{{short description|World Wrestling Entertainment pay-per-view event}} {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2013}} {{Infobox Wrestling event |name = Judgment Day |image = WWE Judgment Day (2005).jpg |caption = Promotional poster featuring John Cena |promotion = World Wrestling Entertainment |brand = SmackDown! |date = May 22, 2005 |venue = Target Center |city = Minneapolis, Minnesota |attendance = 12,000<ref name="PWTattendance">{{cite web|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_13325.shtml|title=WWE News: Cena at Mall of America, Judgment Day attendance, Wrestling for Jesus|date=May 23, 2005|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|access-date=November 29, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203040919/https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_13325.shtml|archive-date=December 3, 2013}}</ref> |buyrate = 220,000 |lastevent = Backlash |nextevent = ECW One Night Stand |event = Judgment Day |lastevent2 = 2004 |nextevent2 = 2006 }} The 2005 '''Judgment Day''' was a professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was the seventh Judgment Day and took place on May 22, 2005, at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The event exclusively featured wrestlers from the promotion's SmackDown! brand division.
The main event was an "I Quit" match. WWE Champion John Cena defeated John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) to retain his championship. Two featured bouts were scheduled on the undercard. In respective standard wrestling matches, Rey Mysterio defeated Eddie Guerrero by disqualification and Booker T defeated Kurt Angle.
Judgment Day grossed over $500,000 in ticket sales from an attendance of 9,500, and received 220,000 pay-per-view buys. This event helped WWE increase its pay-per-view revenue by $4.7 million compared to the previous year.
==Production== ===Background=== [[File:TargetCenter.jpg|thumb|The event was held at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.]] Judgment Day was first held by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as the 25th In Your House pay-per-view (PPV) in October 1998.<ref name=WWF9099Book>{{cite book|first=Graham|last=Cawthon|title=The History of Professional Wrestling|volume=2: WWF 1990–1999|publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform|year=2013|asin=B00RWUNSRS}}</ref> It then returned in May 2000 as its own event, establishing Judgment Day as the promotion's annual May PPV. The 2005 event was the seventh Judgment Day and was held on May 22 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Like the previous year's event, it featured wrestlers exclusively from the SmackDown! brand.<ref>{{cite web|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|date=May 20, 2005|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2005/venue/|title=Judgment Day 2005 Venue|access-date=March 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061218192222/https://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2005/venue/|archive-date=December 18, 2006}}</ref>
===Storylines=== The event featured seven professional wrestling matches that resulted from scripted storylines. Results were predetermined by WWE's writers on the SmackDown! brand, while storylines were produced on WWE's weekly television show, ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|title=How Pro Wrestling Works|url=https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|last=Grabianowski|first=Ed|work=HowStuffWorks|date=January 13, 2006|publisher=Discovery Communications|access-date=March 5, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129050844/https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Live & Televised Entertainment|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|work=WWE|access-date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218142749/https://corporate.wwe.com/company/events.jsp|archive-date=February 18, 2009}}</ref>
thumb|left|upright|John Cena as WWE Champion The main event at Judgment Day was between John Cena and John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) over the WWE Championship in an "I Quit" match. The previous month at WrestleMania 21, Cena defeated JBL to win the WWE Championship.<ref name="WM21">{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1112583710.shtml|title=WWE WrestleMania 21 PPV Results – 4/3/05 – Los Angeles, CA|access-date=August 23, 2008|date=April 3, 2005|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050406054622/https://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1112583710.shtml|archive-date=April 6, 2005}}</ref> On the April 7 episode of ''SmackDown!'', SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long scheduled a series of number one contenders matches, after JBL, Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, Big Show, Booker T, and Kurt Angle all demanded a WWE Championship match.