Past SMACKDOWN Shows 2005
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SMACKDOWN
#281
1-6-05
Mohegan Sun Casino Arena
Mohegan Sun, Connecticut
The unstable Heidenreich has always claimed he fears no man, including Undertaker. However, we learned Thursday night
that there is something that even gives him the shivers. Unfortunately for Heidenreich, it`s caskets. And after a
bizarre Handicap Match against Undertaker on SmackDown! at the Mohegan Sun Casino, Heidenreich will be forced to meet
his fiercest rival in a Casket Match, an Undertaker specialty, at the Royal Rumble. Earlier in the night, SmackDown!
General Manager Theodore Long placed Heidenreich and manager Paul Heyman in a Handicap Match against Undertaker.
If Heidenreich and Heyman won, they could make their own stipulation for the Royal Rumble. If not, the Casket Match
would stand. Heidenreich actually had the upper hand during much of the match. But Taker summoned his druids, who brought
a pair of caskets ringside. A petrified Heidenreich tagged Heyman into the match and left via the stands. Moments later,
Heyman took a Tombstone and was placed in the casket as Taker slammed it shut.
Meanwhile, WWE Champion JBL was up to his old tricks with the help of Image Consultant Amy Weber. Weber was caught
flirting with Kurt Angle backstage and asked the Olympic Champ to meet her in her private dressing room later in the show.
Angle gladly obliged and happened to walk in on what he thought was Amy taking a shower. Angle stripped down to his
underwear waiting for Amy to emerge from the stall. But instead, it was Joy Giovanni, who screamed and ran out of the
room and into the hands of Big Show. Show, who has always been protective of Joy, chased Angle into the ring and
pummeled him, Luther Reigns and Mark Jindrak. We learned later that JBL orchestrated the whole event, as Weber placed
her name plate over the one on Joy`s dressing room door. As a result, Angle and Big Show, JBL`s Triple Threat
opponents at the Royal Rumble, beat the hell out of each other for no
reason.
The much-anticipated Battle Rap between U.S. Champion John Cena and Kenzo Suzuki eventually turned ugly when some
Divas visited. Kenzo couldn't help but throw himself at Michelle McCool, who was then attacked by Hiroko. A brawl ensued
as Cena and Suzuki will meet next week for the U.S. Title.
Inside the ring, Rey Mysterio got the better of Eddie Guerrero again. Latino Heat tried to trick the referee with his
infamous belt plant, but it didn’t work and Mysterio swooped in for the victory.
Doug Basham, with some timely help from his brother Danny, defeated Rob Van Dam. RVD, who was preparing to put the
finishing touches on Doug, had his back turned momentarily when Danny flew in and switched places. RVD was then caught
off guard and lost a controversial match.
Funaki defeated Akio to retain his Cruiserweight Championship. During the match, Carlito marched around with a petition
to oust Theodore Long form office, securing a number of signatures from the camera crew and people in the crowd.
Tough Enough Champion Daniel Puder made a few more enemies backstage. This week he rubbed both Torrie Wilson and
Miss Jackie the wrong way.
Also, Carlito continued his campaign against Teddy Long. And this time poor Joy felt his wrath when she wouldn't
sign a petition to remove the General Manager.
MATCHES:
Rey Mysterio defeated Eddie Guerrero.
Doug Basham defeated Rob Van Dam.
Cruiserweight Champion Funaki defeated Akio.
Kurt Angle defeated Brian Black.
Undertaker vs. Heidenreich & Paul Heyman ended in a no contest.
SMACKDOWN
#282
1-13-05
St. Pete Times Forum
Tampa, Florida
Even the practical jokes are getting dangerous on SmackDown! One week after WWE Champion JBL and his Cabinet tricked
Kurt Angle into stripping down to his underwear while Joy Giovanni was taking a shower, the Olympic Champion would
get his sweet revenge in a painful way. Thursday in Tampa, Florida, Joy and JBL Image Consultant Amy Weber were
scheduled for a match after yet another backstage scuffle, but when Joy didn`t appear for the match, foul play
was suspected. Long, who had a rough night that included run-ins with disgruntled Superstars Heidenreich and Carlito,
immediately organized a search party, with no luck. Finally, after Angle interrupted JBL during his acceptance speech
for winning the Florida Agricultural Group Man of the Year award, he discovered Joy tied up in the trunk of JBL`s white
limo! Show erupted with anger, chokeslammed newly crowned Tag Team Champions The Basham Brothers and hit Chief of Staff
Orlando Jordan with six consecutive brutal chair shots to the back. JBL and Weber escaped the ring and left via the
stands, claiming they had nothing to do with Joy’s disappearance. Moments later, cameras revealed Angle, Mark
Jindrak and Luther Reigns laughing backstage, as Angle all but admitted he was behind the whole fiasco. All of this
simply adds to the intense drama for the Triple Threat Match at the Royal Rumble Jan. 30 between Angle, JBL and Big Show.
Meanwhile, new WWE Tag Team Champions were crowned as The Basham Brothers won a grueling Fatal Fourway, pinning a
distracted Rey Mysterio for the belts. After the teams of Jindrak & Reigns and Eddie Guerrero & Booker T had been
eliminated, Doug Basham attacked an already injured RVD by slamming the metal steps into his knee while the ref wasn`t
looking. As medics took RVD away, Mysterio was clearly shaken. The Bashams took advantage by illegally switching places
after Mysterio had hit his 619 on Doug. Danny jumped in and connected with a power bomb for the cover.
John Cena had little trouble defending his United States Championship with a quick win over Kenzo Suzuki. Cena then
celebrated with the fans after the match.
Also, Cruiserweight Champion Funaki defeated Nunzio in a title match.
MATCHES:
Basham Brothers defeated Luther Reigns & Mark Jindrak, Eddie Guerrero & Booker T,
WWE Tag Team Champions RVD & Rey Mysterio in Fatal Fourway to become new tag champs.
U.S. Champion John Cena defeated Kenzo Suzuki
Cruiserweight Champion Funaki defeated Nunzio
Kurt Angle defeated Roderick Strong in an Angle Invitational match
Amy Weber defeated Joy Giovanni via a forfeit
SMACKDOWN
#283
1-20-05
Bell Centre
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
It wasn`t looking to be a good night for Kurt Angle. Both WWE Champion JBL and Big Show were eagerly awaiting Angle`s
arrival at SmackDown! in Montreal Thursday night, and both had painful plans for the Olympic Champion after he publicly
apologized to Joy. Angle`s sick practical joke last week involving Joy`s abduction left both men furious. However,
nobody turns lemons into lemonade quite like Angle. Before the show was over, Angle formed an uneasy and unlikely alliance
with JBL and the two deviants organized a seven-on-one attack of the Big Show to close the night. The bloody assault
included a vicious chair shot to the head and a blast from the steel steps as Show was left down and out in Canada.
Suddenly, the condition of Show leading into the Royal Rumble`s Triple Threat match on Jan. 30 in Fresno, California
is a matter of major uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Heidenreich may have gotten a deadly glimpse into his future. After coming to the ring to sign Carlito`s
petition against General Manager Theodore Long, Undertaker appeared on the Titantron monitor, standing over a casket
filled with a lifeless model of Heidenreich`s body. Those two will face off in a Casket Match at the Royal Rumble.
SmackDown! also had three Superstars qualify for the Royal Rumble. Rey Mysterio defeated Chavo Guerrero in a thrilling
match between the cruiserweights.
Scotty 2 Hotty returned with authority, defeating Akio for another spot in the Rumble. Plus, United States Champion
John Cena defeated Rene Dupree to claim his spot for the Chain Gang in Fresno. But after the match, Kenzo Suzuki,
still upset with last week`s loss, rushed the ring and attacked Cena. Those two will meet again next week for
the U.S. title.
In tag team action, Eddie Guerrero got caught cheating again. This time, after using the belt to knock out Doug Basham,
the referee turned just at the right moment to catch Latino Heat with the hardware. Booker T & Eddie were disqualified
and the Basham Brothers retained their title. Eddie and Booker had a brief argument in the middle of the ring after the
match, but apparently there were no hard feelings after Eddie returned to save Booker from a 3-on-1 beating he was
receiving from the Bashams and Orlando Jordan.
MATCHES:
WWE Tag Team Champions Basham Brothers defeated Eddie Guerrero & Booker T.
Scotty 2 Hotty defeated Akio
Rey Mysterio defeated Chavo Guerrero
John Cena defeated Rene Dupree
SMACKDOWN
#284
1-27-05
Alltel Arena
Little Rock, Arkansas
Suddenly, Big Show`s problems don`t seem so bad. One week after WWE Champion JBL and Kurt Angle shocked the world,
forming an unlikely alliance and violently attacking Show with a steel chair and ring steps, the biggest Superstar
in WWE got some creative revenge. Show convinced SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long to arrange a Last Man
Standing match between JBL and Angle for the main event on SmackDown! The result was an exhausting battle that left
both JBL and Angle down and out as Show watched from a backstage monitor wearing a devilish grin. The match was a draw,
with both Angle and JBL taking vicious shots with a chair and being unable to get up before the required 10-count. Now,
all three Superstars appear to be on equal footing for their highly-anticipated Triple Threat Match for the WWE
Championship at the Royal Rumble this Sunday on pay-per-view from Fresno, California.
Meanwhile, SmackDown! had another qualifier Thursday as Paul London won a wild Fatal Fourway, defeating Shannon Moore,
Cruiserweight Champion Funaki and Spike Dudley to earn a spot in the Royal Rumble Match.
John Cena defended his United States Championship for the second time in three weeks against Kenzo Suzuki. He then
grabbed the mic and told the fans he was ready to roll with the Chain Gang into the Royal Rumble and emerge victorious.
Heidenreich read another poem, as his Casket Match with Undertaker this Sunday rapidly approaches. His words were
somewhat slurred however, as the unstable giant began foaming from the mouth before dropping to his knees.
The coalition between JBL&`s and Angle`s factions managed to last all of about 10 minutes as Luther Reigns, Mark
Jindrak & Chief of Staff Orlando Jordan teamed up to face Eddie Guerrero, Booker T & Rey Mysterio in a six-man tag match.
After the coalition was defeated, a brawl between Reigns, Jordan and Jindrak soon followed before Angle and JBL stormed
the ring, quickly dissolving the fleeting alliance.
MATCHES:
Eddie Guerrero, Booker T & Rey Mysterio defeated Orlando Jordan, Luther Reigns & Mark Jindrak
Paul London defeated Funaki, Spike Dudley and Shannon Moore in a Fatal Fourway match
U.S. Champion John Cena defeated Kenzo Suzuki
Kurt Angle vs. JBL ended in a Double Countout in a Last Man Standing Match
SMACKDOWN
#285
2-3-05
Hewlitt Packard Pavilion
San Jose, California
For the Superstars of SmackDown!, the road to WrestleMania 21 began Thursday night. And things are already getting
pretty interesting. SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long announced a special 8-man No. 1 Contender Tournament
to determine who the WWE Champion will face at WrestleMania 21. Of course, Big Show and current WWE Champion JBL still
have the painful matter of their Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match at No Way Out on Feb. 20. Long also said that if RAW
Superstar and Royal Rumble winner Batista decided to jump to SmackDown!, there would be a Triple Threat Match at
WrestleMania 21. As usual, JBL wasn`t too crazy about Long’s tournament plan, complaining he would have to scout
all eight men and still find time to prepare for Big Show at No Way Out. However, the champ was slightly appeased when
he heard Chief of Staff Orlando Jordan would get to face U.S. Champion John Cena in a quarterfinal match next week on
SmackDown! from Japan. Cena and JBL would later exchange words in the ring. After JBL told Cena he wasn`t in his league,
Cena gave JBL an FU for his trouble. Meanwhile, the first quarterfinal match had a dose of controversy. Undertaker and
Rene Dupree battled to a double countout, thanks in part to outside interference from Luther Reigns and Mark Jindrak.
Reigns and Jindrak were very interested in the match since the winner could possibly face Kurt Angle. Long later announced
neither Superstar would advance. As a result, the winner of next week’s Kurt Angle/Rey Mysterio match will get a bye
right into the final. In the main event, Booker T defeated Eddie Guerrero in an exciting quarterfinal match. It was a very
satisfying win for Booker, who was still upset about his fate at the Rumble. Eddie, of course, faked a knee injury in an
attempt to gain an advantage, but Booker T was onto his tricks, and recorded the victory.
Also, Kurt Angle continued his Invitational, this time with a twist. The hometown hero turned out to be none other than
Nunzio, who volunteered to fight Angle after the Olympic champion stole his Rumble spot on Sunday. Nunzio was determined,
but Angle rolled to another victory, forcing the full-blooded Italian to tap out to the ankle lock.
Carlito had some news for Long later in the night. According to Carlito, his petition to oust Long has been forwarded to
WWE Headquarters. Carlito told Long he would be asked to appear at a special hearing sometime next week.
In non-tournament action, Big Show clobbered the Basham Brothers in a Handicap Match.
Also, Mysterio defeated Jindrak, who was hoping to soften up Rey for Angle next week.
WWE also announced five new inductees into the Hall of Fame: The Iron Sheik, a former WWE Champion; Nikolai Volkoff,
top contender to both Bruno Sammartino and Hollywood Hogan; Cowboy Bob Orton, Mouth of the South Jimmy Hart,
manager of such Superstars as King Kong Bundy, The Hart Foundation and The Honky Tonk Man; and Mr. Wonderful
Paul Orndorff, a participant in the first WrestleMania main event. They will all be honored as part of the Class of
2005 in a special ceremony the night before WrestleMania 21 in Los Angeles.
MATCHES:
Kurt Angle defeated Nunzio
Rey Mysterio defeated Mark Jindrak
Big Show defeated The Basham Brothers in a handicap match
Undertaker vs. Rene Dupree, ended in a double countout
SMACKDOWN
#286
2-10-05 Taped on 2-6-05
Saitama Super Arena
Saitama, Japan
Thanks to a nicely-timed bye, Kurt Angle should be well-rested and ready when he arrives in his hometown of Pittsburgh
for No Way Out on Feb. 20. The Olympic Champion advanced in the SmackDown! No. 1 Contender Tournament with an exhausting
quarterfinal victory over Rey Mysterio in front of 17,738 fans in Saitama, Japan, Thursday night. The first SmackDown! to
take place from Japan certainly didn`t disappoint. Angle and Mysterio went back-and-forth in the main event, with Mysterio
finally hitting Angle with a 619 on his third attempt. But the resilient Angle outlasted the cruiserweight and eventually
forced Mysterio to tap out to the ankle lock.
Meanwhile, United States Champion John Cena made relatively short work of JBL’s Chief of Staff Orlando Jordan in the
last quarterfinal match. Cena will renew an old rivalry with Booker T next week in Cleveland in the semifinal round. The
winner of that match will face Angle at No Way Out in the final, and the winner of that match gets a shot at the WWE
Championship at WrestleMania 21.
Also, the appreciative Japanese fans saw Eddie Guerrero defeat Kenzo Suzuki and Funaki defeat Chavo Guerrero to retain
his Cruiserweight Championship.
WWE Champion JBL had his typically unique night. After the champ was supposedly knocked silly from a tranquilizer dart
accidentally fired by Image Consultant Amy Weber, JBL made his way to the ring, barked insults at an inflatable Godzilla
and then stripped down to his underwear. Big Show, JBL`s opponent at No Way Out in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match, came
out to check on JBL, who suddenly appeared much sharper, hitting Show with a Clothesline From Hell and then calling for
his Cabinet to finish the job. But Show would mount an inspiring comeback, and a couple of chokeslams later, he cleared
the ring, just adding more bad blood between him and the champion leading into Feb. 20.
Also, another match was added to the No Way Out card. It all started when Luther Reigns, who cost Undertaker a victory
last week against Rene Dupree, boldly announced he had no fear of the ‘Taker. Moments later, during a tag team
match against the Bashams, Taker appeared in the ring. But Reigns ran for cover as the Deadman punished Mark
Jindrak with a chokeslam. Reigns and Undertaker will now face each other at No Way Out.
Torrie Wilson defeated Hiroko in a Kimono Match. Hiroko left the ring highly embarassed and barely dressed.
MATCHES:
Eddie Guerrero defeated Kenzo Suzuki
Funaki defeated Chavo Guerrero
Bashams vs. Luther Reigns & Mark Jindrak ended in a no contest
John Cena defeated Orlando Jordan
Torrie Wilson defeated Hiroko in a kimono match
Kurt Angle defeated Rey Mysterio
SMACKDOWN
#287
2-17-05 Taped on 2-15-05
Gund Arena
Cleveland, Ohio
JBL has never looked more uncomfortable. And for good reason. Just three days before No Way Out, the walls appear to be
closing in on the longtime WWE Champion. SmackDown! visited Cleveland, Ohio this week, and as promised, so did RAW`s
Batista. Three days after nearly being run over by JBL`s personal limo, Batista came to the arena Thursday night and,
with JBL and his Cabinet watching in horror from the middle of the ring, promptly took an aluminum baseball bat to all
10 windows of the limo, shattering glass everywhere. Batista then forcibly removed JBL`s trademark horns from the hood.
JBL sent Chief of Staff Orlando Jordan and Secretaries of Defense Doug and Danny Basham to the parking garage to confront
Batista, but he sped off in his car. Suddenly, Big Show, JBL&`s opponent at No Way Out in the first-ever Barbed Wire Steel
Cage Match, crashed the ring. The Cabinet raced back to help JBL subdue the giant, but then Batista raced down the ramp
and immediately wiped out the Cabinet, leaving just Show and Batista in the ring to stare down a back-peddling and visibly
nervous JBL.
SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long also announced that Batista will be at No Way Out and that Long will be at RAW
Monday to try and sign Evolution`s animal to the SmackDown! roster.
Meanwhile, John Cena defeated Booker T and will now face Kurt Angle in Angle`s hometown of Pittsburgh at No Way Out in the
final of the No. 1 Contender`s Tournament. The winner will land a spot opposite the WWE Champion at WrestleMania 21, a
match that could also include Batista.
Cena and Angle exchanged a long stare and words later in the show, with Angle reminding Cena of how he defeated Cena in
his very first WWE match.
Two more matches were added to the No Way Out card as Cruiserweight Champion Funaki, Spike Dudley, Akio, Paul London,
Shannon Moore and Chavo Guerrero will take part in an Elimination Match for Funaki`s championship.
Also, Rey Mysterio revoked the rematch clause in his contract to face WWE Tag Team Champions the Bashams. He also
announced his partner would be Eddie Guerrero. Rey then went on to defeat Doug Basham in singles action to open the
program.
It was also announced that No Way Out will feature a Rookie Diva 2005 Competition featuring SmackDown! beauties Lauren,
Michelle, Rochelle and Joy.
Long and Carlito had another encounter in Long`s office Thursday. Long told Carlito that the WWE Board of Directors
would issue their findings and a final ruling next week after a meeting last week at WWE Headquarters in Stamford,
Connecticut.
Also, Luther Reigns only added to the venom between himself and the Undertaker by hitting Taker with a camera Thursday.
Those men will settle their differences at No Way Out on Sunday.
MATCHES:
Rey Mysterio defeated Doug Basham
Paul London, Funaki & Shannon Moore defeated Chavo Guerrero, Spike Dudley & Akio
Kurt Angle defeated local Danny Giamundo in an Angle Invitational match
John Cena defeated Booker T
Luther Reigns defeated Nunzio
Undertaker defeated Mark Jindrak
NO WAY OUT
The Big Escape
2-20-05 Live
Mellon Arena
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
BOOKER T vs. HEIDENREICH
On this night, Heidenreich only added to his reputation as an unstable lunatic. After a fairly even match spilled outside
of the ring and near the announcers' table, a frustrated Heidenreich took a steel chair and brutally rammed it into the
throat of Booker T, leading to the obvious disqualification of the insane poet. The bad blood between these Superstars
started simply enough on the last SmackDown! before No Way Out. After Booker was defeated by John Cena in the semifinals
of the No. 1 Contender's Tournament, he noticed Heidenreich laughing backstage. Booker T took issue with Heidenriech's
good mood, ultimately leading to this last-minute addition to the pay-per-view card. And considering how their match ended
in Pittsburgh, this rivalry may have just started.
ROOKIE DIVA 2005 COMPETITION
After all the votes were tallied, Joy Giovanni was selected as SmackDown!'s top Rookie Diva. Joy earned 65 percent of the
vote, while Michelle earned 18, Rochelle got 11 and Lauren earned 8 percent, respectively. Joy outshined the others in an
Evening Gown, Talent and Swimsuit competitions, although Michelle made a spalsh in her talent competition by slamming
veteran Diva and competition co-host Dawn Marie.
CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATION MATCH
It looked as if Paul London was about to put the finishing touches on a heroic performance at No Way Out. But Chavo
Guerrero got his hands on the ropes and London was left wondering what could have been. Guerrero became the new
Cruiserweight Champion by winning a six-man Elimination Match. Until the final moments, London was the story. He defeated
former champion Funaki, then pinned Spike Dudley with the help of a Funaki kick. Next was Shannon Moore, who was finished
after a 450 splash. London and Akio would have an exhausting battle that ended with Akio being countout. London himself
barely made it to his feet. Meanwhile, a fresh Guerrero was watching all of this unfold, patiently waiting his turn to
pounce. Still, London found enough energy to get Chavo on his back, only to have Guerrero reverse a roll-up, use the ropes
for leverage, gain the pin and the championship.
REY MYSTERIO & EDDIE GUERRERO vs. THE BASHAMS
On paper, Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio seemed like a dream team. And in the ring, that's exactly how it played out.
Guerrero and Mysterio, two of the greatest Latino Superstars of all-time, defeated the Bashams for the WWE Tag Team
Championship at No Way Out. Eddie and Rey ultimately outsmarted the Bashams. With the referee focused on taking one of
championships out of the ring, Eddie got his hands on the other and wallopped Doug Basham while Rey gave Danny a 619
before he could break up the pin. It was an especially sweet win for Mysterio, who along with former partner Rob Van Dam,
lost the WWE Tag Team Championship to the Bashams on SmackDown! With RVD injured, Guerrero proved to be a brilliant
replacement.
NO. 1 CONTENDER'S TOURNAMENT FINAL: JOHN CENA vs. KURT ANGLE
John Cena punched his ticket for WrestleMania 21 in dramatic fashion. In arguably the greatest win of his career, Cena
fought off an injured ankle to defeat four-time WWE Champion Kurt Angle in his hometown of Pittsburgh at No Way Out in
the final of the No. 1 Contender's Tournament. Angle had the upper hand for much of the match, working Cena over with some
strong mat wrestling. Cena rallied, but Angle once again went after Cena's ankle, as Cena could barley stand on two feet.
But late in the match, with refereee Charles Robinson briefly down, Angle went to a corner and grabbed Cena's steel chain.
Angle wrapped the chain around his fist as he prepared to put the finishing touches on Cena. But just as Angle turned
around, Cena somehow found the energy to lift himself off the mat and stunned Angle with a shoulder block to the
midsection. Moments later, Cena connected with the FU to secure the emotional win. Cena now automatically gets a chance to
wrestle the WWE Champion, and possibly Batista, at WrestleMania 21.
UNDERTAKER vs. LUTHER REIGNS
Luther Reigns might not have been scared of Undertaker, but he still wasn't able to defeat him. After Mark Jindrak and
Luther Reigns cost Undertaker a chance of advancing the No. 1 Contender's Tournament earlier this month, the Deadman
wanted revenge. And Undertaker would get it at No Way Out in a physical and grueling match. Reigns was able to connect on
one swinging neckbreaker,but before he could apply another, the Deadman reversed the finisher with a DDT. Moments later,
it was Tombstone city and Reigns was down for the count.
WWE CHAMPIONSHIP: JBL vs. BIG SHOW
JBL escaped one painful problem, but may have crawled right into another. JBL retained his WWE Championship in a bloody
Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match against Big Show at No Way Out in unusual fashion. Big Show chokeslammed JBL off the top rope
and the force actually collapsed the ring canvas as JBL basically plummeted to the floor. Show then managed to break the
steel chain that was locking the door to the cage and marched right through, raising his hands in apparent victory. But
what Big Show couldn't see was that the resilient JBL had escaped through the bottom of the ring and crawled out moments
before Show had left via the more conventional door. Show, shocked that he wasn't leaving Pittsburgh with the championship,
went after a battered JBL before the Cabinet stormed the ring to save their boss. Suddenly, the men had more company as
RAW's Batista arrived and destroyed the Cabinet. Next, John Cena, who had previously earned his spot in the WrestleMania
main event by defeating Kurt Angle, came out and attacked JBL. Cena actually hit JBL with a spinbuster off a scaffolding
near the ramp area. The night ended with Cena and Batista staring at each other from across the arena.
SMACKDOWN
#288
2-24-05 Taped on 2-22-05
Wachovia Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Chief of Staff Orlando Jordan organized an elegant Celebration of Excellence Thursday for his boss and WWE Champion JBL.
The lavish party honored JBL for his 242 days as WWE Champion, the longest such reign in nearly a decade. The black tie
event was complete with champagne, ice sculptures, a five-piece orchestra, and included an oil painting of the champ
himself as a gift from his Cabinet. But it didn`t take long for the celebration to turn into a confrontation. John Cena,
JBL`s opponent at WrestleMania 21, along with Big Show,
the man JBL narrowly defeated in a Barbed Wire Steel Cage Match at No Way Out four days earlier, both crashed the party.
