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.

Former D-Generation X members Chyna and Billy Gunn compete in a No. 1 Contender's Match for the Intercontinental Championship. The Rock battles his Tag Team Champion partner Mankind to see who will be the No. 1 Contender for the WWE Championship and more.

Tag Team Champions The Rock & Mankind battle The Big Show & Undertaker in a Buried Alive Match. HHH defends the WWE Championship against Kane. The Hardcore Championship is on the line when the British Bulldog faces the Big Boss Man. Stephanie McMahon and Test have a big announcement regarding their wedding that Shane McMahon might not like.

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.