<ref name="April 7">{{cite web|title=New Champ is Here|date=April 7, 2005|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04072005/|access-date=March 6, 2008|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050727002706/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04072005/|archive-date=July 27, 2005}}</ref><ref name="April 7, 2005">{{cite web|first=L. Anne|last=Carrington|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1112933900.shtml|title=SmackDown Results – 4/7/05 – San Diego, CA (JBL/Mysterio & more)|access-date=August 23, 2008|date=April 8, 2005|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014072251/https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1112933900.shtml|archive-date=October 14, 2007}}</ref> The first match that Long announced was between JBL and Rey Mysterio.<ref name="April 7"/><ref name="April 7, 2005"/> Mysterio was disqualified, after Eddie Guerrero interfered and attacked JBL, resulting in JBL winning the match.<ref name="April 7"/><ref name="April 7, 2005"/> The following week on ''SmackDown!'', Guerrero and Kurt Angle were scheduled for the second contender's match.<ref name="April 14">{{cite web|title=Series Confusion|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04142005/|access-date=March 8, 2008|date=April 14, 2005|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051120085438/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04142005/|archive-date=November 20, 2005}}</ref><ref name="April 14, 2005">{{cite web|first=L. Anne|last=Carrington|date=April 14, 2005|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1113537509.shtml|title=SmackDown Results −4/14/05 -Chicago, IL (Kurt Angle vs. Guerrero)|access-date=August 23, 2008|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014012737/https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1113537509.shtml|archive-date=October 14, 2007}}</ref> Angle advanced to the finals, as he went on to defeat Guerrero.<ref name="April 14"/><ref name="April 14, 2005"/> Later during the program, Cena unveiled a spinner version of the WWE championship. Before the unveiling, however, JBL came out wearing the original WWE championship.<ref name="April 14"/><ref name="April 14, 2005"/> On the April 21 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Booker T and Big Show were booked in another contenders match. After the match ended in a double disqualification, Long booked JBL, Angle, Booker T, and Big Show in a fatal four-way elimination match for the following week.<ref name="April 21"/><ref name="April 21, 2005">{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1114141495.shtml|first=L. Anne|last=Carrington|title=SmackDown Results – 4/21/05 New York City, NY (New Tag Champs)|access-date=August 23, 2008|date=April 21, 2005|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014072256/https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1114141495.shtml|archive-date=October 14, 2007}}</ref> JBL won the match, after he last eliminated Angle and having the right to face Cena at Judgment Day for the WWE Championship.<ref name="April 28">{{cite web|title=Second Chance|access-date=March 11, 2008|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04282005/|date=April 28, 2005|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051129193642/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04282005/|archive-date=November 29, 2005}}</ref><ref name="April 28, 2005">{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1114753562.shtml|title=SmackDown Results – 4/28/05 – Birmingham, England (Fatal 4 Way)|access-date=August 23, 2008|date=April 28, 2005|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014072301/https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1114753562.shtml|archive-date=October 14, 2007}}</ref> On the May 5 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Cena proposed that he would defend the championship against JBL in an "I Quit" match.<ref name="May 5">{{cite web|title=Bad, Bad Man|access-date=March 12, 2008|date=May 5, 2005|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05052005/|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051129062145/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05052005/|archive-date=November 29, 2005}}</ref> He also told JBL "I am gonna beat the hell of you for everything that I stand for", and ends the segment by saying "The last two words to come out of your pathetic mouth will be I Quit". Two weeks later, on the May 19 episode, JBL faced Scotty 2 Hotty, which Scotty won after JBL was disqualified. After the match, however, JBL attacked Scotty and demanded that he say "I quit." JBL continued the assault, choking him with a leather belt, Scotty said "I quit."<ref name="May 19">{{cite web|title=Rush to Judgment|access-date=March 12, 2008|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/345382/|date=May 19, 2005|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051123020701/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/345382/|archive-date=November 23, 2005}}</ref> That same night, Cena defeated The Basham Brothers (Doug Basham and Danny Basham) in a handicap match.<ref name="May 19"/> During the duration of the match, JBL, who was at ringside, yelled at Cena, telling him to say "I quit."<ref name="May 19"/>
