On July 28, 2005, WWE Friday Night Smackdown taped in Rochester, New York, delivered a shocking twist as JBL blindsided fans and competitors alike with a bold contract claim that altered the path to the Summerslam main event. Amid rising tensions, Teddy Long officially announced Undertaker as the number one contender for Batista‘s World Championship, only to be interrupted by JBL. The veteran WWE star insisted he had inserted a special clause in his contract guaranteeing himself a one-on-one title match against Batista at Summerslam if he defeated Batista but did not win the championship. This revelation triggered a heated exchange between JBL and Long about who rightfully deserved the title shot.
Long firmly maintained that Undertaker was the rightful challenger, asserting control over the Smackdown show. JBL, however, threatened legal action against Long for breach of contract if the promised title opportunity was denied. To settle the dispute, Long arranged a direct match between JBL and Undertaker to determine who would face Batista, setting the stage for an intense showdown at Summerslam.
Tag Team Action and Emerging Rivalries
The show opened with a tag team match featuring Christian and Orlando Jordan against Booker T and Chris Benoit. Christian entered the ring nursing a taped shoulder from a previous encounter with Benoit. The match began with an aggressive assault from Benoit and Booker T, briefly overwhelming the heels before Christian controlled the bout with strategic holds. Despite Christian’s efforts, Benoit ultimately secured the victory by forcing Orlando Jordan to submit to the Crippler Crossface after a tense sixteen-minute battle. The decision by Christian not to break up the submission added layers to ongoing storylines and character motivations.
Backstage, Heidenreich confided in Animal about feelings of inadequacy following the loss of his partner Hawk, but Animal encouraged him to embrace a new beginning. Animal handed him clippers to replicate Hawk’s distinctive haircut, symbolizing respect and continuity within their team. Heidenreich’s haircut, however, ended up resembling Animal’s traditional mohawk rather than Hawk’s inverted style.
Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero’s Emotional Saga
Reflecting on one of the most emotional matches recently aired, Michael Cole and Tazz introduced a highlight package showcasing Rey Mysterio’s victory over Eddie Guerrero at the Great American Bash. The segment emphasized the high stakes of their rivalry, with Rey celebrating alongside his son Dominic afterward. Backstage, Dominic questioned Rey about a secret Guerrero had kept, but Rey deferred revealing the truth until Dominic was older.
During Rey’s entrance later in the show, Eddie Guerrero confronted both Rey and Dominic with a dramatic revelation. Declaring that he never loses, Guerrero declared himself Dominic’s biological father—an announcement that caused confusion and heartbreak. Rey’s emotional reaction, kneeling and crying, contrasted with Dominic’s uncertain retreat into the crowd. Guerrero explained the backstory, claiming he gave the baby to Rey to raise due to personal circumstances, promising to reveal more in the coming week.
The controversial segment sparked disgust among announcers Cole and Tazz, who criticized Guerrero for publicly exposing personal family matters.
Women’s Division Spotlight: Melina vs. Torrie Wilson
A high-profile women’s match featured Torrie Wilson, accompanied by Michelle McCool, against Melina with Jillian Hall in her corner. The introduction focused on Melina’s athleticism, though much attention was diverted to Jillian Hall’s visible facial growth, which commentators found disturbing and grotesque. In a decisive match lasting slightly over four minutes, Melina dominated Torrie, securing her win controversially by using the ropes for leverage during the pinfall.
Mexicools’ Rebellion Disrupts Scheduled Bout
A planned tag team match pitting William Regal and Scotty 2 Hotty against the Mexicools failed to commence as the Mexicools appeared unexpected with popcorn and soda, playfully handing concessions to the audience and ringside officials. When directed to enter the ring, the Mexicools instead launched an assault on the referee and their opponents, drenching them with their refreshments and asserting their rebellious attitude, much to the crowd’s amusement and the officials’ frustration.
Final Showdown: JBL vs. Undertaker for Summerslam Title Opportunity
The episode’s climax featured a grueling contest between JBL, aided by Orlando Jordan, and The Undertaker, with the stakes set at a Summerslam title shot against Batista. The Deadman dominated the early portion of the match with swift, punishing offense, but JBL’s resilience was boosted by repeated interference from Jordan. As the match intensified, JBL resorted to underhanded tactics including a low blow and chair shots, briefly gaining control.
The match spun into chaos when Jordan tried to assist JBL with a steel chair but was thwarted by Undertaker’s strike. A near-fall was followed by Undertaker executing his signature moves—the chokeslam and tombstone piledriver—only to be interrupted by a shocking surprise: Randy Orton appeared ringside and delivered an RKO to Undertaker. Orton then covered the fallen Deadman while JBL held his arm over Undertaker’s chest. The referee recovered in time to count the pinfall, awarding JBL the victory and the Summerslam title match opportunity, stunning the audience and shifting the storyline dramatically.
Impact of Events and Anticipated Developments
This episode of WWE Smackdown 2005 Highlights intensified the emotional and competitive drama leading into Summerslam, with JBL’s controversial path to a title shot casting uncertainty on established hierarchies. The interplay of legal claims, contract disputes, and surprise betrayals injected urgency and suspense that heightened fan investment. Meanwhile, ongoing narratives such as Rey Mysterio’s family revelations and the Mexicools’ defiant antics enriched character depth and future conflicts.
The unresolved tensions and unexpected outcomes from this show set the stage for a Summerslam event charged with personal vendettas, title ambitions, and dramatic twists, promising an electrifying continuation of WWE’s storytelling.
