WWE Smackdown’s July 7, 2005 episode, taped earlier in Sacramento, California, featured intense matches and polarizing storylines, all unfolding just hours after the tragic attacks in London. The show opened with a Draft Lottery recap focusing on shifts among top champions, including John Cena’s introduction by Chris Jericho and the Smackdown Championship win by JBL, followed by Batista’s debut on the brand. A warning scrolled across the screen advising parental discretion given the somber events in London, though <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE did not clarify the show was pre-recorded days earlier.
One of the most contentious aspects of this episode was a storyline involving Muhammad Hassan and Daivari, which contained sensitive dialogue referencing sacrifice and plans, drawing sharp criticism for airing so soon after the real-life terrorist incident. Analysts suggested that airing this segment risked appearing exploitative amid current events.
JBL Faces Unexpected Challenge from Blue World Order
JBL opened the show confronting his recent loss, comparing his mistreatment to a minor parking ticket faced by Bret Hart, and promising to assert dominance at the upcoming Great American Bash pay-per-view. His rant was interrupted by the arrival of Steven Richards, Nova, and Blue Meanie, representing the Blue World Order (BWO), who mocked JBL with satirical nicknames such as “John Blue Lamefield” and “Bash-me.”
JBL taunted them, questioning Meanie’s toughness after a recent beating suffered at an ECW event. However, the BWO members declared their intent to make a mark on Smackdown by challenging JBL to a match. The storyline played on real-life wrestling history but was criticized for overstating the impact of the Meanie-JBL feud and for Meanie’s apparent acceptance of a role perceived as selling out.
Chris Benoit Advances in U.S. Title Contention
In the first match, Chris Benoit competed against Booker T with a spot on the line against Orlando Jordan for the U.S. Championship at the Great American Bash. After Booker applied sustained offense, Benoit reversed a suplex into his signature Crossface submission, forcing Booker to tap out at just over seven minutes. Post-match, Sharmell backstage expressed her disappointment with the loss, quickly leaving upon Orlando Jordan’s arrival.
Tag Team Turmoil: Tensions Rise Between Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero
A pivotal storyline unfolded in the tag team division as Eddie Guerrero approached Rey Mysterio, proposing a reunion to reclaim the WWE Tag Team Titles. Despite Rey’s reluctance, Guerrero pressured him by threatening to reveal a secret involving Rey’s son, Dominic. During the title match, Guerrero’s apparent goodwill was cast into doubt when he attacked Rey, allowing MNM (Mercury and Nitro with Melina) to retain their titles after a hard-fought battle.
Michael Cole expressed confusion over Guerrero’s motivations, emphasizing the complexity and emotional tension binding the storyline. Guerrero’s intimidation tactics left Rey trapped between loyalty and the looming threat of exposure, adding dramatic depth to the tag team narrative.
Backstage: Christian Asserts His Star Power Ahead of Batista Match
Christian, poised for a key bout against Batista, declared in a backstage interview that he was “born a superstar” and “born a main eventer,” highlighting his unique distinction as a main event figure on both Raw and Smackdown within the same week. This confident proclamation set the tone for their impending clash.
William Regal and Matt Morgan Confront Mexicools Interference
The anticipated contest between William Regal and Matt Morgan was disrupted before it began when the Mexicools—Juvi, Super Crazy, and Psicosis—attacked Morgan. Juvi taunted the crowd with a rendition of “Oops, we did it again,” asserting the group’s identity as “Mexicools,” not Mexicans. Regal observed the antics from ringside but was unable to intervene, leaving the match effectively canceled due to the interference.
Controversial Hassan and Daivari Angle Sparks Criticism Amid Sensitive Timing
Backstage, Hassan instructed Daivari to accept a sacrificial role for a greater purpose, with promises of eventual reward. This dialogue, aired only 16 hours after the London attacks, drew widespread unease given its implications. Analysts questioned the network’s choice to broadcast this potentially insensitive content despite a warning for parental discretion, noting that viewers with a sense of decency would find the segment disturbing and inappropriate.
During their match, Daivari, visibly fearful, hesitated and sought release from Hassan’s plan but was ordered to participate. The bout with Undertaker was brief, ending with a Tombstone Piledriver in under two minutes. Post-match, masked assailants attacked Undertaker, wrapping a cable around his neck to choke him out before Hassan applied the Camel Clutch.
Cole and Tazz, commentary team members, expressed astonishment at the unprecedented nature of this violent segment, reflecting broader shock among the wrestling community.
Blue Meanie Shocks WWE Fans by Defeating JBL in No Disqualification Match
JBL faced Blue Meanie in a No Disqualification contest marked by heavy interference from BWO members and distractions at ringside. JBL dominated early but was blindsided when Meanie’s allies provided opportunities for him to counterattack. Orlando Jordan’s intervention distracted Meanie at a critical moment, allowing JBL to land his Clothesline from Hell. However, Batista unexpectedly entered and delivered a spinebuster to JBL, enabling Meanie to pin JBL for a surprising victory.
This result stunned commentators and fans alike, marking a rare televised defeat for JBL and underscoring the unpredictability of Smackdown’s storylines at the time.
Batista Bests Christian in Hard-Fought Main Event
The main event showcased Batista against Christian, a match built around Christian’s rising prominence after transitioning from Raw. Batista demonstrated strength and resilience, initially dominating before Christian seized control after the break. Christian’s trademark chinlock slowed the momentum, but at ten minutes, Batista executed an Electric Chair drop, equalizing their battle. A flurry of offensive moves culminated with Batista delivering his finishing Batista Bomb to secure a decisive win just shy of twelve minutes.
Despite Christian’s status as a hot rising star, the clean loss without a chance for immediate redemption suggested WWE’s hesitance to fully capitalize on his potential within Smackdown.
Post-Match Chaos Hints at Continuing Rivalries
After the main event, JBL and Orlando Jordan confronted Batista, leading to Batista countering with a Batista Bomb on Jordan after JBL retreated. This confrontation hinted at ongoing tensions and set the stage for future confrontations, particularly as JBL sought to reassert control over Smackdown heading into the Great American Bash.
Significance and Outlook Following a Charged Episode
This July 7 episode of WWE Smackdown 2005 unfolded against a backdrop of real-world tragedy, with storylines walking a fine line between fiction and reality. The controversial Hassan-Daivari angle, in particular, sparked debate on the appropriateness of storytelling amidst sensitive circumstances. Meanwhile, the event delivered memorable matches, surprising outcomes, and escalating feuds that would shape storylines heading into the Great American Bash pay-per-view. Batista’s decisive main event win and the shocking defeat of JBL by Blue Meanie underscored a period of transition and unpredictability within Smackdown’s roster and narratives.
Fans and critics alike were left anticipating how WWE would balance entertainment with respect in future shows, especially in handling culturally sensitive characters and storylines during turbulent times.