thumb|upright|Eddie Guerrero, who faced off against Rey Mysterio One of the featured preliminary matches was Rey Mysterio versus Eddie Guerrero in a singles match. One month prior to Judgment Day, at WrestleMania 21, Mysterio defeated Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2005/04/03/main-events-weak-at-wrestlemania-21/|title=Main events weak at WrestleMania 21|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|date=April 3, 2005|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports|access-date=March 26, 2023}}</ref> In the weeks that followed, Guerrero and Mysterio were challenged by MNM (Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, and Melina) to defend the WWE Tag Team Championship, which Guerrero and Mysterio accepted. MNM defeated Guerrero and Mysterio to win the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref name="April 21">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04212005/|title=His Time Is Now|access-date=March 11, 2008|date=April 21, 2005|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051030091455/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04212005/|archive-date=October 30, 2005}}</ref> On the April 28 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Guerrero and Mysterio were given a rematch for the WWE Tag Team Championship. During the match, however, Mysterio accidentally performed a flying body press on Guerrero which led to Guerrero abandoning Mysterio, but returned as the fans urged Guerrero to come back.<ref name="April 28"/> MNM retained the belt after pinning Mysterio for the win.<ref name="April 28"/> The following week, Theodore Long booked a Street Fight between Mysterio and Guerrero's nephew, Chavo Guerrero Jr. Mysterio came out as the winner of the match.<ref name="May 5"/> After the match (which Mysterio won), Chavo, Mercury, and Nitro attacked Mysterio, which prompted Guerrero to come out and clear the ring. Guerrero, however, attacked Mysterio. The assault led to Guerrero lifting Mysterio off the ground and driving Mysterio's back on the ring steps. This angle saw Guerrero turn into a villain.<ref name="May 5"/> As a result, the following week, Long promoted a match between Guerrero and Mysterio at Judgment Day.<ref name="May 12">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05122005/|title=No Quit|access-date=March 19, 2008|date=May 12, 2005|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050723233751/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05122005/|archive-date=July 23, 2005}}</ref>
The other featured preliminary match was Kurt Angle versus Booker T in a singles match. On the April 28 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Angle, Booker T, Big Show and JBL took part in a fatal four-way match to determine the number one contender for the WWE Championship, which JBL won. During the match, Angle hit Booker T with a steel chair to eliminate him. Booker came back and hit Angle with a chair to cause him to be eliminated.<ref name="April 28"/> The following week, Angle challenged Booker T to a match at Judgment Day, which Booker accepted. Prior to that, Angle had insulted Booker T's wife, Sharmell, which led to Booker T attacking and accepting Angle's challenge.<ref name="May 5"/> On the May 12 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Angle admitted he would like to have "perverted sex" with Sharmell.<ref name="May 12"/> That same night, Angle and Booker T were scheduled in a match, which led to Angle leaving the ring and going backstage to Sharmell. Booker T went backstage and found Sharmell on the floor crying. This led to Angle attacking Booker T from behind and pushing him towards a pair of steel lockers.<ref name="May 12"/> The following week, Long suspended Angle and demanded that Angle apologize for his actions.<ref name="May 19"/> Angle apologized, but admitted that he actually kissed Sharmell and let her fondle his "private parts" before Booker T made his way to the locker room.<ref name="May 19"/> Booker T, while watching the interview kicked a television monitor down and broke it.
==Event== {| class=wikitable style="font-size:90%; margin: 0.5em 0 0.5em 1em; float: right; clear: right;" |+Other on-screen personnel |- !Role: !Name: |- |rowspan=2|English commentators |Michael Cole |- |Tazz |- |rowspan=2|Spanish commentators |Carlos Cabrera |- |Hugo Savinovich |- |Interviewer |Josh Mathews |- |Ring announcer |Tony Chimel |- |rowspan=4|Referees |Charles Robinson |- |Nick Patrick |- |Jim Korderas |- |Brian Hebner |}
Before the Judgment Day event aired live on pay-per-view, Nunzio defeated Akio in a match that aired on ''Sunday Night Heat''.<ref name="JD">{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1116816306.shtml|title=Judgment Day (SmackDown) PPV Results 5/22/05; Minneapolis, MN|access-date=August 23, 2008|date=May 22, 2005|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050524222735/https://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1116816306.shtml|archive-date=May 24, 2005}}</ref>
