WWE SmackDown is making the move to Friday nights and it’s bringing a lot of fanfare with it.
The first Friday Night SmackDown will feature a WWE Championship match between champion Kofi Kingston and challenger Brock Lesnar. The show will also feature appearances from Stone Cold Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, Goldberg, Sting, The Undertaker, and the man who SmackDown was named after, The Rock.
FINALLY…I come back home to my @WWE universe.
This FRIDAY NIGHT, I’ll return for our debut of SMACKDOWN!
LIVE on @FOXTV.
There’s no greater title than #thepeopleschamp.
And there’s no place like home.
Tequila on me after the show #IfYaSmell #Smackdown#RocksShow #FOX pic.twitter.com/V5i4cxqIqH— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 30, 2019
The People’s Champ will return to “layeth the smacketh down” on the blue brand for the first time since 2013. The Rock has been part of several incredible moments in the history of SmackDown, so having said that, let’s take a look back at some of the greatest moments in the history of the show.
Honourable Mention: The Rock closes Vince McMahon’s Kiss My A** club (Dec. 6, 2001)
This moment was all kinds of ridiculous, but that’s what The Rock could bring on any given night, and this episode of SmackDown was no different. The whole concept of the Kiss My A** club was incredibly absurd, so it was nice to see it finally end. And what a way to end it. The Rock teaming up with Vince McMahon to put a hilarious final garnish on this recurring segment.
McMahon’s facial expressions were truly excellent.
Edge cashes in his Money in the Bank (May 8, 2007)
SmackDown has always had some excellent Canadian content on the show, and this moment is no different, featuring two Canadians in a memorable title change.
Orangeville, Ont., native Edge cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase on The Undertaker in May of 2007, with Sportsnet’s own, and Toronto native, Jimmy Korderas refereeing the match. Described as the ultimate opportunist, Edge won his first of seven world heavyweight championships against ‘Taker in the first pinfall title change in SmackDown history.
Stone Cold and Booker T’s Grocery Store Brawl (Dec. 13, 2001)
The cost of living continues to rise each and every year, with grocery prices becoming a burden on many families. However, in 2001, grocery costs were of no concern to Stone Cold Steve Austin and Booker T as they used food and drink items from every aisle in the grocery store to beat the heck out of each other.
This brawl was legendary for many reasons. Stone Cold singing “That’s Amore,” Booker beating up some random bald dude, Austin guzzling milk, and more. Just about a month after the end of The Alliance storyline, WCW wrestlers were worked into main storylines against established WWE stars. Booker T was one of the best to come over from WCW, and he showcased his worth working alongside the greatest to ever lace up the boots.
Best line: “Price check on a jacka**.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger Terimates Triple H (Nov. 11, 1999)
“I had to do that. I mean it was ridiculous. The guys were using the chairs all the time. Going from behind him, you couldn’t even see him. Hitting him in the back, hitting him in the head, hitting him in the front, how much hitting could anyone take?”
That is a transcribed quote from Arnold Schwarzenegger after he tossed a chair to Stone Cold Steve Austin, who then used it to hit Triple H. had yet to become the Governor of California and was one of the biggest movie stars on the planet, which the crowd acknowledged, giving him a massive standing ovation. Schwarzenegger joined the commentary booth for a main event featuring Triple H in tag team action, with Austin on the outside as an enforcer. When the time came, the former T-800 sprang into action, which caused Triple H to lose the match.
And when Triple H confronted Schwarzenegger, he received a massive back-handed slap to the face.
Daniel Bryan is Cleared to Wrestle (March 20, 2018)
In February of 2016, one of the best wrestlers to ever step foot in a WWE ring was forced to announce his retirement. However, to fans, Daniel Bryan was more than just an astonishingly good wrestler. He was a symbol of triumph and perseverance when the deck seemed to be too stacked against you. He was, in every sense of the phrase, a people’s champion.
In March 2018, after years of guessing, rumours, and speculation, Daniel Bryan announced his impending return to wrestling thanks to a clean bill of health. Bryan battled back from concussions to give fans the greatest feel-good moment in the history of SmackDown, and maybe even the WWE.
Brock Lesnar and Big Show break the ring (June 12, 2003)
This Friday on SmackDown, Brock Lesnar will challenge Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship, marking Lesnar’s first match on SmackDown television in more than 15 years. In the early part of the new millennium, when Lesnar frequented your TV set, The Beast Incarnate was part of a moment that still holds up today.
When Lesnar and Big Show imploded the ring, thanks to a superplex, the crowd reaction was insane. Fans had never seen anything like that, and it showed with an extremely raucous response. Watch the video and just appreciate the wide shot and the reaction. The moment has been recreated, but nothing stands up like the original.
You can watch the all new Friday Night SmackDown live on Friday on Sportsnet 360 and Sportsnet Now.
.@WWE SmackDown is switching nights this OctoberTune in Oct. 4th for the debut of Friday Night SmackDown, as WWE celebrates SmackDown's 20th anniversary.
You can then follow your favourite superstars every Friday at 8pm ET / 5pm PT on Sportsnet 360, the home for WWE. pic.twitter.com/60pkYI91Qo— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 29, 2019
[relatedlinks]