The essential episodes of WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Watch these 15 in order and you've got WWE Friday Night SmackDown — each pick states its reason.
- 01
Shane McMahon plots a sinister merger to form The Corporate Ministry. Plus, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock, D-Generation X, and more.
- 02
The Hardy Boyz team with Big Show to take on D-Generation X. Stephanie McMahon delivers a message to the WWE Universe regarding her marriage. Two monsters go at it when Kane battles Viscera. Edge and Christian take on The Dudley Boyz in tag team action. British Bulldog vs. D'Lo Brown. D-Generation X has a message for the McMahon family.
- 03
With Triple H suffering a career-threatening injury on Raw, WWE Champion "Stone Cold" Steve Austin blames The Game for The Two-Man Power Trip losing the Tag Team Championship while three teams prepare to compete for the gold in a Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match in the main event. Plus, Eddie Guerrero goes one-on-one with X-Pac and much more action.
- 04
While SmackDown General Manager Stephanie McMahon tries to prevent her superstars from defecting to Raw, the rivalry between Edge and Chris Jericho leads to a Steel Cage Match main event. After sending a message to the SmackDown locker room by attacking Mark Henry, Brock Lesnar sends a message to WWE Undisputed Champion The Rock.
- 05
Two amateur wrestling greats face off in a 60 Minute Iron Man Match when Kurt Angle takes on Brock Lesnar! The Undertaker has a special message for Vince McMahon. Tajiri and Rhyno compete in tag team action. Los Guerreros challenge Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
- 06
United States Champion John Cena calls out The Undertaker. John "Bradshaw" Layfield tries to get a piece of WWE Champion Eddie Guerrero a little early when Latino Heat takes on Luther Reigns. Plus, Superstars compete in a Battle Royal to name a new No. 1 Contender for the Cruiserweight Championship, Rob Van Dam faces Rene Dupree, and much more.
- 07
Heidenreich receives a chance to change the stipulation for his upcoming battle with The Undertaker at the Royal Rumble by teaming with Paul Heyman against The Deadman. Kenzo Suzuki looks to show a different set of skills by facing United States Champion John Cena in a Rap Battle. Plus, Kurt Angle finds himself in some hot water and much more.
- 08
After Batista is forced to relinquish his World Heavyweight Championship due to injury, a main event Battle Royal to determine a new champion is announced. Rowdy Roddy Piper returns to WWE for the 22nd Anniversary of Piper's Pit with some unique guests. Plus, the final match in the Best of Seven Series for the United States Championship.
- 09
The Undertaker battles Finlay. World Heavyweight Champion Batista faces Kane. In the debut edition of MizTV, The Miz welcomes Ashley to reveal her new business venture to the entire WWE Universe. Plus, CM Punk clashes with Mr. Kennedy in singles competition, King Booker takes on Matt Hardy, and much more action.
- 10
Alberto Del Rio, Edge, and Rey Mysterio clash in a Triple Threat Match main event to determine the new No. 1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. Two champions clash as United States Champion Daniel Bryan takes on Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler. Plus, Jack Swagger, Big Show, and many more in action.
- 11
Daniel Bryan must defend the World Heavyweight Championship in a no-count-out, no-disqualification rematch against Big Show. Sheamus looks for revenge when he faces Jinder Mahal.
- 12
Recently returned World Champion Dolph Ziggler and cohort Big E Langston face Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho with Ziggler and Del Rio's title match just two days away at Payback. And with their status as a team in a flux, can Team Hell No and Randy Orton work together to finally hand The Shield their first loss?
- 13
- 14
January 3, 2017 (Jacksonville, FL)
On the first SmackDown LIVE of 2017, WWE Champion AJ Styles and John Cena will make their Royal Rumble showdown official. Plus The Miz puts his Intercontinental Title on the line against Dean Ambrose.
- 15
November 13, 2018 (St. Louis, MO)
In one of the most shocking SmackDown LIVE episodes of all time, Daniel Bryan stunned the WWE Universe in his WWE Championship Match against AJ Styles, and Becky Lynch made a very surprising decision regarding her replacement to face Ronda Rousey this Sunday at Survivor Series.