===Preliminary matches=== thumb|right|upright|Booker T faced Kurt Angle After ''Sunday Night Heat'', the pay-per-view began with a tag team match where MNM (Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro) (with Melina) defended the WWE Tag Team Championship against the team of Hardcore Holly and Charlie Haas. The match started off with Nitro and Haas in the ring. Haas took the advantage in the match and was able to tag in Holly. There was back and forth action between the two teams, as all of the superstars were able to participate in the match. After a Snapshot to Haas, Mercury pinned Haas, which resulted in MNM retaining the tag team titles.<ref name="PS132">{{cite news|first=Powerslam|last=Staff|title=Power Slam|work=What's going down...|publisher=SW Publishing LTD|id=132|page=5}}</ref><ref name="JD"/><ref name="JD2">{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2005/05/23/judgment-day-good-bad-ugly/|title=Judgment Day: Good, bad, ugly|first=Chris|last=Sokol|access-date=March 19, 2008|date=May 23, 2005|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref>
The second wrestling match on the pay-per-view was Big Show versus Carlito, who was accompanied by Matt Morgan. For the duration of the match, Big Show used his body size to his advantage as he squashed, or easily and quickly performed moves on Carlito. The momentum changed, when Carlito gained control part way through the match. In the end, Big Show accidentally whipped Carlito into the referee. This saw Carlito hit a low blow on Big Show. Carlito won the match and gained the successful pinfall after Morgan delivered an F-5 to Big Show.<ref name="PS132"/><ref name="JD"/><ref name="JD2"/>
The next match was a standard match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, in which Paul London defended the title against Chavo Guerrero. After back and forth action between the two, London was able to perform a 450° splash. London then pinned Guerrero to retain the WWE Cruiserweight title.<ref name="PS132"/><ref name="JD"/><ref name="JD2"/>
The final preliminary match was Kurt Angle versus Booker T. After Booker T backed Angle into the ring ropes and executed a shoulder charge, Angle began to bleed from the mouth. The match saw exchange offense from both Angle and Booker T. The match came to an end when Angle attempted an Angle Slam, but Booker T grabbed Angle's leg and rolled him into a pinfall victory.<ref name="PS132"/><ref name="JD"/><ref name="JD2"/>
===Main event matches=== thumb|upright|John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) faced John Cena for the WWE Championship The first featured match was for the WWE United States Championship, where Orlando Jordan defended the title against Heidenreich. As the match began, Jordan was able to perform a dropkick, sending Heidenreich through the ropes to the outside. Heidenreich, however, would gain the advantage after countering Jordan's attack from the top rope into a suplex. Afterwards, Jordan delivered a DDT and pinned Heidenreich to retain the United States title.<ref name="PS132"/><ref name="JD"/><ref name="JD2"/>
The next match was Eddie Guerrero versus Rey Mysterio in a standard match. In the match, Mysterio tried to counter Guerrero's offense, but Guerrero blocked all of Mysterio's attempts. Mysterio gained the advantage when he was able to execute a flying headbutt to Guerrero. Chavo ran down to the ring to distract the referee, as Eddie grabbed a chair. Guerrero then attempted to hit Mysterio with the chair, but Mysterio dodged it with a low dropkick and performed another low dropkick, setting up Guerrero on the ropes for a 619. Mysterio won after Guerrero was disqualified for attacking him with a steel chair.<ref name="PS132"/><ref name="JD"/><ref name="JD2"/>
The main event was the "I Quit" match for the WWE Championship, in which John Cena defended his title against John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL). Cena came out on the flatbed of a semi truck with a DJ on a turntable mixing his theme song. During the match, both Cena and JBL were able to get in offense. Cena performed a Back Body Drop through an announce table on JBL. Shortly after, JBL struck Cena with a steel chair which caused Cena to bleed from his forehead. JBL performed a Clothesline from Hell on Cena, who later performed an FU on JBL. Later in the match, in the ramp area, Cena threw JBL through a television monitor, causing JBL to bleed. JBL quit as Cena prepared to attacked him with an exhaust pipe, which was from the semi truck, meaning Cena retained the WWE Championship. After the match, Cena struck JBL with the exhaust pipe, causing him to fall through a glass panel that was part of the entrance stage.<ref name="JD" /><ref name="PS132"/><ref>{{cite web|date=May 22, 2005|title=John Cena vs. JBL in an I Quit Match for the WWE Championship|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2005/mainevent/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210170400/https://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2005/mainevent/|archive-date=10 December 2006|access-date=September 21, 2008|work=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref>
