WWE Friday Night SmackDown: Season 4
It's a new era on SmackDown as 2002 brings not only the Brand Extension Draft and its SmackDown-exclusive roster of Superstars, but also the debuts of Superstars like John Cena, Batista and more.
Season 4 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Picks up essential narrative continuity directly following the events of WWE Friday Night SmackDown Season 3.
- Character alliances, factions, and personal loyalties undergo significant shifts under escalating stakes.
- Addresses unresolved cliffhangers and thematic mysteries introduced during previous seasons.
- Establishes the primary seasonal conflict that drives serialized character arcs toward the finale.
Season overview
It's a new era on SmackDown as 2002 brings not only the Brand Extension Draft and its SmackDown-exclusive roster of Superstars, but also the debuts of Superstars like John Cena, Batista and more.
Episode Guide
Season 4 Progress Shield
SmackDown - Jan 03, 2002
Jan 3, 2002 · 81 min
WWF Undisputed Champion Chris Jericho & Kurt Angle face Rob Van Dam and Intercontinental Champion Edge. The Rock goes one-on-one with Booker T in the main event to determine the ne
SmackDown - Jan. 10, 2002
Jan 10, 2002 · 86 min
Kurt Angle's frustrations with the WWF 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, J
SmackDown - Jan. 17, 2002
Jan 17, 2002 · 84 min
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin & Triple H take on Kurt Angle & Booker T. Before they meet one-on-one at the Royal Rumble for the WWF Undisputed Championship, The Rock and Chris Jericho
SmackDown - Jan. 24, 2002
Jan 24, 2002 · 88 min
Mr. McMahon's frustration over sharing ownership of WWF with Ric Flair leads him to take drastic measures. "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Booker T, Kurt Angle, and The Rock compete for
SmackDown - Jan. 31, 2002
Jan 31, 2002 · 86 min
In an effort to stop Mr. McMahon from bringing the New World Order to WWE, Co-Owner Ric Flair is faced with the difficult decision of selling his stock back to The Chairman. The Ro
SmackDown - Feb. 07, 2002
Feb 7, 2002 · 91 min
Chris Jericho add fuel to his rivalry with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin by bringing Will Sasso to SmackDown for an unflattering impersonation of his opponent. While his problems with
SmackDown - Feb. 14, 2002
Feb 14, 2002 · 84 min
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 Austi
SmackDown - Feb. 21, 2002
Feb 21, 2002 · 89 min
After taking out The Rock in a vehicular assault on Raw, the New World Order is forced to apologize for their actions. However, the boys in black soon discover that Hell hath no fu
SmackDown - Feb. 28, 2002
Feb 28, 2002 · 83 min
Triple H & Kane take on Kurt Angle & WWE Undisputed Champion Chris Jericho. The Undertaker's brutal assault of Arn Anderson on Raw pushes WWE Co-Owner Ric Flair over the edge. Afte
SmackDown - Mar. 07, 2002
Mar 7, 2002 · 85 min
The Rock returns to action to go one-on-one with the NWO's Scott Hall in the main event. When WWE Co-Owner Ric Flair finally accepts his challenge to a match at WrestleMania, The U
SmackDown - Mar. 14, 2002
Mar 14, 2002 · 87 min
Triple H looks to get some payback on WWE Undisputed Champion Chris Jericho for trying to injure him before their match at WrestleMania. The Rock and Hollywood Hogan come face-to-f
SmackDown - Mar. 21, 2002
Mar 21, 2002 · 85 min
Booker T goes one-on-one with Edge. The Rock battles Kevin Nash in a chaotic main event involving the nWo and Hulk Hogan. Trish Stratus teams with Lita to face Ivory & Jazz. Europe
SmackDown - Mar. 28, 2002
Mar 28, 2002 · 84 min
The WWE Superstars prepare for the brand extension. Mr. McMahon teams with Kurt Angle to take on Ric Flair and WWE Undisputed Champion Triple H in a Tag Team main event. The APA ha
SmackDown - Apr. 04, 2002
Apr 4, 2002 · 84 min
In response to the overwhelming show of support from the WWE Universe, Mr. McMahon grants a true icon a chance at Triple H's WWE Undisputed Championship at Backlash. Chris Jericho'
SmackDown - Apr. 11, 2002
Apr 11, 2002 · 83 min
Edge takes his rivalry with Kurt Angle to another level by adding a new verse to his entrance music. While the Olympic Gold Medalist looks to take his frustrations out on Triple H
SmackDown - Apr. 18, 2002
Apr 18, 2002 · 81 min