After a major brawl subsided, and the party was ultimately ruined, SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long made a tag team
match for the main event, featuring JBL & Jordan vs. Show & Cena. Show & Cena worked together to win the main event, as an
already injured JBL was now insulted on his special night.
Speaking of Mr. Long, the SmackDown! General Manager retained his job. Linda McMahon, representing the Board of Directors,
announced via satellite that all of Long`s actions were in the best interest of the fans. Petition-happy Carlito, who was
in the ring for the announcement, was furious.
Meanwhile, Kurt Angle won another round of the Angle Invitational. But when Tazz confronted the Olympic Champ about
whether he would accept Shawn Michaels challenge for a match at WrestleMania, Angle threw down the mic without
saying a word.
In tag team action, Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio retained their WWE Tag Team Championship in a re-match with the
Bashams.
Also, Chavo Guerrero defended his Cruiserweight Championship against Funaki. Paul London stormed the ring after the match,
still apparently upset that Chavo used the ropes to secure the victory at No Way Out.
Undertaker defeated both Mark Jindrak & Luther Reigns in a Double Jeopardy Match. After Taker made Jindrak tap out
to a triangle choke hold, Reigns and Jindrak exchanged words and punches, blaming each other for the loss.
MATCHES:
Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero defeated The Bashams
Kurt Angle defeated local Matt Martel in a Angle Invitational match
Chavo Guerrero defeated Funaki
Undertaker defeated Luther Reigns & Mark Jindrak in a Double Jeopardy Match
John Cena & Big Show defeated JBL & Orlando Jordan
SMACKDOWN
#289
3-3-05 Taped on 3-1-05
Pepsi Arena
Albany, New York
Being in JBL`s Cabinet certainly has its benefits. While everyone in Albany, New York, thought JBL had already left the
state capital after being disrespected by the fans, the WWE Champion actually had no intentions of ditching Chief of Staff
Orlando Jordan on his big night. Jordan, with some timely help from the Bashams and JBL himself, upset John Cena to win
the United States Championship Thursday. JBL re-entered the arena, came through the crowd, snuck up near the ring apron
and smacked Cena in the head with the WWE Championship belt to ensure victory. A still reeling Jordan and proud JBL mocked
a stunned Cena as they left the ring with his trademark spinning belt. Of course, Cena is hoping to capture JBL`s WWE
championship at WrestleMania 21 on April 3.
Meanwhile, another WrestleMania match got a little more interesting as RAW`s Shawn Michaels, dressed as a cameraman,
snuck up on Kurt Angle before his invitational and attacked the Olympic Champ. Michaels, who was seeking revenge for
earlier this week on RAW when Angle beat him down, was escorted from the arena, no doubt counting the days until
WrestleMania 21.
Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio retained their WWE Tag Team Championship by defeating Luther Reigns and Mark Jindrak.
After the match, Reigns and Jindrak continued a week-long argument, this one ending when Jindrak flattened Reigns with
a left hook. Later in the show, Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero spoke to Rey Mysterio, questioning Latino Heat`s
loyalty to his partner.
In mixed tag action, Dawn Marie, apparently sick and tired of the new Divas strutting their stuff, challenged Michelle
McCool to a match. Dawn came out with Rene Dupree, only to watch in horror as McCool selected Big Show as her partner.
McCool and Show rolled to victory.
Later, Funaki informed Show that Japan Sumo Grand Champion Akebono was interested in facing WWE`s largest Superstar.
Show said anytime, anyplace, anywhere.
Booker T got his rematch with Heidenreich. Heidenreich, who clobbered Booker T with a chair at No Way Out, once again
brought a chair in the ring. But this time Booker T used it against him, eventually hitting the lunatic with a DDT on
the chair.Booker was disqualified for the action.
Also, SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long wasted no time putting injured Carlito to work, telling the man who
nearly cost him his job to shovel snow in the parking lot.
MATCHES:
Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero defeated Mark Jindrak & Luther Reigns
Heidenreich defeated Booker T. via a DQ
Michelle McCool & Big Show defeated Dawn Marie & Rene Dupree
Orlando Jordan defeated John Cena to become new U.S. Champion
SMACKDOWN
#290
3-10-05 Taped on 3-8-05
Roanoke Civic Center Coliseum
Roanoke, Virginia
We saw a different side of John Cena Thursday night. And it`s a side WWE Champion JBL and his Cabinet might want to avoid.
The former three-time United States Champion was basically on a rampage on SmackDown! Cena wielded a steel pipe throughout
the entire show, gave General Manager Theodore Long an FU when he wouldn’t support his cause and eventually cleared
house during the main event as JBL narrowly escaped Cena’s wrath. It all started at the outset of the show when JBL
and Jordan took the spinning U.S. championship Jordan won from Cena last week, threw it in a garbage can and blew it up.
Cena would come out later on, but instead of dropping a rhyme, he demanded JBL and the Cabinet come to the ring. Long,
trying to restore some order to his show, would come out instead, telling Cena he had to wait 24 days until WrestleMania 21
and his WWE Championship match with JBL to get his revenge. Cena didn`t like that answer and gave Long an FU. Later, after
JBL & Jordan were disqualified for the use of a steel chair in their match with WWE Tag Team Champions Eddie Guerrero
& Rey Mysterio, Cena came back out and destroyed the Cabinet with the steel pipe, putting the finishing touches on
Orlando with an FU. JBL, WWE Championship in hand, watched from the first row of the stands as an angry Cena vented his
frustration.
Also, Undertaker officially accepted the challenge made by RAW’s Randy Orton Monday for a match at WrestleMania 21.
Carlito had the unenviable task of getting an answer from Taker. He would suffer a Tombstone for his trouble. Orton will
be at SmackDown! next week for the official contract signing.
Kurt Angle continued to taunt Shawn Michaels Thursday. Declaring he would accomplish in four weeks what it took HBK a
whole career to do, Angle kicked things off by winning his first-ever Ladder Match against hometown hero Mike Haywood
in the Angle Invitational. Angle announced he would face former Rocker and HBK partner Marty Jannetty next week. Angle
claims Jannetty taught HBK everything he knows.
Meanwhile, Booker T defeated Heidenreich in a no-disqualification match, using a devastating chair shot to the head to
finish off the unstable lunatic.
Mark Jindrak defeated former running partner Luther Reigns with another massive left hook.
Lastly, Big Show officially accepted his sumo match with Grand Champion Akebono of Japan for WrestleMania.
MATCHES:
Booker T. defeated Heidenreich
Mark Jindrak defeated Luther Reigns
Kurt Angle defeated Mike Haywood in an Angle Invitational, Ladder Match
Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio defeated JBL & Orlando Jordan via a DQ
SMACKDOWN
#291
3-17-05 Taped on 3-15-05
Savannah Civic Center Coliseum
Savannah, Georgia
Last week on SmackDown!, John Cena delivered a devastating FU to Theodore Long. This week, the SmackDown! General Manager
delivered the consequences to Cena's actions. With just 17 days remaining before the biggest match of Cena's career,
Long declared that the challenger could not lay a finger on JBL (unless during a sanctioned match) prior to WrestleMania.
If Cena disobeys, he would lose his chance at facing JBL for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. With thoughts of
costing Cena his WrestleMania opportunity, JBL found the challenger backstage and began to taunt him. In an attempt to get
Cena to attack him, the WWE Champion went as far as to target his mother, claiming she spent most of her time on her back.
Despite the verbal barbs, Cena kept his cool, knowing he was scheduled to face him later in the night in a six man tag
match. It was during the tag match that Cena earned his revenge. Not only did Cena and WWE Tag Team Champions Eddie
Guerrero and Rey Mysterio defeat JBL and the Bashams, but after the match, Cena did some taunting of his own, threatening
to flatten the champion with a steel chair. With his WrestleMania chance close to slipping away, Cena again controlled his
temper while JBL cowered from the thought of being smashed with the chair. Instead, Cena placed the chair upright over a
scared JBL and told him "you can't see me."
Elsewhere on SmackDown!, Kurt Angle continued his quest to match Shawn Michaels' accomplishments in the weeks leading up
to their WrestleMania showdown. This week's task was to defeat HBK's former tag team partner Marty Jannetty. Thinking he
would simply walk all over Jannetty, Angle got more than he bargained for. By match's end, Jannetty earned the respect of
many, as it appeared as though he had not missed a beat. Not only did Jannetty escape two Angle Slams, but he also managed
to find his way out of several ankle lock attempts. In the end, however, Angle found a way to secure the submission
maneuver, which led to Jannetty's submission.
The WrestleMania encounter pitting the legendary Undertaker against the Legend Killer Randy Orton was made official
Thursday night on SmackDown! when the two Superstars inked the contract. After Orton placed his signature on the paper,
he told the Deadman that he was not afraid of him. In an attempt to prove it, Orton slapped Undertaker across the face.
The move proved to be a poor decision, as paranormal activity began to occur within the arena. The Deadman even rocked
the arena with lightning bolts, as Orton left running. If the RAW Superstar was not scared before, chances are that has
changed.
Also on SmackDown!, newlywed Booker T defeated Luther Reigns, Heidenreich thanked Booker for helping him see the light,
Chavo Guerrero told Eddie Guerrero he might want to stop calling himself a Guerrero and so much more.
MATCHES:
Kurt Angle defeated Marty Jannetty via a submission
Booker T. defeated Luther Reigns
Paul London defeated Billy Kidman
John Cena, Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio defeated Bradshaw & The Basham Brothers
SMACKDOWN
#292
3-24-05 Taped on 3-22-05
Fed Ex Forum
Memphis, Tennessee
This week, it was JBL who was forced to keep his cool, just 10 days away from WrestleMania 21. SmackDown! General Manager
Theodore Long arranged a debate between the WWE Champion and John Cena, the man he’s scheduled to face on April 3.
Of course, Cena is prohibited by Long from touching JBL. However, Long amended the rule this week, saying Cena could
respond if physically provoked by the champion. Otherwise, Cena would lose his opportunity to face the WWE Champion at
WrestleMania. As a result, Cena did everything in his power to provoke JBL, vandalizing his limo, destroying his expensive
tie and hat, and even spray-painting “FU” on JBL’s chest. None of it worked however; as JBL kept his
composure and promised Cena he would get all he could handle at WrestleMania on April 3.
Meanwhile, a historic WrestleMania match was made when Rey Mysterio accepted Eddie Guerrero’s challenge.
Mysterio and Guerrero actually defended their WWE Tag Team Championship against Charlie Haas & Hardcore Holly before
Mysterio agreed the Latino Superstars would indeed tear the roof off the Staples Center on April 3.
Kurt Angle stooped to a new low in his month-long mission to diminish Shawn Michaels’ career. This week, Angle came
out to HBK’s “Sexy Boy” music accompanied by former HBK manager Sensational Sherri.
After mocking HBK’s outfit, music and dancing skills, Shawn Michaels himself appeared on the Titantron to introduce
some classic footage of the Showstopper in action. Sherri was visibly emotional after watching the montage, angering
Angle, who slapped her in an ankle lock before a host of referees and officials could break the hold.
It also wasn’t a good night for Rene Dupree. Earlier, Undertaker gave everyone an ominous warning that there would
be a sacrifice as he prepares for his match with Randy Orton at WrestleMania.
Throughout SmackDown! in Memphis, Tenn., the lights would flicker on and off, leaving everyone feeling a bit uneasy.
Finally, during Dupree’s match with Booker T, Undertaker suddenly appeared in the ring and promptly chokeslammed
and Tombstoned Dupree.
It was also announced that Big Show and Akebono would both be in Houston next week for their official Sumo Match weigh-in.
Show prepped for his WrestleMania match by destroying Luther Reigns and then tipping over a 4,400-pound Jeep Renegade.
MATCHES:
JBL defeated Scotty 2 Hotty
WWE Tag Team Champions Rey Mysterio & Edie Guerrero defeated Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas
Dawn Marie defeated Michelle McCool in a Cat Fight
Booker T vs. Rene Dupree ended in a No Contest
SMACKDOWN
#293
3-31-05 Taped on 3-29-05
Reliant Arena
Houston, Texas
Just when you thought the animosity between WWE Champion JBL and John Cena couldn’t run any deeper, SmackDown!
came to Houston, Texas, Thursday with WrestleMania 21 just three days away.During Cena’s match with a returning
Carlito, JBL came to the ring with four police officers demanding Cena was arrested for vandalizing JBL’s limo
last week. The cops put Cena in handcuffs and dragged him out of the ring. Meanwhile, JBL taunted the challenger and
eventually sent him down with a low blow as the bitter enemies prepare for their match at WrestleMania 21. Earlier in
the night, JBL guaranteed victory against Cena on Sunday.
SmackDown! also had a surprise visit from Cowboy Bob Orton, who will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this weekend.
Orton told SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long he stopped by to talk to Undertaker, Randy Orton’s opponent at
WrestleMania. Bob Orton told the crowd and Undertaker that his son had gotten in a little over his head with his actions
in recent weeks, including slapping Undertaker and hitting the RKO on Stacy Keibler on RAW. Orton proceeded to ask Taker
to show mercy on his son come April 3. For his part, Undertaker said the Legend Killer had already sealed his fate with
that slap. But just before Undertaker could drop the mic and leave the ring, RAW’s Randy Orton flew in and caught
him with an RKO, as father and son successfully set up the Deadman. The tension was raised to another level as their
WrestleMania showdown looms.
Kurt Angle was in a bad mood the entire night, and announcer Josh Mathews paid the price this week. After taking offense
to a question during a backstage interview, Angle lost it, beating Mathews up and down the ramp and eventually putting
him in the ankle lock in the center of the ring. Angle, obviously enraged, kept calling out Shawn Michaels during the
entire attack. Angle and HBK will lock horns come WrestleMania this Sunday on pay-per-view. Angle also introduced his own
video tribute.
The official weigh-in for Big Show and Akebono also took place Thursday. Big Show came in at 493 pounds but was actually
outweighed by Akebono, who came in at 504 pounds in the scale. Nearly 1,000 pounds will be in the ring when these two meet
during their WrestleMania Sumo Match.
Paul London won an exciting 8-Man Cruiserweight Battle Royal to become new Cruiserweight Champion. Chavo Guerrero, the
former champ, had his fate sealed when all seven competitors immediately tossed Guerrero from the ring.
Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio each lost to a Basham Thursday. And in each match, one good friend and tag team partner
inadvertently cost the other a chance to win. Both Latino Heat and Mysterio would forgive and forget, but could any of
this play a role in their huge match coming up at WrestleMania?
Meanwhile, Booker T, in his hometown, defeated Luther Reigns.
MATCHES:
Danny Basham defeated Eddie Guerrero
Paul London wins Cruiserweight Battle Royal becoming the New Champion
in order of elimination: Chavo Guerrero, Funaki, Nunzio, Spike Dudley, Scotty 2 Hotty, Akio, Billy Kidman
Booker T. defeated Luther Reigns
Doug Basham defeated Rey Mysterio
Akebono defeated a Local Houston wrestler
John Cena vs. Carlito ended in a No Contest
SMACKDOWN
#294
4-7-05 Taped on 4-5-05
Center
San Diego, California
It took more than nine months, but someone other than JBL walked to the ring with the WWE Championship Thursday night.
Before a raucous San Diego crowd, John Cena made his SmackDown! debut as the new champion, just four days after defeating
JBL at WrestleMania 21. Cena boldly declared that “
The champ is here,” and that he was ready to take on all-comers. But before Cena made his acceptance speech, JBL
came out to scold the crowd for embracing Cena. He claimed WWE and its fans needed him to be champion. As it turned out,
JBL wasn’t the only Superstar that felt that way. Eddie Guerrero, Booker T, Big Show, Rey Mysterio and Kurt Angle
all made in-ring appearances demanding an opportunity at Cena’s newly-won championship. That’s when General
Manager Theodore Long cleared up the mess, announcing an overconfident JBL had never requested a rematch clause and that
there would be a championship series between the contenders. And the first match would be JBL against Rey Mysterio in the
main event. Despite giving up close to 100 pounds to the former WWE Champion, Mysterio held his own and seemed poised for
the victory. Eddie Guerrero even came out and took out Orlando Jordan outside the ring. Latino Heat was then caught with a
kick to the back from JBL. But with his opponent’s back turned, Mysterio got hot and eventually connected with the
619 and was ready to record the pinfall in his hometown. But Guerrero, furious with JBL’s cheap shot just moments
earlier, jumped back in the ring and attacked JBL to break up the pin and ultimately get Mysterio disqualified. After the
match, the Cabinet rushed the ring, only to be cleared out by John Cena.
Next week, Kurt Angle will take on Eddie Guerrero in the second match of the Championship Series. Angle handily won
another Invitational Match Thursday, then he warned Cena his days as champ were numbered.
Meanwhile, Paul London survived his Cruiserweight Championship match with Billy Kidman to retain his championship.
London won despite suffering a gash on his forehead that required 18 staples to close. Despite the injury, London
managed to record the three-count. After the match, former champion Chavo Guerrero, who was doing commentary, joined
Kidman for a post-game attack on London.
Torrie Wilson defeated five other Viva Las Divas in the Bikini Contest. The winner was decided by fans’ applause.
Joy, Michelle and Lauren actually crashed the contest to strut their stuff, much to the crowd’s delight.
MATCHES:
Paul London defeated Billy Kidman
Big Show defeated Luther Reigns
Kurt Angle defeated Jose Macias in an Angle Invitational match
JBL defeated Rey Mysterio via a DQ
SMACKDOWN
#295
4-14-05 Taped on 4-12-05
Allstate Arena
Chicago, Illinois
WWE Champion John Cena unveiled his new championship Thursday night in Chicago. The wild Windy City crowd also watched a
former champion get one step closer to gaining another opportunity for WWE glory.
Kurt Angle advanced in the SmackDown! Championship Series with a wild victory over Eddie Guerrero in the main event. Both
Superstars had, and then lost momentum, in an exhausting match between a pair of old rivals. Late in the action, with the
referee down, a frustrated Angle finally brought a steel chair into the ring. But Rey Mysterio, Guerrero’s WWE Tag
Team Championship partner, would storm the ring, stun Angle and take back the chair. By the time Latino Heat turned around,
he saw Mysterio with a chair and became confused, sensing Mysterio was looking to inflict revenge for last week’s
incident when Guerrero cost Rey a chance to defeat JBL. But before Mysterio could explain the situation, Angle rammed
Mysterio from behind, ramming the chair right into Guerrero’s head. Angle would recall the ref and earn the victory.
Angle and JBL have now both advanced to a Triple Threat Match in two weeks in the United Kingdom. The winner of next
week’s Booker T-Big Show match will be the third and final entry. Meanwhile, Cena proudly wore his new spinning WWE
Championship. An infuriated JBL thought he had stolen the new gold when he intercepted a package from a delivery man
backstage. As it turned out, that box was filled with a nasty pile of guts from a local meat-packing plant. Earlier in the
night, JBL called out his Cabinet for shoddy work of late, claiming he still might be WWE Champion if Orlando Jordan and
the Bashams had done their jobs.
Carlito’s Cabana also made its debut with Mysterio as the first-ever guest. After Carlito tried to start more
trouble between Mysterio and Guerrero, a new tag team called MNM waltzed to the ring. The fur coat-wearing tandem of
Johnny Nitro and Joey Mercury, who were accompanied by Melina, claimed they could easily capture the WWE Tag Team
Championship with Rey and Eddie having so many issues. Moments later, they ambushed Mysterio, leaving him down and out as
they left the Cabana.
Paul London, who wasn’t cleared to wrestle this week after receiving 18 staples in his head and losing tons of blood
in a match last week, made an appearance and called out Chavo Guerrero. The Cruiserweight Champion wanted revenge for last
week. But Guerrero declined and then Billy Kidman attacked London from behind. Still, a furious London got the better of
Kidman, landing a 450 Splash as Guerrero watched.
Also, Heidenreich won a match and then recited a bizarre poem about breaking wind in the Windy City.
MATCHES:
Booker T. defeated Orlando Jordan (By DQ)
Booker T. & Big Show defeated Orlando Jordan & The Bashams via a Handicap Match
Torrie Wilson defeated Dawn Marie
Heidenreich defeated a local Chicago area wrestler
Kurt Angle defeated Eddie Guerrero
SMACKDOWN
#296
4-21-05 Taped on 4-18-05
Madison Square Garden
New York City
John Cena won’t know who his first WWE Championship defense will be against until next week. But it might not matter.
Cena looked stronger than ever in dispatching of United States Champion Orlando Jordan in a Champion vs. Champion Match at
Madison Square Garden in New York Thursday. Not only did Cena defeat Jordan, he overcame pesky interference from both Doug
& Danny Basham to emerge victorious.
Meanwhile, former WWE Champions Kurt Angle and JBL had their master plan backfire on them. While doing commentary during
the SmackDown! WWE Championship Series match between Big Show and Booker T, Angle and JBL decided to interfere and cause a
double disqualification. Angle and JBL figured that with no winner, it would just be them one-on-one next week in the
United Kingdom for a chance to face Cena. Not quite. General Manager Theodore Long immediately came out and ruled next
week’s match a Fatal Fourway featuring Angle, JBL, Booker T and Big Show with a spot opposite Cena on the line.
Later in the show, Angle and JBL lost a tag team match to Booker T and Big Show when Angle decided to walk out on his
partner at a crucial moment.
SmackDown! also crowned new WWE Tag Team Champions as newcomers MNM stunned Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio. Earlier,
MNM vandalized Latino Heat’s lowrider to trigger his anger and force the match. And while Eddie and Rey seemed to be
in control late in the action, Melina threw herself on Joey Mercury to stop the 619 and then distracted Eddie outside the
ring. Back in the ring, Johnny Nitro punched Mysterio and then both Nitro and Mercury connected with their devastating
finisher to pick up the win. After the match, a frustrated Guerrero pushed Mysterio to the mat and a disgusted Mysterio
quickly returned the favor.
The Brooklyn Brawler also made an appearance, sharing the ring with Heidenreich. Heidenreich read a poem and declared the
Brawler his friend. But the Brawler insulted his work and then revealed a Red Sox shirt under his Yankees shirt. To the
New York’s crowd delight, Heidenreich denounced the friendship and pounded the Brawler.
Also, impressive newcomer Matt Morgan had a match, quickly crushing his first opponent.
MATCHES:
Big Show vs. Booker T. ended in a Double Disqualification
Matt Morgan defeated a Local wrestler
Booker T. & Big Show defeated Kurt Angle & Bradshaw
Johnny Nitro & Joey Mercury defeated Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio to become New WWE Tag Team Champions
John Cena defeated Orlando Jordan in a Champion vs. Champion Match
SMACKDOWN
#297
4-28-05 Taped on 4-25-05
N.E.C. Arena
Birmingham, England
Since the moment he lost the WWE Championship to John Cena at WrestleMania 21, JBL has steadfastly maintained that he is
the more worthy champion. Now, JBL will get a golden opportunity to prove it. JBL outwitted and outlasted Big Show, Booker
T and Kurt Angle to win a brutal Fatal Fourway in the United Kingdom Thursday to conclude the WWE SmackDown! Championship
Series. JBL will now get the chance to win his coveted championship back against Cena. And it was hardly easy. After Big
Show dominated the early action, the other three Superstars finally ganged up on the giant, as Show eventually was crashed
through an announcer’s table with an Angle Slam and ultimately counted out. Then, while the referee was distracted
by JBL Chief of Staff Orlando Jordan, the former champ slipped a steel chair into the ring. Angle gladly used the chair,
nailing Booker T before pinning and eliminating the former five-time WCW Champion. Angle would soon get the upper hand on
JBL before the Bashams rushed the ring. While Angle was able to dispatch of the co-Secretaries of Defense, it proved
draining. And when the referee went down from an inadvertent JBL Clothesline From Hell, Booker T decided to get back
involved, exacting payback with a chair shot to Angle. JBL was there to clean up the mess, record the pin on Angle and
earn his opportunity to face John Cena for the WWE Championship.
Meanwhile, MNM retained their WWE Tag Team Championship with a bizarre victory over Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero.
Earlier in the night, it seemed like Latino Heat and Mysterio had put aside the rocky recent past and were focused on
recapturing their championship. But after Mysterio accidentally landed on Eddie with a flying body press, Guerrero
actually began to leave the ring area. The fans urged Guerrero to re-join the match, which he did, but Latino Heat gave no
effort the rest of the way, at one point failing to outstretch his arm while Mysterio was seeking a tag. In fact, Guerrero
stood motionless in the corner of the ring and watched indifferently, almost in a trance, as Mysterio was pinned and then
suffered a post-match attack from MNM.
In other action, WWE Champion John Cena defeated Rene Dupree in a non-title contest.
Also, Paul London retained his Cruiserweight Championship when he lost to Chavo Guerrero by countout. London was counted
out when his chest collided with the top of the ring post.
MATCHES:
Chavo Guerrero defeated Cruiserweight Champion Paul London via a countout
WWE Tag Team Champions MNM defeated Eddie Guerrero & Rey Mysterio
John Cena defeated Rene Dupree
Matt Morgan defeated a local area wrestler
Bradshaw won a Fatal Fourway match in Order of elimination: Big Show, Booker T, & Kurt Angle
SMACKDOWN
#298
5-5-05 Taped on 5-3-05
Sovereign Bank Arena
Trenton, New Jersey
Last week Eddie Guerrero made a statement by doing nothing. Latino Heat watched indifferently as Rey Mysterio was pinned
and eventually pummeled by WWE Tag Team Champions MNM. This week, Eddie’s actions spoke louder than any words as
SmackDown! visited Trenton, New Jersey. Early in the night, Mysterio came to the ring looking for answers from Eddie
Guerrero. Mysterio even challenged Guerrero to a fight, but Eddie declined and walked to the back. Later, General Manager
Theodore Long arranged a Street Fight between Mysterio and Chavo Guerrero, whose constant meddling has been annoying Rey
for weeks. Mysterio would win a thrilling Street Fight that included a steel chair and ladder. MNM would come out and join
Chavo for another post-match attack on Rey until Eddie Guerrero crashed the ring and cleared house. However, Eddie
wasn’t there to make up with Mysterio. He sent Mysterio down with a clothesline, tossed him head first into the
ring post and then suplexed him on the steel steps, leaving him a bloody mess as the show closed.
