Every WWE SmackDown Live Episode Ranked - From Worst To Best
SmackDown doesn't have a great history when it comes to live shows...
The wait is almost over. On July 19th SmackDown will go live full time for the first time in its storied 17-year history, hoping to improve ratings by creating must-see wrestling TV that one can't assume they've seen by reading spoilers. The taped aspect of SmackDown has arguably hurt it throughout its run, so this can only be a good thing.
It won't be the first time SmackDown has broadcast live however. To the best of my knowledge there have been nine live SmackDown episodes in the history of the show, and to call the quality 'less than stellar' is something of an understatement.
In fact, pretty much live every single live episode of SmackDown in the history of the blue show has ranged from 'not bad I guess' to 'I have to watch all of this?' It doesn't help that a number of Christmas shows have aired live or live shows have been thrown together due to unforeseen circumstances, but none of the nine episodes you're about to read about will feature in the 'Best SmackDowns Of All Time' list.
On a number of occasions, live episodes of SmackDown have become glorified house shows, and whilst it is clearly something WWE will avoid going forward it doesn't make for great reading.
This feature, however, certainly does. Here are the nine live episodes of SmackDown ranked, from worst to best.
9. Christmas On USA - 21/12/10
A lacklustre at best episode of SmackDown was headlined by John Cena defeating Dolph Ziggler and Vickie Guerrero, but the show ended with CM Punk attacking Cena after the match, signalling an end to Punk's run on commentary. The Punk/Cena feud wouldn't truly get going for another six months however.
The rest of the show was as 2010 WWE as it truly gets. Santino Marella defeated Chavo Guerrero in the sort of throwaway faux comedy match that didn't get anywhere close to the mark it was trying to hit.
The Miz had recently won the WWE Championship, and as a result a DQ loss in the opening match against Randy Orton was inevitable. Those hoping Miz would get a strong run as champion could see the writing on the wall at this point.
Drew McIntyre also beat Kaval inside 30 seconds. Kaval was released two days later.