Based on the success of a UPN special earlier that year, World Wrestling Entertainment debuted SmackDown at its regular Thursday night timeslot on Aug. 26, 1999.

It became apparent the company not only wanted to crush World Championship Wrestling's Nitro on Monday nights but was ready to pounce on its rivals Thunder program on Thursdays. Company cornerstones Stone Cold Steve Austin, Mankind, The Undertaker, The Rock and other prominent performers were featured each week on SmackDown.

Combined with the evolution of Triple H and Kurt Angle into main event players, the timing was right for WWE to capitalize on its booming business. The show was an immediate ratings success for the network.

With the regular main event players serving as the foundation, the company began to build new stars on the program and developed brand extension by separating talent on Monday Night Raw and SmackDown. They became two separate entities in 2002.

Extreme Championship Wrestling and WCW went out of business and with no competition, WWE created its own. The show had historic moments featuring an eclectic mix of veterans and new stars throughout its near decade on the air.

WWE alum like Legion of Doom member Animal, Tatanka and Roddy Piper were introduced to new audiences. Veterans like Finlay were given a second chance to build on their careers. The one-legged Zach Gowen had an opportunity to showcase his abilities, and the vertically challenged Hornswoggle was a hit with fans worldwide.

Mr. McMahon pulled one of the biggest upsets when he won his own company's heavyweight championship in the first few episodes of the program. The late Eddy Guerrero and Rey Mysterio also had shocking world title wins.

Through the years, the brand featured emerging young talent. Guys like Christian and Booker T. were pushed to new levels. Edge became a standout in his matches with Chris Benoit, Angle and Guerrero, as well as his association with his idol Hulk Hogan.

Mysterio entered the fold and added a new dimension to the company when he made his SmackDown debut. Jericho got his first run with the heavyweight championship on the show.

Tag team wrestling received a shot in the arm for a few months with Mysterio and Edge, the Guerreros and Benoit and Angle fighting over the new SmackDown tag titles in a series of unforgettable battles.

Before exploding on Raw, Batista, Randy Orton and John Cena started on SmackDown. John Bradshaw Layfield, Brock Lesnar and Bobby Lashley were presented a platform to shine. JBL reinvented himself on the show, abd the other two decided to leave the company at the peak of success.

Carlito won the United States championship from Cena in his debut match on SmackDown, and the loudmouth Mr. Ken Kennedy used victories over former world champions as stepping stones to superstardom.

The long line of young stars getting their shot to impress has continued with Dolph Ziggler, John Morrison and the Hart Dynasty. Yes, there were dark times for the show. The Great Khali heavyweight title reign and the debuts of Mordecai and Kenzo Suzuki.

However, the show's good definitely outweighs the bad.

The show helped us cope with the 9/11 attacks and even traveled to war torn battlegrounds. They performed for the brave men and women fighting terror overseas with the first Tribute to the Troops event -- a program that has become a tradition during the holiday season and been called the most important show WWE conducts annually.

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