On July 21, 2005, WWE Smackdown delivered a charged and intense episode taped in Baltimore, Maryland, spotlighting Rey Mysterio WWE Smackdown 2005 encounters full of brutal feuds and shocking attacks. The episode set the stage for high-stakes battles and heightened rivalries, especially building toward the upcoming Great American Bash event.
The show opened with a vignette focusing on JBL’s intense feud with Batista, highlighting the devastating impact of JBL’s Clothesline from Hell and signaling a preemptive victory speech by JBL before their anticipated Sunday clash. Michael Cole and Tazz introduced the night, sharing a lighthearted aside on Michael Cole’s muscular appearance gaining the respect of wrestlers.
Rey Mysterio Battling Super Crazy with Guerrero’s Sinister Interference
The first match featured Rey Mysterio facing Super Crazy, with interference from Juventud Guerrera and Psicosis supporting Crazy early on. Eddie Guerrero’s presence ringside added tension, as he later joined commentary and revealed a dark, secretive motivation against Rey, citing his affection as the cause of his hostility. Guerrero’s twisted enjoyment became apparent when he disrupted Rey’s comeback by breaking a rake over his back, leading to Rey winning by disqualification.
Despite the potential for an exciting contest, the match failed to meet expectations, receiving a low star rating due to its lackluster execution. Guerrero’s menacing demeanor during commentary and his attacks set a troubling tone for Rey’s ongoing struggles.
Backstage Drama and Pre-Match Clashes
Off-screen, Smackdown General Manager Teddy Long warned Eddie Guerrero that despite Guerrero’s actions, Smackdown was not done with him and hinted at a surprise opponent, making clear that tensions were only escalating. Christian’s backstage interview boasted about his status as the only wrestler to headline both Raw and Smackdown in the same week, criticizing Booker T’s recent disrespect that had led to Christian’s triumph.
Meanwhile, Heidenreich poetry-themed his eagerness to team alongside Road Warrior Animal, replacing Hawk’s position, which Animal acknowledged with approval, generating anticipation for their upcoming matches.
Swift Victories and Strategic Implications in Tag and Singles Matches
Heidenreich teamed with Road Warrior Animal to dismantle two unnamed jobbers in a rapid victory, executed with the Doomsday Device finisher. Meanwhile, backstage MNM watched on, exuding confidence that foreshadowed future confrontations. The night’s competition then intensified with a compelling match between Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero.
Before their encounter, Benoit expressed concern over his former friendship with Guerrero, questioning the reason behind Guerrero’s aggressive outbursts. The match itself was physically demanding and marked by Guerrero’s continued viciousness and Benoit’s resilience, even as Benoit bled from the forehead. The bout ended with Guerrero deliberately getting counted out, allowing him to cheat defeat but drawing an aggressive response from Rey Mysterio who attacked Guerrero afterward.
The Ongoing FEUD Amidst WWE’s Larger Storylines
Candice Michelle’s announcement that WWE would provide the Great American Bash event free for U.S. troops overseas was quickly overshadowed by a hostile confrontation with Melina of MNM, who insulted Candice and Torrie Wilson before attacking Candice. Torrie’s impressive clothesline, performed in uncharacteristic tall spike heels, saved Candice, demonstrating the physical commitment involved.
Booker T then faced Simon Dean, with a humorous exchange revolving around Sharmell’s repeated trips to the buffet that led to Booker swiftly defeating Dean. Booker also challenged Christian, promising retaliation for past disrespect at the Great American Bash.
Video Recaps and Promotional Material Set the Stage for the Great American Bash
The show featured several promotional videos, including comparisons of JBL to historical figures like George Washington and Neil Armstrong, aimed at elevating JBL’s persona ahead of his ongoing conflict with Batista. A Boogieman vignette added a sense of mystery, while recaps of the ongoing Eddie Guerrero-Rey Mysterio rivalry kept viewers reminded of their heated animosity.
With the Bash’s card including marquee matches such as Booker T vs. Christian, BWO vs. Mexicools, Animal & Heidenreich vs. MNM, Benoit vs. Orlando Jordan for the U.S. Title, Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio, Torrie Wilson vs. Melina (with Candice as referee), and Batista vs. JBL for the World Title, anticipation for the event was ratcheted up throughout the broadcast.
Climactic Confrontation Between JBL and Batista Ignites The Crowd
Orlando Jordan introduced JBL, who made a patriotic entrance carrying an Uncle Sam top hat and a red, white, and blue vest. JBL filled the arena with provocative rhetoric about American power and critics, claiming that people hate him because of his wealth and strength, then directly insulting fans for supporting Batista instead of him.
Batista entered with pyro effects that energized the crowd, mocking JBL’s appearance and calling him a liar, loudmouth, bully, and phony. Batista vowed to expose JBL’s true nature at the Great American Bash, referencing a prior cheap shot from JBL and promising swift retribution. The tension escalated further when Batista attacked both Orlando Jordan and JBL in the ring, leaving JBL to retreat and setting the stage for their heated showdown.
The Evening’s Significance and Upcoming Wrestle Events
This episode of WWE Smackdown in 2005 was packed with intense confrontations and heated promos that shaped the storylines leading into the Great American Bash pay-per-view. Rey Mysterio’s ongoing feud with Eddie Guerrero remained a central focus, underscored by Guerrero’s sinister tactics and Mysterio’s resilience.
The buildup between JBL and Batista reached new heights, with Batista issuing a strong warning and signaling a potential power shift in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship scene. The combination of high-energy matches, backstage conflicts, and strategic promos underscored how WWE wove intricate narratives to maintain audience engagement during this period.
As these storylines move forward, fans could expect further escalating violence, emotional intensity, and unexpected twists at the Great American Bash, where much of the season’s momentum would either be cemented or shattered.
