If you were watching TV on September 30, 1999, you probably remember the chaos. Pro wrestling wasn't just a show; it was a fever dream. WWE SmackDown Episode 6 didn't just happen; it collided with pop culture at a time when the "Attitude Era" was reaching a boiling point. We aren't talking about a polished, corporate product here. This was raw, loud, and honestly, a little bit unhinged.
Most people look back at the early days of SmackDown and think of the Rock’s catchphrases or the shiny oval stage. But Episode 6? This was the night that proved the blue brand wasn't just a "B-show" for RAW leftovers. It was the night the British Bulldog basically decided to ruin everyone’s life, and Triple H began his slow, methodical climb to becoming the "Cerebral Assassin" we eventually grew to love (or hate).
The Night the British Bulldog Lost His Mind
Let's get into the meat of it. The main event was a mess, but the good kind of mess. You had Triple H defending the WWF Championship against The British Bulldog. Now, Davey Boy Smith (the Bulldog) was in a weird spot. He had just returned to the company, he was wearing jeans for some reason, and he was acting like a total jerk.
The Rock was the special guest referee. Naturally, this meant the match wasn't going to be a technical masterpiece. It was a brawl. Triple H was the top heel, and the crowd desperately wanted to see him lose the belt. But the Bulldog? He wasn't playing the hero. Toward the end of the match, Bulldog basically shoved the Rock, which is a one-way ticket to a Rock Bottom.
The finish was pure 1999 booking. Everything fell apart. Triple H managed to retain, but the real story was the post-match insanity. The Rock didn't just take it lying down. It was a chaotic scramble that left fans wondering who was actually the top dog in the company.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Episode
People tend to forget that SmackDown was still "taped" back then. It wasn't live. Because of that, the energy in the building was different. The Richmond Coliseum was absolutely electric.
There's a misconception that these early episodes were just filler. They weren't. Look at the mid-card. You had The Big Show destroying people, and Chris Jericho—who was still relatively new to the WWF—bringing that WCW "Lionheart" energy that felt so fresh.
Key Matches from SmackDown Episode 6:
- Triple H vs. The British Bulldog: The chaotic main event for the WWF Title.
- The Big Show vs. Chris Jericho: A classic "big man vs. little man" dynamic that ended in a DQ.
- X-Pac and Kane vs. The Two-Man Power Trip (sorta): The tag team division was actually incredible during this stretch.
- D'Lo Brown vs. Mark Henry: The fallout of their friendship was a major storyline at the time.
Honestly, the Mark Henry and D'Lo Brown stuff was kind of heartbreaking if you were a kid. They were best friends! Then Mark Henry turned on him over the European Championship. It was a classic wrestling trope, but they sold it so well.
The Jericho Factor
You can't talk about Episode 6 without mentioning Chris Jericho. He was the "Ayatollah of Rock 'n' Rolla," and he was arguably the most entertaining person on the roster. In this episode, he was feuding with Ken Shamrock and Mr. Hughes was his bodyguard.
Jericho’s match with Big Show was short, but it showed exactly why he was going to be a star. He was cocky, fast, and could talk circles around anyone. When Big Show started tossing him around, you actually felt bad for the guy, even though he was a total heel.
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Why the Atmosphere Was Different
WWE was competing with WCW Nitro every single week. They couldn't afford a boring show. Every segment on Episode 6 had a "must-watch" feel. The production was gritty. The cameras were closer to the ring.
There was this sense that anything could happen. Stone Cold Steve Austin was lurking in the shadows. Mankind was doing Mankind things. It felt like a variety show where someone might actually get hurt. You don't see that as much in 2026. Today’s wrestling is a bit more "sanitized," which makes looking back at these 1999 tapes feel like watching a different sport entirely.
Actionable Insights for Retro Fans
If you're going back to watch this on the WWE Network (or whatever it's called in your region now), keep an eye on the background.
- Watch the Crowd: The signs in 1999 were legendary. Half of them wouldn't be allowed on TV today.
- The Commentary: Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler were still finding their rhythm as a duo on Thursday nights. It's fun to hear Cole before he became the "Voice of WWE."
- The Commercial Breaks: If you're watching an original broadcast recording, the 90s ads for Stacker 2 and Slim Jims are a goldmine of nostalgia.
SmackDown Episode 6 was a pivot point. It solidified the show as a permanent fixture in the weekly schedule. It wasn't just a special event anymore; it was the place where titles were defended and legends were made. If you want to understand why the Attitude Era is still the most talked-about period in history, this hour of television is a perfect place to start.
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Go find the footage of the British Bulldog’s promo from this night. It’s awkward, intense, and perfectly representative of a time when the scripts were loose and the wrestlers were just trying to survive the madness.
Next time you're scrolling through old matches, don't skip the 1999 archives. The production value might be lower, but the heart—and the sheer unpredictability—is off the charts.