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.