It was the historic first episode of Smackdown on August 26, 1999 in Kansas City. There was actually a Smackdown episode in April 1999, but that was just a one time thing. It became a regular thing in August. The main event of the first Smackdown saw the new heel WWE Champion Triple H defending the WWE Title against babyface challenger The Rock. It was a fitting main event because the two men had a rivalry going back to when they were battling for the IC Title, so it was fitting that they would compete for the WWE Title on the first episode of Smackdown. It also felt like a big deal because Shawn Michaels was the ref for the match. At the time, Shawn was retired from wrestling and was in the Commissioner role. http://youtu.be/jXiVFocEBz4 They had a very entertaining back and forth match that could have gone either way. The Rock looked like he had it won after he hit a Rock Bottom. He set up for the People's Elbow, but when he bounced off the ropes he was met by a Superkick by Michaels. It was one of the most devastating Superkicks ever. He nailed it perfectly. Triple H ended up hitting a Pedigree for the win and he retained the WWE Title. Michaels helped his best friend keep the WWE Title. Having a memorable match ending like this one during the first episode of Smackdown was the right way to put Smackdown on the map as a major show. This match took place 15 years ago and fans still remember it very well.
John wrote at WhatCulture from December 2013 to December 2015. It was fun, but it's over for now. Follow him on Twitter @johnreport. You can also send an email to mrjohncanton@gmail.com with any questions or comments as well.
