SmackDown milestone moments
The Oct. 14 edition of SmackDown – its 634th episode – marks an incredible milestone, as the monumental television phenomenon surpasses Gunsmoke as the second longest running weekly episodic show in history. In honor of this colossal occasion, WWE.com looks back at some of the greatest SmackDown moments of all-time.
1999
April 29, 1999: Prior to SmackDown's official debut months later, WWE created an instant classic, launching the pilot episode of SmackDown in which the newly combined forces of The Corporate Ministry were unleashed upon the WWE Universe. In the explosive main event tag team match, Triple H & The Undertaker battled reluctant partners The Rock & "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.
Aug. 26, 1999: In SmackDown's illustrious premiere, WWE Champion Triple H reigned supreme over The Rock, after special guest referee Shawn Michaels gave Rock some Sweet Chin Music just as he was about to deliver the People's Elbow to The Game.
Sept. 9, 1999: Big Show & The Undertaker captured the World Tag Team Championships from The Rock & Sock Connection in a Buried Alive Match after The World's Largest Athlete hurled Mankind through the air and into an open grave.
Sept. 16, 1999: With WWE officials on strike and WWE Champion Triple H ignoring "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's demand for a match, Mr. McMahon surprised all by defeating The Game for the WWE Championship, thanks to the Stone Cold Stunner by the emerging Texas Rattlesnake.
Oct. 21, 1999: Women's Champion Fabulous Moolah, who just days before had become the oldest Women's Champion in WWE history by winning the gold at 76, battled fellow Hall of Famer Mae Young.
Nov. 11, 1999: The Big Boss Man took contempt to a whole new level, interrupting the funeral of Big Show's father, before dragging his coffin away with The World's Largest Athlete clinging to the top of it.
2000
Jan. 20, 2000: In an exciting Triple Threat Over the Top Rope Lumberjack Match - featuring 27 lumberjacks - Kane triumphed over both The Rock & Big Show. First, Big Show eliminated The Great One with a chokeslam over the top rope. Then, The Big Red Monster eliminated The World's Largest Athlete with a backdrop, after The Rock returned to the ring and hit Big Show with The Rock Bottom.
March 30, 2000: Stephanie McMahon, daughter of WWE Chairman Mr. McMahon, became the new Women's Champion.
April 20, 2000: WWE Champion Triple H triumphed over the visiting ECW Champion Tazz, after Tommy Dreamer interfered with a chair and accidentally hit the Extreme champion with it.
Dec. 21, 2000: Edge & Christian defeated WWE Tag Team Champions The Rock & The Undertaker to become the new champions. Edge pinned The Rock after guest referee Kurt Angle hit the Olympic Slam on The Brahma Bull and laid The Rated-R Superstar on top for the win.
2001
April 19, 2001: WWE Tag Team Champions Edge & Christian were unseated by The Undertaker & Kane in a No Disqualification Match when The Deadman pinned Christian with The Last Ride.
Aug. 9, 2001: Chris Jericho got smashed through the original SmackDown set, resulting in the creation of a whole new one that featured a soon-to-be-trademarked gigantic fist.
Sept. 13, 2001: Just two days after horrific acts of terrorism claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people, threatened the nation's capital and destroyed New York City's World Trade Center, SmackDown stepped up as one of the first shows to carry out its broadcast, not just to entertain, but to help heal a nation in crisis. After more than 48 hours of having nothing but tragedy unfold before their very eyes, America's television viewers discovered a source of strength, support and hope.
Dec. 13, 2001: In a SmackDown moment very much out of its element, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Booker T brawled it out inside a grocery store, bringing new meaning to "bruising the melons."
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