10 Most Important Episodes In WWE SmackDown History

8. August 9, 2001

The original SmackDown set wasn’t much to look at. The big rings were cool and all, but if you weren’t looking directly at it, you’d probably forget it existed. 

All of this changed on the August 9, 2001 edition, when the show got a much-needed makeover from a very unlikely architect. 

Chris Jericho and Rhyno were deep into a bitter rivalry that would lead to a match at SummerSlam, but not before The Man Beast got one over on Y2J. 

After the latter won a quick match against Hugh Morrus, the former ECW Champion appeared and started beating him down, eventually leading to an awesome spot where he Gored the wannabe rock star through the stage at the top of the ramp. 

Not only was this great to look at and try and recreate with action figures at home, but it paved the way for a new addition to SmackDown’s aesthetic - the giant fist, which debuted shortly after. 

As if heralding the arrival of such an iconic piece of wrestling decorating, this episode featured two tag team championship changes. DDP and Kanyon won the WWE belts, whilst The Brothers of Destruction picked up the WCW straps.