Triple H has kick-started the celebrations early as SmackDown prepares to hit an incredible milestone on August 19th.
On April 29th 1999, WWE broadcast the first-ever edition of SmackDown. Although that initial taping was more of a pilot, the show began in earnest on August 26th of the same year.
On that first April night The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin teamed up to defeat The Undertaker and Triple H in the main event.
Although his in-ring days might be over, Triple H is still having a heavy influence on the show in 2022 after being made WWE Head of Creative in July. Taking to social media ahead of the August 19th episode, The Game toasted the show’s success as it prepares for episode 1200.
From the first #Smackdown April 29, 1999 in New Haven, CT to the 1200th tonight in Montréal, Canada… A huge milestone for the brand, the Superstars who’ve pushed it forward and a THANK YOU to the @WWE Universe who watched every week! Ep. 1200 is live TONIGHT on @WWEonFOX
From the first #Smackdown April 29, 1999 in New Haven, CT to the 1200th tonight in Montréal, Canada…
A huge milestone for the brand, the Superstars who’ve pushed it forward and a THANK YOU to the @WWE Universe who watched every week!
Ep. 1200 is live TONIGHT on @WWEonFOX!
— Triple H (@TripleH) August 19, 2022
SmackDown is set to feature a huge face-to-face between Drew McIntyre and Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. The pair are set to meet at Clash at the Castle with all of the gold on the line on September 3rd.
The last confrontation between the pair was interrupted by Karrion Kross who was making his return to WWE alongside Scarlett.
Elsewhere The Viking Raiders are holding a Viking Funeral for the New Day, after the pair beatdown Kofi Kingston the previous week. Meanwhile, NXT’s Nikkita Lyons and Zoey Stark will be in action in the first round of the Women’s Tag Team Championship tournament when they take on Sonya Deville and Natalya.