WWE SmackDown Review: June 27, 2002 – Highlights and Lowlights
Welcome to another installment of Wrestling Inc. Retro Reviews, where we explore memorable wrestling events from the past. This week’s focus is on June 27, 2002, a significant episode because it marked John Cena’s debut in WWE, a time when SmackDown was filmed on Tuesdays and aired on Thursdays.
The WWE landscape has changed dramatically, but there was a time when the company could deliver packed shows. This particular episode lasted two hours, including commercials, so there’s much to discuss. One notable highlight was the debut of the faction known as the Un-Americans, featuring Lance Storm, Christian, and Test. In addition to Cena’s introduction, the episode saw Batista make his in-ring debut alongside other exciting storylines, such as Edge’s return to settle scores with Chris Jericho.
Things We Loved
1. Ruthless Invasion
The episode would have struggled to stand out without Kurt Angle’s compelling segment, as he confronted the debuting John Cena. Angle, entertainingly bald yet donning a head guard, called for a match against Cena, a newcomer who many thought had little hope for success. This match turned out to be a fantastic introduction for Cena, marked by a sense of urgency rarely seen in modern wrestling. It allowed Cena to showcase his skills, balancing multiple pin attempts while engaging with the veteran Angle. This was a pivotal moment in WWE history, foreshadowing Cena’s impactful career.
2. The Cruiserweight Division
While it never reached the iconic status of WCW’s Cruiserweight division, WWE’s take on it was beginning to take shape post-Invasion. The episode showcased a fun tag match that included Hurricane and Billy Kidman versus Jamie Noble and Tajiri. This four-minute contest packed a lot of excitement and affirmed that the Cruiserweight division had talent that could steal the show.
Things We Hated
1. Billy and Chuck’s Tag Team Championship
Billy and Chuck’s reign as tag team champions highlighted the inadequacies in WWE’s tag division. With an array of teams that clearly lacked depth, the spotlight somehow fell on a confusing and poorly executed gimmick instead of building strong contenders.
2. Two Heels, One World Title
In 2002, WWE faced a unique transition from the Attitude Era to the Ruthless Aggression Era. With both champion and challenger being heels, it created a muddled landscape that left fans uncertain about who to root for, diminishing the excitement typically surrounding title feuds.
3. Gender Representation Issues
The way women were portrayed on the show was shocking, even for the era. Women were often relegated to scantily clad segments or awkward situations, overshadowing their athletic abilities, which felt forced and demeaning.
Final Thoughts
This episode of SmackDown serves as a snapshot of WWE during a pivotal time of transition. Wrestling fans should recognize how these moments shaped the future of the sport, highlighting both talent like John Cena and Batista while also revealing the pitfalls the company faced in substance and representation. Understanding this history adds depth to current discussions about wrestling’s evolution and its commitment to inclusivity.
