On August 25, 2005, WWE Smackdown delivered a memorable episode taped in Greensboro, North Carolina, featuring a mix of intense matches and new character introductions. Among the night’s significant moments was Randy Orton’s stunning RKO finisher, which left fans captivated. The episode opened with quick highlights from SummerSlam, setting an energetic tone for viewers who missed the pay-per-view. Bob Orton proudly introduced his son Randy, celebrating his recent victory over the legendary Undertaker and signaling a promising future for the younger Orton.
Randy Orton Defeats Hardcore Holly in a Gritty Contest
The first match pitted Randy Orton against Hardcore Holly, with Michael Cole and Tazz providing commentary. Cole noted,
There is no one tougher than Hardcore Holly in the Smackdown locker room.
—Michael Cole, Commentator. Despite Holly’s touted toughness, questions about his place in <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE’s hierarchy arose, as he was considered more of a mid-card talent without a title or strong contender status.
The match initially featured a series of headlocks that, while intensive, risked losing viewer interest early. At 5:30, Orton dominated with a high dropkick and knee drop, showing his athleticism. Holly responded with a near fall using a full nelson slam and followed with a flying clothesline from the top rope. After several stiff chops to Orton’s chest, Holly signaled for the Alabama Slam, which was interrupted by Bob Orton’s distraction from the apron. Randy seized the moment, surprising Holly with a sudden RKO for the victory at 10:31.
This contest was rated as **1/2 stars, praised for its strong finish and intensity despite a somewhat slow start. Holly’s repeated vulnerability to Bob Orton‘s distractions was noted as a weak point in his performance.
Introduction of a New Network Executive Shakes Things Up
Backstage, a new figure named Palmer Cannon, portraying a network executive, made a notable entrance by meeting Smackdown General Manager Teddy Long. Cannon expressed excitement about working together and hinted at having the authority to arrange major matches, a surprise to Long who had been accustomed to managing bouts himself. Cannon supported an upcoming main event idea from Teddy Long’s assistant Tanner, suggesting a match between JBL and Batista, setting the stage for future developments.
Christian Hosts ‘The Peep Show’ and Sparks Tension
Christian’s interview segment featured Booker T and Sharmell, during which Christian attempted to instigate discord by using footage of Sharmell’s prior attack by Melina. He sarcastically questioned Booker T’s recent relevance despite his WCW titles, stirring a defensive response. Sharmell emphasized her past as a beauty queen and her reluctance to engage in wrestling, asserting Booker’s status as a champion who needs to remember his identity.
During this verbal exchange, the Mexicools interrupted, attacking Christian and overpowering him before Booker intervened to assist. Following a brief clearance of the ring, Booker and Christian shared a look suggesting a newfound and uneasy alliance.
The MNM-Heidenreich Match Ends in Controversy
The next scheduled bout featured Heidenreich with Animal against MNM members Mercury, Nitro, and Melina. MNM was promoted on the latest Smackdown magazine cover, highlighting their prominence. The match was moderately active until a pivotal moment occurred: as the referee’s attention was diverted by a dispute among Animal, Melina, and Jillian Hall, Nitro struck Heidenreich’s knee with a chair. The referee noticed and immediately ended the match by disqualification in favor of Heidenreich at 2:53. Nitro retaliated by dropkicking Animal as he entered the ring, adding to the post-match chaos.
Booker T and Christian Face the Mexicools in a Strenuous Tag Team Match
Booker T teamed with Christian to battle the Mexicools’ Crazy and Psicosis. Christian endured heavy punishment early, even suffering a bloody nose before tagging in Booker at 4:15, who took control by dispatching both opponents. However, interference from Juventud, who restrained Booker, shifted momentum back to the Mexicools. A heated exchange between Christian and Sharmell led to Christian abandoning Booker during their trouble, leaving him vulnerable to a triple team. The Mexicools secured the win with a double back suplex at 5:32, leaving Booker and Sharmell in a confrontational post-match argument. The contest earned a one-star rating.
Backstage Discussion: Orton’s Dominance and Anticipation
In a backstage interview, Randy Orton emphatically declared,
Undertaker is Dead.
—Randy Orton. Meanwhile, the network executive praised the broadcast and expressed a desire to feature more of Randy Orton on Smackdown. Teddy Long hinted at a major upcoming announcement but refused to reveal details prematurely, promising fans they would hear it with everyone else in due course.
New Smackdown Talent Introduced Amid Canceled Match
Teddy Long presented new Smackdown signees Stacy and Christy Hemme, setting up a proposed lingerie pillow fight to entertain the crowd. Michael Cole commented,
I’d heard rumors of a big trade!
—Michael Cole, Commentator. However, this planned match was abruptly canceled by the network executive, who argued the demographic target disliked such content. This unexpected cancellation was received as frustrating by the audience and commentators alike, reflecting the tension between creative direction and broadcast decisions.
Ken Kennedy’s Confident Debut and Victory
Mr. Ken Kennedy made an impression by dismissing the ring announcer and introducing himself with a confident, cocky attitude reminiscent of Billy Gunn. He playfully mocked Funaki for his limited English and took charge of the match introductions. Kennedy secured a victory against Funaki with a top rope tuck and roll slam at 3:08. Commentators expressed mixed reactions, with Tazz approving of Kennedy’s presence while Cole noted his arrogance.
Chaotic Six-Man Tag Main Event Featuring Top Stars
The main event showcased a six-man tag match with heels JBL, Orlando Jordan, and Eddie Guerrero against the faces Rey Mysterio, Batista, and Chris Benoit. Each wrestler received a full ring introduction before the bout began with Orlando Jordan aggressively targeting Benoit. The crowd taunted Jordan with chants of “You Tapped Out.” Benoit attempted an early submission, prompting a commercial break. Upon resuming, Batista’s hot tag sparked a shift as he dominated JBL, leading to a climactic sequence where Batista’s clothesline sent JBL over the top rope, Rey Mysterio landed his signature 619 on Orlando, Benoit delivered a German suplex, and Batista finished with the Batista Bomb for the definitive pin at 16:15.
Cole praised the trio of Batista, Mysterio, and Benoit as a dream team. The match received a **1/2 star rating for being a solid, competitive main event despite lacking storyline progression toward future rivalries.
Smackdown’s Direction and Future Story Development
The episode indicated that Smackdown was taking a slower build approach toward its major storylines, especially the JBL-Batista rivalry, which was expected to unfold over the following weeks before the season premiere. The program focused more on showcasing in-ring action and character development rather than planting immediate seeds for new feuds, likely aiming to maintain audience interest through measured storytelling.
