Twenty years ago this week, WWE SmackDown was taped in Laredo, Texas, providing fans with memorable wrestling moments, including a headline Randy Orton wrestling match involving the Undertaker. The show combined local cultural references with fierce in-ring action that heightened anticipation for the upcoming No Mercy pay-per-view event.
The event opened with Michael Cole noting Laredo’s predominantly Hispanic population and the heavy cross-border traffic between the U.S. and Mexico. This local context set the stage for confrontations both inside and outside the ring, particularly involving JBL, who stirred controversy with his remarks about immigrants. He arrived accompanied by a mule, an inner tube, and a sombrero, provoking mixed reactions from the audience.
Controversial Opening Segment Featuring JBL and Kennedy
JBL opened the show by addressing the crowd in Laredo in a provocative manner, suggesting many fans didn’t understand English and making disparaging comments about immigrants and the INS. Although he claimed not to harbor ill feelings, he derided local fast food outlets and even took aim at Rey Mysterio’s family. JBL then introduced Kennedy as his tag partner. Kennedy began the match with a disrespectful joke at the expense of the ring announcer, setting a contentious tone early on.
JBL & Kennedy Face Off Against Rey Mysterio & Hardcore Holly
The first match pitted JBL and Kennedy against the high-flying Rey Mysterio and Hardcore Holly. The heel team focused on isolating Rey early, but hot tags from both Rey and Kennedy at the six-minute mark energized the bout. Hardcore Holly displayed dominance with chops and near finishes until interference by Kennedy and JBL led to their victory at 7:46. Despite the result, the match received a modest star rating, described as an “okay opening tag.”
Backstage Drama Stokes Female Rivalries
In a backstage segment, Melina was seen arguing with Christy Hemme in the arena parking lot after nearly being hit by Christy’s motorcycle. The tension escalated as Melina accidentally broke a nail during the confrontation and launched into a verbal tirade. This altercation, promoted as a WWE.com exclusive, was used to build anticipation for their in-ring match later in the broadcast.
Melina Defeats Christy Hemme in a Heated Contest
Melina, accompanied by Mercury and Nitro, dominated much of the match, executing moves that showed real physicality, including a dropkick and a prolonged armbar. Christy Hemme fought back with a split-legged sunset flip, but after interference from Melina’s partners, Melina secured the pinfall at 4:45. Post-match, Christy retaliated with a forearm strike, prompting a rescue by the Legion of Doom team. The match earned a solid 3/4 star rating for its intensity and pacing.
Undertaker’s Return Prompts Clash with Bob Orton and Surprises Fans
Attention turned to the main event buildup, spotlighting the Undertaker and his ongoing feud with the Orton family. The show teased the upcoming challenges, including an epic match between Randy Orton and the Undertaker. As Bob Orton addressed the crowd, he vowed to show no mercy to the Undertaker during their match, claiming that his son Randy would remain uninvolved at the forthcoming No Mercy pay-per-view.
Undertaker Overcomes Underhanded Tactics by Bob Orton and Randy Orton
The main event saw the Undertaker face off against Bob Orton with unexpected interference. Early in the match, Bob stymied action by retreating to ringside and delivered a low blow when the referee was incapacitated. His son Randy then rushed out to assist, and the two Ortons double-teamed the Undertaker, slamming his head into the announcers’ table. Bob followed with a top-rope forearm smash aided by Randy. At first, it looked like the Ortons might steal a victory, but the Undertaker rallied, blocking Randy’s RKO attempt and knocking him off the apron. The Undertaker then delivered his iconic Tombstone Piledriver to Bob and convinced the referee to count the pin himself, emerging victorious in just over five minutes.
Additional Tag Team Matches Build Stakes Ahead of No Mercy
Alongside the main events, the WWE Tag Team Titles match featured Batista and Eddie Guerrero versus the Legion of Doom, Animal, and Heidenreich. The bout saw near finishes and chaotic moments, including a mistaken chair shot from Guerrero on Batista, which drove a wedge between the partners. The match ended in a no contest due to outside interference by MNM (Mercury, Nitro, and Melina). This altered the storyline by raising tensions between the champions and their challengers as No Mercy approached.
Bobby Lashley and Rising Competition Highlight Developmental Talent
In a notable match showcasing emerging talent, Bobby Lashley defeated Russell Simpson in a swift bout emphasizing Lashley’s power-based style. Lashley’s dominance impressed some, though insiders speculated he might need additional experience before fully transitioning to the main WWE roster. Post-match, Simon Dean confronted Lashley, teasing their upcoming showdown at No Mercy and promising to use his “Simon System” to defeat Lashley.
Orlando Jordan Scores Victory in Three-Way Battle for No Mercy Spot
A triple threat match featuring Orlando Jordan, Booker T, and Christian entertained the crowd with athletic exploits and strategic counters. Orlando Jordan upset expectations by pinning Booker T following a schoolboy roll-up after Christian was tossed out of the ring. Post-match, Chris Benoit mocked Jordan for his unexpected win and claimed his own contender status, teasing a three-way contest among all involved at No Mercy. This added fuel to ongoing rivalries and set an intriguing dynamic heading into the pay-per-view.
WWE Management Discusses Homecoming Plans and Lineup
Backstage scenes included Vince McMahon meeting with Teddy Long and other personnel to finalize the WWE Homecoming event offerings. While several top wrestlers were listed for the show, Christian expressed frustration about being excluded from the No Mercy card. Vince’s comments displayed a mix of endorsement and skepticism, particularly regarding the recognition Christian deserved. Network executives and promotional staff exchanged brief banter about programming success, highlighting tensions beyond the ring.
No Mercy Pay-Per-View Promises Explosive Showdowns
The SmackDown broadcast heavily promoted the forthcoming No Mercy event, featuring marquee matches such as the Ortons facing the Undertaker in a casket match, Batista versus Eddie Guerrero for the World Heavyweight Championship, and tag team battles involving the Legion of Doom and MNM. These high-stakes encounters assured fans of intense drama and action, with the fallout of the Texas tapings directly impacting storylines heading into the pay-per-view.
Legacy of the 2005 SmackDown Episode and Randy Orton Wrestling Match
This episode, taped in Laredo, Texas, remains notable for the surprise developments and physical storytelling showcased, particularly in the Randy Orton wrestling match against the Undertaker. The combination of family alliances, shocking interference, and ultimate triumph for the Undertaker reinforced his legendary status and laid groundwork for future chapters in WWE history. As wrestling fans reflect on the matches and moments from this night, the intense rivalries and character arcs set a benchmark for compelling sports entertainment that still resonates two decades later.
