10 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE SmackDown From 2001
2001 was the year WCW collapsed, WWE monopolised and SmackDown evolved.
If someone had told pro wrestling fans in 1999 that WCW and ECW would effectively be boiled down into factions on WWF television two years later, they'd have been laughed at. After all, WCW was still a competitor coming off its hottest period ever, and Paul Heyman had just inked a brand new TV deal.
Business moves fast.
The above phrase also sums up general feeling when poring over all 52 episodes of SmackDown from 2001. Anyone who scoffs at modern programming and claims WWE rarely gives storytelling time to breathe should go back in time to see some of the chaos happening 23 years ago. Characters and storylines moved at a frightening pace.
Steve Austin's beloved 'Stone Cold' persona turned more times than Big Show, for example, and an emerging ex-WCW star rocketed up the ranks to become one of SmackDown's most valuable additions when he could've been shoved out the exit doors. Sprinkle on a new look for the blue brand and the WWF definitely had a busy year!
Here's everything one can learn from binging on SmackDown from '01. Ever wanted to see The Rock wrestle for the Hardcore Title?!
10. The New Set Was Instantly Iconic
When people think of SmackDown, they think of this set.
That's a generational thing, of course, but the classic "fist" look has become synonymous with the blue brand's identity despite only being around for approx seven years. People still talk about it now, which says everything. Younger folks are probably bored of oldies talking about, but they'll never stop.
The WWF changed from the “ovaltron” to the “fist” look starting with the 16 August 2001 episode. Salt Lake City had the pleasure of seeing it first, which is a nice little bit of trivia. This show also took place just days before SummerSlam '01, so management clearly weren't in the mood to wait until after a major pay-per-view.
It was a vast, immediate improvement when binging, and the same could be said for some of the snazzy new graphics that flashed up on screen. Marilyn Manson’s ‘Beautiful People’ track also replaced the original song ("Hubba-doo-dee-dah-doo-dee-dah-dah"), which was another welcome change.