Since its debut in 1999, WWE SmackDown has delivered countless memorable matches that have defined careers and created legendary moments. The blue brand has been home to technical masterpieces and brutal hardcore battles that captured the hearts of wrestling fans worldwide.
These matches are proof of the incredible talent that has graced SmackDown over the years. Each bout represents a unique chapter in SmackDown’s rich history. Here’s our countdown of the 10 greatest SmackDown matches that have left an indelible mark on sports entertainment.
10. Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch – SmackDown Women’s Championship Steel Cage Match (January 17, 2017)
The first women’s Steel Cage match on SmackDown saw Becky and Alexa put on a hard-hitting encounter. Becky delivered a top-rope dropkick, but interference from La Luchadora (later revealed as Mickie James) allowed Alexa to hit a DDT on Becky, retaining her title in a finish.
9. Eddie Guerrero vs. John Cena – Parking Lot Brawl (September 11, 2003)
This chaotic Parking Lot Brawl was fought in a ring of cars, with Cena and Guerrero using vehicles as weapons. Cena slammed Eddie onto a car windshield, but Guerrero made a comeback, using a car door to stun Cena. The match ended when Eddie hit a Frog Splash off a truck onto Cena, securing the pinfall.
8. The Undertaker vs. John Cena (June 24, 2004)
This forgotten SmackDown classic featured a young John Cena proving himself against The Undertaker. Cena brought out aggression and a strong counter-wrestling game, even hitting the F-U (later renamed the Attitude Adjustment) for a near-fall. However, Undertaker survived the onslaught and finished Cena off with a Tombstone Piledriver.
7. The Shield vs. Team Hell No & Randy Orton – Six-Man Tag Team Match (June 14, 2013)
One of The Shield’s best early matches, this was a chaotic battle between three of WWE’s best tag teams and trios. Seth Rollins and Daniel Bryan showcased their technical abilities, while Roman Reigns and Kane provided the power. The match reached a boiling point when Orton hit an RKO on Seth Rollins, followed by Bryan locking in the Yes Lock on Reigns, securing The Shield’s first-ever loss.
6. The Rock vs. Triple H – WWE Championship Match (August 26, 1999, First SmackDown Episode)
The first SmackDown main event saw The Rock challenge Triple H for the WWE Championship, with Shawn Michaels as the guest referee. The match saw Rock hit a Rock Bottom and set up for the People’s Elbow, but Michaels shocked everyone by superkicking The Rock. This allowed Triple H to capitalize with a Pedigree for the victory.
Triple H (c) vs The Rock
WWF Championship
Smackdown! 8/26/1999
🎶 Blue Monday – Orgy 🎶@TheRock @TripleH pic.twitter.com/GMTarbnqzt
— CV (@CVHighlights247) August 11, 2024
5. Steve Austin vs. Chris Benoit – WWE Championship Match (May 31, 2001)
Chris Benoit took the fight to Stone Cold with technical excellence and suplex mastery. One of the best moments was Benoit delivering 10 consecutive German suplexes. Austin, however, resorted to heel tactics, using the ropes for leverage during a pinfall to steal the victory and retain the WWE Championship.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 WWE Superstars of the 90s
4. The Undertaker vs. Batista – Steel Cage Match for the World Heavyweight Championship (May 11, 2007)
The rivalry between Batista and The Undertaker was one of the best of the Ruthless Aggression era, and this steel cage match was one of their finest battles. Both men delivered powerbombs, chokeslams, and massive strikes, but the ending stole the show. Both competitors escaped the cage at the same time, resulting in a draw. As Undertaker struggled to recover, Mark Henry attacked him, setting the stage for Edge’s Money in the Bank cash-in.
3. Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero – No Disqualification Match (September 26, 2002)
This match was an absolute war. Chairs, ladders, and brutal suplexes were all in play as Edge and Guerrero unleashed their frustrations. Guerrero hit a perfect Frog Splash, but Edge managed to kick out at the last second. The decisive moment came when Edge countered a powerbomb attempt with an Edgecution DDT onto a steel chair, scoring the hard-fought victory.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 WWE Superstars of the 2000s
2. Kurt Angle vs. Brock Lesnar – 60-Minute Iron Man Match for the WWE Championship (September 18, 2003)
This legendary Iron Man match saw Brock Lesnar intentionally disqualifying himself by using a steel chair to weaken Angle. Lesnar took an early 3-1 lead, but Angle mounted a comeback, locking in the Ankle Lock to force Lesnar to tap. In the final moments, Angle attempted another submission, but Lesnar avoided the hold and ran down the clock, securing a 5-4 victory and regaining the WWE Championship.
Which is the greatest SmackDown match of all time?
Chris Jericho & Chris Benoit vs. Edge & Christian vs. The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardy Boyz – WWE Tag Team Championship TLC Match (May 24, 2001)
This TLC match was full of brutal ladder spots, table crashes, and high-risk moments. Edge speared Jeff Hardy off a ladder, while Bubba Ray Dudley went crashing through stacked tables. Despite suffering an early shoulder injury, Chris Benoit fought through the pain, climbed the ladder, and unhooked the tag titles to secure the victory.