Triple H and Hollywood Hulk Hogan take on Chris Jericho & Kurt Angle in a tag team main event. Edge gets on the wrong side of Mr. McMahon when he comes to the aid of a legend. Plus
SmackDown - Apr. 25, 2002
Apr 25, 2002 · 90 min
Chris Jericho and Triple H battle for a chance at Hulk Hogan's WWE Undisputed Heavyweight Championship. Randy Orton makes his WWE debut against Hardcore Holly. Edge helps Kurt Angl
SmackDown - May. 02, 2002
May 2, 2002 · 85 min
Chris Jericho challenges Hollywood Hulk Hogan for the WWE Undisputed Championship in a No Disqualification main event. Edge teams with The Big Valbowski to take on Kurt Angle & Lan
SmackDown - May. 09, 2002
May 9, 2002 · 90 min
Chris Jericho & Kurt Angle take on Edge & WWE Undisputed Champion Hollywood Hulk Hogan. After his mouth gets him in hot water with Mr. McMahon, Triple H finds himself going one-on-
SmackDown - May. 16, 2002
May 16, 2002 · 90 min
Triple H & Edge take on Chris Jericho & Kurt Angle. When WWE Undisputed Champion Hollywood Hulk Hogan sends a message The Undertaker, Mr. McMahon has a message of his own for the I
SmackDown - May. 23, 2002
May 23, 2002 · 85 min
Hollywood Hulk Hogan looks to bid farewell to the WWE Universe in a emotional retirement speech. Edge & Maven unite to take on Kurt Angle & Christian in a Tag Team Match. Plus, Tri
SmackDown - May 30, 2002
May 30, 2002 · 85 min
Kurt Angle and Edge meet inside a Steel Cage. Randy Orton challenges The Undertaker for the WWE Undisputed Title. All this and much more!
SmackDown - Jun. 06, 2002
Jun 6, 2002 · 88 min
Qualifying Matches for the 2002 King of the Ring begin. Mr. McMahon orders a 20-Man Battle Royal to determine the new No. 1 Contender for the WWE Undisputed Championship. Despite E
SmackDown - Jun. 13, 2002
Jun 13, 2002 · 84 min
Mr. McMahon hosts a contract signing for the upcoming battle between The Undertaker and Triple H for the WWE Undisputed Championship. But when things take an unexpected turn, The G
SmackDown - Jun. 20, 2002
Jun 20, 2002 · 86 min
Kurt Angle goes one-on-one with WWE Undisputed Champion The Undertaker in a Non-Title Match. Triple H faces Billy. Lance Storm and Christian band together under their shared herita
SmackDown - Jun. 27, 2002
Jun 27, 2002 · 86 min
Witness the debut of two Superstars that would change the face of Sports Entertainment forever; John Cena and Batista! Hollywood Hulk Hogan battles Chris Jericho in the main event.
SmackDown - Jul. 04, 2002
Jul 4, 2002 · 89 min
As SmackDown celebrates the 4th of July, Kurt Angle challenges The Undertaker for the WWE Championship. Edge realizes a childhood dream as he teams with Hulk Hogan to battle Billy
SmackDown - Jul. 11, 2002
Jul 11, 2002 · 82 min
Barely a week after making a lasting impression on Kurt Angle, the young John Cena gets the opportunity of a lifetime by teaming with WWE Undisputed Champion The Undertaker to take
SmackDown - Jul. 18, 2002
Jul 18, 2002 · 87 min
After shaking things up by announcing Eric Bischoff as the new Raw General Manager, Mr. McMahon drops another bombshell on the WWE Universe by naming a new SmackDown General Manage
SmackDown - Jul. 25, 2002
Jul 25, 2002 · 84 min
While SmackDown General Manager Stephanie McMahon tries to prevent her superstars from defecting to Raw, the rivalry between Edge and Chris Jericho leads to a Steel Cage Match main
SmackDown - Aug. 01, 2002
Aug 1, 2002 · 86 min
Brock Lesnar looks to finish off Mark Henry while Hollywood Hulk Hogan and Kurt Angle battle for a chance at "The Next Big Thing." Stephanie McMahon stuns Raw General Manager Eric
SmackDown - Aug. 08, 2002
Aug 8, 2002 · 86 min
It's a match of epic proportions as 'The Next Big Thing' Brock Lesnar goes one-on-one with The Immortal Hulk Hogan! Kurt Angle battles John Cena. Mark Henry faces Reverend D-Von. B
SmackDown - Aug. 15, 2002
Aug 15, 2002 · 82 min
With the destruction of Hulkamania on his hands, Brock Lesnar receives a challenge from Rikishi. Stephanie McMahon sends a message to Rob Van Dam by making an example out of WWE Un
SmackDown - Aug. 22, 2002
Aug 22, 2002 · 85 min
Paul Heyman promises Brock Lesnar and WWE Undisputed Champion The Rock will collide before the night ends. However, with Eddie Guerrero and his pals getting involved, The Great One
SmackDown - Aug. 29, 2002
Aug 29, 2002 · 83 min
After making WWE Undisputed Champion Brock Lesnar exclusive SmackDown, General Manager Stephanie McMahon kicks off a tournament to determine the No. 1 Contender for Lesnar's title.
