Setting the Stage: Post-Survivor Series Fallout
The episode followed the conclusion of Survivor Series 2001, where Team WWF triumphed over The Alliance in a Winner Takes All elimination match. The fallout from Survivor Series created numerous opportunities for rivalries to intensify and new feuds to ignite. WWE SmackDown Episode 148 capitalized on this momentum, delivering a night of high-energy action.
The Main Event: The Rock and Rob Van Dam vs. Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle
The highlight of SmackDown Episode 148 was an electrifying main event tag team match that saw The Rock and Rob Van Dam take on the duo of Chris Jericho and Kurt Angle. This match was significant not only for its star power but also for advancing several key storylines.
- The Rock vs. Chris Jericho Rivalry: Tensions between The Rock and Jericho were at an all-time high following their battle for the WCW Championship. Although they were technically on the same side in the WWF vs. Alliance war, personal animosities spilled over into their interactions.
- Rob Van Dam and Kurt Angle’s Contributions: The charismatic RVD and the technically brilliant Kurt Angle brought an added layer of excitement to the match, with each competitor showcasing their unique in-ring styles.
The main event ended with a controversial finish, setting the stage for future confrontations between these superstars.
The Undercard: Matches That Delivered
1. Edge vs. Test for the Intercontinental Championship
Edge defended his Intercontinental Championship against Test in a hard-hitting match. The two rising stars demonstrated why they were destined for greatness, with Edge successfully retaining his title after a closely contested battle. The victory solidified Edge’s position as one of the company’s premier mid-card champions.
2. The Hardy Boyz vs. The Dudley Boyz
The tag team division continued to shine as The Hardy Boyz clashed with their longtime rivals, The Dudley Boyz. The match featured high-flying maneuvers, brutal strikes, and the signature teamwork that defined both teams. The Dudley Boyz emerged victorious, thanks to their cunning tactics, but the feud was far from over.
3. William Regal vs. Tajiri
The comedic yet technically gifted Tajiri faced off against the serious and ruthless William Regal. Their contrasting styles created an entertaining bout that showcased Tajiri’s agility and Regal’s hard-hitting offense. Regal secured the win, but Tajiri’s performance kept the crowd engaged.
4. Big Show and Kane vs. The APA
In a battle of powerhouse teams, Big Show and Kane joined forces to take on The APA (Faarooq and Bradshaw). The match was a display of brute strength and brawling, with Big Show and Kane proving their dominance by overpowering their opponents.
Storyline Developments: Building Toward the Future
1. Chris Jericho’s Heel Turn
Jericho’s frustrations with being overshadowed by The Rock began to manifest in this episode. His actions in the main event hinted at a full-blown heel turn, adding complexity to his character and setting up a feud with The Rock for the Undisputed Championship.
2. Kurt Angle’s Opportunistic Streak
Kurt Angle, who had aligned himself with Vince McMahon post-Survivor Series, continued to play the role of the opportunistic heel. His alliance with Jericho in the main event demonstrated his willingness to form strategic partnerships to further his ambitions.
3. Tag Team Division Heats Up
The ongoing rivalry between The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz, and other tag teams indicated WWE’s commitment to elevating its tag team division. Episode 148 added another chapter to this intense competition.
Fan Reactions and Reception
Fans praised Episode 148 for its action-packed matches and storyline progression. The main event was particularly well-received for its mix of high stakes and star power. Critics lauded the show’s ability to seamlessly blend wrestling and storytelling, a hallmark of WWE programming during the early 2000s.
Legacy of SmackDown Episode 148
1. Foundation for Future Feuds
The events of this episode laid the groundwork for several major storylines, including Jericho’s rivalry with The Rock and Angle’s pursuit of championship gold. These feuds would dominate WWE programming in the months to come.
2. Showcasing Emerging Talent
Stars like Edge, RVD, and Test were given opportunities to shine, highlighting WWE’s focus on building the next generation of talent.
3. Memorable Matches
The matches from Episode 148, particularly the main event, remain fondly remembered by fans as examples of the storytelling and in-ring excellence that defined the era.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
WWE SmackDown Episode 148 stands as a testament to the company’s ability to deliver compelling programming week after week. With its mix of memorable matches, evolving storylines, and star-studded main event, this episode left a lasting impact on WWE history. For fans of the Attitude Era and the early Ruthless Aggression Era, Episode 148 is a reminder of why WWE SmackDown was considered must-watch television.
