SHOT OF NOSTALGIA #7.2 | THE SMACKDOWN SIX ERA | BLUEPRINT OF GREATNESS | EDDIE VS EDGE | AUG–SEP 2002 | THE TAG TEAM FORMULA TAKES SHAPE
Description
The DeLorean's still parked under the blue lights — and in Episode 2 of Shot of Nostalgia: Season 7 – The SmackDown Six Era, we're stepping into the stretch where SmackDown built its identity.
Acefield Retro breaks down Blueprint of Greatness, when Paul Heyman's creative direction started to take form. By late 2002, Raw leaned on promos and spectacle, while SmackDown focused on matches that told stories and defined characters.
This episode features a watch-along of Edge vs. Eddie Guerrero (No DQ, 9/26/02) — a match that shows exactly how the SmackDown Six style came to life: physical, precise, and built on timing and trust.
Also covered:
• Angle vs. Mysterio at SummerSlam 2002 — A showcase of what WWE's new in-ring standard could be.
• Angle & Benoit vs. Edge & Rey (8/29 SmackDown) — The match that revealed the SmackDown Six chemistry.
• Los Guerreros form as a team — Eddie and Chavo add humor, arrogance, and cohesion to the division.
• Tag Team Championship Tournament announcement — The moment Heyman's structure became official.
By September, SmackDown wasn't trying to compete with Raw — it had its own rhythm, purpose, and storytelling approach.
Presented by The Turnbuckle Tavern, where nostalgia meets conversation. Follow @TurnbuckleTavern and @AcefieldRetro for updates.
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Grab a seat, pour one up, and revisit the months where SmackDown built the Blueprint of Greatness.
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