WWE breaks new ground with the pilot episode of SmackDown! Shane McMahon plots a sinister merger to form The Corporate Ministry. WWE Champion "Stone Cold" Steve Austin & The Rock are forced to team up against Triple H & Undertaker. Dissension brews in the remnants of DX as the New Age Outlaws challenge X-Pac & Kane for the Tag Team Championship.

On the Network Premiere of Smackdown, newly-crowned WWE Champion Triple H defends the title against The Rock with special guest referees Shawn Michaels and Shane McMahon. Big Boss Man and Al Snow battle for the Hardcore Championship. Stephanie McMahon answers the marriage proposal from Test. Michael Cole interviews "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

WWE Champion Triple H, faces Vince McMahon. A special guest appearance from internet sensation Cindy Margolis. Shane McMahon takes on the Mean Street Posse. WWE European Champion Mark Henry battles Steve Blackman. The Rock, Big Show, Mankind, Kane, and The Undertaker face off in a Royal Rumble rules match.

Seth "Freakin" Rollins & Kevin Owens battle The Usos in a match with Royal Rumble implications. The New Day reunite to confront Happy Corbin & Madcap Moss. SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair faces Naomi.