As SmackDown reaches 1,000th episode, here are 16 memorable moments

1. The SmackDown following 9/11

The “B” show, as SmackDown is unkindly referred to, will have its “A” game on Tuesday when it reaches episode No. 1,000. SmackDown, which thrives in the shadow of WWE’s flagship RAW, has had an incredible run. Its most stirring moment had nothing to do with a match or a title change. Rather, it was a decision. Vince McMahon chose to run a live show days after the 9/11 tragedy. The nation was in mourning and WWE’s boss wasn’t about to let terrorists think they could mess with our freedom. An oral history on WWE.com explains the details and security that went into the event in Houston. Said Michael Hayes, “I just remember how proud everyone was to be a part of this show, starting with the boss, Vince McMahon. It was time to give America back to America.”

10. Brock Lesnar obliterates Zach Gowen

There were unfortgettable moments and this match that Zach Gowen and his family wish they could forget. Gowen lost a leg to cancer and fought his way onto the SmackDown roster. He was taught a brutal lesson — in front of his mom, no less — by Brock Lesnar in one of the most ruthless beatings on any WWE program.

11. Rey Mysterio debuts

One of the most popular wrestlers to appear on SmackDown was Rey Mysterio. The luchador came over after the demise of WCW and made a quick impression on the Universe with his leaping entrance. Mysterio is going to be one of the Superstars to appear on episode 1,000.

12. Eddie Guerrero memorial tribute

Eddie Guerrero provided triumph and tragedy during his time in WWE. He was beloved by the fans for the passion he brought to the ring through charm and athletic ability. Guerrero passed away from a heart attack in 2005 and the company’s tribute to him was one of the most stirring moments in the show’s history.

13. The Parking Lot Brawl

There have been many settings for battle on SmackDown. However, one of the wildest was the parking lot brawl, which pitted John Cena against Eddie Guerrero. Two incredible talents showing that they didn’t need a ring to bring the fans out of their seats on Sept. 11, 2003.

14. The Undertaker rises through the canvas

The Undertaker and Kane are the Brothers of Destruction. However, through the years they have spent time destroying each other. Such was the case in 2010, when Kane was battling Randy Orton only to be disrupted and disturbed by Taker’s entrance music. Orton escaped with a victory, sending Kane into a frenzy. The music hit again and soon the crowd was popping big time as the Dead Man made a spectacular entrance through the ring canvas.

15. Kevin Owens attacks Mr. McMahon

Mr. McMahon ripped into Kevin Owens during a September show last year. The Canadian Superstar took the taunts from Vince until he could take no more. The back-and-forth promos wound up with a handshake, one that Owens refused to let go before head-butting and busting open McMahon. What followed was a classic beatdown.

16. The SmackDown Hotel

In 1999, The Rock put on a vintage performance including crooning SmackDown Hotel. Coincidentally, that show took place in Washington D.C. Could there be an encore in store for the fans in the nation’s capital Tuesday when SmackDown reaches 1,000?

2. The Big Show and Brock Lesnar ruin the ring

Two behemoths met on June 12, 2003, and the ring was not strong enough to defy the strength and power of The Big Show and Brock Lesnar. Lesnar had the giant trapped on the top rope and delivered the suplex of all suplexes. Under the weight, the gimmicked ring collapsed as the crowd gasped before erupting in a familiar chant.

3. Stone Cold takes Booker T for a shopping spree

The greatness and uniqueness of booking was in its absolute glory when Booker T met up with Stone Cold Steve Austin in a supermarket. Not a ring, but a supermarket. After mistakenly attacking a bald customer from behind, Booker T heard the snap of a cold one opening. He knew he was in trouble and it was on and on and on.

4. Stone Cold destroys the DX Express

Everything was fair game in the Attitude Era. The McMahon family, cars, busses, you name it. And on this episode in April of 2000, the entire McMahon clan — sans Linda — and a couple colleagues were in the ring attempting to taunt Stone Cold Steve Austin to the ring. Before Stone Cold made his explosive appearance, The Rock came out. And then the fireworks erupted.

5. Daniel Bryan returns

Daniel Bryan enjoyed a charmed relationship with the WWE Universe before being forced to retire due to head injuries. The “Yes” man wanted to find his way back to active competition and it didn’t seem it was going to happen. He played a role on SmackDown, but it wasn’t enough. Finally, in April 2018 the day came when Bryan was cleared by the medical staff and he announced his return to the ring. The moment was a high point when it came to emotions for the crowd and competitor.

6. John Cena debuts

In June of 2002, Mr. McMahon was in his glory. Kurt Angle had diminished Hulk Hogan with an ankle lock at a preceding Pay-Per-View. In full boast mode, he had the Olympic gold medalist issue an open challenge. Out for the first time came John Cena. The debut match was sensational and launched a career that will wind up with him in the WWE Hall of Fame.

7. James Ellsworth saves Carmella in MITB

There is nothing better than a jobber who does his job so well that he earns a spot on the roster. First, on RAW, James Ellsworth took such a beating from Braun Strowman that the WWE Universe became enamored with him. Ellsworth made his way to SmackDown, where in typical fashion he was able to float between babyface and heel. Perhaps his most villainous moment came last year during a ladder match when he was banned from the building, but somehow gained entrance and helped Carmella capture the briefcase with the contract in it. A mercurial rise, and we don’t mean by climbing the ladder.

8. Arnold Schwarzenegger throttles Triple H

In November of 1999, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a guest of Vince McMahon at an episode. He was given a championship belt and watched intently from ringside. The Terminator couldn’t take any more of the skullduggery from Triple H’s team and inserted himself into the action, handing Stone Cold a steel chair. After the match, The Game exited the ring, intent on settling a score with Schwarzenegger. Plans like that usually don’t work out and they didn’t this time as Arnold handed Triple H a beating.

9. Rhyno gores Chris Jericho

Rhyno isn’t someone you would expect to find on this list. The unexpected is what WWE always delivers. In 2001, Rhyno put Chris Jericho through the Ovaltron with a stylish gore. It’s easy to see how the Ovaltron never returned, given the way WWE remains hi-tech and ahead of the times in dressing up its ring and entrance ramp.

9. Triple H and The Rock

WWE knows how to whet the appetite of its universe, perhaps better than any entertainment company. So why not blast out of the gate in 1999 with a main event that featured Shawn Michaels as guest referee with Triple H and The Rock as the combatants. Shane McMahon inserted himself into the match, which was called by the ultimate announcing tag-team of Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler. In the end, Michaels turned dastardly hitting The People’s Champ with Sweet Chin Music to preserve the victory for Triple H.