==Reception== The Target Center had a maximum capacity of 20,000, which was reduced for the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buyselltix.com/nba/stadium/timberwolvesStadium.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322084012/https://www.buyselltix.com/nba/stadium/timberwolvesStadium.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 22, 2006|title=Target Center Arena|access-date=August 12, 2008|publisher=BuySellTix}}</ref> This event grossed over $500,000 from an approximate attendance of 9,500, the maximum allowed.<ref name="earnings">{{cite web|url=https://corporate.wwe.com/news/documents/1QFY2006EarningsRelease-FINAL.pdf|title=World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Reports Q1 Results|access-date=August 23, 2008|date=September 7, 2005|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-date=December 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202042056/https://corporate.wwe.com./news/documents/1QFY2006EarningsRelease-FINAL.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> It also received 220,000 pay-per-view buys.<ref name="earnings"/> Judgment Day helped WWE earn $21.6 million in revenue from pay-per-view events versus $16.9 million the previous year, which was later confirmed by Linda McMahon on September 7, 2005 in a quarterly result.<ref name="earnings"/> Canadian Online Explorer's professional wrestling section rated the event a 5 out of 10 stars.<ref name="JD2"/> The rating was lower than the Judgment Day event in 2006, which was said to be an entertaining pay-per-view to watch.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2006/05/22/rey-wins-mnm-splits-at-judgment-day/|title=Rey wins, MNM splits at Judgment Day|first=Brian|last=Elliott|access-date=August 23, 2008|date=May 22, 2006|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> The "I Quit" match between John Cena and JBL was rated an eight out of 10 stars.<ref name="JD2"/> Additionally, the match between Orlando Jordan and Heidenreich was rated a 4 out of 10 stars.<ref name="JD2"/>
The event was released on DVD on June 21, 2005, by Sony Music Entertainment.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fye.com/WWE--Judgment-Day-2005-WWE_stcVVproductId3317568VVcatId540232VVviewprod.htm|title=WWE Judgment Day DVD|access-date=August 23, 2008|publisher=For Your Entertainment}}{{Dead link|date=December 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
==Aftermath== On the June 6 episode of ''Raw'', John Cena's SmackDown! tenure came to an end when he became the first wrestler selected by Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff in the 2005 WWE Draft Lottery.<ref name="June 6">{{cite web|first=Mallory|last=Mahling|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_13475.shtml|title=WWE Raw Preview: First Round Draft Pick; Triple H and Batista sign on the Dotted Line|access-date=August 28, 2008|date=June 5, 2005|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225003641/https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_13475.shtml|archive-date=February 25, 2012}}</ref><ref name="June 6, 2005">{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1118115393.shtml|title=Raw Results – 6/6/05 – St. Louis, MO (Draft Shocker & ECW invades)|access-date=August 23, 2008|date=June 6, 2005|first=Hunter|last=Golden|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070505024616/https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1118115393.shtml|archive-date=May 5, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Power Slam|work=What's going down...|publisher=SW Publishing LTD|id=132|page=4}}</ref> Cena immediately entered a feud with Eric Bischoff after when he refused to participate in Bischoff's "war" against the upcoming Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) reunion show.<ref name="June 6"/><ref name="June 6, 2005"/> Cena went on to resume his feud with Christian,<ref name="June 6"/><ref name="June 6, 2005"/> as they had an encounter at the Royal Rumble in January.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1107144428.shtml|title=Royal Rumble (Raw & SmackDown) PPV Results – 1/30/05 – Fresno|first=Adam|last=Martin|access-date=March 31, 2008|date=January 30, 2005|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050207114609/https://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1107144428.shtml|archive-date=February 7, 2005}}</ref> During the feud, Chris Jericho was involved as well, as he protested Bischoff's actions of scheduling a WWE Championship match between Cena and Christian at Vengeance.