SmackDown - Sep. 05, 2002
Sep 5, 2002 · 86 min
As WWE Champion Brock Lesnar prepares for a face-to-face interview with The Undertaker, Lesnar must first battle one of WWE's brightest up-and-coming Superstars, Randy Orton. Batis
SmackDown - Sep. 12, 2002
Sep 12, 2002 · 84 min
Billy and Chuck look to seal their union with a special commitment ceremony. But when things go too far, this a groundbreaking moment for SmackDown gets more than a little raw. Whe
SmackDown - Sep. 19, 2002
Sep 19, 2002 · 85 min
After Stephanie McMahon accepts Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff's challenge for Unforgiven, Kurt Angle issues a challenge that his him competing against Billy and Chuck in the ma
SmackDown - Sep. 26, 2002
Sep 26, 2002 · 86 min
The rivalry between The Undertaker and WWE Champion Brock Lesnar is far from over as the Next Big Thing proves that actions speak louder than words. When Billy and Chuck find thems
SmackDown - Oct. 03, 2002
Oct 3, 2002 · 86 min
When The Undertaker looks to finish off Matt Hardy in a Falls Count Anywhere match, WWE Champion Brock Lesnar sets out to break more than the Dead Man's spirit. After a Bikini Cont
SmackDown - Oct. 10, 2002
Oct 10, 2002 · 83 min
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar continues to make his rivalry with The Undertaker personal by introducing another addition to the Dead Man's love life. However, the devil may have his du
SmackDown - Oct. 17, 2002
Oct 17, 2002 · 85 min
The Undertaker goes for blood a little early as he uses his weakness to his advantage in targeting WWE Champion Brock Lesnar. Plus, WWE Tag Team Championship Tournament reaches the
SmackDown - Oct. 24, 2002
Oct 24, 2002 · 84 min
The Undertaker calls out WWE Champion Brock Lesnar to give the Beast what he truly deserves. However, the Deadman gets a giant surprise when a new SmackDown Superstar takes excepti
SmackDown - Oct. 31, 2002
Oct 31, 2002 · 83 min
Before WWE Champion Brock Lesnar goes one-on-one with Rey Mysterio in the main event, the Beast receives a word of warning from his newest challenger the Big Show. As the SmackDown
SmackDown - Nov 07, 2002
Nov 7, 2002 · 84 min
Following his assault at the hands of Big Show, WWE Champion Brock Lesnar turns his rage to Eddie Guerrero as they battles in the main event. Wedding bells may be in the air after
SmackDown - Nov. 14, 2002
Nov 14, 2002 · 81 min
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar seeks payback on Big Show. While WWE Tag Team Champions Edge & Rey Mysterio take on each of Los Guerreros in singles action, Kurt Angle goes one-on-one wi
SmackDown - Nov. 21, 2002
Nov 21, 2002 · 84 min
After costing Brock Lesnar the WWE Championship at Survivor Series, Paul Heyman is a marked man as the Beast goes on a hunt for his blood. While Heyman fears retribution, Stephanie
SmackDown - Nov. 28, 2002
Nov 28, 2002 · 83 min
When Stephanie McMahon doesn't give Brock Lesnar anything to be grateful for on this special Thanksgiving edition of SmackDown, the Beast looks to satisfy his appetite for destruct
SmackDown - Dec 05, 2002
Dec 5, 2002 · 80 min
Four Superstars compete in a Fatal 4-Way match to determine the No. 1 Contender for Big Show's WWE Championship. John Cena gets a chance to showoff his freestyle skills when he tak
SmackDown - Dec. 12, 2002
Dec 12, 2002 · 77 min
Before he teams with Edge to take on A-Train & WWE Champion Big Show in the main event, Kurt Angle seeks out the recently-suspended Brock Lesnar with a proposition regarding his fu
SmackDown - Dec. 19, 2002
Dec 19, 2002 · 83 min
Brock Lesnar looks to take what's owed to him by challenging Kurt Angle for his newly-won WWE Championship. However, the Olympic Gold Medalist has other plans as he announces a sho
SmackDown - Dec. 26, 2002
Dec 26, 2002 · 86 min
After suffering an injury thanks to a vicious attack at the hands of Brock Lesnar, WWE Champion Kurt Angle is introduced to a team to represent him while he is out-of-action. With