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.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin returns and is looking for a fight. Women's Champion The Fabulous Moolah defends her championship against longtime friend Mae Young. The Rock & Mankind put their friendship aside and compete against each other. It's a family fight when both the Hollys and the Hardyz battle for the Tag Team Championship.

D-Generation X celebrates after their huge night on Raw. Mr. McMahon tries to spoil the festivities with a huge 8-Man Elimination Survivor Series style main event. Mankind and Al Snow challenge The Holly's for the Tag Team Championship. The Hardy Boyz battle Too Cool and Chris Jericho faces The Godfather.

Shane McMahon, The Rock & Kane battle D-Generation X. What role will "Stone Cold" Steve Austin play in all of this? Edge goes one-on-one with Hardcore Holly. The Godfather and D-Lo Brown take on The Dudley Boyz in tag team action. All this, plus special guest Arnold Schwarzenegger, and much more.