<ref name="June 13">{{cite web|first=Mallory|last=Mahling|date=June 13, 2005|url=https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_13579.shtml|title=WWE Raw Report: Mallory's "Virtual Time" Alternative Perspective Coverage|access-date=August 28, 2008|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225003648/https://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_13579.shtml|archive-date=February 25, 2012}}</ref><ref name="June 13, 2005">{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1118720160.shtml|title=Raw Results – 6/13/05 – Binghamton, NY (Draft Lottery, Stone Cold)|access-date=August 23, 2008|date=June 13, 2005|first=Hunter|last=Golden|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060512121701/https://www.wrestleview.com/results/raw/raw2005/1118720160.shtml|archive-date=May 12, 2006}}</ref> After Cena and Jericho defeated Christian and Tyson Tomko in a tag team match, Jericho betrayed Cena. Convinced with the outcome of the events, Bischoff changed the original match between Christian and Cena to a triple threat match, involving Jericho for the WWE Championship at Vengeance.<ref name="June 13"/><ref name="June 13, 2005"/> At Vengeance, Cena retained the WWE Championship against Christian and Jericho.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2005/06/27/batista-retains-with-a-vengeance/|title=Batista retains with a Vengeance|access-date=March 31, 2008|first=Chris|last=Sokol|date=June 27, 2005|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Ant|last=Evans|title=Power Slam|work=Jay's Reso-lution|publisher=SW Publishing LTD|id=132|pages=26–27}}</ref>
On the June 30 episode of ''SmackDown!'', a match between six wrestlers for a new top-tier SmackDown! championship was held, featuring John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL), Christian, Booker T, Chris Benoit, The Undertaker and Muhammad Hassan. JBL, one of the participants, was victorious in the match, but Theodore Long announced that he was still not the champion. Instead he had won the right to a match against the World Heavyweight champion, Batista, who was SmackDown!'s final 2005 draft pick, making the World Heavyweight Championship exclusive to SmackDown!.<ref name="June 30">{{cite web|title=Jackpot|access-date=February 17, 2008|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06302005/|date=June 30, 2005|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050723000559/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06302005/|archive-date=July 23, 2005}}</ref><ref name="June 30, 2005">{{cite web|first=L. Anne|last=Carrington|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1120189728.shtml|title=SmackDown Results – 6/30/05 – Anaheim, CA (Final two draft picks)|access-date=August 23, 2008|date=June 30, 2005|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014080315/https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1120189728.shtml|archive-date=October 14, 2007}}</ref> The following week, it was announced Batista would meet JBL at The Great American Bash with the World Heavyweight championship on the line.<ref>{{cite web|title=Showdown Looming|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07072005/|date=July 7, 2005|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=March 31, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050717005448/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07072005/|archive-date=July 17, 2005}}</ref> At the Great American Bash, Batista was disqualified for attacking JBL with a chair and JBL was declared the winner. In WWE, a title cannot be won by disqualification, but only by pinfall or submission. As a result, Batista retained the title.<ref name="GAB">{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Martin|date=July 24, 2005|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1122259923.shtml|title=WWE's The Great American Bash (SmackDown) PPV Results – 7/24/05|work=WrestleView|access-date=August 3, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051129044520/https://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1122259923.shtml|archive-date=November 29, 2005}}</ref>
On the June 13 episode of ''Raw'', Kurt Angle's tenure with SmackDown! came to an end, as he was also drafted to the Raw brand.<ref name="June 13"/><ref name="June 13, 2005"/>
The angle between Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio continued. On the June 30 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Guerrero threatened to reveal a secret concerning Mysterio's son Dominik.<ref name="June 30"/><ref name="June 30, 2005"/> This led the families of both Guerrero and Mysterio pleading with Guerrero not to reveal the secret.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=March 31, 2008|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07142005/|title=JBL's Stand|date=July 14, 2005|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050727004822/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07142005/|archive-date=July 27, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=L. Anne|last=Carrington|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1121398650.shtml|title=SmackDown Results – 7/14/05 – Worcester, MA – (Batista vs Jordan)|access-date=August 23, 2008|date=July 14, 2005|work=WrestleView|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014080327/https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1121398650.shtml|archive-date=October 14, 2007}}</ref> At the Great American Bash, Mysterio defeated Guerrero in a match where if Guerrero lost, he could not reveal the secret.