The first main event in the Smackdown series history -- not including the pilot episode -- was a major happening. The Federation wanted to quickly prove that Smackdown was a show to watch, and more importantly, not miss. As a result, Triple H was forced to defend his World Wrestling Federation Championship against The Rock, just days after winning it for the first time. At 1999s SummerSlam pay-per-view, Stone Cold Steve Austin lost the belt to Mankind during a Triple-Threat match which also featured Helmsley. The next night on Raw, Foley lost the gold to Triple H -- this was the first WWF Championship win for Hunter. However, the Games first title run would get off to a rocky start, as he would defend the match in a grueling contest on that Thursdays episode of Smackdown. The deck seemed to be stacked against Triple H, as his ex-best friend, Shawn Michaels, was to be the special guest referee. The Game and The Rock dueled it out inside the ring, and Triple H did his best to hold on to his coveted title. Despite attempted interference by Shane McMahon and Chyna, The Rock appeared poised to pull out the victory.Following a Rock Bottom, the self-professed Peoples Champion hit the ropes. As he attempted to hit his patented Peoples Elbow, The Rock was suddenly knocked to the ground. The Heartbreak Kid landed a picture-perfect Sweet Chin Music on the Great One. Helmsley slowly rose to his feet and hit The Rock with a Pedigree to seal the deal. Triple H was going to be a dominating WWF Champion -- even if he had a little help from some friends along the way.