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.

Kurt Angle's frustrations with the WWE Universe lead him to challenge "Stone Cold" Steve Austin to a match. The Rock teams with Rob Van Dam to take on Chris Jericho & Test. Plus, Jim Ross interviews Mr. McMahon about his upcoming match with WWE Co-Owner Ric Flair. Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley looks to capitalize on her husband's impending return.

"Stone Cold" Steve Austin & Triple H take on Kurt Angle & Booker T. Before they meet one-on-one at the Royal Rumble for the WWE Undisputed Championship, The Rock and Chris Jericho exchange final words with each other. Plus, Diamond Dallas Page battles the Big Boss Man for a chance to be reinstated in WWE, Rob Van Dam in action, and much more.

The recent issues between Triple H and Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley lead Mr. McMahon to make The Game & Maven team up to take on Kurt Angle & The Undertaker. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin admits to a very powerful addiction. Plus, Booker T battles Spike Dudley, Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri faces Goldust, and much more.