Meanwhile, the WWE Championship rematch between John Cena and JBL at Judgment Day on May 22 got a little more interesting
Thursday. Cena proposed he would defend his championship in an “I Quit” Match against JBL. Pinfalls,
submissions and disqualifications are meaningless. The only way to defeat your opponent is to make them utter the
phrase “I Quit.”
Later in the show, Cena’s “Bad, Bad Man” video made its world premiere. His debut album, “You
Can’t See Me,” hits stores on Tuesday, May 10.
Also, another match was added to the Judgment Day card when Booker T accepted Kurt Angle’s challenge. After Angle
insulted Booker’s wife Sharmell, Booker T brawled with Angle, who eventually got away with a low blow and nearly
put the ankle lock on Sharmell. Angle was fuming after Sharmell had slapped Angle in the face six times with Booker T
holding the Olympic Champion.
In other matches, Booker T defeated United States Champion Orlando Jordan in a non-title match and WWE Tag Team Champions
MNM defeated Scotty 2 Hotty & Shannon Moore.
Also, Carlito, making his return to the ring after a shoulder injury, defeated Hardcore Holly and then announced Big Show
would be his guest on the Cabana next week, informing the crowd he was going to make Big Show an offer he couldn’t
refuse.
MATCHES:
Matt Morgan defeated a local wrestler
WWE Tag Team Champions MNM defeated Scotty 2 Hotty & Shannon Moore
Booker T defeated United States Champion Orlando Jordan in a non-title match
Carlito Cool defeated Hardcore Holly
Rey Mysterio defeated Chavo Guerrero in a Street Fight
SMACKDOWN
#299
5-12-05 Taped on 5-10-05
Sovereign Center
Reading, Pennsylvania
As has been the case lately, JBL was a man of many words. However, WWE Champion John Cena was a man of action this week in
Reading, PA. Former WWE Champion JBL announced the re-release of his best-selling book, “Have More Money Now,”
and then went on to trash John Cena as a role model and WWE Champion. JBL also claimed there was no way he would quit
during the now official “I Quit Match” at Judgment Day.
Cena would soon storm the ring, but instead of firing back verbal jabs, Cena speared JBL and the two began to brawl. The
Cabinet was the first to arrive on the scene, allowing JBL to get in more than a dozen cheap shots until the entire
lockerroom emptied to break up the fracas.
Meanwhile, Eddie Guerrero finally spoke about his actions of last week when Latino Heat violently attacked Rey Mysterio
after his match with Chavo Guerrero. Just before the show, General Manager Theodore Long announced Eddie and Rey would
have a match at Judgment Day. With Mysterio home recuperating, Eddie came out to the ring holding the same Mysterio mask
he bloodied last week and basically blamed his former tag team partner for his actions. “Rey wanted a fight and
that’s what he got,” Guerrero said. Guerrero also blamed Rey and the fans for stealing his passion and energy.
But Eddie Guerrero said he has it all back now, and warned Mysterio that his fate could be even worse if he shows up for
Judgment Day.
If insulting and nearly attacking Booker T’s wife last week wasn’t bad enough, Kurt Angle possibly reached an
all-time low this week on SmackDown! when he hit on her. Angle shocked everyone when he admitted in a backstage interview
that he wanted to have “perverted sex” with Sharmell. Later, Booker T and Angle, who already are scheduled for
a battle at Judgment Day on May 22, squared off on Thursday. Booker T, furious over Angle’s words, dominated the
early action, but after Angle connected with an Angle Slam, Angle left the ring and headed straight for Booker T`s
lockerroom, where he found Sharmell. Booker T came to the rescue, but he was quickly ambushed by Angle, who beat Booker
down and eventually slammed him into a pair of steel lockers as his wife screamed in horror. Their match at Judgment Day
just got very personal.
Big Show had a bizarre appearance on Carlito’s Cabana. Carlito offered Big Show a chance to be part of the Cabana as
a bodyguard, and claimed together Show and himself would be unstoppable. However, Big Show said he didn’t need any
help to succeed and declined the invitation. But Carlito would get the last word when Big Show took a bite out of a
poisoned apple. Show fell to the ground in agony as Carlito mocked him.
In six-man tag team action, Chavo Guerrero and WWE Tag Team Champions MNM defeated Cruiserweight Champion Paul London,
Charlie Haas and Hardcore Holly. Chavo used the ropes to pin London.
Also, Heidenreich made another friend, a youngster in the crowd, and went on to defeat Spike Dudley. Matt Morgan had his
way with Funaki for another easy victory.
MATCHES:
Heidenreich defeated Spike Dudley
MNM & Chavo Guerrero defeated Paul London, Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas
Jimmy Jacobs defeated Eddie Guerrero by DQ
Matt Morgan defeated Funaki
Kurt Angle vs. Booker T ended in a No Contest
SMACKDOWN
#300
5-19-05 Taped on 5-17-05
Gateway Arena
Sioux City, Iowa
If JBL was hoping to scare, or even soften up WWE Champion John Cena before their much-anticipated rematch this Sunday at
Judgment Day, he was out of luck. Cena overcame both Bashams in a Handicap Match and even ignored JBL’s ringside
antics Thursday on SmackDown! The impressive victory ended with Cena and JBL in a major league stare down just three days
before their historic “I Quit Match” at Judgment Day. JBL actually grabbed a mic during the match, and while
on the ring apron, tried to get Cena to quit as the Bashams dominated the early action. Earlier in the night, JBL was
disqualified during his match with Scotty 2 Hotty. JBL ignored the referee’s count during a series of illegal
punches and went on to slap Scotty with a belt and eventually wrap it around his neck and choke him until he quit. None of
this affected Cena, who won the main event with a FU on Danny Basham as JBL watched on in disgust
Meanwhile, after his actions of last week, Kurt Angle issued what appeared to be a heartfelt apology from the WWE
headquarters in Stamford, CT. Angle, who was banned from the arena by General Manager Theodore Long, admitted he went too
far last week when he insulted and badgered Booker T’s wife Sharmell. However, just when you thought every word was
sincere, Angle told a worldwide audience that he actually kissed Sharmell and let her fondle his private parts before
Booker T got to the locker room last week. An infuriated Booker T kicked the television broadcasting Angle’s image.
These two figure to have a huge grudge match at Judgment Day.
One week after an impassioned speech in which he blamed the fans and Rey Mysterio himself for Rey's beating, Eddie
Guerrero once again came to the ring with Mysterio’s old mask. But this week Latino Heat said nothing, simply
staring into the crowd before dropping the mask and stepping on it. If Rey Mysterio is able to make it to the arena
Sunday, those two former friends and partners have a match at Judgment Day.
Also, since Big Show declined to be Carlito’s bodyguard last week, Carlito invited Matt Morgan to be his muscle.
Morgan accepted and then whacked Big Show with a chair when he invaded the Cabana and tried to chokeslam the man who
poisoned him last week. Carlito and Show now have a match at Judgment Day and Morgan will be in Carlito’s corner.
In non-title matches, Heidenreich defeated United States Champion Orlando Jordan and Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas
defeated WWE Tag Team Champions MNM.
It was also announced that Holly & Haas will face MNM again at Judgment Day.
MATCHES:
Scotty 2 Hotty defeated JBL via a DQ
Booker T. defeated Mark Jindrak
Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas defeated WWE Tag Team Champions MNM in a non-title match
Heidenreich defeated United States Champion Orlando Jordan in a non-title match
John Cena defeated The Bashams via a Handicap Match
SMACKDOWN
#301
5-26-05 Taped on 5-24-05
Bradley Center
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
According to Kurt Angle, Judgment Day was one of the darkest days in his storied wrestling career. The Olympic Champion
not only lost his match with Booker T, he ended up handcuffed to the ropes as Booker and his wife Sharmell beat him to a
pulp. It was especially sweet revenge for Sharmell, who had been insulted and stalked by Angle over the preceding two weeks.
Well, it’s still not over. Angle won an amazing Winner’s Choice Battle Royal in Milwaukee Thursday, outlasting
20 other SmackDown! Superstars, and eventually winning when he overcame a courageous performance by an injured Rey
Mysterio. Mysterio, who was no doubt still reeling from Eddie Guerrero’s attack at Judgment Day, suffered the same
fate Thursday, as Latino Heat got to Mysterio during his ring introduction and clobbered him with a chair again. Mysterio
eventually returned and eliminated Guerrero. Earlier in the night, General Manager Theodore Long said the winner of this
Battle Royal could have the match of their choice for next week. With the WWE Draft Lottery beginning one week later on
June 6, the June 9 SmackDown! could very well be the last SmackDown! match for the winner. Moments after the bell, an
exhausted Angle grabbed the mic and announced the match he desired. And it wasn’t WWE Champion John Cena he had in
mind. Instead, Angle requested a match with Sharmell.
Meanwhile, John Cena and JBL made their first appearances since that brutal and bloody “I Quit” Match at
Judgment Day. Cena thanked the fans for their support and admitted JBL gave him all he could handle. JBL interrupted the
speech and actually admitted defeat. However, he told Cena his time as WWE Champion would eventually run out, and that he
would fizzle and implode. JBL said he would be there to pick up the pieces when that happened to become WWE Champion again.
Cena laughed off JBL’s antics and was going to leave the ring until JBL forced Cena to play the JBL Video Tribute
Cena had prepared. The video turned out to be nothing more than JBL’s now infamous “I Quit” proclamation
at Judgment Day. Cena had the video re-worked as the image of JBL quitting was replayed more than a dozen times to the
former champ’s disgust.
Meanwhile, Big Show got some measure of revenge on Carlito with a singles victory. But right after the bell, Carlito`s big
back-up Matt Morgan stormed the ring and eventually put Show through the announcer’s table with an impressive F-5.
Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas defeated MNM, but the WWE Tag Team Champions lost by disqualification when Johnny Nitro
walloped Holly with a chair. As a result of the DQ, the WWE Tag Team Championship didn't change hands.
Speaking on the special ECW pay-per-view schedule for June 12, Angle dismissed the event, claiming ECW was a low class
promotion. Angle went as far as to say he would be part of a invasion of the event and that he was taking SmackDown!
volunteers.
MATCHES:
Charlie Haas & Hardcore Holly defeated WWE Tag Team Champions MNM by DQ
Big Show defeated Carlito
Kurt Angle defeated Robert in an Angle Invitational match
Kurt Angle wins Winner's Choice Battle Royal Order of elimination:
Paul London, Funaki, Joey Mercury, Akio, Mark Jindrak,
Johnny Nitro, Billy Kidman, Heidenreich, Chavo Guerrero,
Charlie Haas, Shannon Moore, Carlito, Scotty 2 Hotty,
Hardcore Holly, Eddie Guerrero, Danny Basham,
Orlando Jordan, Doug Basham, Booker T, Rey Mysterio)
SMACKDOWN
#302
6-2-05 Taped on 5-31-05
Rexall Place
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
With the WWE Draft Lottery scheduled to begin in just four days on RAW, Thursday night's visit to Edmonton will have been
the last appearance for one of the SmackDown! Superstars. And it was quite a memorable trip for many on the SmackDown!
roster, beginning with Big Show and WWE Champion John Cena. The night began with Cena appearing on Carlito’s Cabana.
Carlito made sure to remind Cena that he beat him for the United States Championship last fall, and it was Carlito’s
first match no less. Undaunted, Cena arranged a tag team match pitting Carlito and big back-up Matt Morgan against himself
and Big Show, who he guaranteed would be back despite suffering a shoulder injury last week when Morgan tossed him through
an announce table. Cena was right, and the main event featured an injured but resilient Big Show taking out Morgan while
Cena swooped in for the FU and pin on Carlito. Cena and Show celebrated, but would it be their last time together on
SmackDown! with the draft looming?
Meanwhile, Kurt Angle got his match with Sharmell, but with a slight alteration by General Manager Theodore Long. Long
made the match a Handicap Match, allowing Booker T to team with his wife. Angle used every free moment during the match to
stalk Sharmell, who at one point needed to bite Angle to slow him down. Angle eventually pinned Sharmell for the victory,
but just as he attempted to kiss her, Boooker T recovered in time from a pair of chair shots to save her. Next week,
Booker T will get Angle one-on-one if both are still with SmackDown! and not drafted to RAW.
Both Angle and JBL attacked the upcoming ECW pay-per-view on June 12. Angle asked former ECW icon Tazz to join him in his
invasion of the show. JBL blamed all the punishment he’s taken over the past year on the popularity of ECW and its
brutal and bloody mindset. JBL said he would join Kurt Angle in ruining the One Night Stand pay-per-view.
JBL would go on to defeat Nunzio, another former ECW star, in an ECW Rules Match as both men used a Kendo stick in the
match.
In tag team action, WWE Tag Team Champions MNM defeated Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas in a match that was decided by
which team could get the most falls in 15 minutes. Holly seemed poised to tie the match at two falls apiece until Melina
got involved and caused just enough of a delay for time to run out.
Heidenreich made a new friend before winning another match.
Next week will be very interesting as a current RAW Superstar is scheduled to join SmackDown! after the first round of the
WWE Draft Lottery.
MATCHES:
WWE Tag Team Champions MNM defeated Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas in a 2-1 falls match
Bradshaw defeated Nunzio in an ECW Rules Match
Heidenreich defeated Devon Nicholson
Kurt Angle defeated Booker T. & Sharmell via a Handicap Match
Big Show & John Cena defeated Carlito & Matt Morgan
SMACKDOWN
#303
6-9-05 Taped on 6-7-05
Kemper Arena
Kansas City, Missouri
SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long didn’t try to hide his disappointment with what happened Monday night on RAW.
Losing WWE Champion and SmackDown! Superstar John Cena in the WWE Draft Lottery definitely hurt. Still, Long promised
SmackDown! fans that the program would persevere. And what a first step on the road to recovery. Long proudly introduced
SmackDown!’s No. 1 pick as none other than former World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit. The Rabid Wolverine came
out to a raucous ovation in Kansas City Thursday night. Former WWE Champion JBL wasn’t so accommodating, though.
First, JBL demanded Long make him the champion of SmackDown! with Cena gone. Benoit, claiming he was sick and tired of
hearing JBL beg for a championship he couldn’t earn, challenged JBL on the spot. Long agreed and made JBL vs. Benoit
the main event. Still, nobody could have envisioned how that match would end. Paul Heyman, who is preparing for ECW’s
One Night Stand pay-per-view this Sunday and his contingent of ECW stars marched to ringside to watch former ECW great
Benoit compete. Heyman, who was invited by Long, filled in on commentary for Tazz, who earlier in the show had his head
busted open by anti-ECW Superstar Kurt Angle. Heyman was surrounded by Rhyno, Tommy Dreamer, The Dudleys and Sandman. JBL
made sure his Cabinet of Orlando Jordan and the Basham Brothers were also ringside. Later, Carlito, Matt Morgan and Angle
came down the ramp to cheer JBL on. But when Benoit locked in the Crippler Crossface, Angle rushed the ring and broke the
hold. Angle’s actions triggered a wild brawl between the ECW invaders and WWE crusaders. Soon, Tazz, with his head
wrapped in blood-soaked bandages, returned with Balls Mahoney and Axl Rotten and helped the ECW boys clean house,
punctuated by The Dudleys hitting a 3-D on Orlando Jordan. It’s anybody’s guess what will happen at One Night
Stand with emotions within WWE running so high heading into the pay-per-view.
Meanwhile, Booker T got a measure of revenge on Angle earlier in the night. Booker T and Angle had an exhausting and
painful match with a bizarre ending. With the ref down, Angle decided to grab a steel chair, and he did connect, slamming
it into Booker T’s already weak ankle. But Booker would duck out of the way of another shot, and the chair bounced
off the top rope, sprung back and knocked down Angle. One scissors kick later, Booker T got the pin. An aggravated Angle
then took his frustration out on Tazz. After Tazz failed to tell Angle which side (WWE or ECW) he came down on for this
Sunday, Angle clocked him with a mic and devastating chair shot to the head.
Eddie Guerrero interrupted a cruiserweight match between champion Paul London and Akio. After throwing London clear out of
the ring three times, Guerrero told the fans he was tired of being disrespected. It’s clear that Guerrero has become
obsessed with Rey Mysterio, a Superstar he just can’t seem to beat.
Meanwhile, Carlito used a fistful of tights to pin Charlie Haas and Heidenreich made yet another friend, this one of the
attractive female variety.
MATCHES:
Carlito defeated Charlie Haas
Heidenreich defeated a Local wrestler
Booker T. defeated Kurt Angle
Paul London vs. Akio ended in a No Contest
Chris Benoit vs. JBL ended in a No Contest
SMACKDOWN
#304
6-16-05 Taped on 6-14-05
Giant Center
Hershey, Pennsylvania
It had been more than two months since Undertaker had been seen on SmackDown! Of course, The Deadman’s last official match
came at WrestleMania 21, where he defeated Randy Orton to improve his legendary record to 13-0 at WWE’s marquee event.
But just when it looked like Undertaker’s homecoming would steal the spotlight Thursday night in Hershey, PA., The Legend
Killer himself returned for revenge, and to break some jaw-dropping news. Orton cost Undertaker his No Disqualification
Match with JBL in the main event and then told the sold-out crowd he was officially on SmackDown!, representing the
brand’s No. 2 pick in the dramatic WWE Draft Lottery. Orton came out of nowhere as Taker was preparing to finish JBL off
with a Tombstone in a brutal match. Orton connected with a RKO as JBL took advantage with an easy pin. Orton then gave a
stunned Undertaker some time to locate his senses before announcing his official SmackDown! arrival. JBL survived the
match despite having no members of his Cabinet present. United States Champion and Chief of Staff Orlando Jordan, who
earlier in the night used the ropes to pin Hardcore Holly, was pulled away from the main event by a furious Chris Benoit.
The Cabinet attacked Benoit after the Crippler defeated Doug Basham in singles action to open the show. JBL was trying to
teach the SmackDown! newcomer a lesson, but before the assault could go any further, Undertaker’s music hit and he
appeared right in the center of the ring, petrifying JBL and his Cabinet.
General Manager Theodore Long wasted no time in pitting the longtime rivals in a match. Later, Doug and Danny Basham
quit their positions as the Secretaries of Defense, claiming they were sick and tired of being “crash-test dummies” for
JBL, and leaving the former WWE Champion without his typical entourage for his match with Taker.
Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio had another violent run-in. Guerrero won his match against Paul London when London tapped
out to a painful submission move. After Latino Heat failed to release the hold, an incensed Mysterio crashed the ring and
hit Guerrero with four chair shots. Their brawl actually spilled backstage with the former friends and partners trading
blows in the bowels of the arena.
Big Show defeated Matt Morgan when Carlito interfered in the match to get his Big Back-up disqualified. Still, Show got
his ultimate revenge when he chokeslammed Morgan through the announcer’s table after the decision.
Heidenreich didn’t quite make friends with MNM. The WWE Tag Team Champions interrupted Heidenreich’s chocolate party
with the SmackDown! Divas and ultimately connected with the Snapshot, laying out the program’s resident poet.
MATCHES:
Big Show defeated Matt Morgan by DQ
Chris Benoit defeated Doug Basham
Eddie Guerrero defeated Paul London
JBL defeated Undertaker via a No DQ Match
United States Champion Orlando Jordan defeated Hardcore Holly
SMACKDOWN
#305
6-23-05 Taped on 6-21-05
Tucson Convention Center
Tucson, Arizona
Rey Mysterio said he was after redemption when he faced former friend and tag team partner Eddie Guerrero this week.
After a physical and sometimes downright dirty match, it appears the rivalry reached its final chapter as Mysterio
defeated Guerrero in Tucson, AZ., this week on SmackDown! Both men battled to the brink of exhaustion with Mysterio
finally hitting the 619 and then landing a leg drop off the top rope to record the pin. Mysterio rolled out of the ring
with his hands raised in victory.
Meanwhile, General Manager Theodore Long made one of the most historic announcements in SmackDown! history. With WWE
Champion John Cena drafted to RAW, SmackDown! is in need of a champion.And despite the best efforts of JBL, Long had no
plans to simply give the former WWE Champion a brand new title. Instead, six Superstars will battle for this new coveted
prize next week in Anaheim. JBL, Booker T, Chris Benoit, Big Show, Undertaker and Muhammad Hassan, SmackDown!’s No. 3
draft pick, will all battle for the SmackDown! Championship. Who will be the first man to be called SmackDown! Champion.
Next week is definitely a can’t-miss edition of SmackDown! Originally, the match called for just five men, but after
Hassan and manager Daivari were introduced as the latest draft picks, he demanded to be treated fairly, and given a chance
to compete. Long, always a man of equal opportunity awarded the former RAW Superstar the chance.
Hassan also had his first match on SmackDown!, and it wasn’t an easy one, defeating the 500-pound Big Show with some timely
help from Matt Morgan. Morgan, who was ringside doing commentary, brought a steel chair into the mix when the referee went
down. Show was able to dispatch of Morgan, but Hassan used the chair to bring Show down and gain the victory.
Meanwhile, the Mexicools -- Juventud, Psicosis, and Super Crazy – invaded SmackDown! on a driving lawnmower. They declared
they were there to take over the cruiserweight division and SmackDown! Their first order of business came when they took
out Chavo Guerrero and Paul London during their Cruiserweight Championship Match.
Also, Joey Mercury defeated Heidenreich with help from tag team partner Johnny Nitro. At the end of the match, Diva
Michelle McCool attacked Melina, setting up a match between the two Divas for next week.
Randy Orton also had some things to say. Orton claimed he deserved the moniker Legend Killer for what he’s done in this
business. He also claimed Undertaker took advantage of his injured shoulder to win at WrestleMania 21. Moments before
Orton tried to leave the ring, the lights flickered, went off and amidst a pile of white smoke, Undertaker appeared in
the ring. Orton scrambled for cover and told Taker he would face him on his terms, not the Deadman’s.
MATCHES:
Joey Mercury defeated Heidenreich
Muhammad Hassan defeated Big Show
Rey Mysterio defeated Eddie Guerrero
Cruiserweight Champion Paul London vs. Chavo Guerrero ended in a No Contest
SMACKDOWN
#306
6-30-05 Taped on 6-27-05
Arrowhead Pond
Anaheim, California
Michael Cole said it best: SmackDown! hit the jackpot Thursday night. It turned out the last pick of the 2005 Draft Lottery
was just as shocking as the first. Three weeks after SmackDown! lost WWE Champion John Cena to RAW, General Manager
Theodore Long and SmackDown! fans across the globe welcomed World Heavyweight Champion Batista to the stunned roster.
And Batista’s timing couldn’t have been more dramatic or frustrating for JBL. Moments after JBL survived a brutal six-man
elimination match for the SmackDown! Championship, Long announced Batista as the final draft pick. Batista, wearing a
custom suit and draped in his World Heavyweight Championship belt, soaked in the ovation as JBL watched in stunned silence.
JBL battled most of the night for what he thought would be the SmackDown! Championship, outlasting Chris Benoit, Booker T,
Muhammad Hassan, Undertaker and second-to-last draft pick Christian to win the exhausting match. But after he delivered a
Clothesline From Hell on an unsuspecting Christian, JBL’s celebration was short-lived as Long announced JBL was now merely
the No. 1 Contender to Batista. The future of SmackDown! may never be the same after Thursday’s incredible developments.
Meanwhile, Eddie Guerrero showed some disturbing footage of himself visiting the daycare center of Rey Mysterio’s son
Dominick. Uncle Eddie gave Dominick some candy and promised to reveal a big secret to him down the road. A furious and
shocked Mysterio came to the ring and begged Eddie to keep any secrets to himself, only to have Latino Heat shove candy
down his throat and walk out in disgust.
Melina, with the help of the ropes, was able to pin Michelle McCool. It got worse for Michelle as MNM came down to
celebrate with their valet and then executed the Snapshot on Michelle, who was eventually rescued by Heidenreich.
Also, the Mexicools made another appearance, once again interrupting Paul London and Chavo Guerrero during a Cruiserweight
Championship match. They promised a revolution on SmackDown! before leaving on “Juan” Deer riding mowers.
MATCHES:
JBL won the six man elimination match in order of elimination:
Undertaker, Muhammad Hassan, Chris Benoit, Booker T. and Christian
Cruiserweight Champion Paul London vs. Chavo Guerrero ended in a no contest
Melina defeated Michelle McCool
SMACKDOWN
#307
7-7-05 Taped on 7-4-05
Arco Arena
Sacramento, California
It didn’t take too long for World Heavyweight Champion Batista to notch his first SmackDown! victory and make his first
mortal enemy. Batista defeated fellow draft lottery pick Christian in the main event in Sacramento, California, Thursday.
