The Stone Cold Steve Austin and Booker T grocery-store brawl aired on the December 13, 2001 episode of WWE SmackDown. WWE’s own retrospective describes it as a moment “very much out of its element,” which is why it still stands out in a catalog full of arena brawls and backstage run-ins.
When and where it aired
WWE dates the segment to the December 13, 2001 episode of SmackDown. The fight takes place inside a grocery store, and the two participants are “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Booker T. The setting is the detail that separates it from the rest of the feud: most of the Austin–Booker T rivalry played out in the ring and on the show’s standard set pieces, while this brawl moved the conflict into an everyday retail space.
How WWE describes the segment
WWE’s milestone retrospective, written by Michael Burdick and published October 12, 2011, is the most direct official account of the brawl. It frames the moment with two lines that are still useful for understanding why it is remembered:
- It calls the segment a SmackDown moment “very much out of its element,” in which the two men “brawled it out inside a grocery store.”
- It jokes that the brawl brought “new meaning to ‘bruising the melons.'”
Those are WWE’s editorial words, not quotations from Austin, Booker T or any production staffer, so they should be attributed to the retrospective rather than to either wrestler.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- This WWE Superstar Ring playset brings the action off the screen and into the living room with a WrestleMania ring and ring labels for 2 different events!
- Dress up with the WWE ring with Main Event and RAW labels, 2 of each!
- Use the footpegs to pose WWE action figures (each sold separately, subject to availability) -- Pro Tension Ring Ropes are perfect for launching them into battle!
- Throw down opponents and pin them to the realistic spring-loaded Ring Mat Floor!
- Reenact favorite WWE matches or create new rivalries!
What the official listing confirms
WWE also maintains an official video listing for the segment that describes Austin and Booker T as engaged in “a fierce SmackDown rivalry.” That listing confirms the participants, the show and the feud context. It does not add production details, such as how the set was built, how long the brawl ran or what was planned in advance.
Where to watch it
Availability depends on the service and the country, so check before you plan a viewing. As of this writing, the official clip page lists several WWE-linked viewing options, including WWE Network, Netflix, Sony LIV and Flow. Listing a service on the clip page does not confirm that every service carries this exact segment in every territory.
Rank #2
- LARGE-SCALE WRESTLING RING – Measuring 21.5 inches by 21.5 inches, this wrestling ring gives your action figures a bigger stage for matches, displays and play.
- REALISTIC RING DETAILS – Features high-quality metal ring posts, cloth turnbuckles and a padded foam mat for a more authentic wrestling figure setup.
- INCLUDES BREAKABLE RING STEP – Comes with 1 deluxe breakable ring step to add more action, impact and storytelling possibilities to every match.
- CENTERPIECE FOR YOUR COLLECTION – Create championship matches, rivalries, entrances, displays and toy photography scenes with a full-size wrestling figure ring.
- MADE FOR WRESTLING ACTION FIGURES – Designed to work with wrestling action figures and create a realistic arena-style setup for collectors and fans.
- Open the official WWE video listing for the Austin and Booker T grocery-store segment.
- Note the viewing options shown on that page for your country.
- Open the service you already use and search for the December 13, 2001 SmackDown episode or the segment title.
- If the segment is not in your service’s catalog, treat that as a territory or licensing limit rather than a broken link, and check again later, since catalogs change.
What is and is not established
The sourced facts here are the date, the show, the two participants, the grocery-store setting and WWE’s own framing of the brawl as unusual. The evidence does not include a full transcript of the episode, a behind-the-scenes account of how the brawl was staged, audience or ratings figures for the segment, or any named interview in which Austin or Booker T explains why it was booked. Any article that gives those details without a named source is going beyond what is documented.
The phrase “remains utterly iconic” is a fair reading of how WWE itself presents the segment and how often it is recalled as a standout moment, but no independent ranking or survey in the available evidence measures its popularity. Treat “iconic” here as an editorial judgment rather than a measured result.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Quick Recap
Best Value
![Mattel WWE Superstar 14-inch Ring with Authentic Logo, Flexible Ropes & Spring-loaded Mat for Bouncing Action [Amazon Exclusive]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Fl81wYDuL._SL160_.jpg)
- This highly authentic WWE Superstar ring has flexible ropes to simulate true action.
- Bounce off the ropes to launch signature moves with full body force just like the WWE Superstars do!
- Slam your WWE Superstars into the spring-loaded ring mat for an authentic bounce!
- At 14-inches across, the ring's size means the arena can be fully loaded with WWE figures for big, body slammin' battle action (figures sold separately).
- Kids and collectors will love setting up their favorite matches with WWE figures (sold separately), or engaging in new rivalries!
Rank #4
- Recreate matches from Monday Night RAW, Friday Night Smackdown, and more with an authentic WWE Superstar Ring!
- Bounce WWE action figures off the Real Flex Ropes for launching attacks.
- Slam Superstars onto the Spring-Loaded Mat for extra bounce.
- Battle for championships with WWE Basic, Elite Collection, and Ultimate Edition action figures (each sold separately, subject to availability).
- Kids ages 6 & up in the WWE Universe can collect every ring to play out any event (each sold separately, subject to availability).
Rank #3
- Recreate unpredictable finishes and thrilling ladder matches with the WWE Money In The Bank Cash-In Ring playset!
- The action-packed ring stands more than 20-inches tall and features 2 ways to play!
- Choose Kick-Out Mode when it's time to go for the pin or set to Money In The Bank Mode to send Superstar figures (sold separately) flying toward the suspended briefcase or out of the ring.
- An astonishing 40+ sounds and phrases punch up the excitement even more -- just like in a real Money In The Bank ladder match!
- Amp up the action with iconic WWE accessories like a breakaway scaffold crane, ladders and WWE Money In The Bank briefcase!
“
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