<ref name="GAB"/> On the July 28 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Guerrero, however, revealed the secret, claiming he was Dominick's scripted biological father.<ref name="July 28">{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07282005/|title=JBL going to SummerSlam|access-date=March 31, 2008|date=July 28, 2005|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050807004242/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07282005/|archive-date=August 7, 2005}}</ref> The storyline also went on that Guerrero knew Mysterio was having trouble starting his own family, so Guerrero left Dominik to be raised by Mysterio's family.<ref name="July 28"/> In subsequent weeks, Guerrero threatened to take custody of Dominik, drawing up custody papers and having his lawyer present them to Mysterio.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08042005/|title=Demanding Dominick|access-date=April 14, 2008|date=August 4, 2005|work=World Wrestling Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050815001423/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08042005/|archive-date=August 15, 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Allen|work=WrestleView|access-date=August 23, 2008|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1123209690.shtml|date=August 4, 2005|title=SmackDown Results – 8/04/05 – Bridgeport, CT (Tag Titles and more)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014080343/https://www.wrestleview.com/results/smackdown/smackdown2005/1123209690.shtml|archive-date=October 14, 2007}}</ref> This led to a Ladder match, a match where the objective was to climb a ladder and reach an object hanging above the ring, between the two for the custody of Dominik at SummerSlam, which Mysterio won.<ref name="SSlam2005">{{cite web|last=Canton|first=John|title=WWE SummerSlam 2005 Review|url=https://tjrwrestling.net/review/wwe-summerslam-2005-review/|date=August 14, 2022|work=TJR Wrestling|access-date=June 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815031849/https://tjrwrestling.net/review/wwe-summerslam-2005-review/|archive-date=August 15, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Results== {{Pro wrestling results table |note1 = heat |match1 = Nunzio defeated Akio by pinfall |stip1 = Singles match |time1 = 3:29 |match2 = MNM (Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro) (c) (with Melina) defeated Charlie Haas and Hardcore Holly by pinfall |stip2 = Tag team match for the WWE Tag Team Championship |time2 = 8:06 |match3 = Carlito (with Matt Morgan) defeated Big Show by pinfall |stip3 = Singles match |time3 = 4:41 |match4 = Paul London (c) defeated Chavo Guerrero by pinfall |stip4 = Singles match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship |time4 = 10:41 |match5 = Booker T defeated Kurt Angle by pinfall |stip5 = Singles match |time5 = 14:10 |match6 = Orlando Jordan (c) defeated Heidenreich by pinfall |stip6 = Singles match for the WWE United States Championship |time6 = 4:54 |match7 = Rey Mysterio defeated Eddie Guerrero by disqualification |stip7 = Singles match |time7 = 18:04 |match8 = John Cena (c) defeated John "Bradshaw" Layfield |stip8 = "I Quit" match for the WWE Championship |time8 = 22:46 }}
===WWE Championship #1 Contender's Tournament bracket=== {{#invoke:Build bracket|main | rounds = 2 | RD1 = 1st Round<br>''SmackDown''<br>{{small|April 5–18, 2005 (Aired: April 7–21)}} | RD2 = Final<br>''SmackDown''<br>{{small|April 26, 2005 (Aired: April 28)}} | score-width = 105
| col1-teams-per-match = 2 | col2-teams-per-match = 4 | col1-matches = 3,6,9 | col2-matches = 5 | col1-col2-paths = (3,6,9)-5 <!--1ST ROUND--> | RD1-team1 = '''John "Bradshaw" Layfield''' | RD1-team2 = Rey Mysterio | RD1-score1 = {{small|Disqualification}} | RD1-score2 = 15:20
| RD1-team3 = '''Kurt Angle''' | RD1-team4 = Eddie Guerrero | RD1-score3 = {{small|Pinfall}} | RD1-score4 = 25:40
| RD1-team5 = '''Booker T''' | RD1-team6 = '''Big Show''' | RD1-score5 = {{small|No Contest (5:20)}} | RD1-score6 = {{small|No Contest (5:20)}} <!--FINAL--> | RD2-team1 = '''John "Bradshaw" Layfield''' | RD2-team2 = Kurt Angle | RD2-team3 = Booker T | RD2-team4 = Big Show | RD2-score1 = {{small|Pinfall}} | RD2-score2 = 14:23 | RD2-score3 = — | RD2-score4 = — }}
==Notes== {{Reflist|30em}}
==References== *(2005). ''Judgment Day [DVD]. World Wrestling Entertainment.''
==External links== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20080327052041/https://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/judgmentday2005/ Official Judgment Day 2005 Website]
{{2005 WWE pay-per-view events}} {{WWEPPV|Judgment Day}}
{{good article}}
2005 Category:2005 in Minnesota Category:Organized events in Minneapolis Category:Professional wrestling shows in Minneapolis Category:2005 WWE pay-per-view events Category:May 2005 in the United States Category:WWE SmackDown