WCW Monday Nitro vs. WWE Friday Night SmackDown

Attribute	WCW Monday Nitro	WWE Friday Night SmackDown
Original Air Date	1995-2001	1999-present
Network	TNT	Fox
Founder	Eric Bischoff	Vince McMahon
Commentators	Various	Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Pat McAfee
Championships	WCW World Heavyweight Championship, WCW United States Championship, etc.	WWE Universal Championship, WWE Intercontinental Championship, etc.

History

WCW Monday Nitro was a professional wrestling television program produced by World Championship Wrestling (WCW) that aired from 1995 to 2001. It was created to compete with WWE's Monday Night Raw and became a significant rival to the WWE during the Monday Night Wars. On the other hand, WWE Friday Night SmackDown debuted in 1999 as a sister show to WWE's flagship program, Monday Night Raw. It has since become one of the longest-running weekly episodic television shows in history.

Format

WCW Monday Nitro was known for its innovative format, featuring a fast-paced, action-packed show that often included unexpected twists and turns. The show was also known for its use of celebrity guest appearances and live musical performances. In contrast, WWE Friday Night SmackDown follows a more traditional wrestling format, with a focus on in-ring action and storytelling. The show typically features a mix of singles matches, tag team matches, and championship bouts.

Production Values

WCW Monday Nitro was known for its high production values, with elaborate sets, pyrotechnics, and special effects. The show also featured a unique entrance ramp that wrestlers would walk down to enter the ring. WWE Friday Night SmackDown also boasts impressive production values, with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and video screens. The show's set design changes periodically to reflect different themes and storylines.

Championships

WCW Monday Nitro featured several championships, including the WCW World Heavyweight Championship, the WCW United States Championship, and the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. The show also introduced the WCW World Tag Team Championship and the WCW Television Championship. WWE Friday Night SmackDown features its own set of championships, including the WWE Universal Championship, the WWE Intercontinental Championship, and the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship. The show also showcases the WWE Women's Championship and the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship.

Storylines

WCW Monday Nitro was known for its compelling storylines and rivalries, including the infamous feud between Hollywood Hogan and Sting. The show also featured the nWo storyline, which became one of the most popular and controversial angles in wrestling history. WWE Friday Night SmackDown also features engaging storylines and rivalries, such as the ongoing feud between Roman Reigns and Jey Uso. The show has produced memorable moments, including surprise returns, shocking betrayals, and emotional victories.

Talent

WCW Monday Nitro featured a roster of talented wrestlers, including legends like Ric Flair, Sting, and Goldberg. The show also showcased up-and-coming stars like Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, and Chris Jericho. WWE Friday Night SmackDown boasts a roster of top-tier talent, including superstars like Roman Reigns, Sasha Banks, and Daniel Bryan. The show also features emerging talent from WWE's developmental system, such as Bianca Belair and Big E.

Legacy

WCW Monday Nitro left a lasting legacy on the wrestling industry, revolutionizing the way wrestling was presented on television. The show's impact can still be felt today, with many of its innovations being adopted by other wrestling promotions. WWE Friday Night SmackDown has also made a significant impact on the industry, becoming a cornerstone of WWE's programming lineup. The show continues to draw in millions of viewers each week and remains a key platform for WWE's top stars.