On August 18, 2005, WWE Smackdown aired a gripping episode taped earlier that week in Toronto, Ontario, that left fans stunned by Rey Mysterio’s emotional struggle amid a deeply personal storyline. Central to the night’s tension was the ongoing conflict involving Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero, and Mysterio’s son Dominic, culminating in intense moments that highlighted the family turmoil and set the stage for their showdown at Summerslam.
The episode opened with a recap of Dominic Guerrero being taken by a social worker, triggering visible distress from Rey Mysterio as Eddie Guerrero’s voice carried the weight of teaching Dominic what it means to be a Guerrero. The scene foreshadowed the very personal and dark feud intensifying between these characters, intertwining family issues with ring rivalries and creating a charged atmosphere for viewers.
Ladder Match Challenge and Guerrero Family Feud Intensifies
Before the in-ring action commenced, Eddie Guerrero dramatically climbed a ladder in the center of the ring to issue a chilling ultimatum. He accused Rey Mysterio of withholding Guerrero from his son and robbing Dominic of his Guerrero heritage. Guerrero declared that at Summerslam, he would climb the ladder not only for himself but for his father, his brothers, and most importantly for Dominic Guerrero, emphasizing the legacy at stake in this emotionally charged contest.
“who is going to be the best Guerrero of us all.”
—Eddie Guerrero, Wrestler
The lighting and Guerrero’s sinister demeanor contributed to the scene’s weight, deepening the intensity and engaging fans with this personal narrative thread.
Tag Team Troubles and Backstage Tensions Unfold
The tag team battle featured Booker T and Sharmell facing Melina and Mercury, indirectly amplified by the backstage fallout afterward. Despite Booker and Sharmell’s efforts, Mercury and Melina secured a victory by leveraging the ropes, and Sharmell later reprimanded Booker for his lack of protection during the match.
“Booker, you need to step up and step up fast because I’m sick of this mess,”
—Sharmell, Wrestler
This confrontation underscored the growing pressure within the teams as alliances frayed and performance expectations mounted.
Summerslam Rivalries Heat Up: Orton, Benoit, JBL, and Batista in Focus
Elsewhere backstage, Orlando Jordan provocatively challenged Chris Benoit, though Benoit dismissed the threats with sarcasm, vowing to make Jordan submit at Summerslam. Meanwhile, the Legacy of Destruction (LOD) faction prepared for action as Animal gave Heidenreich a pep talk, emphasizing his readiness to join the group symbolized by donning football shoulder pads. The LOD then decisively defeated two jobbers in a swift match, signaling Heidenreich’s rise.
JBL’s ruthless no holds barred challenge came to life in an intense and brutal match against Funaki. JBL’s relentless assault, including a stiff chair shot, showcased his dominance until Batista made a dramatic save, launching JBL out of the ring. Batista publicly challenged JBL’s bravado, vowing to put an end to his bullying tactics, promising physical retribution backed by his renowned strength and resolve.
“in all due respect to Funaki, Funaki is not Batista.”
—Tazz, Announcer
Rey Mysterio Claims Victory, but Emotional Battle Continues
Rey Mysterio triumphed in a quick but hard-fought bout against Simon Dean, who taunted Mysterio mercilessly about his family situation. Rey responded decisively by executing his signature 619 and finishing move, Drop the Dime, securing a solid victory for himself to steady his momentum amid personal turmoil.
Christian’s Peep Show Interrupted by the Mexicools
In an unpredictable moment on Smackdown, Christian hosted the “Peep Show,” expecting a special guest but ended up facing disruption from the Mexicools faction. Their disruptive antics included vandalizing the set and attacking Christian in a coordinated three-on-one assault. This chaotic segment added a volatile atmosphere and underscored the unpredictability of Smackdown’s storylines that week.
Rey Mysterio’s Backstage Confession Reveals Depth of Family Struggle
In a candid backstage interview conducted by Josh Matthews, Rey Mysterio revealed the heavy toll the ongoing feud and custody battle had on him. He expressed how thoughts of his son Dominic consumed his every moment and declared his determination to reunite his family by reclaiming his son’s custody.
“and that’s me!”
—Rey Mysterio, Wrestler
Michael Cole noted that in his many years of calling Smackdown, he had never witnessed a more emotionally charged situation, highlighting the significance of this storyline that blurred personal anguish with professional challenges.
Standoff Main Event: Randy Orton vs. Chris Benoit Ends in Suspense
The episode’s main event featured Randy Orton battling Chris Benoit in a high-stakes fight. Despite Orton’s initial back injury, they engaged in a technical wrestling battle with submissions and counter-maneuvers lasting over seventeen minutes. Benoit demonstrated resilience and creativity with moves like a German suplex series and a top rope headbutt, but Orton ultimately secured the win with a surprise RKO after interference attempts by Orlando Jordan.
After the match, an ominous moment occurred when The Undertaker’s music hit, lights dimmed, and he appeared in the ring to deliver a fierce chokeslam to Orton. Undertaker’s unusual reaction to Orton’s smirking pain left fans guessing about the next twist in their rivalry.
How This Episode Shaped the Road to Summerslam
This episode of WWE Smackdown in 2005 stood out for combining intense in-ring competition with deeply personal story arcs, especially surrounding Rey Mysterio and the Guerrero family conflict. The story of Dominic Guerrero’s custody was more than just a subplot; it added raw emotional urgency that resonated with fans and elevated the stakes at Summerslam. Meanwhile, character conflicts such as JBL’s bullying, LOD’s recruitment efforts, and the ongoing tensions between Orton, Benoit, and The Undertaker provided layers of drama that promised unpredictable outcomes in upcoming events.
Rey Mysterio’s heartfelt moments and his vow to reunite with his son added an emotional depth rarely seen on Smackdown, intensifying the viewers’ investment in the storyline. The episode’s blend of family drama and professional wrestling not only shocked fans at the moment but also underscored WWE’s ability to merge personal anguish with electrifying sports entertainment.
