30 Days of WWE Challenge Day 05: Favorite Promotion

SMACKDOWN

I know this is a WWE challenge, and therefore demised promotions like WCW and AWA are not eligible. While some people may make a claim for RAW, ECW, Superstars (if that’s a brand), not one brand of the WWE got me more into the product than that of SMACKDOWN, the one that aired on THURSDAYS.

As you may refer to prior blog entries, the first episode of WWE programming I saw cover to cover was that of RAW on July 22nd, 2002.

That doesn’t mean I didn’t catch some pretty damn good moments before then.

For example, I remember seeing Rey Mysterio debut in WWE against Chavo Guerrero, and having a solid contest. Keep in mind this was before I knew both were in WCW, so I knew nothing of the backgrounds of both men beforehand.

Speaking of Mysterio, I can’t remember if it was that week or a week or two later, but I remember very clearly that the master of the 619 did a leap off the cage onto Lance Storm and William Regal after a hellacious Chris Jericho/Edge contest.

Fast forward to September or so.

Brock Lesnar, hopping into Stephanie McMahon’s limo as the Undisputed WWE Champion, was/is being a monster heel. Undertaker was the elder stateman veteran who put anyone in their place. There was also what they called ‘The SMACKDOWN Six’, comprising of Kurt Angle; Chris Benoit; Edge; Rey Mysterio, and Los Guerreros (Eddie and Chavo).

It seemed like even “off” nights were better than most shows now. Great matches were on display, and the feuds Lesnar were in were INTENSE!

Not going too long or draggy here, I will say my favorite match of this brand came on September 26th, 2002 when Eddie and Edge culminated their singles feud in a classic no-disqualification match. The Edgucution from the top of the ladder to the ring below was one of the sickest things I thought I ever saw. I became a big fan of both men’s work after that one.

Part 1

Part 2. SICK ENDING ALERT!

In conclusion, this era of SMACKDOWN was a golden age. New guys were stepping up to the plate and complimenting the drawing power of the veterans. It was exactly what I needed to become a full-time WWE fan.