Top 20 SmackDown Moments In WWE History

Brock Lesnar superplexing The Big Show

20.⁠ ⁠The Shield Takes Down The Undertaker (April 26, 2013)

On the April 26, 2013 episode of SmackDown, The Undertaker made Dean Ambrose tap out in a rare moment of vulnerability for The Shield. However, the victory lasted only seconds. Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins stormed into the ring to back up their teammate, turning the situation into a brutal three-on-one attack. Together, the trio lifted The Deadman and drove him through the announce table with their devastating triple powerbomb. The Undertaker never sought payback for that night, but he didn’t need to. The segment’s purpose was clear — to show that The Shield was a dominant and fearless group capable of taking down even WWE’s most respected veteran. It was one of those early moments that made fans realize this faction was here to stay.

19.⁠ ⁠Rhyno’s Gore Shocks SmackDown (August 9, 2001)

The August 9, 2001 episode brought one of the most unforgettable set destructions in SmackDown history. After Chris Jericho insulted Stephanie McMahon on Raw, her ally Rhyno sought revenge. Right after Y2J defeated Hugh Morrus, Rhyno attacked him without warning. The Man Beast charged with his trademark Gore, sending Jericho crashing through part of the stage in a spectacular moment that stunned the crowd. The reaction inside the arena was explosive, giving new intensity to a rivalry that had seemed random before. This segment also helped SmackDown build its identity as more than just WWE’s “second show” behind Raw.

18.⁠ ⁠Edge and Vickie Guerrero’s Wedding Chaos (July 18, 2008)

Edge and Vickie Guerrero’s on-screen wedding was meant to be a grand celebration for the self-proclaimed king and queen of SmackDown. Instead, it became another classic example of how wrestling weddings rarely end well. Before the ceremony could conclude, Triple H interrupted and revealed video footage of Edge’s affair with wedding planner Alicia Fox. The footage shattered Vickie and humiliated Edge, leaving their partnership in ruins. The moment caused turmoil for both their personal and professional stories and served as another reminder that nothing in WWE ever stays perfect for long. Triple H’s interruption turned what was supposed to be a joyous event into one of SmackDown’s most dramatic meltdowns.

17.⁠ ⁠Team Hell No and Randy Orton End The Shield’s Streak (June 14, 2013)

For months, The Shield had remained undefeated as a trio, defeating nearly every top name in WWE. On June 14, 2013, that dominance came to an end. Daniel Bryan and Kane teamed with Randy Orton to face the unstoppable group, creating a combination of frustration and determination that pushed them to victory. The crowd in attendance erupted when Bryan forced Seth Rollins to tap out, ending The Shield’s unbroken streak. The moment was electric and signaled to WWE management how strongly fans connected with Bryan. This win not only marked a major turning point in The Shield’s run but also foreshadowed Bryan’s rise to superstardom in the months ahead.

16.⁠ ⁠Stephanie McMahon Wins the Women’s Championship (March 30, 2000)

By early 2000, Stephanie McMahon had cemented her role as a power figure alongside Triple H in the McMahon-Helmsley Era. When she was booked to face Jacqueline for the WWE Women’s Championship, many expected a quick and one-sided match. Instead, interference from X-Pac and Tori helped Stephanie steal the win after a DDT. The crowd erupted in boos as she crawled into the pin to claim her first title. Her exaggerated celebration after the victory added to her villainous image, furthering her position as one of the most disliked characters in the company. This win strengthened the faction’s control and reminded everyone that the McMahons would always find a way to stay on top.

15.⁠ ⁠Arnold Schwarzenegger Confronts Triple H (November 11, 1999)

Ahead of his movie End of Days, Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared on the November 11, 1999 episode of SmackDown to promote the film. The Hollywood icon joined commentary for the main event and immediately drew cheers from the live audience. Things escalated when Triple H tried to intimidate him at ringside, leading Arnold to respond with a series of punches that sent The Game retreating. The moment stood out as one of the earliest examples of a major Hollywood star getting physically involved in WWE action. It also helped make SmackDown feel larger than life, connecting mainstream entertainment with wrestling’s storytelling. Years later, Schwarzenegger would be honored with induction into the WWE Hall of Fame’s celebrity wing — a journey that began with this very appearance.