Batista then dispatched of JBL and Orlando Jordan, who both made an unsuccessful attempt to send a message to the World
Heavyweight Champion before The Great American Bash. JBL will face Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship at
the July 24 pay-per-view. Batista has given JBL plenty of trouble in his short period of time on SmackDown! Last week,
Batista cost JBL his chance of holding the SmackDown! Championship when he was introduced as the final pick in the
WWE Draft Lottery, then, to further humiliate JBL, Batista stormed the ring this week and actually helped The Blue Meanie
defeat JBL in a No Disqualification Match early in the night. Meanie and the entire Blue World Order of ECW fame
interrupted JBL’s opening monologue before spray-painting his precious limo with the letters bWo. Of course, it was JBL’s
controversial beating of the Blue Meanie at One Night Stand that had wrestling fans buzzing for weeks. JBL actually
dominated the match but was done in by a chair shot from Stevie Richards and a Batista Bomb.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Hassan found out he would face Undertaker at The Great American Bash with the winner becoming the
automatic No. 1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship. Hassan then watched calmly as Daivari quickly lost a
match with Undertaker, who tombstoned Hassan’s manager. But Hassan had a plan as five masked men, a few of them with
clubs, attacked Undertaker, choked him out with a wire and then left him gasping for breath as Hassan jumped in and
placed The Deadman in a Camel Clutch.
Chris Benoit defeated Booker T to become the No. 1 Contender for the United States Championship. The Crippler will now
face United States Champion Orlando Jordan at The Great American Bash.
Also, Eddie Guerrero isn’t done torturing Rey Mysterio. After forcing Mysterio to be his partner in a WWE Tag Team
Championship match against MNM, Latino Heat basically sabotaged any chance they had to win by sitting out large segments
of the match and then attacking Mysterio from behind when it appeared Rey might win the match by himself. Guerrero then
had the nerve to make Mysterio open the ropes for him as he left, threatening to reveal their secret if Mysterio didn’t
oblige.
MATCHES:
Batista defeated Christian
Undertaker defeated Daivari
Chris Benoit defeated Booker T.
MNM defeated Rey Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero
SMACKDOWN
#308
7-14-05 Taped on 7-12-05
D.C.U. Center
Worcester, Massachusettes
Count World Heavyweight Champion Batista as among those who think JBL is SmackDown!’s resident bully. Yet before the
night was over in Worcester, Mass., JBL didn’t pick on any weakling, but rather the World Heavyweight Champion himself.
Batista managed to defeat United States Champion Orlando Jordan in the main event despite suffering a crushing chair shot
from JBL late in the action. However, JBL wasn’t done. While Batista celebrated his victory, JBL took Batista out from
behind and then landed a Clothesline From Hell before standing over Batista while he held the World Heavyweight
Championship. JBL and Batista will battle for that very World Heavyweight Championship at The Great American Bash on
July 24. Could that image of JBL standing over Batista possibly repeat itself at the pay-per-view?
Meanwhile, Heidenreich made a new and important friend Thursday. After being attacked by WWE Tag Team Champions MNM,
Road Warrior Animal stormed the ring to a tremendous ovation to make the save. Moments later, Heidenreich convinced
Animal to let him be his partner in a WWE Tag Team Championship match against MNM at The Great American Bash.
Also, Eddie Guerrero was ready to reveal Rey Mysterio’s secret until Latino Heat’s wife and two daughters came to the ring
and asked their father to stay silent. Guerrero rudely sent them home and later defeated Hardcore Holly in singles action.
After that match, Guerrero announced he would face Mysterio at The Great American Bash and promised to keep quiet if
Mysterio won. But if Eddie wins, he promised to reveal the secret.
In other news, Muhammad Hassan, who has been under fire from various media outlets for his actions last week, stayed home
this week and instead sent his lawyer to read a prepared statement. The lawyer said Hassan wouldn’t appear on SmackDown!
until after he defeated Undertaker at The Great American
Bash. Moments later, Undertaker came out and sent his own message by Tombstoning the attorney. Has Undertaker crossed the
line by attacking Hassan’s legal counsel?
Christian defeated Booker T Thursday. The match actually lasted just a few seconds as Christian threw Booker T into the
ring steps and ring post before the match even started. Once the bell rang, Christian slapped on the Unprettier for the
victory.
Also, in a wild six-man tag match, the Mexicools won their debut match by defeating Paul London, Funaki and Scotty 2 Hotty.
But the real story came at the end of the match with Juventud’s knee slammed into London’s head on the tail end of a 450
splash.
MATCHES:
Christian defeated Booker T
Eddie Guerrero defeated Hardcore Holly
The Mexicools defeated Paul London, Scotty 2 Hotty and Funaki
Batista defeated Orlando Jordan (Champion vs. Champion)
SMACKDOWN
#309
7-21-05 Taped on 7-19-05
1st Mariner Arena
Baltimore, Maryland
The Great American Bash is on Sunday, but JBL is acting as if it’s already come and gone. JBL will be challenging Batista
for the World Heavyweight Championship at The Bash, but on SmackDown! Thursday night, he was casually driven to the ring
in a Cadillac convertible, dressed in an Uncle Sam outfit as red, white and blue confetti filled the First Marina Arena
for a big announcement – JBL guaranteed that he would walk out of The Great American Bash as the new champion, just as he
did one year ago. Last year JBL defeated Eddie Guerrero for the WWE Championship, which kicked off the longest championship reign of the
last decade. JBL said that Batista would find out that there are legends, Hall of Famers and all-time greats, but that
there’s only one wrestling god – JBL. With that, Batista decided that he also wanted to share some words with the Baltimore fans before The Great American Bash.
Batista said that JBL was a liar, a loudmouth, a bully and a phony and that his mission would be to expose him in front of
everyone at The Bash. Batista then had a guarantee of his own, telling JBL that he would whip his ass in two minutes.
Batista then let his actions speak for themselves as he knocked down JBL and drilled his Chief of Staff Orlando Jordan
with a Spinebuster. Will JBL meet that same fate this Sunday in our nation’s capital? Only time will tell.
Rey Mysterio has had a lot on his mind as of late and will be facing Eddie Guerrero Sunday in a very important match. If
Guerrero defeats Mysterio, Eddie will let in the whole world on their little secret that also somehow involves Mysterio’s
son Dominic. With all of this weighing on Rey’s mind, he had to face Super Crazy of the Mexicools just days before his
clash with Eddie. While Mysterio and Super Crazy were going at it, Guerrero decided to come down to ringside to add some
commentary. Eddie claimed that he is holding this secret over Rey because he loves him and because manipulation has become
his new addiction. Eddie was very vague in his messages, but he did say that sometimes you have to do the things that hurt
the most because you love someone and that he was punishing Rey for a mistake. Meanwhile, Mysterio was gaining the
advantage on Super Crazy and looked ready to hit the 619. But then Guerrero jumped into the ring with one of the Mexicools’
rakes and broke it over Mysterio’s back causing a disqualification. Guerrero then tried to leave SmackDown! for the night,
but GM Theodore Long told Eddie that he still had a match and that his opponent, ironically, was a secret. That secret
turned out to be Chris Benoit, formerly one of his best
friends. Benoit tried to talk some sense into Guerrero before the match started, but Guerrero just cheap-shotted him. The
action went back and forth, but Benoit was able to lock in the Crossface. Eddie got to the ropes and after Benoit broke
the hold, he just started walking back up the ramp as the referee counted him out. As Guerrero got closer to the end of
the ramp, Mysterio came from out of nowhere, trying to get revenge for earlier in the night. Officials swarmed them and
separated the two Superstars. With tempers flaring this much on SmackDown! there’s no telling how volatile Sunday’s match
might be.
Last week marked a shocking visit from one of the most dominating tag team wrestlers of all-time – Road Warrior Animal.
Animal came to the aid of Heidenreich as he was
attacked by WWE Tag Team Champions MNM last week. This resulted in a match being made for The Great American Bash, but
Animal and Heidenreich had a tune-up match on SmackDown! The match was over almost as soon as it began as Animal executed
one of his trademark Powerslams and then Heidenreich did his best impression of the late Road Warrior Hawk and helped
execute the Doomsday Device by coming off the tope rope with a monster clothesline.
SmackDown!’s newest Diva, Candice, addressed the crowd, informing them that the men and women of the Armed Forces would be
able to see The Great American Bash on the Armed Forces Network. Candice, who will also be refereeing the Bra and Panties
Match between Melina and Torrie Wilson, was rudely
interrupted by Melina. Melina claimed that she was the most beautiful and dominant woman on SmackDown! and then tried to
prove it as she threw down Candice and ripped her shirt off. Torrie ran down to make the save and tossed Melina out of the
ring. This is surely just a preview of what will occur this Sunday when these two Divas go at each other.
Booker T was also in action as he defeated Simon Dean. Booker T will try to avenge his loss to Christian from last week in
a return match at The Bash.
MATCHES:
Chirs Benoit defeated Eddie Guerrero via a count-out
Rey Mysterio defeated Super Crazy via a disqualification
Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich defeated Julio Dinero & Nick Berk
Booker T. defeated Simon Dean
GREAT AMERICAN BASH
7-24-05 LIVE
HSBC Arena
Buffalo, New York
Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich defeated MNM to become new WWE Tag Team Champions
Hawk is smiling down on Animal and Heidenreich tonight. In a match dedicated to his late Road Warrior partner, Animal and
his new teammate shocked MNM to win the WWE Tag Team Championship.
Late in the match, Animal hit his signature powerslam on Joey Mercury, then hoisted the MNM member up onto his shoulders.
In true Hawk fashion, Heidenreich launched himself from the top rope to hit the Doomsday Device finisher that is synonymous
with the Legion of Doom. Melina screamed in horror from outside the ring and Mercury briefly stirred, but he couldn’t fight
his way out of the cover that followed. With the crowd chanting, “L-O-D,” Animal took the microphone and declared, “Hawk,
this one’s for you, brother!” Just like that, The Great American Bash was off to a wild and emotional start.
Heidenreich and Animal celebrated on the ring ramp with their new titles while MNM looked on with amazement and dismay.
The young champions may have underestimated the team they belittled for weeks on SmackDown! Now, for the first time in
their SmackDown! careers, MNM will have to regroup and try to get back on top.
Undertaker defeated Muhammad Hassan
Various media outlets speculated as to whether this would be Muhammad Hassan’s last match. It now appears
that it may very well be. Before the match, a brash and confident Hassan spoke of his sacrifices as an Arab-American,
ensured that he’d be the next No. 1 Contender to the World Heavyweight Championship and then proclaimed that if he lost,
it would be the final time he’d show his face. Then, the lights went out on Hassan’s SmackDown! career. Late in the match,
Undertaker caught Hassan with a punishing chokeslam to earn the win. Hassan’s sympathizers rushed the ring, but Undertaker
fought them all off – finally hitting the Tombstone on the hooded man who had twice choked him out with piano wire. Hassan
bought some time by pushing Daivari toward the Phenom, and
Undertaker promptly put Hassan’s manager through an announce table. The Deadman then caught Hassan crawling up the entrance
ramp and hit yet another chokeslam – this time onto the metal ramp. Undertaker then did the unthinkable: He removed
portions of the steel stage to create a cavernous opening. Undertaker then lifted Hassan and gave him a Last Ride to the
concrete far below. Hassan’s body lay contorted with blood gushing from the back of his head. EMTs tried feverishly to
stabilize Hassan and quickly ushered him to a nearby medical facility.
The Mexicools defeated the bWo
The Blue Meanie, Big Stevie Cool and Hollywood Nova got some laughs with more bWo ring antics, but it was the Mexicools
who ultimately earned an impressive win with their energy and athleticism. After Stevie was forced into the ring corner,
Super Crazy surprised him with a moonsault off the ropes. Psicosis immediately followed up with a guillotine leg drop off
the top rope that finished off Stevie and the bWo. In doing so, Juventud, Super Crazy and Psicosis effectively put a stop
to bWo’s mockery, which included driving to the ring on Big Wheels to parody the Mexicools’ usual ring entrance.
Melina vs. Torrie Wilson in a Bra & Panties Match
MNM may have lost the WWE Tag Team Championship at The Great American Bash, but Melina did her part by stripping Torrie
Wilson down to her bra and panties for a jaw-dropping, eye-popping win. Afterward, the Buffalo crowd and incredibly sexy
Torrie watched as special referee Candice joined in by stripping down herself. Torrie and Candice then embraced and two of
WWE’s sexiest Divas headed up the ring ramp together.
Booker T. defeated Christian
Maybe Christian should have attempted another pre-match sneak attack because this result was very different from the
one on SmackDown! Booker T beat Christian with a head-rattling scissors kick from the second rope – his second finisher of
the night. When Christian kicked out of the Bookend, the five-time WCW Champion was forced to get creative to pick up a
huge win. After “Captain Charisma” twice tried to steal a win with illegal leverage from the ring ropes, Booker T drove
Christian’s head into the mat with a spiked scissors kick. It’s something Christian never expected, and it was simply too
much for him to handle. Earlier, Christian dragged Sharmell onto the ring apron only to be slapped across the face by
Booker’s wife. Christian charged her to retaliate, but Booker T caught him with a Bookend. Although Christian was able
to kick out, he wouldn’t be able to repeat the feat when hit with the scissors kick later.
United States Champion Orlando Jordan def. Chris Benoit
In one of the biggest wins of Orlando Jordan’s career, the United States Champion found a way to knock out and pin The
Rabid Wolverine. Chris Benoit looked poised to win the championship after hitting three German suplexes and his patented
flying headbutt. But in an act of desperation, Jordan shielded the corner from the referee while removing the padding from
the top turnbuckle. He then used Benoit’s own momentum to propel him face-first into the exposed steel. It knocked Benoit
out cold, and Jordan passed a crucial test in his WWE career by beating the former world champion. Perhaps the key for
Jordan was his elusiveness; he managed to avoid all of The Crippler’s attempts to apply submission holds – twice
preventing Benoit from locking in the Sharpshooter.
Rey Mysterio defeated Eddie Guerrero
Despite enduring mental, physical and emotional torture at the hands of Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio managed a miracle
reversal to continue his winning streak and protect his family from a dark secret. Guerrero appeared to have the match won
after hitting his frog splash finisher, but the cover that followed was dangerously casual. Mysterio took the opportunity
to roll up Eddie for an unexpected win. Mysterio’s son Dominick immediately ran into his father’s arms to celebrate.
Before the bell, Guerrero forced Mysterio to feign friendship by shaking hands and hugging in front of Dominick. Rey’s son
was only at ringside per a stipulation forced by Guerrero to more easily manipulate his opponent. But Rey’s emotion boiled
over as he clotheslined Eddie to begin the contest. Prior to the stunning victory, every Mysterio attempt at offense was
stymied by Guerrero’s manipulative tactics. Once, Eddie even grabbed Dominick’s head, seemingly threatening to harm
the child if Rey didn’t relent. But ultimately, the father was able to protect his son, inside the ring and out.
JBL defeated World Heavyweight Champion Batista via a disqualification
Batista’s intense rage helped him win the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 21. But at The Great American
Bash, that same fury cost him his match against JBL. With the referee knocked unconscious, JBL’s Chief of Staff Orlando
Jordon tried again and again to take out Batista with a steel chair. Eventually, Batista was left with no alternative but
to rip the chair away and toss Jordan aside. Batista then smashed both Orlando and JBL with the chair, but by that time
the referee was awake and witnessed the final act worthy of disqualification. Batista was stunned with
disbelief when he heard the bell sound to signify his DQ, and with nothing then to lose, he ripped into his rivals with a
total of 11 chair shots to the back and head. He headed up the ramp with his World Heavyweight Championship,
shaking his head at all that had just transpired. But when JBL was announced before the thousands in attendance in the
HSBC Arena as the official victor, Batista had to head back down to dish out some more punishment — hitting Batista Bombs
on both Orlando and JBL. While JBL did make good on his guarantee to win at The Great American Bash, he
didn’t claim the World Heavyweight Championship. The closest he came was hitting a vicious Clothesline from Hell on
Batista while the referee was knocked out. JBL pulled at his hair in frustration, realizing that his best chance to
become champion was quickly evaporating because of the lack of a referee. He attempted a second clothesline finisher,
but Batista caught him with a spinebuster. Sensing danger to JBL’s chances, Orlando pounced with the chair, setting in
motion the events that led to Batista’s eventual disqualification.
SMACKDOWN
#310
7-28-05 Taped 7-26-05
Blue Cross Arena
Rochester, New York
Randy Orton has yet to have an official match since coming to SmackDown! from RAW during the 2005 WWE Draft Lottery.
But the Legend Killer has already influenced SmackDown!’s main event at SummerSlam. Orton cost Undertaker an apparent
victory against JBL Thursday, swooping in with a devastating RKO before dragging a nearly lifeless JBL over Undertaker’s
prone body for the three-count.
JBL’s win earned him a chance to face Batista for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam August 21. General
Manager Theodore Long made the important stipulation
after JBL revealed his contract called for a rematch after he defeated Batista, albeit by disqualification, at The Great
American Bash.
Meanwhile, Eddie Guerrero went back on his word and revealed the secret he has tormented Rey Mysterio with the past few
weeks. Guerrero told Mysterio’s son Dominick that Uncle Eddie is actually his father. After a shaken Dominick ran out of
the ring and through the crowd as Mysterio chased him, Latino Heat sat down and read a disturbing bedtime story,
explaining the details. According to Guerrero, years ago while he was living a little wild, he got a woman pregnant.
Since she already had seven children, and knowing Mysterio was having trouble starting his own family, he took Dominick
and left him with Rey and his wife to raise. Guerrero also promised to read Chapter 2 of this most disturbing bedtime
story next week.
Also, Chris Benoit and Booker T defeated Orlando Jordan and Christian in tag team action. Benoit won the match when he
forced Orlando Jordan, who was still nursing a sore shoulder from The Great American Bash, to tap out to the Crippler
Crossface. Surprisingly, Christian didn’t make the save when he had the chance moments before the submission.
Melina, using the ropes for leverage, defeated Torrie Wilson. Melina and MNM also announced they hired a publicist and
personal fixer to help them since losing the WWE Tag Team Championship at The Great American Bash. Jillian turned out to
be a beautiful blonde with a very distracting growth on her face.
The new WWE Tag Team Champions Heidenreich & Road Warrior Animal won their match on SmackDown! Before the match,
Heidenreich shaved his head, giving him the Legion of Doom trademark Mohawk look.
MATCHES:
WWE Tag Team Champions Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich defeated Chris Hamrick & Chuck Sealy
Melina defeated Torrie Wilson
Chris Benoit & Booker T. defeated Orlando Jordan & Christian
William Regal vs. Scotty 2 Hotty ended in a no contest
JBL defeated Undertaker
SMACKDOWN
#311
8-4-05 Taped 8-2-05
Arena at Harbor Yard
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Just when you thought Eddie Guerrero couldn’t hurt Rey Mysterio and his family any more than he already has, this happens.
Chapter Two of Eddie Guerrero’s disturbing Bedtime Story was highlighted by Guerrero presenting Mysterio with custody
papers indicating that Latino Heat was the biological and legal father of Dominick and that he has plans to officially
take him back next week. Despite Mysterio’s emotional pleading, Guerrero, with his lawyer Anna by his side, told Mysterio
and the SmackDown! crowd to stay tuned for Chapter Three next week: Dominick Comes Home. All of this took place moments
after Mysterio defeated Christian in a marathon match. An exhausted and certainly distracted Mysterio countered the
Unprettier and then connected with a 619 and leg drop to earn the impressive victory. Guerrero and Anna had came out
during the match and sat in chairs as Latino Heat held his book of bedtime stories. Earlier in the night, Mysterio was the
first-ever guest on Christian’s Peep Show. Guerrero appeared on the Titantron during the episode and began to read Chapter
Two. Mysterio kept interrupting Guerrero, who promised the finish the story later in the night. That’s when Christian
attacked Mysterio, even connecting with an Unprettier. GM Theodore Long made the main event moments later.
The Batista - JBL SummerSlam contract signing was a very contentious affair. World Heavyweight Champion Batista and JBL
traded verbal jabs before finally sitting down to fill out the paperwork. A confident Batista eventually signed the
contract, but left the stipulation choice blank, actually allowing JBL to choose whatever type of match he wanted. The
former WWE Champion settled on a No Holds Barred Match for the clash at SummerSlam on Aug. 21.
Randy Orton admitted Undertaker took away his chance at immortality when he lost to The Deadman at WrestleMania 21. Thus,
his goal was to get revenge by taking opportunities away from Undertaker. Ultimately, Orton said he would never rest until
he added Undertaker’s name to the impressive list of legends he’s already defeated. Orton challenged Undertaker to a match
at SummerSlam. Suddenly, Undertaker’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker, accepting the match and claiming Orton would Rest
In Peace Aug. 21.
Former WWE Tag Team Champions MNM, accompanied by new image fixer Jillian Hall, defeated Booker T. and Chris Benoit in a
wild match. With Booker T in control, Melina interfered, only to be confronted by Sharmell. While Benoit and Johnny Nitro
were outside the ring, Hall flew in and took out Sharmell. All of this distracted Booker T, who was promptly rolled up for
a pin by Joey Mercury, who used the ropes for leverage.
Meanwhile, Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich defeated Josh Daniels & Damian Adams to remain undefeated.
MATCHES:
WWE Tag Team Champions Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich
defeated Josh Daniels & Damian Adams
MNM defeated Booker T. & Chris Benoit
Rey Mysterio defeated Christian
SMACKDOWN
#312
8-11-05 Taped 8-9-05
Nationwide Arena
Columbus, Ohio
JBL has admitted to feeling quite comfortable in a No Holds Barred Match. Thursday night on SmackDown! the former WWE
Champion proved it. JBL interfered in Batista’s match with Christian in the main event, eventually sending the World
Heavyweight Champion down for the count with three chair shots to the back and one to the head. Of course, steel chairs
will be perfectly legal when the two Superstars meet at SummerSlam Aug. 21 in their No Holds Barred Match.
Meanwhile, Chapter Three of Eddie Guerrero’s bedtime story was more bad news for Rey Mysterio. Guerrero came to the ring
with a social worker and told the audience his biological son Dominick needs to come home with him. Dominick was then
escorted to the ring by Rey Mysterio and Mysterio’s wife Angela. Despite Dominick clutching on to his mother, Eddie asked
the social worker to go ahead and hand Dominick over to him, per his court papers. Mysterio noted that while Eddie has
beaten a drug habit and a checkered past, he never has beaten Mysterio and he never will. Mysterio’s taunting eventually
got to Guerrero. A desperate Mysterio then proposed a huge match at SummerSlam with the winner getting final custody of
Dominick. Guerrero accepted, but in the meantime, Dominick would go home without Rey or Eddie. In fact, Dominick left the
ring with the social worker, who decided it was in the boy’s best interest to be placed in foster care until Eddie and Rey
could settle their differences Aug. 21.
Also, Booker T defeated Joey Mercury with a devastating scissors kick. MNM fixer Jillian was ejected form ringside during
the match as she continues to try and improve the image of the former WWE Tag Team Champions. Jillian then issued a
challenge for a mixed tag team match between Joey Mercury & Melina vs. Booker T & Sharmell that was ultimately accepted
and scheduled for next week.
Randy Orton, who had been out of action for four months, was looking for an opponent Thursday as he prepares for his match
with Undertaker at SummerSlam. General Manager Theodore Long arranged a mystery opponent, who turned out to be none other
than Kamala, who once had a Casket Match with Undertaker at Survivor Series 1992. Orton eventually hit Kamala with an RKO,
but before he could pin the legend, the lights went out and giant RIP signs flashed in the arena, clearly spooking Orton.
WWE Tag Team Champions Heidenreich & Road Warrior Animal remained undefeated with a win over Scotty Sabre & Jason Static
as Heidenreich connected with a Doomsday Device.
The Mexicools defeated Williams Regal & Scotty 2 Hotty when Regal refused to let Scotty tag him in. Instead, Regal left
ringside and walked to the back, leaving Scotty to be easily finished off. In more singles action, Chris Benoit defeated
Simon Dean.
Meanwhile, Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich defeated Josh Daniels & Damian Adams to remain undefeated.
MATCHES:
The Mexicools defeated Scotty 2 Hotty & William Regal
Chris Benoit defeated Simon Dean
Randy Orton vs. Kamala ended in a no contest
Booker T. defeated Joey Mercury
WWE Tag Team Champions Heidenreich & Road Warrior Animal defeated Scotty Sabre & Jason Static
World Heavyweight Champion Batista defeated Christian via a disqualification
SMACKDOWN
#313
8-18-05 Taped 8-16-05
Air Canada Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Randy Orton looked quite confident during his main event match with Chris Benoit on SmackDown! Thursday. After all, the
Legend Killer had already defeated Benoit at SummerSlam 2004, winning the World Heavyweight Championship in the process.
But it’s the man, or make that the Legend, that Orton has never beaten that could haunt him at SummerSlam 2005 on Sunday.
Orton managed to get the upper hand in his taxing match with Benoit, eventually delivering the RKO for the victory.
But during his post-match celebration, the lights went out and Undertaker suddenly appeared and connected on a major
chokeslam. As Undertaker left the ring, he looked back only to see a recovering Orton managing a slight smirk as he held
his neck in obvious pain. Will Orton fulfill his destiny this Sunday or will Undertaker’s legend prevail?
JBL guaranteed he would walk away the World Heavyweight Champion after his No Holds Barred Match with Batista at
SummerSlam Aug. 21. JBL then hand-picked Funaki for a No Holds Barred Match, where he completely dominated SmackDown!’s
announcer before whipping him with a leather belt, choking him with a TV cable and slamming him with a steel chair.
But before JBL could do any more damage, Batista stormed the ring, hit JBL with a chair to the back and then got on the
mic and promised to kick JBL’s ass Sunday.
