WWE celebrates the 1,000th episode of SmackDown Live on Tuesday, October 16.
Originally shown on Thursday nights, the first episode of SmackDown went out on April 29, 1999 from New Haven, Connecticut.
It is the second-longest running weekly episodic cable television show in U.S. primetime history, only behind Monday Night Raw.
And the landmark episode of the American company’s blue brand will be a truly star-studded affair, featuring legends galore.
The show’s general manager Paige will surely have a surprise or two up her sleeve as well, on what should be an unforgettable evening.
Here is all you need to know ahead of SmackDown 1000.
When is WWE SmackDown 1000?
WWE SmackDown 1000 will be held at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, October 16. The show starts at 1am on Wednesday, October 17 for fans in the UK.
Where can I watch it?
Tune into Sky Sports Arena at 1am (on Wednesday morning) to watch WWE SmackDown 1000. Sky Subscribers will be able to watch this online and on the Sky Go Mobile app.
Who is returning for the historic show?
The headline return is undoubtedly Rey Mysterio, the former WWE Champion and all-time high flying great. The master of the 619 will face WWE United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title qualifying match for the WWE World Cup – the eight-man tournament taking place at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on November 2.
The Undertaker and Kane will both be in Washington, after beating down Triple H and Shawn Michaels at WWE Super Show-Down, when HHH gained a win over Taker thanks to his pal HBK. The Brothers of Destruction are now set to face Triple H and Michaels at WWE Crown Jewel, with HBK finally coming out of his self-enforced retirement.
He is set to appear, possibly for a Cutting Edge interview segment, however, despite being advertised previously on WWE.com, this has now been removed from the lineup.
Edge’s former onscreen flame – Vickie Guerrero – simply had to be invited, and she will be present alongside another ex-SmackDown general manager, the inimitable Teddy Long.
Blue brand stalwarts, the evergreen Torrie Wilson and LayCool lioness Michelle McCool (The Undertaker’s wife in real life) have also been granted VIP passes at the Capital One Arena.
What matches will take place?
Bouts confirmed so far include a huge tag team main event, pitting WWE Champion AJ Styles and the man he will face for his title at WWE Crown Jewel, Daniel Bryan, against Samoa Joe and The Miz.
Meanwhile, Asuka, Naomi and Charlotte Flair will team up to challenge The IIconics and SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch.
Flair and Lynch have been tearing it up as of late – their rivalry is slowly blossoming into one of the best feuds of 2018.
Are there likely to be any surprise appearances?
Likely? It’s a certainty! The Big Show will almost definitely be part of proceedings, just so they have an excuse to show THAT clip of his ring-breaking antics.
But everyone knows if SmackDown belongs to anyone – bar Vince McMahon – it’s The Rock. He routinely used to call SmackDown ‘his’ show, in reference to the fact its name was derived from one of his many catchphrases, ‘lay the smackdown’.
The Great One may now be a Hollywood megastar, better known as Dwayne Johnson, but surely the most popular superstar in SmackDown’s history will want to be at this party? In all likelihood however, fans may have to settle for a video message from The People’s Champion.
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