10 Most Shocking Things That Happened On WWE SmackDown Post-WrestleMania
"You're going easy on your best friend, Austin."
The 9 April 2019 edition of SmackDown will be the 20th post-WrestleMania production of the show since it launched in 1999. If you're confused by the mathematics there, don't be; although the blue brand first aired in '99, there wasn't an episode immediately following 'Mania XV. Technically, the first hot-on-the-heels one occurred in 2000.
Raw is traditionally the program that scoops all the attention in the aftermath of 'Mania, and with good reason - it happens 24 hours after the biggest show of the year and has become an annual party for fans worldwide - but SmackDown has had its fair share of shocks too. This article aims to examine the best ones since the early-2000s and prove that WWE's established 'B' show isn't always second best.
Here, there are debuts, title changes, memorable spots, shoot-style promos and first-time-ever angles to enjoy.
Irrespective of their success, these moments can all be considered remarkable. They helped shake things up shortly after WrestleMania each year by introducing new superstars, changing the course of championship feuds quickly and, in some cases, writing stories WCW must've wished they had first...