Meanwhile, Eddie Guerrero declared his love for his biological son Dominick and agreed the Ladder Match was a fitting way
to decide custody once and for all. Sitting on top of a ladder placed in the ring, Eddie said he would win and climb the
ladder for every father who has ever loved their son, en route to the victory and sole custody of Dominick.
Melina & Joey Mercury defeated Booker T & Sharmell in a mixed tag match, but not without some major help. Fixer Jillian
got an assist Thursday night when she tripped up Sharmell, allowing Melina to record the pin, with more help from the
ropes, while Booker T was occupied on the outside with Mercury. After the match, Sharmell scolded Booker T for not being
there when she needed him.
Heidenreich became an official member of Legion of Doom when Road Warrior Animal donned the spike shoulder pads on him.
The WWE Tag Team Champions then promptly defeated Ruffy Silverstein & J.P. Parsons to remain undefeated.
Also, Rey Mysterio defeated Simon Dean as he warmed up for the match of his life Sunday against Eddie Guerrero.
Toronto fan favorite Christian interviewed himself on The Peep Show, only to be interrupted by the Mexicools, who attacked
Christian and wrecked his talk show set.
MATCHES:
JBL vs. Funaki in a No Holds Barred Match ended in a No Contest
Rey Mysterio defeated Simon Dean
Joey Mercury & Melina defeated Booker T. & Sharmell
Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich defeated Ruffy Silverstein & J.P. Parsons
Randy Orton defeated Chris Benoit
SMACKDOWN
#314
8-25-05 Taped 8-23-05
Greensboro Coliseum
Greensboro, North Carolina
It was another good night for the big winners at SummerSlam.
World Heavyweight Champion Batista, United States Champion Chris Benoit and Rey Mysterio teamed up to defeat JBL,
Orlando Jordan and Eddie Guerrero in a wild six-man tag main event Thursday. Despite many of the wrestlers still hurting
from their SummerSlam matches, all six men were determined to leave Greensboro, North Carolina, with a victory.
Orlando Jordan, who lost his United States Championship in a mere 25 seconds to Chris Benoit at SummerSlam, suffered
through a 619, a Benoit German suplex and a Batista Bomb in that order to end the match.
Meanwhile, WWE Hall of Famer Cowboy Bob Orton opened the show by introducing and praising his son Randy Orton for
defeating Undertaker at SummerSlam. Of course, Bob Orton played a big role in that victory when he disguised himself as a
fan and distracted Undertaker. Orton went on the defeat Hardcore Holly in a very difficult match. In fact, Bob Orton once
again got the assist, distracting Holly late in the action just long enough for Orton to connect with a RKO.
Later, Randy and Bob Orton mocked Undertaker backstage by signing a copy of Undertaker’s new DVD “Tombstone” and giving it
to WWE Auction to raise money for the “Undertaker Retirement Fund.”
In huge news, Network Executive Palmer Canon and SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long announced that SmackDown! will
be moving to Friday nights beginning Sept. 9. Long added to the excitement when he took Canon's advice and announced a
SummerSlam rematch between World Heavyweight Champion Batista and JBL as the Sept. 9 main event.
Long also tried to announce a Lingerie Pillow Fight between Christy Hemme and Stacy Keibler, who were both recently
acquired from RAW via a blockbuster Diva trade. Palmer thought a Lingerie
Pillow Fight was unacceptable, and informed Long that the match wouldn't be allowed on television.
Christian, fresh off last week’s attack by the Mexicools, invited Booker T and Sharmell as his guests on the Peep Show.
Christian asked Booker if the couple was still on speaking terms after last week’s disagreement after their mixed tag
match. Christian then asked Booker T what he’s done lately, prompting Sharmell to tell her husband to stop worrying about
her and focus on his career. Moments later, the Mexicools invaded the set again, triggering an all-out brawl that ended
with Booker T clearing house. Later in the show, per a match created by Long, Psicosis and Super Crazy defeated Booker T
and Christian in a tag match when Christian walked off after getting a bloody nose.
Heidenreich, with Road Warrior Animal in his corner, defeated Johnny Nitro of MNM by disqualification when Joey Mercury
drilled Heidenreich with a chair to the knee.
Chris Benoit was still basking in the glory of his incredible win over Orlando Jordan at SummerSlam. Benoit made Jordan
tap out in 25.5 seconds. The Crippler even tried to make a cup of coffee in the time it took him to win the United States
Championship.
The unique Mr. Kennedy made his SmackDown! debut by defeating Funaki. Kennedy also did the ring introductions for the match.
MATCHES:
Super Crazy & Psicosis defeated Booker T. & Christian
Randy Orton defeated Hardcore Holly
Heidenreich defeated Johnny Nitro via a disqualification
Ken Kennedy defeated Funaki
Batista, Chris Benoit & Rey Mysterio defeated Orlando Jordan, Eddie Guerrero & JBL
SMACKDOWN
#315
9-1-05 Taped 8-30-05
Jacksonville Veteran`s Memorial Arena
Jacksonville, Florida
The only person on more of a roll than Randy Orton lately might be his father, Hall of Famer Cowboy Bob Orton. For the
third straight match, dating back to Randy’s victory over Undertaker at SummerSlam, Bob Orton helped his son secure a
victory, this time over Rey Mysterio. Mysterio actually connected on the 619 and was ready to Drop Da Dime until Bob
grabbed his leg and gave his son just enough time to recover. Orton then promptly hit Mysterio with a low blow while the
ref was busy with his father. Moments later, it was the RKO that put Mysterio out for good.
Earlier in the night, Randy and Bob Orton asked the sellout Jacksonville, Florida, crowd if it had seen Undertaker. Randy
also invited Undertaker to next week’s Friday Night SmackDown! so the Ortons could present Taker with the retirement fund
they’ve raised from auctioning the signed “Tombstone” DVD at WWE.com.
United States Champion Chris Benoit took on former champion Orlando Jordan. Amazingly, this time the match took a mere
23.4 seconds as Benoit made Jordan tap out again.
World Heavyweight Champion Batista and Simon Dean had an interesting pre-match exchange as Batista gave Simon Dean’s
protein shake a try. Unfortunately, Batista claimed the shake made him more aggressive as he proceeded to dismantle Dean.
Next Friday on SmackDown! will be much more difficult as Batista takes on JBL in a Bull Rope Match for the World
Heavyweight Championship. In fact, JBL suggested the Bull Rope Match to network executive Palmer Canon. Remember, JBL won
the WWE Championship in a Bull Rope Match last year against Eddie Guerrero.
Stacy Keibler and Christy Hemme, who had a Lingerie Pillow Fight that was barred from network television last week, tried
to have a traditional wrestling match Thursday. But before the match could start, Sylvan Grenier made an appearance.
Grenier insulted the look of the Divas, which ticked off Hardcore Holly, who came down and slapped Grenier out of the
ring, much to the delight of Christy and Stacy.
Newcomer Ken Kennedy upset Booker T in a wild singles match. Booker T seemed destined for the win but was distracted when
his wife Sharmell and Christian, who was doing commentary, got in a shouting match at ringside. Moments later, Kennedy
recovered and connected with his Green Bay Plunge for the big victory.
In other action, Heidenreich defeated Joey Mercury. After the match, Road Warrior Animal and Heidenreich had the meddling
Melina set up for the Doomsday Device until Mercury and Nitro saved her. Moments later, MNM sent Animal into the steel
steps and flattened Heidenreich with a Snapshot. These teams will meet next week for the WWE Tag Team Championship when
SmackDown! comes to Friday nights.
Eddie Guerrero, appearing behind part of a steel cage, claimed Mysterio not only took Dominick, but his whole family at
SummerSlam. Guerrero asked Mysterio, “How can you beat someone that has already lost everything?”
In tag team action, William Regal and new associate Paul Birchell defeated Funaki & Scotty 2 Hotty as Birchell delivered a
devastating shoulder breaker to Scotty before making him submit to another painful shoulder maneuver.
MATCHES:
Heidenreich defeated Joey Mercury
Ken Kennedy defeated Booker T.
United States Champion Chris Benoit defeated Orlando Jordan
Randy Orton defeated Rey Mysterio
William Regal & Paul Birchell defeated Scotty 2 Hotty & Funaki
World Heavyweight Champion Batista defeated Simon Dean
Christy Hemme vs. Stacy Keibler ended in a no contest
SMACKDOWN
#316
9-9-05 Taped 9-6-05
Arena at Gwinnett Center
Atlanta, Georgia
If the inaugural Friday Night SmackDown is any indication of what’s in store for WWE fans on this new night, then look out.
The historic night was capped by an amazing performance by Batista, who retained the World Heavyweight Championship in an
exhausting and bloody Bull Rope Match against JBL. Early in the match, Batista had the advantage, sending JBL into two of
the four corners necessary to collect the win. But JBL responded with a vicious clothesline to steal the momentum.
JBL actually managed to light up three corners, but was dragged from the fourth, just inches away from tapping the
turnbuckle and winning the World Heavyweight Championship. Both desperate men even used the legal cow bell to deliver
punishing shots to the head. Eventually, Batista put JBL in a choke hold and dragged him to the first three corners. But
as Batista tapped each turnbuckle, a crafty JBL followed with a tap of his own, although Batista didn’t realize.
Finally, as both men approached the final corner, a reeling JBL stunned Batista with an elbow and went for the victory,
only to be dragged away by an alert Batista. Batista followed with a Batista Bomb and then tapped the final corner for the
impressive victory.
Eddie Guerrero was desperate for revenge when the former friends and tag team partners settled their differences in a
steel cage. Guerrero had never beaten Mysterio, but that was before Friday night as Latino Heat outlasted a game Mysterio
to finally collect a victory over the man that has caused him so much pain. Eddie and Rey traded one painful maneuver
after another. At one point, both men were straddling the top of the cage, with both nearly falling off. Mysterio, who was
nursing a sore knee late in the match, even attempted a flying cross body from the top of the cage. But Eddie rolled out of
the way, which literally opened the door for a Guerrero win. With Mysterio writhing in pain, Eddie easily could have
walked out of the cage, but he came back for one last Frog Splash and the pin.
United States Champion Chris Benoit had another quick night of work, defeating Orlando Jordan in an ultra-quick 22.5
seconds. Jordan actually started the match with a strong right hand that sent Benoit to the mat. But Benoit recovered,
and a few seconds later, Jordan was tapping out to the Crippler Crossface once again. Benoit, who won the United States
Championship from Jordan in 25.5 seconds at SummerSlam, needed only 23.4 seconds last week on SmackDown to defend the
championship.
The action-packed first-half of the show included Heidenreich and Road Warrior Animal defending the WWE Tag Team
Championship against MNM. Animal was nearly smashed in the head with his own belt in this match, but he was able to
recover and turn the tables on MNM, using the belt while the referee was down.
Meanwhile, Undertaker didn’t think too fondly of the Ortons’ generosity, as he ominously set the large “Retirement Fund”
check on fire, stunning Randy and Cowboy Bob. General Manager Theodore Long later made a match between Randy Orton and
Undertaker for next week.
Also, Ken Kennedy remained red-hot as he defeated Paul London with his Green Bay Plunge.
Meanwhile, newcomer Paul Burchill defeated Scotty 2 Hotty with a painful shoulder submission move. Before the match, he
declared he was the most dangerous import since fellow Brit William Regal arrived on the scene.
MATCHES:
Ken Kennedy defeated Paul London
Paul Burchill defeated Scotty 2 Hotty
United States Champion Chris Benoit defeated Orlando Jordan
World Heavyweight Champion Batista defeated Bradshaw
WWE Tag Team Champions Legion of Doom defeated MNM
Eddie Guerrero defeated Rey Mysterio in a Steel Cage match
SMACKDOWN
#317
9-16-05 Taped 9-12-05
Alltel Arena
Little Rock, Arkansas
Part Three of this intense, dramatic and sometimes downright strange rivalry had all three traits present when Undertaker
took on Randy Orton on Friday Night SmackDown this week. After plenty of back-and-forth action, Orton was able to buy
himself some time after a DDT on Undertaker. This allowed Cowboy Bob Orton and some men to back a U-Haul truck up to
ringside. The truck actually contained a casket. But Undertaker finally turned the tables, catching Orton with a leg to
the head before wearing him down with some hard right hands, a flying shoulder and a big leg drop. Eventually, the action
went to the outside, and Taker had Orton on his shoulder ready to place him in the casket. But when he opened the casket,
Undertaker saw a spitting image of himself lying there. Undertaker almost appeared spooked as Orton went back on the
offensive, even hitting an RKO. But Undertaker would amazingly kick out and then sit up, meaning curtains for Orton. One
chokeslam later, the pin was in order until Cowboy Bob interrupted the pin and attacked Undertaker. Taker dispatched of
the Hall of Famer before connecting on a Tombstone on Randy and recording the pin. Despite coming out on the losing
end, it has become clear that the Ortons are messing with Undertaker's mind like no one before.
Earlier, General Manager Theodore Long and network executive Palmer Canon were joined in the ring by World Heavyweight
Champion Batista. Long began to introduce the new No. 1 Contender, and although his description gave the impression that
Rey Mysterio was on his way out, Canon grabbed the mic and introduced Eddie Guerrero. Long later told Canon that he indeed
wanted Mysterio to face Batista. But Canon liked his idea of having Eddie wrestle for the World Heavyweight Championship a
little more. Guerrero gladly accepted his role as No. 1 Contender and went on to tell Batista and the fans that he was a
new and improved Latino Heat, who was more about compassion than manipulation. He even thanked Batista for the chance,
claiming he had complete respect for his accomplishments. Guerrero then told Batista he wanted to have a great match with
him at No Mercy on Oct. 9 without hating him. Guerrero and Batista eventually shared an awkward embrace to declare a
newfound friendship.
Heidenreich and Road Warrior Animal of Legion of Doom retained the WWE Tag Team Championship after MNM was disqualified in
their rematch. During the match, Joey Mercury got his hands on one of the belts, drilling Heidenreich in the head, which
lead to the immediate disqualification.
Rey Mysterio, despite a huge size disadvantage, defeated JBL this week on Friday night SmackDown. While Mysterio was
manhandled early in the match, he began mounting an aerial assault that ended with a wild moonsault to catch JBL by
surprise. A stunned JBL later hired Jillian Hall to work for him as his fixer. Has JBL hit rockbottom?
Christian was scheduled to take on United States Champion Chris Benoit in a non-title match, but before that match could
start, Orlando Jordan made an unscheduled appearance. Jordan entered the ring and told Benoit he would not be remembered
as the man who tapped out in 22.5 seconds to the Crippler Crossface. Jordan then went after Benoit, who once again slapped
the Crossface on, only to have Christian interfere. Suddenly, Booker T stormed the ring, forcing the ref to make an
impromptu tag team match featuring Jordan & Christian vs. Booker T & Chris Benoit. Benoit took total control of the match,
at one point reversing the Unprettier to put Christian in the Crippler Crossface. But Jordan broke the hold and then went
for a steel chair on the outside. Booker T grabbed the chair but then accidentally knocked his wife Sharmell over. Benoit
was on his way to putting the finishing touches on Christian when he began to mount the ropes for a flying headbutt. But
Jordan tripped him up and caught his face on the top rope, giving Christian just enough time to hit the Unpretttier and
collect the victory.
Later, Cruiserweight Champion Nunzio found himself in a major mismatch with Batista. Vito did everything he could to help
his buddy Nunzio, but in the end, Batista finished the match with a devastating Batista Bomb on the much lighter
Cruiserweight Champion. Eddie Guerrero watched the match from ringside and even applauded the efforts of Batista.
Ken Kennedy remained red-hot, recording another victory, this time defeating Jacque Pilskin with his patented Green Bay
Plunge.
MATCHES:
Ken Kennedy defeated Jacque Pilskin
Rey Mysterio defeated Bradshaw
World Heavyweight Champion Batista defeated Nunzio in a non-title match
The Undertaker defeated Randy Orton
WWE Tag Team Champions Legion of Doom defeated MNM via a disqualification
Christian & Orlando Jordan defeated Chris Benoit & Booker T.
SMACKDOWN
#318
9-23-05 Taped 9-20-05
United Sprint Arena
Lubbock, Texas
Eddie Guerrero was suffering from a debilitating stomach illness on Friday Night SmackDown, but by the end of the night
he was flying through the air like he was 100 percent. Early in the show, Eddie informed General Manager Theodore Long
and network executive Palmer Canon that he was suffering from a mysterious stomach ailment and that he may not be able to
team up with Batista for their main event match against MNM. In fact, Eddie had to rush to the bathroom because the
illness was causing him to vomit. As the show went on, Eddie’s illness only seemed to get worse. However, when a willing
and able nurse came to his aid, Eddie gleefully claimed that she was relieving the pressure that was causing his pain.
Batista, looking out for his partner’s best interest, brought in the best doctor he could find. Eddie insisted that he
was miraculously cured, but the doctor bent him over and gave him a dose of bad medicine in an effort to really cure him.
When Eddie tried to make his way to the ring for his match, it appeared as though the doctor’s treatment didn’t work
after all. Eddie couldn’t even make it to the ring apron. Batista was left to fend for himself, and MNM took care of the
numbers advantage early on. But the World Heavyweight Champion came storming back, showing his unparalleled power. After
Batista hit his monstrous power bomb, Eddie hopped up on the apron, tagged himself in and soared through the air, hitting
his patented Frog Splash for the 1-2-3. A shocked and skeptical Batista looked on and seemed pretty annoyed that Eddie
stole his thunder. In the end, though, the pair’s hands were raised in victory.
Last week, Randy Orton and Undertaker continued their bitter rivalry in another classic match. Orton seemed to have the
upper hand and even landed the RKO, but Undertaker was able to persevere. Even after seeing a mirror image of himself in
a casket, courtesy of the Ortons, Undertaker came through with the victory. Randy and his father, WWE Hall of Famer
Cowboy Bob Orton, addressed the fans from the middle of the ring this week. The ring was decked out with the same coffin
that they had used to psyche out Undertaker the previous week. Randy claimed that Undertaker may have beaten him in the
match, but the Legend Killer had beaten the Deadman mentally. With that, Randy peered closer into the casket, examining
what he thought was an Undertaker mannequin. But it was actually the real Undertaker, and the Phenom reached up, grabbing
Orton by the neck. Undertaker threw him into the casket, prompting the Ortons to retreat. Obviously, this rivalry hasn’t
ended yet.
Rey Mysterio, fresh off a win against JBL, looked to continue his hot streak Friday night against newcomer Ken Kennedy.
Before the match, Kennedy apologized to ring announcer Tony Chimmel for making fun of him over the past few weeks. But
Kennedy’s true colors soon shone through as he knocked Chimmel down and once again conducted his own introduction. At one
point later in the match, it appeared as though Mysterio was going to win the back-and-forth battle. But when Mysterio
headed to the top rope to finish off Kennedy, JBL rode out on a horse and distracted Mysterio. That was the advantage
Kennedy needed, as he climbed the ropes as well and hit the Green Bay Plunge for the 1-2-3, keeping his undefeated streak
alive.
SmackDown also marked the debut of Bobby Lashley. Lashley is a three-time National Amatuer Wrestling Champion, four-time
All-American, a two-time Armed Forces Champion and a 2002 Silver Medalist at the Military World Championship, and
immediately showed why he has such an impressive resume. Lashley, who is 6-foot-3 and a chiseled 273 pounds, made quick
work of Simon Dean, utilizing a wide array of power moves. Lashley even performed several pushups while Dean tried to
wear him down with a half-nelson. Lashley polished off his successful debut when he lifted Dean onto his shoulder with a
gut wrench and sent him crashing down to the mat
face-first.
Orlando Jordan, determined to beat the clock, went one on one with United States Champion Chris Benoit once again. Two
weeks ago Benoit broke his already impressive record by defeating Jordan in 22.5 seconds. Jordan seemed to have Benoit
scouted a little better this time, avoiding the Crossface in the opening seconds. After Jordan realized the clock had
gone past 30 seconds, he became excited but also distracted, allowing Benoit to lock in the Crossface for the win at 49.8
seconds.
Booker T. and Christian locked up in the opening match on Friday Night SmackDown. Sharmell had the referee distracted
after Booker T hit the Bookend, allowing Christian to kick out at two. But she later redeemed herself when she tripped
up Christian, allowing her man to get a roll-up victory. She also later told Booker T that if he’s not getting respect
he’ll have to take it, and that he should get a shot at Benoit’s U.S Championship.
The WWE Tag Team Champions were also in action as Road Warrior Animal and Heidenreich picked up another win.
Also, Hardcore Holly promised to give Sylvan a black eye to match his black boots and trunks and it looked like he
accomplished his goal. After decking Sylvan with a vicious punch, Sylvan left the ring, giving Holly a count-out victory.
MATCHES:
Bobby Lashley defeated Simon Dean
Booker T. defeated Christian
Hardcore Holly defeated Sylvan Grenier via a count out
Ken Kennedy defeated Rey Mysterio
United States Champion Chris Benoit defeated Orlando Jordan
WWE Tag Team Champions LOD defeated Anthony Coleti & Jared Steele
World Heavyweight Champion Batista & Eddie Guerrero defeated MNM
SMACKDOWN
#319
9-30-05 Taped 9-27-05
Laredo Entertainment Center
Laredo, Texas
It was a tough night for two Superstars of Latino Heritage as Friday Night SmackDown emanated from just miles north of
the U.S.-Mexico border in Laredo, Texas. Last week, Eddie Guerrero overcame his "illness" to help Batista defeat MNM. The
duo was rewarded with a shot at L.O.D.'s WWE Tag Team Championship, with Batista going so far as to steal Eddie's dinner
early in the show to make sure his partner was up to the task. And as the match began, all seemed well between the new
friends. Eddie made it to the ring at 100 percent, but L.O.D. managed to get the best of him before a hurricanrana helped
Guerrero escape the champions' attempt of the Doomsday Device. This allowed a tag to Batista, who nearly pinned
Heidenreich after a Batista Bomb before Road Warrior Animal made the save. Unfortunately, Batista could not capitalize
any further, as MNM rushed to the ring wielding chairs and attacked the champions, drawing a disqualification on Guerrero
& Batista. After taking care of L.O.D., Mercury and Nitro had Batista measured, but Guerrero made the save. As Eddie and
Batista cleaned house, the World Heavyweight Champion set up Nitro for the Batista Bomb. Eddie, in an attempt to hit
Mercury with a chair, accidentally hit his partner. However, the crafty Guerrero tossed the chair to Mercury as The
Animal recovered, and then went down to act as if he had been hit as well. This left Mercury to fall victim to a vicious
spinebuster and a chair shot of his ow from Batista. As the night concluded, Batista and Eddie were hugging and
celebrating, with The Animal still unaware that his opponent for No Mercy had actually hit him in the first place.
At the beginning of the night, Bradshaw came out to address the crowd in Laredo, a town with a nearly 90 percent Hispanic
population. JBL emerged wearing a sombrero and poncho, with an inner tube wrapped around his body and a burro by his
side. This immediately whipped the crowd into a frenzy, who chanted derogatory remarks at the former WWE Champion in
Spanish. Bradshaw proclaimed himself a great American, and introduced his tag team partner Ken Kennedy, who proceeded to
compare the burro to ring anouncer Tony Chimel. By this point, Rey Mysterio had heard enough, and emerged to a huge
ovation. After JBL helped Kennedy defeat Mysterio last week, Rey enlisted Hardcore Holly as his partner to face his
adversaries. JBL and Kennedy wore down Mysterio, with JBL disrespecting his opponent at No Mercy by choking him with the
Mexican flag. Mysterio and Holly eevntually managed to turn the tables, but in the end, Kennedy nailed Mysterio with a
big boot, and then distracted Holly long enough for JBL to hit the Clothesline From Hell for the victory.
With Homecoming on the horizon, Mr. McMahon gave Theodore Long the authority to make a SmackDown match for the show, to
be announced this week on Friday Night SmackDown. When the time came to make the announcement, however, Long and Palmer
Canon were coy about their decision; instead of announcing a specific match, they would only say that World Heavyweight
Champion Batista, United States Champion Chris Benoit, Rey Mysterio, Bradshaw, Christian, and Eddie Guerrero would all be
involved. Be sure to tune into WWE Homecoming on the USA Network on October 3 to find out exactly how these Superstars
will be involved.
Also, after being thrown into a casket last week, Cowboy Bob Orton challenged Undertaker to meet him face to face. Orton
promised to leave son Randy in the back, but his word was soon broken. After the Deadman sent the Hall of Famer crashing
into the referee, Randy Orton ran in to help his father assault Undertaker. After several minutes of the two-on-one
attack, it appeared Cowboy Bob would pull out the victory. However, Undertaker escaped, leaving Randy to enter the fray
once more. The younger Orton saved his father from a Tombstone, but the Deadman countered Randy's RKO attempt and sent
him out of the ring. One Tombstone later and Undertaker had conquered Cowboy Bob.
In addition, three more matches were made for No Mercy, including a Fatal Four Way for the United States Championship.
During the Peep Show, Christian told the fans why he deserved a shot at Chris Benoit. This brought out Booker T and
Sharmell, and later Orlando Jordan, to state their cases for the opportunity. GM Theodore Long announced that he would
let Benoit decide his opponent for No Mercy, then ordered Booker, Christian, and Orlando to compete in a Triple Threat
Match. After Jordan pulled out the victory, Benoit toyed with the competitors, before deciding that he would take on all
three challengers on october 9.
