WWE Flashback Friday: SmackDown Turns 18

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SmackDown Turns 18
The first weekly episode of WWE SmackDown aired on Aug. 26, 1999. To celebrate the 18th birthday of the blue brand, WWE Network takes you on an exciting ride through a multitude of memorable matches and moments. Enjoy an afternoon of some of the most electric episodes from multiple eras of the second-longest-running weekly episodic series in American television history.

Featured Moments
SmackDown Pilot — April 27, 1999
Watch as WWE breaks new ground with the pilot episode of SmackDown. With Mr. McMahon focusing on family priorities, Shane McMahon plots a sinister merger to form The Corporate Ministry.
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SmackDown, Episode #1 — Aug. 26, 1999
Newly crowned WWE Champion Triple H battles The Rock in a match that requires two special guest referees.
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SmackDown, Episode #15 — Dec. 2, 1999
The Hardy Boyz & Big Show take on D-Generation X, and Mick Foley faces Chris Jericho.
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SmackDown, Episode #99 — July 12, 2001
As WWE continues to battle The Alliance going into Invasion, Mr. McMahon asks "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to change his leadership strategy.
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SmackDown, Episode #256 — July 15, 2004
Eddie Guerrero faces JBL for the WWE Championship in a Steel Cage Match, while John Cena looks to regain the vacant U.S. Title.
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SmackDown, Episode #296 — April 21, 2005
WWE Champion John Cena faces United States Champion Orlando Jordan, and JBL and Kurt Angle take matters into their own hands.
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The SmackDown Special — Nov. 29, 2005
Just days after Survivor Series, the WWE Universe is treated to an extra dose of action and excitement.
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SmackDown, Episode #425 — Oct. 12, 2007
Rey Mysterio and Finlay battle for an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Title, while The Brothers of Destruction take on bitter rivals-turned-Tag Team Champions Matt Hardy & MVP.
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SmackDown, Episode #721 — June 14, 2013
Dolph Ziggler & Big E face Alberto Del Rio & Chris Jericho, and Team Hell No & Randy Orton battle The Shield.
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SmackDown, Episode #882 — July 14, 2016
The final edition of SmackDown before the WWE Brand Extension Draft.
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SmackDown, Episode #883 — July 19, 2016
While the fates of every Superstar are decided by the WWE Brand Extension Draft, Dean Ambrose defends the WWE Championship against Seth Rollins in the main event.
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Check out more WWE Flashback Fridays
20 Years of D-Generation X
38 Years of Intercontinental Glory

Watch the opening segment to WWE Flashback Friday, exclusively on the award-winning WWE Network.

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