14.⁠ ⁠Stone Cold Blows Up the DX Express (April 27, 2000)

Steve Austin made his first televised return from neck surgery on the April 27, 2000 episode of SmackDown. The Texas Rattlesnake sent an unforgettable message to his rivals in the McMahon-Helmsley Faction by blowing up their DX Express tour bus. The explosion happened just days before Backlash, where Austin was set to appear in The Rock’s corner against Triple H. Fans watching at home and in the arena were stunned as the bus erupted in flames, marking one of WWE’s most cinematic segments of that era. The moment became an enduring image of Austin’s rebellious persona and a signature visual in SmackDown highlight reels for years to come.

13.⁠ ⁠Jeff Hardy Wins the Intercontinental Championship (April 12, 2001)

Jeff Hardy sought revenge on Triple H after he and Steve Austin brutally attacked The Hardy Boyz and Lita earlier that week. The conflict led to an unexpected Intercontinental Championship match on the April 12, 2001 episode of SmackDown. Hardy endured a beating throughout the contest but refused to quit. With help from his brother Matt, who struck Triple H with a chair, Jeff delivered a Swanton Bomb and scored a shocking win. The crowd erupted as Hardy celebrated his first singles title outside the hardcore division. His victory showed WWE that fans were ready to support him as a singles star and helped set the stage for his future main event success.

12.⁠ ⁠Daniel Bryan Announces His Return to Competition (March 20, 2018)

For three years, Daniel Bryan was sidelined due to medical issues that seemed to have ended his in-ring career. On March 20, 2018, he stepped into the SmackDown ring in a suit and addressed the WWE Universe with a heartfelt announcement. After recounting his struggles and years of uncertainty, Bryan revealed he had been cleared to return to active competition. The crowd erupted in celebration as he confirmed his comeback would happen at WrestleMania 34 alongside Shane McMahon against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. The announcement gave SmackDown one of its most emotional moments, reminding fans why Bryan had become one of the most beloved performers in WWE history.

11.⁠ ⁠Brock Lesnar Destroys Hulk Hogan (August 8, 2002)

Before challenging The Rock for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2002, Brock Lesnar faced Hulk Hogan on the August 8 episode of SmackDown. Hogan, one of the biggest names in wrestling history, found himself completely overpowered by the 25-year-old powerhouse. When Hogan tried to stage his traditional comeback, Lesnar brushed it off, hit the F-5, and then applied a crushing bearhug that left Hogan unconscious. The Beast smeared his opponent’s blood across his chest as a chilling show of dominance. The match was a clear signal that WWE was ushering in a new era. For Lesnar, it marked the moment he officially became the company’s next major star.

10.⁠ ⁠Edge Cashes In the Money in the Bank (May 11, 2007)

The May 11, 2007 episode of SmackDown ended in chaos after a steel cage match between The Undertaker and Batista ended in a draw. Both men’s feet hit the floor at the same time, leaving the World Heavyweight Championship without a clear winner. As The Undertaker struggled to recover from a post-match beating by Mark Henry, Edge appeared with the Money in the Bank briefcase he had just won days earlier. He cashed it in on the exhausted champion, landed a spear, and captured the title. The moment crowned Edge as SmackDown’s top star and marked the beginning of his long reign as the brand’s centerpiece. The Undertaker’s legitimate bicep injury required time off, but the timing gave the brand one of its most dramatic title changes ever.

9.⁠ ⁠Rey Mysterio’s High-Flying Debut (July 25, 2002)

Weeks of vignettes introduced Rey Mysterio to the WWE audience, but his in-ring debut on July 25, 2002, exceeded every expectation. Wearing red gear inspired by Spider-Man, Mysterio faced Chavo Guerrero in a fast-paced match that showcased his incredible agility. He hit a 619 followed by the West Coast Pop to earn the victory. Fans immediately embraced him, and by the end of the night, he teamed up with Edge and John Cena to fend off a group of Raw invaders. It was a strong statement from WWE that Mysterio was destined for big things. His arrival added a new energy to SmackDown and set the tone for his eventual rise as one of the most beloved Superstars of his generation.

8.⁠ ⁠Eddie Guerrero’s Championship Celebration (February 19, 2004)

Eddie Guerrero’s emotional win over Brock Lesnar at No Way Out 2004 gave fans one of WWE’s most heartfelt victories. Four days later, he returned to SmackDown as the new WWE Champion. The arena erupted in celebration as Guerrero entered through falling confetti and fireworks, smiling as the crowd chanted his name. It was a pure moment of joy, allowing Eddie to share his triumph with the fans who had supported him for years. Unlike many storylines that take a darker turn, this one remained simple and genuine. The blue brand gave him the space to celebrate freely, turning the night into one of the most uplifting moments in SmackDown history.