Prior to SmackDown, Christy Hemme angered Melina in the parking lot by being too loud with her motorcycle. Melina left
the altercation with a broken nail, but got revenge later in the night when she defeated Christy with the help on Mercury
and Nitro. An enraged Christy attacked Melina after the bell, prompting MNM to go after the fiery Diva. As Mercury and
Nitro had Christy set up for the Snapshot, L.O.D. ran in to prevent them from completing the deed. Later, it was
announced that L.O.D. and Christy would meet MNM at No Mercy.
After an impressive debut last week, Bobby Lashley picked up another victory, but his celebration was cut short by Simon
Dean. Simon offered Lashley a free sample of his Simon System, and announced that they would meet again at No Mercy.
Lashley refused Simon's offer, then turned back a Dean attack, sending Simon crashing to the arena floor.
MATCHES:
Bradshaw & Ken Kennedy defeated Rey Mysterio & Hardcore Holly
Melina defeated Christy Hemme
Orlando Jordan defeated Booker T. and Christian in a Triple Threat Match
Undertaker defeated Cowboy Bob Orton
WWE Tag Team Champions L.O.D. defeated
World Heavyweight Champion Batista & Eddie Guerrero
via a disqualification
Bobby Lashley defeated Russell Simpson
SMACKDOWN
# 320
10-7-05 Taped 10-4-05
Frank Erwin Center
Austin, Texas
Just two days before No Mercy, Eddie Guerrero did his best to make World Heavyweight Champion Batista believe he was a
changed man, going so far as to help the Animal gain a victory at his own expense. During the night, Eddie Guerrero came
to the ring, wearing a Batista shirt, to gloat about how he had Batista's back during the RAW vs. SmackDown scuffle at
WWE Homecoming. This brought out the World Heavyweight Champion, who showed Eddie the footage of last week's accidental
chair shot. Batista said he wanted to believe that Eddie had changed, but promised to hurt Guerrero if he stabbed him in
the back. Eddie said he didn't blame Batista for his doubt, but would prove himself later in the night. In the main
event, Batista, Chris Benoit, and Rey Mysterio faced Bradshaw, Guerrero, and Christian in the match that
Eric Bischoff had cut the lights on during RAW. Eddie was reluctant to tag in against his opponents, and at one point
after Batista had overpowered him, Eddie kneeled in the corner and applauded his friend, then immediately tagged out. As
the match headed to conclusion, JBL had Batista set up for a Clothesline From Hell. Instead, as JBL hit the ropes,
Guerrero sabotaged his own team, pulling down the top rope to send JBL crashing to the floor. He then alerted Batista to
Christian jumping off the top rope, which led to the Animal hitting a spinebuster on Christian for the victory. As Eddie
tried to celebrate with the victors, an irate JBL and Christian returned to attack their partner. Batista made the save
for Eddie, and the two men stared at each other quizzically as the night ended.
Earlier in the night, Theodore Long invited Eric Bischoff and RAW to show up at No Mercy, while network executive Palmer
Canon praised Long for what the SmackDown Superstars did at WWE Homecoming. This brought out Randy Orton, who claimed
that he made the stand on RAW, and would make a stand against Undertaker at No Mercy. He promised to make a sacrifice
later on by killing the legend of Roddy Piper. Bob Orton then said he had the best time of his career with Piper, but
this was about family. Piper came out to rebut, and Cowboy Bob told Randy to break his arm so that he could see what it
was like. Instead, "The Rowdy One" produced a lead pipe, chasing off the Ortons. When their match came up, the two-on-one
advantage gave the Ortons firm control. However, as Randy had Piper set up for the RKO, Cowboy Bob begged his son to let
him finish the job. Before he could, the sounds of Undertaker's gong filled the arena. As Randy Orton looked around for
the Deadman, Piper cradled a surprised Cowboy Bob for the victory. As Piper retreated, the gong sounded again, and as the
lights went out in the arena, several Druids wheeled a casket to ringside. Undertaker appeared on the TitanTron urging
the Ortons to look inside the casket to see their fate at No Mercy; when they did, they found a mirror image of
themselves resting in peace. Once again, the lights went out, and when they returned, Undertaker was in the ring behind
the Ortons. The frightened father and son fled the ring at the sight of the Deadman, living to fight another day.
WWE Tag Team Champions L.O.D. had Christy in their corner when they took on William Regal & Paul Burchill. Regal &
Burchill worked over Road Warrior Animal's shoulder, but eventually he and Heidenreich took control. As Christy directed
them to hit the Doomsday Device on Burchill, MNM appeared to attack the champions, causing a disqualification. After
sending L.O.D. to the floor, Mercury and Nitro accomplished what they couldn't last week, giving Christy the Snapshot at
Melina's direction. The champions recovered and chased MNM off with chairs, but the damage had been done.
After answering Hardcore Holly's challenge for No Mercy on Byte This!, Mr. Kennedy was at ringside to watch Holly face
Sylvan. Holly and Kennedy got into a verbal confrontation during the match, and Hardcore shoved Kennedy into the announce
table. Later, Kennedy gained revenge, nailing Hardcore with a microphone behind the referee's back. This allowed Sylvan
to capitalize and pick up the victory, with Kennedy mocking the fallen Holly before leaving ringside.
Booker T. also picked up momentum for No Mercy, defeating Orlando Jordan in a singles match. As Jordan prepared to suplex
Booker from the apron into the ring, Sharmell swept his legs out from under him. Booker landed on top of Jordan and got
the pin, but wasn't happy with Sharmell when he saw a replay of what happened.
Also, Bobby Lashley continued his undefeated streak, shrugging off attempted interference by Simon Dean to pick up
another impressive victory.
MATCHES:
Bobby Lashley defeated Eddie Craven
Booker T. defeated Orlando Jordan
World Heavyweight Champion Batista, United States Champion Chris Benoit, & Rey Mysterio
defeated
Bradshaw, Eddie Guerrero, & Christian
WWE Tag Team Champions L.O.D. defeated William Regai & Paul Burchill via a disqualification
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper defeated Randy Orton & Cowboy Bob Orton via a Handicap Match
NO MERCY
A Smackdown Presentation
10-9-05
Toyota Center
Houston, Texas
Juventud defeated Nunzio to become new Cruiserweight Champion
The Mexicools continued their cruiserweight dominance at No Mercy when Juventud was able to capture the Cruiserweight
Championship from Nunzio. After the champ was laid out by the Juvi Driver, Super Crazy and Psicosis protected the ring so
as not to allow Vito to break up the action. A three count later, the Mexicools had their first piece of gold to
decorate their Juan Deeres with.
Bobby Lashley defeated Simon Dean
Before the match, a cocky Simon Dean promised to eat 20 double cheeseburgers if he was not victorious. The new SmackDown
heavy-hitter Bobby Lashley jumped out to the early advantage, utilizing his awesome power. Dean, however, created an
opening when he distracted the referee. The fitness guru then nailed Lashley with the metal platter which was holding the
20 cheeseburgers. The illegal move had no effect on the newcomer. Lashley then dropped Simon Dean with a devastating
Dominator, which was followed by the 1-2-3. After the match, Lashley shoved the first of 20 double cheeseburgers down
Dean’s throat.
Ken Kennedy defeated Hardcore Holly
Ken Kennedy was very impressive in his WWE pay-per-view debut against Hardcore Holly at No Mercy. The SmackDown newcomer
immediately focused his attention on Holly’s shoulder, even sending him shoulder first into the steel ring post. Back on
the inside, Holly fought his way back, hitting a heavy full-nelson slam. But Holly’s injured shoulder was too much to
overcome. Kennedy soon landed the inverted rolling senton for the win. After the match, Holly refused medical attention
in the ring. Before he could make his way to the back, Holly was met with a cruel attack by Sylvan.
Legion of Doom & Chrisy Hemme defeated MNM
Johnny Nitro couldn’t even get out of his full-length fur coat before Heidernreich went on the offensive in this
six-person tag team match pitting WWE Tag Team Champions L.O.D & Christy against MNM. Luckily for MNM, Mercury was able
to find his way into the ring and focus on Road Warrior Animal’s injured left shoulder. With Animal down, Melina took to
the top rope and launched herself from the turnbuckle. The high-risk maneuver, however, proved to be costly, as the
powerful Animal caught to flying Melina. The feisty Christy was then tagged in. Animal held Melina up while his tag team
partner hit a clothesline, a la the Hart Foundation. Animal then helped up the fallen Melina while Christy hit the
Doomsday Device, which was followed by the 1-2-3.
Bradshaw defeated Rey Mysterio
Rey Mysterio utilized his speed to gain the early advantage on the powerful JBL, focusing much of his attention on the
big man’s knees in an attempt to level him. JBL, however, eventually caught Rey on the top rope. The former WWE Champion
then hit the smaller Mysterio with a Fall Away Slam from the top, followed by another. JBL then sent Mysterio to the
outside where he hit him with yet another Fall Away Slam. Back on the inside, JBL went for the cover, but Rey kicked out
just before the ref was able to hit the three count. A recovering Mysterio was able to muster enough energy to hit an
unsuspecting JBL with a devastating Tornado DDT. Mysterio’s speed once again propelled him on to the offensive, as he
landed a Bronco Buster on JBL in the corner. The capacity crowd in Houston then jumped to its feet as Rey hit JBL with a
moonsault, followed by a 619. Mysterio then looked to finish off his larger opponent with the West Coast Pop, but missed.
The miss proved to be costly, as JBL then hit Mysterio with a Clothesline From Hell to finish him off.
United States Champion Chris Benoit
defeated
Booker T, Orlando Jordan and Christian
via a Fatal Four Way Match
The rules of the United States Championship Match at No Mercy clearly did not favor Chris Benoit. The first person to
score a fall would be declared the winner, meaning Benoit did not need to be involved in the decision to lose the
championship. With the odds stacked against him, Benoit looked to finish the match early. He managed to lock Orlando
Jordan in the Crippler Crossface, but Christian was able to make the save. Benoit then focused his attention on
Christian, eventually applying the Sharpshooter. But Jordan returned the earlier favor and made the save. The furious
action found its way outside the ring for Booker T and Orlando. With two of the three challengers on the outside, Benoit
was able to hit three German Suplexes on Christian. The United States Champion followed with a Sharpshooter. With nobody
there to make the save, Christian was forced to submit.
Cowboy Bob Orton & Randy Orton
defeated
The Undertaker via a Handicap Casket Match
Not being in great ring shape, Cowboy Bob Orton had to use his conniving wit as his greatest asset in this Handicap
Casket Match that pit him and his son Randy against the legendary Undertaker. At one point in the match, the Deadman
knocked Cowboy Bob into the casket while the Hall of Famer was holding a fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher proved
to play a huge part of the outcome. With Cowboy Bob still in the casket, Randy and Undertaker continued their battle in
the ring. Eventually, Undertaker hit his Last Ride Powerbomb onto the younger Orton. As the Deadman lifted the casket,
however, Cowboy Bob sprayed him with the contents of the fire extinguisher, temporarily blinding him. Randy then nailed
Undertaker with a steel chair, as the Deadman finally found himself at the bottom of the casket. The Ortons quickly
closed the casket, signifying the end of Undertaker. After the match, Bob and Randy locked the casket, covered it in
gasoline and set it on fire. This was clearly a horrible sight to see for those in attendance and watching live on
pay-per-view. But what happened when the fire went out was plain shocking. Insistent on seeing their handy work, the
Ortons opened the charred casket, only to find out that the Undertaker was no longer inside.
World Heavyweight Champion Batista defeated Eddie Guerrero
Eddie Guerrero had many opportunities to break the rules during his main-event match against World Heavyweight Champion
Batista, but he never did. The challenger was seen several times wrestling with his morals in the ring. On two separate
occasions, Guerrero had an opportunity to smash Batista with a steel chair. Guerrero, however, opted not to go that route.
Intent on winning the World Heavyweight Championship legitimately, Guerrero landed an amazing Three Amigos on Batista. He
then went to the top for a Frog Splash, but Batista was able to roll out of the way. Batista followed the missed Frog
Splash with a Spinebuster, which finished off the challenger. After the match, Guerrero extended his hand to the
victorious Batista. The two then shook hands in the center of the ring. After the sign of respect, Batista turned to walk
away. With Batista’s back to Guerrero, Eddie’s face showed a devious smile. The smile quickly went away when Batista
turned around to look at Guerrero.
SMACKDOWN
# 321
10-14-05 Taped 10-11-05
S.B.C. Center
San Antonio, Texas
One legend down, one champion to go, or so Randy Orton thought as Friday Night SmackDown came on the air. Orton, along
with father Cowboy Bob, hit the ring to gloat about killing the legend of the Undertaker once and for all. Randy claimed
that after doing what he did, the next step was to regain the World Heavyweight Championship. This brought out Eddie
Guerrero, who claimed that he wasn't done with Batista, and chastised Orton for using a chair to defeat Undertaker at No
Mercy. Orton told Eddie that while he may have earned Batista's respect by not doing the same, he didn't have a victory to
show for it. Randy then said he had no beef with Eddie, and was going to ask General Manager Theodore Long for a title
shot. Instead, Batista's music hit, and the champion made his way to the ring. With the fans backing him up, Batista
announced that he wanted to see Randy Orton vs. Eddie Guerrero in the main event of SmackDown. The match was made, and
both men fought valiantly to prove that they deserved the next opportunity at the World
Heavyweight Championship. Throughout the match, momentary distractions from Cowboy Bob helped Randy gain control. As the
match wound down, however, Eddie Guerrero hit the Three Amigos and looked to finish Orton with a Frog Splash. Cowboy
Bob intervened again, but after Eddie tried to kick him away, Bob retaliated by pushing Guerrero off the top
rope, causing a disqualification. The Ortons then attacked Guerrero and beat him down, until Batista ran out to save his
amigo. After chasing the Ortons off, the Animal and Latino Heat stood in the ring together when Theodore Long came out to
announce that next week, Batista and Guerrero would face the father-and-son duo in a tag team match.
Before his United States Championship Match with Chris Benoit this week on SmackDown, Orlando Jordan promised to quit if
he tapped out to the Crippler Crossface again. The champion tried several times early on to secure the Crossface, but
Orlando had a counter every time. On one attempt outside the ring, the challenger rammed Benoit into the ring steps,
allowing him to work the midsection of the champion. Benoit would eventually hit his trademark rolling German suplexes,
leading to one last attempt at the Crossface. Jordan countered again, so the crafty champion tripped his opponent instead,
and locked on the Sharpshooter. Jordan did not have a counter for that, and was forced to tap out, allowing Benoit to
retain the championship.
Later in the night, Benoit found out his opponent for next week would be Booker T. After Benoit defeated Jordan, Sharmell
complained to Theodore Long that Booker T was a 5-time WCW Champion, and should be getting title shots ahead of 5-time
loser Jordan. Long compromised with Sharmell, setting up a Fatal Four Way Match between Booker, Christian, JBL, and Rey
Mysterio to determine who would be the new No. 1 Contender. In the Fatal Four Way, all four men had a chance to dominate
the opposition. Mysterio looked for the early upset of JBL, but Bradshaw narrowly escaped Rey's West Coast Pop. In the
end, Mysterio and Booker were left in the ring, and Rey took control, setting Booker up for the 619. Unbeknownst to
Booker, Sharmell stepped in to help her man, tripping Rey as he bounced off the ropes. This allowed Booker to hit
the Scissors Kick on Rey, earning the victory and the shot at Benoit next week. When the match was over, Benoit
bumped into Booker and Sharmell backstage, and told Booker about Sharmell's recent interference. Booker defended his wife,
but when he asked Sharmell what Benoit was talking about, she blew the question off and tried to pump him up for next week.
This week on the Peep Show, Christian tried to get the juicy truth from Stacy Keibler regarding the rumored love triangle
including former "Friends" star Jennifer Aniston. Before she could dish out the dirt, however, Stacy was interrupted by
Jilliam Hall. Jillian told Stacy that a scandal like this could be huge for her career, citing other recent celebrity
examples. Stacy thought Jillian only wanted to capitalize on her personal trouble, and asked what exactly was wrong with
Jillian's face. An enraged Jillian went to attack Stacy, but the Babe of the Year stopped her advance, and ended up
slapping the Fixer as an excited Christian looked on.
Friday Night SmackDown also saw the first appearance of the Boogeyman. While talking backstage, Palmer Canon mentioned to
Theodore Long that the Boogeyman was originally part of a planned network show that ran into problems. Because of an iron
clad contract, Canon was bringing the Boogeyman to SmackDown. After being introduced and reciting a creepy nursery rhyme,
the Boogeyman broke a clock over his head as a speechless Long looked on.
Two other unknown men made their presence felt as well. After the team of Super Crazy, Psicosis, and WWE Tag Team
Champions L.O.D. defeated MNM and William Regal & Paul Burchill in an Eight-Man Tag Team Match, the unidentified duo burst
on the scene, ambushing the Mexicools and leaving the trio beaten down in the ring.
Also, the undefeated Bobby Lashley pinned Nunzio to keep his perfect record intact, and a matchless Mr. Kennedy made an
appearance to make sure the fans wouldn't be deprived of his presence.
MATCHES:
Bobby Lashley defeated Nunzio
United States Champion Chris Benoit defeated Orlando Jordan
Super Crazy, Psicosis, & WWE Tag Team Champions L.O.D. defeated William Regal, Paul Burchill, & MNM
Eddie Guerrero defeated Randy Orton via a disqualification
Booker T. defeated Rey Mysterio, Bradshaw, and Christian via a Fatal Four Way Match
SMACKDOWN
# 322
10-21-05 Taped 10-18-05
Lawlor Events Center
Reno, Nevada
This week on RAW, a Taboo Tuesday main event qualifying match was interrupted when JBL’s entrance music blared throughout
the Arco Arena in Sacramento, CA. Edge became distracted by the unfamiliar music, allowing Big Show to hit his chokeslam
and pick up the win. Edge was enraged by the turn of events and vowed to get revenge, telling RAW General Manager Eric
Bischoff that he should tune in to Friday Night SmackDown to find out what his next move would be. SmackDown’s General
Manager Theodore Long thought Edge’s promise would be an empty one, but just in case, he had beefed up security at the
Lawlor Event Center in Reno, NV. So, when JBL and Rey Mysterio squared off in their rubber match (both Superstars held a
victory over the other), the last thing the competitors expected to hear was Edge’s music. But that’s exactly what
happened. After hitting the 619 on JBL, Mysterio turned his attention to the ramp as the music hit, but Edge snuck up
behind him, coming through the crowd and entering the opposite side of the ring. As soon as Mysterio turned back around,
Edge pounced and nailed his trademark spear. Edge got up with a maniacal look on his face and then retreated through the
crowd as JBL chased after him. Mysterio picked up the win via disqualification, but this was about more than wins and
losses. This was about RAW invading SmackDown.
RAW’s invasion ended up being a two-pronged attack as “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters attacked Mysterio next, capturing
him in the dreaded Master Lock. No one on RAW has ever escaped the Master Lock, and Mysterio was no exception. Several
Superstars tried to fight Masters off, but his strength was too much for them. It wasn’t until Hardcore Holly and the WWE
Tag Team Champions, L.O.D., came to the rescue, that The Masterpiece retreated. After the attack, Mysterio demanded to
Long that he get a piece of Edge for what he had done. Only time will tell if Mysterio gets his wish.
Long had scheduled a tag team main event for later in the evening between the teams Cowboy Bob Orton, Jr. & Randy Orton
and World Heavyweight Champion Batista & Eddie Guerrero. The elder Orton was suffering from back problems, however, so
Randy had to find another partner or face Batista and Guerrero in a Handicap Match. Randy came to the ring by himself, but
just as the match was about to begin, Mr. Kennedy made his way to the ring to even the sides. Kennedy and Orton seemed to
have Guerrero reeling, but Eddie made the tag to Batista who was a house of fire. Batista seemed to have everything going
his way, but then Cowboy Bob, whose back seemed to have miraculously recovered, came to the ring and distracted the Champ.
With Batista distracted, Randy went for the RKO, but the Champion blocked it. Ken Kennedy then scaled the ropes with a
steel chair, ready to attack Batista. Guerrero saw this and covered up his good friend Batista, saving him from Kennedy’s
attack. Kennedy didn’t seem to mind as he nailed Eddie square in the back with the chair instead. Batista then looked to
have Kennedy locked in for the Batista Bomb, but Cowboy Bob blasted him with one of his boots, leveling the Animal. With
Guerrero already out of commission, Kennedy and the Ortons triple-teamed Batista and Randy hit the RKO leaving the
Champion laying in the middle of the ring. Kennedy and the Ortons left with smiles on their faces, but it was short-lived,
as Theodore Long announced that next week the three would face Batista, Guerrero & WWE Hall of Famer “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.
The United States Championship was also on the line on Friday Night SmackDown as Booker T took on his long-time friend
Chris Benoit. Booker T won a Fatal Fourway the previous week, thanks to some help from Sharmell, in order to earn the
opportunity at the Championship. Benoit attempted a suicide dive to the outside early on, but Booker sidestepped him and
Benoit crashed into the SmackDown announce table back-first. Benoit persevered with a sore back and eventually regained
the advantage hitting the Swan Dive Headbutt. Sharmell grabbed a chair on the outside, looking to give Booker T an
advantage. But Benoit saw her, prompting Sharmell to drop the chair. Moments later, with the referee distracted, Sharmell
delivered a low-blow to the Rabid Wolverine. Benoit was hunched over, giving Booker T, who hadn’t seen what Sharmell had
done, the perfect opportunity to hit the Scissors Kick for the win and the United States Championship. Booker T and
Sharmell celebrated backstage with a bottle of champagne, but Benoit crashed the party. Sharmell called Benoit a sore
loser, and Booker T, still not aware that Sharmell’s cheating led to his win, agreed and said that he had lost respect
for Benoit.
Friday night was also the big return of Matt Hardy. SmackDown was the birthplace of Hardy’s successful singles career, so
it was a homecoming of sorts for the man who will not die. Hardy’s first match back on SmackDown was against Simon Dean.
Dean tried utilizing his cast from his broken hand on several occasions, but Hardy hit a Side Effect and a Twist of Fate
for the win.
Hardcore Holly lived up to his name by beating Sylvan in a Hardcore Match. This one started in the back, went into the
Women’s Locker room, into the elevator, by the concession stands, through the crowd, and finally into the ring. Holly
eventually ended things when he hit Sylvan with the Alabama Slam through a table.
In other action, Lashley continued his impressive winning streak by dominating Vito. Lashley utilized a series of powerful
suplexes followed by his version of the Dominator for the win.
Plus, not only did Theodore Long have to deal with a RAW invasion and an “injured” Cowboy Bob, but found out that Network
Executive Palmer Canon had been continuing his NTI – New Talent Initiative. Canon said that’s what led to the debut of the
Tolands last week and this week’s arrival of Matt Hardy. Canon then introduced Long to four members of SmackDown’s Juniors
Division, which is comprised of competitors five feet tall or shorter. The group of Juniors was highlighted by a rather
portly competitor named Super Porky who was eating a whole ham. An exasperated Long was ready to leave the room, but as he
opened the door he was greeted by The Boogeyman who frightened the Juniors with another cryptic nursery rhyme.
MATCHES:
Booker T. defeated Chris Benoit to become new United States Champion
Hardcore Holly defeated Sylvan in a Hardcore Match
Lashley defeated Vito
Matt Hardy defeated Simon Dean
Rey Mysterio defeated JBL via a disqualification
World Heavyweight Champion Batista & Eddie Guerrero
defeated
Randy Orton & Ken Kennedy via a disqualification
SMACKDOWN
# 323
10-28-05 Taped 10-25-05
Cow Palace
San Francisco, California
A rare SmackDown appearance by “Rowdy” Roddy Piper ended in storybook fashion on Friday night at the Cow Palace in San
Francisco. The unlikely trio of Batista, Eddie Guerrero and “The Rowdy One” defeated the Ortons and Mr. Kennedy when
Cowboy Bob fell victim to Piper’s sleeper hold. Early on in the huge six-man tag team match, it looked as if another
legend might be “killed” at the hands of Randy Orton & Co. Rowdy Piper was beaten and battered, and old ally Cowboy Bob
Orton successfully cut the ring in half. But when an overzealous “Ace” hit cheap shots on both Batista and Eddie, they in
turn entered the ring and blasted Bob. Then, Eddie attacked Kennedy while Batista went after Randy Orton. Guerrero caught
Kennedy with the Three Amigos suplexes, while Randy absorbed a spinebuster from Batista. Once Randy hit the canvas, Eddie
immediately propelled Kennedy into spinebuster No. 2. A frog splash to Kennedy followed, and he rolled out of the ring in
pain. That left legal man Cowboy Bob alone, who walked into Piper’s patented sleeper and passed out to the submission hold.
Before the match, Batista remembered Eddie Guerrero’s 2004 WWE Championship win at the Cow Palace by declaring that
“Latino Heat is back!” and presenting him with a Chevy Impala lowrider. The two competitors-turned-friends rode to the
ring in the heavily modified vehicle.
The Cow Palace fans also witnessed the crowning of new WWE Tag Team Champions and a change of heart from the United States
Champion. The Fatal Fourway for the WWE Tag Team Championship pitted L.O.D. against MNM, the Mexicools and Brits Paul
Burchill & William Regal. Late in the match, Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich seemed poised to hit the Doomsday Device on
Burchill. Suddenly, James and Chad Dick attacked, knocking Heidenreich off top turnbuckle. James and Chad brawled with
Road Warrior Animal. Meanwhile, MNM’s Mercury tagged himself in with legal man Heidenrich. With the other teams occupied,
MNM hit the Snapshot and scored the pin. Melina erupted in
joy at ringside, and just like that, MNM became two-time WWE Tag Team Champions.
