25 Facts About WWE SmackDown

The Birth of WWE SmackDown

WWE SmackDown has been a staple in professional wrestling for decades. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic show.

1. Debut Episode: WWE SmackDown first aired on April 29, 1999. It was initially a one-time special on UPN but quickly became a weekly series due to its popularity.

2. Name Origin: The name "SmackDown" comes from The Rock's famous catchphrase, "Lay the SmackDown!" He was one of the biggest stars in WWE at the time.

3. First Main Event: The first main event featured The Rock vs. Triple H. This match set the tone for the high-energy, star-studded events that would follow.

Iconic Moments and Matches

SmackDown has been the stage for many unforgettable moments and matches. Here are some highlights.

4. Brock Lesnar's Superplex: In 2003, Brock Lesnar superplexed Big Show, causing the ring to collapse. This moment is still replayed as one of the most shocking in WWE history.

5. Eddie Guerrero's Championship Win: Eddie Guerrero won the WWE Championship on SmackDown in 2004, defeating Brock Lesnar. This victory was a career-defining moment for Guerrero.

6. Edge's Cash-In: Edge cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on SmackDown in 2007, defeating The Undertaker to win the World Heavyweight Championship.

SmackDown's Evolution

Over the years, SmackDown has undergone several changes, from its format to its broadcasting network.

7. Move to Friday Nights: Originally airing on Thursdays, SmackDown moved to Friday nights in 2005. This shift helped the show reach a broader audience.

8. Live Broadcasts: SmackDown began airing live in 2016. This change added an element of unpredictability and excitement to the show.

9. Fox Network: In 2019, SmackDown moved to the Fox network. This transition marked a significant milestone, bringing the show to a larger, more mainstream audience.

Memorable Characters and Storylines

SmackDown has introduced fans to some of the most memorable characters and storylines in WWE history.

10. The Undertaker's Undefeated Streak: The Undertaker had an impressive undefeated streak on SmackDown, adding to his legendary status.

11. Rey Mysterio's Underdog Story: Rey Mysterio's journey as the ultimate underdog captivated fans. His high-flying style and resilience made him a fan favorite.

12. The Rise of John Cena: John Cena's rise to superstardom began on SmackDown. His "Doctor of Thuganomics" persona resonated with fans and set the stage for his legendary career.

Behind the Scenes

There's more to SmackDown than what happens in the ring. Here are some behind-the-scenes facts.

13. Production Crew: It takes a massive crew to produce each episode of SmackDown. From camera operators to sound engineers, many people work tirelessly to bring the show to life.

14. Scripted Yet Unpredictable: While WWE matches are scripted, the outcomes can change last minute. This keeps both the wrestlers and the audience on their toes.

15. Training Facilities: WWE has state-of-the-art training facilities where wrestlers hone their skills. The Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, is one of the most well-known.

SmackDown's Global Impact

SmackDown's influence extends far beyond the United States. It's a global phenomenon.

16. International Tours: WWE regularly takes SmackDown on international tours. These events draw huge crowds and showcase the global appeal of professional wrestling.

17. Broadcast in Multiple Languages: SmackDown is broadcast in numerous languages, making it accessible to fans worldwide.

18. Cultural Impact: SmackDown has influenced pop culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and even video games. Its catchphrases and characters are widely recognized.

Records and Achievements

SmackDown has set numerous records and achieved many milestones over the years.

19. Longest-Running Weekly Episodic TV Show: SmackDown is one of the longest-running weekly episodic TV shows in history, second only to WWE's Monday Night Raw.

20. High Ratings: SmackDown has consistently achieved high ratings, often outperforming other shows in its time slot.

21. Social Media Presence: WWE SmackDown has a massive social media following. Its official accounts have millions of followers, and its hashtags often trend worldwide.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about WWE SmackDown.

22. Blue Brand: SmackDown is often referred to as the "Blue Brand" due to its blue color scheme, distinguishing it from Raw's red.

23. Celebrity Appearances: Over the years, many celebrities have appeared on SmackDown, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hugh Jackman, and Snoop Dogg.

24. First Women's Main Event: In 2019, SmackDown featured its first-ever women's main event at WrestleMania, with Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Ronda Rousey.

25. Virtual Audience: During the COVID-19 pandemic, WWE introduced the ThunderDome, a virtual audience experience, to keep fans engaged while live events were on hold.

The Final Bell Rings

WWE SmackDown has carved out a unique spot in the world of professional wrestling. From its electrifying matches to unforgettable storylines, it’s been a staple for fans since 1999. The show has seen legends rise, rivalries ignite, and moments that have left audiences speechless. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, SmackDown offers something for everyone. Its blend of athleticism, drama, and entertainment keeps viewers coming back week after week. As the show continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: its ability to captivate and entertain. So, next time you tune in, remember the rich history and the countless hours of entertainment WWE SmackDown has provided. Here’s to many more years of thrilling action and unforgettable moments. Keep watching, because you never know what might happen next in the squared circle.