7.⁠ ⁠Stone Cold and Booker T's Supermarket brawl (December 13, 2001)

After Booker T cost Steve Austin his match at Vengeance 2001, Austin decided to make his rival pay in an unexpected way. On the December 13 episode of SmackDown, cameras followed The Texas Rattlesnake as he tracked down Booker in a grocery store. What followed was one of the funniest and most chaotic brawls ever filmed for WWE television. Austin slammed Booker into aisles, sprayed him with milk, and delivered punches between the cereal shelves before shouting the now-iconic line, “Price check on a jackass!” The fight had no serious storyline payoff, but it became one of the most memorable comedy segments in SmackDown history. It proved that the show could balance entertainment and intensity while giving fans something they had never seen before.

6.⁠ ⁠The Ring Collapses (June 12, 2003)

On June 12, 2003, fans witnessed one of the most jaw-dropping visuals in SmackDown history. During a WWE Championship match between Brock Lesnar and The Big Show, both Superstars climbed to the top rope, and Lesnar delivered a massive superplex. The impact caused the entire ring to collapse, sending the referee and both wrestlers crashing to the mat as the structure buckled beneath them. The crowd gasped as officials rushed to check on everyone involved. No winner was declared, but none was needed. The visual of the destroyed ring became one of WWE’s most replayed moments, a perfect example of SmackDown’s ability to blend athletic spectacle with pure shock value.

5.⁠ ⁠AJ Styles Wins the WWE Championship (November 7, 2017)

When AJ Styles faced Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship in Manchester, England, the result made history. The November 7, 2017 episode marked the first time the title had ever changed hands outside North America. Styles defeated Mahal cleanly in front of an ecstatic crowd to begin his second reign as champion. His victory proved that he was not just a world-class athlete but also the true face of SmackDown. The title win added a new chapter to the belt’s long history and demonstrated WWE’s growing global reach. Styles’ reign lasted over a year, solidifying his reputation as one of the most consistent and respected performers in the company.

4.⁠ ⁠Vince McMahon Wins the WWE Championship (September 16, 1999)

The September 16, 1999 episode of SmackDown saw Vince McMahon step into the ring with Triple H for the WWE Championship. Despite taking a beating throughout the match, McMahon managed to fight back with a low blow that shifted the momentum. The match turned chaotic as Shane McMahon, Pat Patterson, and Gerald Brisco got involved. In the final moments, Steve Austin delivered two Stone Cold Stunners to Triple H, allowing McMahon to score the pinfall. The crowd erupted as the company’s owner held his own title. Though McMahon relinquished the championship days later on Raw, the image of him celebrating with the belt became one of the defining visuals of SmackDown’s early years.

3.⁠ ⁠John Cena’s “Ruthless Aggression” Debut (June 27, 2002)

Kurt Angle issued an open challenge on the June 27, 2002 episode of SmackDown, and a young newcomer named John Cena answered. When Angle asked what made him think he could win, Cena looked him in the eye and said two words: “Ruthless aggression.” What followed was a competitive match that showcased Cena’s power and determination. Although he lost, his performance impressed both fans and management. It marked the beginning of a career that would eventually define an era. Cena’s debut showed SmackDown’s ability to introduce new stars who would go on to shape WWE’s future for years to come.

2.⁠ ⁠The First Episode of SmackDown (August 26, 1999)

WWE made a major leap on August 26, 1999, when SmackDown premiered on network television through UPN. The show gave WWE another national platform during the height of the Attitude Era, drawing a massive 5.7 television rating on its debut night. The main event featured a strap match between Triple H and The Rock, with Shawn Michaels serving as the special guest referee. In a shocking twist, Michaels betrayed The Rock with Sweet Chin Music, allowing Triple H to retain his WWE Championship. The first broadcast may not have been perfect, but it established SmackDown as a permanent part of WWE programming and proved that wrestling could thrive in prime time.

1.⁠ ⁠United We Stand (September 13, 2001)

Just two days after the September 11 attacks, WWE made the bold decision to go live with SmackDown from Houston, Texas. It became the first major public gathering in the United States following the tragedy. The night opened with Lilian Garcia’s emotional performance of the national anthem, which brought many to tears. The matches themselves were secondary; what mattered most was the sense of unity and strength shared by everyone in attendance. Vince McMahon addressed the crowd in a heartfelt speech that reminded viewers that the show was about resilience and hope. For one night, SmackDown became more than entertainment, it became a symbol of courage and togetherness at a time when the country needed it most.