Also, Rey Mysterio made a resounding case before the voting public to be included in the SmackDown vs. RAW match at Taboo
Tuesday. Mysterio defeated JBL, Christian, Matt Hardy and Hardcore Holly in Five-Man Free-for-All Match. Regardless of the
result, it’s up to you to decide which two (of five) SmackDown Superstars will face RAW’s Edge & Chris Masters at the
pay-per-view on Nov. 1.
On another front, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long confronted Booker T and Sharmell with footage from Booker’s
United States Championship win. After witnessing Sharmell’s illegal actions on tape, Booker demanded that Sharmell
accompany him to the ring to issue a public apology to former champion Chris Benoit. Once in the ring, Booker ushered
Benoit from the backstage area to apologize in person. But after an elaborate sham, Sharmell gave Booker T the cue to
attack. Booker hit Benoit with the United States Championship belt, then sidekicked him off ring apron and into another
vicious collision with announce table. It was eerily reminiscent of The Crippler’s suicide dive last week that resulted
in multiple injuries.
And in SmackDown’s inaugural Juniors Division Match, Short Sleeve Sampson defeated Pitbull Patterson After the match, the
Juniors teamed up to take down Simon Dean.
MATCHES:
Rey Mysterio defeated JBL, Christian, Hardcore Holly, Matt Hardy in a Five-Man Free-for-All Match
Short Sleeve Sampson defeated Pitbull Patterson
MNM defeated L.O.D., Mexicools and William Regal & Paul Burchill to become new WWE Tag Team Champions
Batista, Eddie Guerrero & Rowdy Roddy Piper defeated The Ortons & Mr. Kennedy
SMACKDOWN
# 324
11-4-05 Taped 11-1-05
Staples Center
Los Angeles, California
Melina wasn’t going to let MNM be humiliated on their home turf — no matter what it took to win on Friday night. MNM
couldn’t wait to bring their gold back to Hollywood and show off in from of the A-List crowd. But they got more than they
bargained for when SmackDown General Manger Theodore Long placed them in a WWE Tag Team Championship Match against Batista
& Eddie Guerrero. When Batista grabbed the early advantage, Melina provided repeated distractions until the tide turned.
When Guerrero showed some Latino HEAT by bringing two foreign objects into the ring, Melina grabbed the hammer that would
have ended up ringing MNM’s bell. Then, when Batista dropped both opponents and Eddie looked to hit the frog splash,
Melina jumped in the way … and handed brass knuckles to Joey Mercury in the process. With no other target, Guerrero hit
the frog splash on Melina. But by this time Mercury had the knucks in place, blasted Eddie and rolled him up for the win.
After the match, Batista hovered over his fallen partner, trying to figure out what happened. MNM made a quick exit with
their belts raised high.
It’s another Legend “killed” for Randy Orton. It was supposed to be a one-on-one battle with much history as Cowboy Bob
Orton faced Rowdy Roddy Piper. Late in the match, Cowboy Bob appeared to hoist Piper to attempt his patented superplex,
but The Rowdy One slid out the back door and cinched in the sleeper hold. Just when it looked like Cowboy Bob would submit,
son Randy rushed the ring and broke it up, causing the disqualification. Randy battered Piper with forearms and European
uppercuts. He then hit the RKO as “The Legend Killer” struck again.
Lately, SmackDown has been taking it to the RAW brand. At the Nov. 27 pay-per-view, all differences will be settled in a
Classic Survivor Series Elimination Match. RAW General Manger Eric Bischoff appeared on SmackDown to issue the challenge,
which Mr. Long promptly accepted. But then SmackDown’s GM went one step further, challenging Bischoff to a one-on-one
match at Survivor Series. He then mocked the karate black belt and kicked him out of the building.
Earlier, the team that made SmackDown proud at Taboo Tuesday continued their incredibly impressive roll. No. 1 Taboo
Tuesday vote-getter Matt Hardy and partner Rey Mysterio beat JBL & Christian with duel finishers. While JBL walked,
Christian absorbed a 619 and Twist of Fate and then was pinned. The match also featured Hardcore Holly as guest referee to
showcase all five Superstars involved in the Taboo Tuesday voting. And when Christian attacked Holly, the special guest
ref responded by hitting the Alabama Slam. That set the events in motion that led to the victory.
Meanwhile, Booker T and Sharmell revealed that they were working together all along to ensure that Booker would be the
next United States Champion. In response, Theodore Long made an impromptu rematch between Booker and Chris Benoit. But
after barely escaping the Crippler Crossface, Booker decided to take an intentional count-out to protect his United States
Championship. A furious Benoit screamed, “Be a man!” But Booker and Sharmell just laughed and left.
MATCHES:
Chris Benoit defeated United States Champion Booker T via a count-out
Lashley defeated Nunzio & Vito in a Handicap Match
Mr. Kennedy defeated Scotty 2 Hotty
Rey Mysterio & Matt Hardy defeated Bradshaw & Christian
Rowdy Roddy Piper defeated Cowboy Bob Orton via a disqualification
WWE Tag Team Champions MNM defeated Batista & Eddie Guerrero
SMACKDOWN
# 325
11-11-05 Taped 11-8-05
Conseco Fieldhouse
Indianapolis, Indiana
SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long has stated on more than one occasion that he is sick of SmackDown being
considered the “B” Show. So, he has taken matters into his own hands. He found a way to involve SmackDown in RAW’s big
Homecoming event in October and even got SmackDown heavily involved in Taboo Tuesday, which is a RAW pay-per-view. Not
only was SmackDown involved with Taboo Tuesday, but they went two for two with Batista defeating Jonathan Coachman and
Matt Hardy & Rey Mysterio teaming up to defeat Tyson Tomko & Snitsky. Needless to say, RAW was furious. Last week RAW
General Manager Eric Bischoff came to SmackDown to try and settle the shows’ differences once and for all. When it was all
said and done, two interpromotional matches were set up for Survivor Series – a five-on-five Elimination Match and a GM
vs. GM Match. But RAW didn’t want to wait for Survivor Series.
Edge was scheduled to face World Heavyweight Champion Batista in an interpromotional Street Fight this week on SmackDown.
Mr. Money in the Bank tried to wriggle his way out of the match, but Batista said that he never backs out of a match.
Batista may not have pulled out of the match, but Edge found a way out in the end. Batista, who was named as SmackDown’s
Survivor Series captain earlier in the night, was ambushed by RAW. Edge directed Batista’s attention to the Titan Tron.
Long was outside talking to Bischoff, who had just arrived. As the two GMs were talking, “The Masterpiece” Chris Masters
blindsided Long and put him in the devastating Master Lock. Before even more damage was done, JBL, Lashley, Mysterio and
Hardy chased the RAW invaders away. But RAW’s plan wasn’t complete just yet.
With that, Kane entered the Conseco Field House in Indiana much to Batista’s dismay. Batisa was ready to defend
SmackDown’s honor, but then he was hit with another surprise as Big Show entered through the crowd. Batista refused to
back down. Even though he was faced with three of RAW’s finest in Edge and the World Tag Team Champions, he went at them
full-force. But even the Animal could not overcome the challenge. Big Show and Kane pummeled the World Heavyweight
Champion. Several SmackDown Superstars tried to make the save including Hardcore Holly and L.O.D., but the monsters of
mayhem disposed of each and every Superstar that got in their way. They finished off Batista with a double chokeslam
before the Street Fight could even begin. RAW had avenged their Taboo Tuesday embarrassment as Edge, Lita, Big Show and
Kane all stood tall over the fallen Batista. How will SmackDown be able to regain their momentum? Will they try to even
the score on RAW?
While the night ended in a somber way for the SmackDown Superstars, the locker room appeared united as the show began.
Theodore Long gathered the entire SmackDown roster and told them that they were the finest collection of Superstars in all
of sports-entertainment. He added that a series of matches during SmackDown would decide who would represent SmackDown at
Survivor Series in the big five-on-five Elimination Match. Long named Batista as the captain, but the other four spots
ere up for grabs.
In the first qualifying match, Randy Orton took on Rey Mysterio. Orton thought he deserved an automatic spot on the team
since he was the sole survivor during his Elimination Match last year. But Long made him fight for his spot. Mysterio and
Orton went back and forth, but Rey Rey seemed to have the Legend Killer where he wanted him. Rey went for the 619, but
Cowboy Bob Orton stalled his attack, allowing Orton to avoid impact. Mysterio recovered and went for the West Coast Pop,
but Cowboy Bob interfered again, pulling the high-flier off the ropes. This time it was in clear-sight of the ref,
however, and Mysterio was awarded the win via disqualification. The Ortons took out their frustrations by double-teaming
Mysterio, but Matt Hardy stormed the ring and made the save, hitting Orton with a Twist of Fate.
Lashley has been a seemingly unstoppable force ever since making his SmackDown debut. Not only is he undefeated thus far,
but it seems like he has barely broken a sweat in any of his matches. He had the chance of a lifetime on SmackDown, when
he faced Orlando Jordan for a spot at Survivor Series. This was Lashley’s biggest test to date, but even the former United
States Champion couldn’t stop this one-man army. Lashley ended things with a thunderous Dominator, earning him a spot on
the SmackDown team.
Eddie Guerrero, who was a captain at last year’s Survivor Series, faced Ken Kennedy in another qualifying match. Kennedy
claims to be single-handedly changing Friday nights, but he had his work cut out for him against Latino Heat. After going
back and forth, an Irish Whip was reversed sending Kennedy crashing into the referee in the corner. With the ref down, a
huge smile crept across Eddie’s face. With that, Eddie went to the outside and grabbed a chair. Before he could use the
chair, though, the referee started to come to. Seeing this, Eddie slammed the chair on the mat and tossed the chair to
Kennedy and fell to the ground. It was vintage Eddie Guerrero. Kennedy caught chair as the ref got to his feet, making it
appear as though Kennedy had laid out Guerrero with the steel weapon. The referee immediately called for the bell,
awarding the match to Guerrero via disqualification. Kennedy was robbed and Eddie was going to pay. Kennedy then used it
for real this time as he wound up and blasted Eddie over the head. Kennedy may have lost the match, but he got the last
laugh. Eddie was checked on after the match, and it was learned that Latino Heat may have suffered a concussion.
JBL went one-on-one with Chris Benoit in the final qualifying match. The Rabid Wolverine looked to have things going his
way, but as he went to the top rope for his flying headbutt, Booker T and Sharmell came to ringside distracting him. JBL
saw the opening and pounced, going on the offensive. Benoit absorbed a lot of punishment, but managed to come back,
hitting the rolling German suplexes. After a diving headbutt, Benoit locked in the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring.
Booker T hopped up on the apron distracting Benoit. Benoit released the hold and went after Booker T. This allowed JBL to
recover, and he hit Benoit with the Colthesline From Hell for the 1-2-3. So, the SmackDown Survivor Series team will
consist of Batista, Guerrero, Mysterio, JBL and Lashley.
Earlier in the evening the WWE Tag Team Champions, MNM, made their way to the ring. Melina said that she was a top model
before it was the cool thing to be. She said that there was a woman there trying to follow in her footsteps, and invited
Michelle Deighton to the ring. Deighton was a contestant on UPN’s America’s Next Top Model. Melina insulted the leggy
brunette, saying that she should have finished better in the show and was only a B or C-list celebrity. With that,
Deighton slapped the arrogant Melina, but it proved to be a bad move as Melina fought back with a vengeance, trapping her
in the corner. But within seconds The Mexicools saved the day, riding to the ring on their Juan Deeres. MNM fled the
scene, leaving The Mexicools and Dreighton to dance the night away in the ring.
The Midgets also saw action as Pierrothito was victorious over Todd Stone. The Dicks also had an interview with Steve
Romero and announced that they would be facing L.O.D. next week in their first SmackDown match.
MATCHES:
Pierrothito defeated Todd Stone
in a midgets match
Eddie Guerrero defeated Ken Kennedy
via a disqualification
Bobby Lashley defeated Orlando Jordan
Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Randy Orton
via a disqualification
World Heavyweight Champion Batista vs Edge
in a Street Fight which never got underway
Bradshaw defeated Chris Benoit
Eddie Guerrero passes away
11-13-05
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Eddie Guerrero was found dead Sunday morning in his hotel room in Minneapolis.
Eddie is survived by his wife Vickie and daughters Shaul, 14, Sherilyn, 9, and Kaylie Marie, 3.
The cause of death is unknown at this time.
An autopsy will be performed in Minneapolis on Monday,
and Eddie's body will then be flown to Phoenix.
Funeral arrangements are set for Wednesday in Scottsdale, Arizona.
A short summary of Eddie Guerrero`s career
Eddie Guerrero was born into Mexico’s first family of professional wrestling in 1967.
The son of the legendary Gory Guerrero, it was only natural that Eddie, along with his three older brothers,
would pursue a career in sports-entertainment. With wrestling flowing through his veins,
Eddie began his in-ring training at a very young age. In fact, Guerrero had mastered the dropkick by his third birthday.
Eddie moved from his family’s backyard ring to the professional circuit in 1987 when he debuted as “Mascara Magica”
or “Magic Mask” in Mexico. After teaming with his brothers, Guerrero broke out on his own,
crafting his skills in the lucha libre world. Eddie then moved on to Japan, wrestling as Black Tiger.
It was there that Guerrero first met good friend Chris Benoit.
After moving back to Mexico full time, Eddie began teaming with El Hijo del Santo,
who was the son of Gory Guerrero’s long-time associate El Santo. Eddie and Santo eventually broke up,
with Eddie forming a duo with Art Barr. The pair would feud with Santo in one of the most heated rivalries in lucha libre
history, which culminated in Guerrero and Barr losing a hair vs. mask match to Santo and Octagon in November 1994.
Eddie then moved on to ECW, where he gained his first full exposure in the United States.
Not long after his ECW debut, Guerrero defeated 2 Cold Scorpio for the ECW Television Championship,
a title he held twice before moving to WCW. Guerrero's ECW stay will always be remembered for the amazing match he had
with Dean Malenko before leaving the promotion. After the match, which many consider to be one of the greatest ECW matches
ever, the crowd showed their appreciation for Guerrero by giving him a standing ovation.
Guerrero spent four years competing in WCW. While there, he was a part of numerous memorable rivalries with the likes of
Booker T, Rey Mysterio, Dean Malenko, Ric Flair and nephew Chavo.
On Dec. 29, 1996, Guerrero defeated Diamond Dallas Page in the finals of a tournament to crown a new United States Champion.
He also went on to capture the Cruiserweight Championship on two separate occasions before leaving WCW.
On Jan. 31, 2000, four new faces showed up on Monday Night RAW and shocked the sports-entertainment world.
They were former WCW wrestlers Benoit, Malenko, Perry Saturn and Eddie Guerrero – The Radicalz.
The faction immediately got involved in a match between the New Age Outlaws and Al Snow & Steve Blackman,
marking the beginning of Guerrero’s amazing WWE career.
Over the next five years, Eddie Guerrero overcame many obstacles to reach the top.
In his first WWE match against the Outlaws, Eddie suffered a dislocated elbow,
but returned to action in a short time. On April 3, 2000, he claimed his first piece of WWE gold,
defeating Chris Jericho to win the European Championship. He would go on to win that championship one more time in 2001.
After The Radicalz went their separate ways, Eddie began a relationship with his “Mamacita,” Chyna.
In fact, it was Chyna that Eddie defeated in September 2000 to claim the Intercontinental Championship.
After their split, Eddie’s demons got the best of him. He subsequently took time off from the ring in 2001
to deal with his personal issues.
Upon his return in 2002, Eddie’s career skyrocketed to new heights. He won the Intercontinental Championship again
in May 2002, this time from Rob Van Dam. Eventually, Eddie moved to SmackDown where he teamed with nephew Chavo to
capture the WWE Tag Team Championship. He would win that championship three more times, as well as the United States
Championship, but his greatest moment came in February 2004.
On Feb. 15, 2004 in San Francisco, Guerrero defeated Brock Lesnar at No Way Out to become WWE Champion.
He had reached the pinnacle of the industry, and went on to headline WrestleMania XX against Kurt Angle.
No one will ever forget the scene at the end of the show, when Eddie joined long-time friend Benoit in the ring
to celebrate moments after Benoit won the World Heavyweight Championship.
Eddie later formed an alliance with another old friend, Rey Mysterio, and the duo would win the WWE Tag Team Championship
in early 2005. This was Eddie’s final run as a champion, as the duo split up after WrestleMania 21 and began a bitter
rivalry, highlighted by numerous breath-taking matches.
At No Mercy on Oct. 9, 2005, Eddie’s 38th birthday, Eddie squared off against a new amigo, Batista.
He was unable to win the World Heavyweight Championship from the Animal, but their friendship was cemented
when Batista led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to Latino Heat afterwards. A little more than one month later,
Guerrero competed in his final televised match on the Nov. 11 edition of Friday Night SmackDown where he defeated
Mr. Kennedy.
Eddie will be truely missed by us all. God Bless you Eddie.
SMACKDOWN
# 326
11-18-05 Taped 11-13-05
Target Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
This week’s edition of Friday Night SmackDown was dedicated to the memory of Eddie Guerrero, who tragically passed away on
Sunday Nov. 13 at the Marriott Hotel in Minneapolis, and several special inter-promotional matches were contested to honor
the legacy of Latino Heat.
As the show began, Eddie’s entrance music hit, and World Heavyweight Champion Batista came to the ring in a low-rider to
pay tribute to his fallen amigo. After parking the low-rider in the entrance aisle and entering the ring, Batista said
that Eddie loved his family and the sports-entertainment business, and found peace inside the ring. He knew Eddie was at
peace now, and said he will make sure that no one ever forgets Eddie Guerrero. As Batista left the ring, he laid the World
Heavyweight Championship on the hood of the low-rider, one final tribute to his amigo.
In perhaps the most emotional moment of the night, Eddie’s nephew Chavo Guerrero took on Bradshaw. An emotional and
fired-up Chavo dominated in the early going, but JBL caught him coming off the top rope with a fallaway slam to take
control. JBL worked over Chavo, but as the fans chanted “Eddie, Eddie” over and over, Chavo nailed a tornado DDT to escape
another fallaway slam attempt. Chavo then went to ringside, grabbing two chairs and throwing one into the ring. As the
referee cleared the first chair, Chavo snuck the second one in. He tossed it to JBL, and in homage to his uncle Eddie,
went down to act as if JBL hit him with the chair. While the referee questioned JBL’s perceived actions, Chavo hit the
former WWE Champion with a low blow, and delivered Eddie’s signature “Three Amigos.” Chavo then climbed to the top rope,
and after pointing to the sky in tribute, hit his uncle’s signature Frog Splash for the pinfall victory.
In the night’s final contest, Eddie’s best friend Chris Benoit took on RAW’s Triple H. The emotional Benoit came out
strong and aggressive, nearly locking The Game in the Crippler Crossface on multiple occasions. Triple H was able to
escape each time, and managed to toss Benoit to the arena floor. Triple H took control of Benoit, working the back and
ribs, until Benoit escaped. Triple H managed to block the Sharpshooter, but Benoit responded by blocking The Game’s
attempt at a Pedigree. Benoit dominated from there, and his signature rolling German Suplexes led to The Wolverine finally
locking on the Crippler Crossface. Triple H attempted to break out of the maneuver, but as he rolled over, Benoit released
his grip and caught Triple H in a modified cradle. Triple H was unable to escape, and Benoit claimed the pinfall victory.
After the match, Benoit and Triple H shared an embrace, and then pointed to the sky in tribute to their fallen friend.
Dean Malenko, another of Eddie’s best friends, joined Benoit in the ring and embraced the Wolverine as well.
Also during the night, Matt Hardy defeated RAW’s Carlito, Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich defeated Cade & Murdoch, and
Juventud won an 11-man inter-promotional Cruiserweight Battle Royal, last eliminating Paul London.
Throughout the night, various clips were shown that chronicled some of the greatest moments of Eddie’s career and looked
inside the personal life of one of the most beloved Superstars in WWE history. Also, several WWE Superstars also gave
their thoughts on Latino Heat through a series of testimonial tributes.
Bradshaw talked about how while he and Eddie were bitter rivals in the ring, they were the best of friends outside the squared
circle. He recounted how their rivalry nearly caused riots in every city they visited, and how Eddie was always there for
him when he was having problems. JBL’s last wish was to see Eddie come out in the low-rider one last time.
Big Show said that Eddie was a great man and a great father, and touched upon Eddie’s spirituality. Show said his only
comfort is that Eddie is now in a better place where he is safe and loved, and knows there will never be another like him.
Booker T. expressed his sympathies to Eddie’s wife and family, and said they could always reach out to himself and Sharmell.
Mr. McMahon praised Eddie as a classic performer, and one of the all-time greats. He said that Eddie was a master
craftsman at work, and loved to perform for the fans. Mr. McMahon also said that above all else, Eddie was a good man.
And finally, Shane McMahon said that the Guerreros were one of the most special multi-generation families in the business,
and Eddie was the most special of the bunch. Eddie loved what he did, and left behind a great legacy. Shane said that the
fans’ chants of “Eddie, Eddie” will always live on inside their hearts.
As the night progressed, Eddie’s low-rider remained parked in the entrance aisle, with the World Heavyweight Championship
remaining on its hood; as the show went off the air, the final shot was a close-up of the championship resting there, a
fitting final tribute to a man who will be remembered as a champion both in and out of the ring.
MATCHES:
Chris Benoit defeated Triple H.
Chavo Guerrero defeated Bradshaw
Matt Hardy defeated Carlito
Road Warrior Animal & Heidenreich defeated Lance Cade & Trevor Murdoch
Juventud won a Cruiserweight Battle Royal
SMACKDOWN
# 327
11-25-05 Taped 11-21-05
Sheffield, England
It was supposed to be a golden opportunity for Randy Orton to win the World Heavyweight Championship. Despite showing grit
and guts in the face of adversity, Batista was badly injured going into Friday’s “No Holds Barred” Match thanks to a
chokeslam that put him through a car windshield during RAW. Still, the Animal had no intention of backing away from a
scheduled fight. “The Legend Killer” smelled the blood in the water. But it wasn’t meant to be.
The recent conflict between the Superstars of RAW and SmackDown erupted into full-blown chaos in Sheffield, England, as
RAW stormed the ring and obliterated both a high-profile tag-team match and the scheduled main event. Once again, the
monstrous World Tag Team Champions zeroed in on Batista; this time chokeslamming him through an announce table.
Eventually, SmackDown fought off its RAW counterparts, who exited through the crowd. But at Survivor Series on Sunday,
there will be no invasion or retreat; instead, it will be five-on-five in a Survivor Series Elimination Match. But what
will be the condition of Team SmackDown’s captain after suffering yet another damaging blow to his already injured back?
In other huge news with Survivor Series implications, SmackDown GM Theodore Long vacated the United States Championship
because of a controversial finish. With two referees calling the contest, both Chris Benoit and Booker T were
simultaneously pinned on SmackDown. With each referee adamant of his decision, SmackDown’s General Manger felt he had no
choice but to hold up the championship and declare a best-of-seven series between the longtime adversaries. The first
crucial match will come this Sunday at the pay-per-view.
In a recent interview with WWE.com, Nunzio called winning the Cruiserweight Championship in his native Italy the greatest
moment of his WWE career. But that ecstasy turned quickly to agony on SmackDown, as the Mexicools’ Juventud took back the
Cruiserweight Championship on the strength of two Juvi Drivers. One key to the match was Vito’s inability to help Nunzio
because of the presence of Super Crazy and Psicosis at ringside.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kennedy once again found himself begging for reconsideration after being caught with a steel chair in his
hands. This time, it was in a competitive match against Matt Hardy. When the referee attempted to take a chair from
Kennedy, it accidentally ended up catching him in the ribs. Thinking it might have been malicious, the ref disqualified a
dumbfounded Kennedy.
Also, Lashley took down Orlando Jordan in a rematch, and MNM’s Melina beat Christy on SmackDown, gaining crucial momentum
heading into her Survivor Series Women’s Championship Match against Trish Stratus.
In addition, Chad & James Dick made their SmackDown debut with a questionable win over former WWE Tag Team Champions
L.O.D. after blinding Road Warrior Animal with body oil.
MATCHES:
Randy Orton vs Batista ended in a no contest
Lashley defeated Orlando Jordan
Melina defeated Christy Hemme
Matt Hardy defeated Ken Kennedy
Juventud Guerrera defeated Nunzio
Chad & James Dick defeated Road Warrior Animal & Heidenrich
SMACKDOWN SPECIAL
# 328
11-29-05 LIVE
U.S. Bank Arena
Cincinnati, Ohio
Randy Orton thought he had destroyed Undertaker at No Mercy. This time, “The Legend Killer” destroyed the entire SmackDown
stage in an attempt to finish the job. After knocking The Phenom out with tire iron shots to the head, Orton left
Undertaker’s prone body dangling off the truck of the Eddie Guerrero memorial lowrider. He then jumped into the driver’s
seat and drove the vehicle in reverse through the SmackDown lighted display and into the electrical apparatus behind it.
