In 1999, the professional wrestling industry was on fire. Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment was enjoying unprecedented success thanks to the popularity of the Attitude Era and, more specifically, top babyface "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. The Texas Rattlesnake's rivalry with Vince McMahon, and the weekly exploits that ensued, made Monday Night Raw must-see television. At the same time that Austin and McMahon were warring, young third-generation star The Rock was rising to stardom more rapidly than any other performer on the roster. Fans loved the witty comebacks, the comical insults and the sing-a-long catchphrases. The self-proclaimed "Most Electrifying Man in Sports-Entertainment" captured the adoration of the fans and rode a tidal wave to the top of the industry. By the time the summer of '99 approached, he was equally as popular as Austin and in need of a stage he could star on without being overshadowed by Austin. SmackDown, named after one of the many verbal insults dished out by the charismatic young star, became that stage. Debuting on the UPN Network on August 26, the show was meant to be another outlet for the highly successful company to promote its stars and stories. The Rock would take center stage, becoming an industry icon and ensuring that SmackDown would forever be recognized as his show. For the first three years of its existence, he was the Superstar most readily associated with the brand. But as the next decade advanced, there would be several Superstars who would eclipse The Great One as SmackDown's brightest and greatest Superstars. From Undertaker to Batista, Edge to Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero to John Bradshaw Layfield, the company's Friday night program has been home to some of the best and most unlikely stars in WWE history. Who has earned the right to appear on this list as one of the 10 greatest stars in the history of the show? Who just missed the cut? Know your role, shut your mouth and click the "next" button to your right to find out!
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
