match.
As WWE continues to evolve and explore new avenues for storytelling, one thing is certain: SmackDown! will remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering the unforgettable moments and matches that have made it a global phenomenon.
FAQs: WWE SmackDown! (TV Series 1999–)
1. What is WWE SmackDown!?
WWE SmackDown! is a professional wrestling television program produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It debuted in 1999 and has since become one of the most popular and longest-running weekly episodic shows in television history. The show features a mix of wrestling matches, dramatic storylines, and larger-than-life characters, and it airs weekly on the Fox network.
2. How is SmackDown! different from WWE Raw?
SmackDown! and Raw are two separate WWE shows with their own rosters, championships, and storylines. While Raw airs on Monday nights, SmackDown! traditionally airs on Friday nights. The two shows are part of WWE’s brand split, which means that each has a distinct identity, with SmackDown! often focusing on wrestling quality and long-term storytelling.
3. Who are some of the biggest stars to come out of WWE SmackDown!?
Many of WWE’s biggest stars have made their mark on SmackDown!, including The Rock, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and Eddie Guerrero. The show has been instrumental in launching and elevating the careers of numerous wrestlers, making it a key platform for WWE’s talent.
4. Where can I watch WWE SmackDown!?
WWE SmackDown! currently airs on the Fox network in the United States every Friday night. It is also available for streaming on the Peacock platform (in the U.S.) and the WWE Network (internationally). Episodes can also be watched on various cable and satellite providers, and highlights are often available on WWE’s official YouTube channel.
5. How has WWE SmackDown! evolved over the years?
WWE SmackDown! has evolved significantly since its debut in 1999. It has gone through various eras, from the Attitude Era to the Ruthless Aggression Era, and more recently, the PG and Reality Eras. The show has adapted to changes in WWE’s overall direction, shifting from edgy, mature content to more family-friendly programming, and back to a blend of both. The move to Fox in 2019 marked another major evolution, bringing SmackDown! to a broader prime-time audience.
