10 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE SmackDown From 1999
2. Schwarzenegger Was Blatantly Loving It
Eric Bischoff has admitted on his podcast that he knew WCW was toast when the WWF brought in Mike Tyson and booked him to perfection in 1998. The next year, Vince McMahon must've been hoping Arnold Schwarzenegger could have the same kind of impact.
Arnie appeared on the 11 November SmackDown. He wasn't quite as effective (and didn't have as long a run) as Tyson, but Schwarzenegger was still a huge crossover get for the company and did help legitimise this still-new TV show. Also, the WWF made sure to squeeze as much out of Arnold as they could.
Seeing him ham it up with Vince McMahon and get presented with his very own WWF Title belt was fun, and so was watching Schwarzenegger interact with The Rock backstage. Later, he also cuffed Triple H with the most hilarious backhand ever, then gently sipped one of 'Stone Cold's beers.
Arnie buffs will get a lot of laughs out of this cameo.