The stage erupted into a fiery explosion that engulfed the lowrider and Undertaker. It was a most unexpected ending to a
match that began with totally different participants. Originally, there was a rare David vs. Goliath showdown of the
5-foot-6, 165-pound Rey Mysterio against the 7-foot, 500-pound Big Show. Mysterio dedicated the match to his late friend
Eddie Guerrero, but the odds would be staggering against the largest athlete in the world. Rey immediately tried to
utilize his quickness, but he was eventually caught by his mammoth opponent. Big Show then tossed Rey around the ring and
out of it, slapping and pummeling him at will. Mysterio attempted a comeback — managing a seated senton from the top
turnbuckle to the outside — but he was caught by Big Show in mid-air and viciously powerbombed into the hood of the
lowrider. Medical personnel rushed to Mysterio’s aid, but Big Show scattered them and continued the assault inside the
ring. Out of utter desperation and survival instincts, Mysterio began to bite Big Show, who threw Rey and accidentally
incapacitated the referee in the process. Seeing the official down, a bloodthirsty Big Show went outside the ring and
retrieved a steel chair. Mysterio showed signs of life in the nick of time, avoiding the chair and delivering a drop kick
to Big Show’s knee. Rey then retrieved the chair and tried to chop Big Show down like a redwood with steel chair shots to
the leg — then the head. A second shot to Show’s head sent him crashing into the ring ropes, which left him prone for the
619, which finally put the big man down. With “Eddie, Eddie!” chants ringing out from the crowd, Mysterio took to the top
rope, pointed to the heavens and hit Guerrero’s signature frog splash. But just as Rey crawled over for the improbable
cover, everything went red. Next thing Mysterio knew, the other half of RAW’s World Tag Team Champions was in the ring.
Rey then absorbed a double-chokeslam from Big Show and Kane. The chaos continued as the lights went out and Undertaker
appeared in the ring. His brother, Kane, seemed to balk at first, leaving Undertaker to trade punches with Big Show. But
once the Deadman was preoccupied, back came Kane. Still, Undertaker gained the upper hand — chokeslamming Kane and sending
Show out of the ring with a big boot. But as he turned, there was Randy Orton to deliver a lightning-quick RKO. Undertaker
eventually recovered and pursued Orton, leading to the fiery conclusion to The SmackDown Special.
Earlier, a well-timed Scissors Kick has propelled Booker T into a commanding lead in his best-of-seven series for the
United States Championship. The fearless Chris Benoit once again put his body on the line in Match No. 2 against Booker T.
But a suicide dive gone bad and a nasty spill from the ring apron left The Cripper defenseless and grasping at his head
and surgically repaired neck. Sensing the opening, Booker went to the ropes and delivered his high-impact axe-kick
finisher. The win gave Booker T a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, and perhaps just as importantly proved that the
dangerous veteran could beat Benoit without direct assistance from his wife Sharmell. The match began on a much more
positive note for The Rabid Wolverine. Benoit came on strong from the bell, letting out his frustration and anger
following a dastardly ending to Match No. 1. Benoit almost garnered a pin with a Northern Lights suplex. But with Booker T
on the outside, Benoit attempted a suicide dive that Booker narrowly avoided. Benoit crashed and burned on the cold, hard
floor. Later, Benoit recovered enough to hit a soaring headbutt from halfway across the ring, but the move seemed to take
as much out of Benoit as Booker T. With the situation growing dire, Benoit attempted a German suplex from the ring apron
to the floor, but Booker firm grasp of the ring ropes protected him and sent Benoit free-falling. Booker T hit the
Scissors Kick soon after, making a series win an uphill battle for Benoit. All the pressure is now on The Crippler,
as 3-0 would be a nearly insurmountable disadvantage.
MATCHES:
Booker T. defeated Chris Benoit
in match number two in a best of seven series of matches for the United States Championship
Rey Mysterio vs. Big Show
ended in a no contest
SMACKDOWN
# 329
12-2-05 Taped 11-29-05
U.S. Bank Arena
Cincinnati, Ohio
When Randy Orton came to the ring to open Friday Night SmackDown, he thought he was on top of the world. However, he
quickly found out that a trip to the south was in his future. Orton came to the ring, and said he didn’t need to brag
about killing the Undertaker, because his actions spoke for themselves. He then demanded a shot at the World Heavyweight
Championship at Armageddon, and said that his confidence wasn’t arrogance, it was destiny. Before his match with Matt
Hardy, Orton told his father that if Batista still hadn’t answered the challenge, he would find the Animal and spit in his
face. And after Orton finished Hardy off with the RKO, it seemed Batista was next on the agenda. Instead, Orton found out
that his next opponent would be an even more familiar one. The lights went out, the gong sounded, and Undertaker’s voice
filled the arena. Undertaker told Randy that he was indeed still alive, filling the Legend Killer with fear. The Ortons
tried to run from the ring, but a lightning bolt shot from the heavens, scaring them back towards the squared circle.
Undertaker then played mind games with Orton, making the Legend Killer think that he was coming. A bewildered and
frightened Orton staggered around the arena, and as he tried to escape found a casket standing behind a curtain. As Orton
pleaded for the Deadman to stop, he told Randy that they were going straight to hell…Hell in a Cell. A frazzled Orton
later tried pleading with Theodore Long to avoid Undertaker’s wrath, but the GM confirmed that the two men would meet
inside Hell in a Cell at Armageddon.
Another war continued on Friday night, the one between RAW and SmackDown. After Big Show & Kane decimated Rey Mysterio on
the SmackDown special, Rey enlisted JBL’s help to take on the World Tag Team Champions. Early in the match, Rey used his
speed to keep the big men off balance, and the SmackDown duo seemed cohesive. The RAW monsters eventually managed to take
control of JBL, but Mysterio made a blind tag to keep them off balance. A brawl ensued, and in the confusion, the referee
accidentally hit JBL in the eye. A stunned JBL rolled out of the ring and began to head back to the locker room. Jillian
followed, and a dumbfounded Rey yelled at him to return. Whether intentional or not, JBL’s departure left Mysterio alone,
and the World Tag Team Champions used their size and power advantage to dominate an already banged-up Rey. Rey managed to
avoid an avalanche attempt by Big Show and tried to use his speed, but got caught coming off the ropes by Big Show. Show
& Kane then nailed Rey with a double-chokeslam to pick up the victory, but they weren’t satisfied. Kane grabbed a chair,
and the duo prepared Rey for another double-chokeslam. Luckily for Rey, Batista ran out to make the save. After a
spinebuster and a spear sent the World Tag Team Champions fleeing from the ring, the Animal helped Mysterio to his feet as
the show came to a close.
Also, the war between Booker T and Chris Benoit continued to escalate. It was announced that the third match in their
best-of-seven series would take place next week, and Booker & Sharmell sat in on commentary to watch Benoit face William
Regal. Early in the match, Regal worked over Benoit’s neck and head, and after he kicked Benoit’s head into the ring post,
it appeared that Regal was headed to an easy victory. Instead, the Wolverine showed his intestinal fortitude, and fought
his way back. After some vicious headbutts busted both men open, Benoit hit a Dragon suplex on Regal, and then rolled into
the Crippler Crossface. After Regal immediately tapped out, Benoit turned his focus to Booker, rolling out of the ring and
diving over the announce table to brawl with Booker. Benoit locked Booker in the Crippler Crossface on the floor, and
Sharmell tried to pull the Wolverine off her husband. When she was unsuccessful, she went for a chair, but Benoit caught
her advance and chased her away. Despite being in an 0-2 hole in the series, Benoit firmly showed that he would still keep
fighting to regain the United States Championship.
Another match was also made for Armageddon, as Mexicools Super Crazy & Psicosis won a six-team Tag Team Battle Royal to
earn a shot at WWE Tag Team Champions MNM. After L.O.D., Scotty 2 Hotty & Funaki, London & Kendrick and Nunzio & Vito were
eliminated, it appeared as if The Dicks were on the verge of eliminating Psicosis to win the match. Instead, Psicosis
springboarded from the apron back into the ring, grabbed a Dick with each leg, and pulled them back over the top rope to
eliminate them. The Mexicools then celebrated in the ring, motioning that they wanted the championship as MNM watched from
ringside.
On a night were existing rivalries intensified, a new face finally made his debut as the Boogeyman took on Simon Dean.
Prior to the match, new SmackDown correspondent Kristal Marshall caught up with Simon backstage, and asked if he was
afraid of the Boogeyman. Simon said no, but when opened a serving dish to reveal Boogeyman’s head, Simon’s face told a
different story. When it was time for the match, security had to drag a spooked Simon to the ring. Simon tried to run away
several times, but the Boogeyman made his appearance, disgusting the fitness guru by eating live worms. Simon tried to
offer him some Simon Protein bars as a peace offering, but the Boogeyman informed Dean that he was indeed the Boogeyman,
and was coming to get him. Boogeyman then grabbed Simon and hit a reverse powerslam for the pinfall victory.
Bobby Lashley continued his undefeated streak by defeating Sylvan.
MATCHES:
Bobby Lashley defeated Sylvan
World Tag Team Champions Big Show & Kane defeated Rey Mysterio & Bradshaw
Super Crazy & Psicosis won the Tag Team Battle Royal
Randy Orton defeated Matt Hardy
Chris Benoit defeated William Regal
The Boogeyman defeated Simon Dean
SMACKDOWN
# 330
12-9-05 Taped 12-4-05
Colonial Center
Columbia, South Carolina
As the road to Armageddon rolled through Columbia, South Carolina this week, several SmackDown Superstars continued to
pick up momentum on the march to Providence.
Last week, JBL walked out on Rey Mysterio during their tag team match after JBL was poked in the eye. As Friday Night
SmackDown came on the air this week, JBL came out for his match with Mysterio with his eye heavily bandaged. He said that
doctors had advised him to retire due to a serious eye injury, but he would not deprive the fans of a “Wrestling God.” JBL
also said he was most upset that people believed he abandoned Rey, and said that the reason they lost was because Rey
didn’t do his part. As Rey entered the ring, JBL attacked immediately, but a well-timed poke in the eye gave Mysterio the
advantage. He eventually got JBL in position for the 619, but Orlando Jordan ran out to attack Mysterio, drawing the
disqualification. After Batista came out to save Rey from the attack, Theodore Long announced that he wasn’t going to let
JBL off the hook, and told JBL & Jordan that they would face Mysterio & Batista later in the night. Early in the
match, Batista & Mysterio maintained control, and JBL & Jordan ended up having to regroup on the arena floor. Once Jordan
was able to gain control of Mysterio, the former Cabinet-mates took advantage of Rey’s weakness, his already injured ribs.
Rey would make a comeback, but JBL used Jillian as a shield when Rey tried to attack on the floor. Later in the match, as
legal men Batista and Jordan fought on the floor, Rey hit the West Coast Pop on JBL. Jillian then came into the ring and
looked to hit Mysterio with her clipboard, but Rey caught her before she could. Rey then dropkicked JBL into Jillian,
setting them up for the 619. JBL managed to avoid it, but Jillian was not so lucky. As JBL then tried to avoid the
advancing Mysterio, he tripped over the still prone Jillian, and made it seem as if he had suffered a knee injury. Much as
he did to Mysterio, JBL walked away from Orlando after the “injury”, leaving the former United States Champion easy prey
for their opponents. Jordan fought valiantly, but fell victim to the 619 and a Batista Bomb, allowing Mysterio & Batista
to pick up a huge victory as they prepare to face Kane & Big Show at Armageddon.
After last week’s mind games from Undertaker, Randy Orton admitted that he was close to his boiling point, and called out
the Deadman to finish what they started. Instead, Undertaker continued the mind games. A video played showing some of
ndertaker’s highlights from past Hell in a Cell Matches, and the Deadman informed Orton that he was on the fast lane on
the highway to Hell. A visibly flustered Orton fled the ring, but this was only the beginning of his torment. Throughout
the night, the Legend Killer had visions that warped his mindset even more. At one point, as Orton prepared to wash his
face, he saw Undertaker’s reflection in the mirror, but the Deadman was really nowhere to be found. Later on, as Randy
talked to his father, he saw Cowboy Bob’s head begin to bleed for no reason. A shaken Orton decided to leave, but as he
went to get into his car, the vehicle started on its own and drove away! Josh Mathews caught up with the Ortons to get
their reaction, but the spirit of Undertaker appeared to possess Josh, and the Deadman told the Legend Killer that this
was only the beginning. As Josh came back to reality, a visibly disturbed Orton ran away.
Booker T. took a commanding 3-0 lead over Chris Benoit in their Best-of-7 Series for the United States Championship.
After a grueling contest, Booker accidentally wiped out the referee with an errant kick. As Booker assessed the situation,
Benoit came from behind and gave Booker his patented rolling German suplexes. As Booker attempted to block the final one,
Benoit instead dropped his adversary down and locked in the Crippler Crossface! Booker tapped out, but with no referee,
his submission went unnoticed. Sharmell grabbed a chair and came in to help her man, but Benoit stopped her. As he yelled
at Sharmell, Benoit was ambushed from behind, and Booker nailed him with the chair. Booker hit a Scissors Kick as the
referee came back around, and got the pin for the 3-0 lead. It was later announced that Match No. 4 would take place at
Armageddon, with Booker looking for the sweep.
As the Mexicools prepared to face MNM at Armageddon, Super Crazy and Joey Mercury went one on one this week. Despite
interference attempts by Melina and Nitro, Super Crazy was able to hit a moonsault on Mercury to pick up the victory. As
the Mexicools celebrated, Kid Kash ran in to attack Juventud, laying out the Cruiserweight Champion with a vicious
brainbuster. MNM then attacked Super Crazy & Psicosis, and after Mercury hit Super Crazy with the Tag Team Championship
belt, the WWE Tag Team Champions delivered the Snapshot to Psicosis. MNM and Kash then celebrated as the Mexicools were
left beaten in the ring.
The Boogeyman also made another appearance this week. As Ray Gordy stood in the ring awaiting his match with Mr. Kennedy,
Palmer Canon came out and said that due to Kennedy’s injury, he would not be competing. Instead, he introduced the
network’s suitable replacement, The Boogeyman. A visibly disgusted Gordy was no match for the bizarre Superstar, and
Boogeyman spooked his opponent even more by eating a handful of worms during the match. With the psychological advantage
firmly in hand, a quick pumphandle powerslam was enough for The Boogeyman to easily defeat his terrified opponent.
Bobby Lashley continued his impressive undefeated streak by defeating William Regal.
MATCHES:
Rey Mysterio defeated JBL
via a disqualification
Batista & Rey Mysterio defeated Bradshaw & Orlando Jordan
Booker T. defeated Chris Benoit
in match Number 3 of a best of 7 series of matches
Super Crazy defeated Joey Mercury
The Boogeyman defeated Ray Gordy
Bobby Lashley defeated William Regal
SMACKDOWN
# 331
12-16-05 Taped 12-13-05
Massmutual Center
Springfield, Massachusetts
After a week of supernatural mind games from Undertaker, Randy Orton answered back with a venomous setup of his own on
Friday Night SmackDown. By feigning retirement — saying his destiny wouldn’t be getting crippled inside Hell in a Cell —
Randy coaxed Undertaker to the ring. Once there, Cowboy Bob Orton emerged from under a Druid’s hood, holding the
Undertaker’s urn. With the distraction a success, Randy attacked, hitting an RKO on Undertaker. Randy then pummeled the
Deadman with a steel chair, busting his head open. Randy appeared possessed — incited by the sight of Undertaker’s blood.
“The Legend Killer” then hit Undertaker across the open wound with the urn. Will this mean Randy Orton has the advantage
this Sunday in Hell in a Cell?
In another SmackDown shocker, Batista & Rey Mysterio defeated MNM to capture the WWE Tag Team Championship despite every
possible effort from Melina to the contrary. Before the match, Melina intercepted Batista in the locker room. She
seductively suggested that she could make it worth Batista’s while to skip his SmackDown match and allow MNM time to
prepare for their match against the Mexicools at Armageddon. Batista seemed very receptive, engaging Melina in a
passionate kiss and embrace — for starters. But ultimately, Batista simply thanked Melina for the “warmup” and then headed
out for his match. During the match, Melina seemed to exact revenge by distracting the referee long enough to allow MNM to
hit a slingshot powerbomb on Mysterio. Later, Melina got involved again by pulling Mysterio hard to outside. MNM took it
to Rey until Mysterio managed a breathtaking reverse Hurricanrana to Nitro from off the top rope. It proved to be the
turning point in the match, as Mysterio finally made a tag and unleashed The Animal. Batista proceeded to destroy MNM with
spears and spinebusters. Melina tried to help Mercury, but instead both were caught with a 619 that sent Mercury straight
into a waiting Batista Bomb. The three-count followed, and just like that, SmackDown had new WWE Tag Team Champions.
Mysterio & Batista left in celebration, while MNM retreated beaten and bloodied. As a result, the interbrand tag-team
match at Armageddon will now be World Tag Team Champions Big Show & Kane vs. WWE Tag Team Champions Rey Mysterio & Batista.
In addition, two Armageddon matches were announced on SmackDown: Kid Kash will face Juventud for the Cruiserweight
Championship, and JBL will face Matt Hardy — the result of a backstage brawl between the two.
Also, The Boogeyman came to get an utterly disturbed Nunzio as the SmackDown roster watched from a safe distance
backstage. The Boogeyman ate worms as he dominated the match — finishing Nunzio with an impressive pump-handle slam.
Afterward, the frightening newcomer forced Nunzio to eat worms as well.
MATCHES:
The Boogeyman defeated Nunzio
Kid Kash defeated Super Crazy
Batista & Rey Mysterio defeated MNM
to become new WWE Tag Team Champions
Lashley defeated Paul Burchill
Booker T. defeated Matt Hardy
SMACKDOWN
# 332
12-23-05 Taped
The Best of 2005
It was another banner year for the SmackDown brand. During the year, SmackDown became the force that is changing
television on Friday nights. SmackDown went from bodyslamming the competition on Thursday nights to bringing in some of
UPN’s highest Friday night ratings ever after the big move. Then again, when looking back at what an action-packed year
2005 was, it’s no wonder it was such a successful year for the SmackDown brand.
Batista has dominated SmackDown ever since coming over to SmackDown in the Draft Lottery in June. This week’s SmackDown
took a look back at the World Heavyweight Champion’s rise to dominance. Batista reached the top of the mountain at
WrestleMania 21 when he defeated Triple H for the gold, and SmackDown took a special look back at this epic clash.
It was also a huge year for JBL. The self-proclaimed Wrestling God started to become a dominant force on SmackDown in
2004, and he just continued full-steam ahead in 2005. He became the longest running champion in more than 10 years, and
he declared himself to be Mr. SmackDown. He was even the focal point of a “Celebration of Excellence.” SmackDown took a
look back at this unprecedented event.
Away from the ring, SmackDown and the entire WWE family was devastated by the untimely passing of Eddie Guerrero. Eddie
was well-liked and respected by all of his peers, and the tragic news hit hard. Before Eddie’s passing, he was one of the
top performers on SmackDown. His friendship-turned-rivalry with Rey Mysterio captivated audiences almost all year long.
Eddie and Rey started out as the best of friends and even won the WWE Tag Team Championship. But after suffering a few
losses to Mysterio in friendly matches, Guerrero became obsessed with beating him. This led to a heated rivalry that
produced some of the greatest matches of the year.
Chris Benoit and Booker T also had a great rivalry in 2005. In fact, it’s one that still burns strong today. Benoit and
Booker used to be considered close friends. But Benoit lost respect for Booker when he found out that Booker knew his
wife, Sharmell, was cheating to help her man win matches. While it may not have been ethical, it led to Booker defeating
Benoit for the U.S. Championship. The belt was soon held up, though, after a controversial finish to one of their matches.
GM Theodore Long ordered a Best of Seven Series to determine an undisputed Champion, reminiscent of their WCW rivalry.
Booker T is currently up 3-1, but you can never count out the Rabid Wolverine.
The Best of 2005 edition of SmackDown covered all of these huge moments and more including the huge rivalry between Randy
Orton and Undertaker, SmackDown’s dominance at Survivor Series and the debut of the bizarre Boogeyman.
SMACKDOWN
# 333
12-30-05 Taped
Mohegan Sun Casino
Uncasville, Connecticut
Batista & Rey Mysterio already had a lot on their plates as they had to face MNM in a rematch for the WWE Tag Team
Championship, but The Animal also had to deal with some issues that go beyond the ring. Before the WWE Tag Team
Championship Match, Melina came to the ring, accompanied by her lawyer, and held a press conference. She claimed that two
weeks ago, prior to MNM’s title defense against Batista & Mysterio, Batista sexually harassed her. She accused the World
Heavyweight Champion of being a sexual predator and using his power and influence as Champion to get whatever he wants.
She claimed that he forced her to have sexual relations, and now she is suing him for sexual harassment – and all of this
came out prior to Batista’s WWE Tag Team Champioship defense. But to his credit, when talking to Josh Mathews before his
match, Batista seemed unphased by the accusations. His carefree attitude appeared to follow him inside the squared circle
as well. Mysterio and Batista got off to a quick start utilizing their unique combination of speed and power to overwhelm
MNM. But a miscue by Mysterio led to him injuring his right knee. Nitro and Mercury were like sharks smelling blood and
pounced on Mysterio’s knee. They relentlessly attacked his injury to the point where Mysterio could hardly stand. But
Mysterio refused to give up, and his quickness overcame the injury, allowing him to make the tag to Batista. Batista
started cleaning house and had Mercury up for the Batista Bomb. Nitro broke up the attempt, but Mysterio came back and
took Nitro to the outside with a hurricanrana. Batista hoisted Mercury up for a powerslam, but Mercury’s legs took down
the ref. With the referee down, it was revealed that Melina had a secret ally. The World’s Strongest Man, Mark Henry, made
his WWE return, and he made it in a big way. With Batista’s back turned, Hendy leveled the Animal with a thunderous
clothesline. He then hoisted the World Heavyweight Champion over his head and brought him down with a monstrous
powerslam – the World’s Strongest Slam. The ref began to come to, unaware of what had transpired, and Batista was ripe for
the pickings. The 1-2-3 was academic, and MNM became WWE Tag Team Champions for the third time in less than a year.
While new WWE Tag Team Champions were crowned, there was also a chance that a new United States Champion could be crowned
as well. Booker T was ahead of Chris Benoit 3-1 in their Best of Seven Series. Booker T had taken an early 3-0 lead, but
Benoit kept his hopes alive with a huge win at Armageddon. Booker T still had the huge advantage, but he suffered an
injured groin at a live event Monday night in White Plains, NY. Due to doctor’s orders, Booker T was unable to compete.
General Manager Theodore Long said that due to the
circumstances, Booker T would have to forfeit the fifth match in the series. Booker T was irate at this decision, but so
was Benoit. Benoit wanted to win the United States
Championship, but he didn’t want to take the easy way out. They all agreed that Booker T could pick anyone on the
roster to take his place in the match. If the replacement won, then Booker T would be the new Untied States Champion. If
the replacement lost, then Benoit would be right back in the hunt, narrowing the gap to 3-2. After dismissing Orlando
Jordan’s request to be the replacement, Booker T found a dejected Randy Orton by himself in the locker room. Booker
motivated Orton to prove to the world that despite losing to Undertaker in Hell in a Cell he’s still the Legend Killer.
Orton took Booker T’s words to heart and was confident he could take down the Rabid Wolverine. Booker T and Sharmell
joined Michael Cole and Tazz for commentary. After some back and forth action, Benoit was able to lock in the Crossface.
Orton was able to get to the ropes and escaped to the outside for a breather. Benoit wouldn’t allow it, though, and soared
through the air with a suicide plancha. Back inside, Benoit went for the rolling Germans, but Orton blocked it. Benoit
came back with an ode to Eddie Guerrero and connected with the Three Amigos. He went up top, but Orton telegraphed the
diving headbutt. Benoit recovered and went for the Sharpshooter, but Orton was able to roll through it. The Legend Killer
went the RKO, but Benoit was able to reverse it into another Crossface. With Orton in trouble, Sharmell jumped into the
ring and hit Benoit with one of Booker T’s crutches, causing a disqualification. Not realizing what she had done, Benoit
was now one step closer to becoming United States Champion. Booker T still leads the series, though, 3-2. Benoit’s
celebration was very short-lived, as Orton laid out the Rabid Wolverine with an RKO.
Earlier in the evening, JBL came to the ring and said that he no longer has matches – he just sends messages. He said that
he would send a message regardless of who the opponent was. Matt Hardy answered the challenge, hungry for revenge from
Armageddon. Hardy was able to connect with a top rope leg drop, but had a twist of Fate blocked. JBL looked primed for a
comeback but was distracted when The Boogeyman made a surprise appearance. JBL and Jillian cowered from the bizarre
newcomer, as he chomped on a fresh batch of worms. The self-proclaimed Wrestling God and his image consultant retreated
through the crowd, giving Matt Hardy a win via disqualification.
Lashley continued his path of destruction on SmackDown as well. Lashley squared off against Sylvan, and after an offensive
flurry, Sylvan retreated in fear that he would be hit in his beautiful face again causing him to lose via countout.
Plus, Psicosis & Super Crazy of The Mexicools picked up huge win over The Dicks.
SmackDown’s No. 1 announcer Funaki also interviewed Cruiserweight Champion Kid Kash. Kash said that he was the greatest
Cruiserweight Champion of all time and left Funaki laying on the stage after the Dead Level.
MATCHES:
MNM defeated Batista & Rey Mysterio
to become new WWE Tag Team Champions
Matt Hardy defeated Bradshaw via a countout
Chris Benoit defeated Randy Orton via disqualification
Benoit trails in a Best of Seven Series 3 to 2
Super Crazy & Psicosis defeated The Dicks
Lashley defeated Sylvan via a countout
All shows are available at a cost of $15.00 each
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THIS PAGE LAST REVISED ON 9-27-05