Summerslam 2005: A Retrospective Look

[Dagger Dias]

This summer I'll be looking back on each of the previous Summerslam events, one by one. Every few days I will submit a new topic until we reach 2014's edition of the 2nd biggest brand in WWE.

This thread will be for discussing.... Summerslam 2005!

Summerslam 2005 took place on August 21, 2005. It was held at MCI Center in Washington, DC. Here are the results of the matches from this show:




0. Chris Masters defeated The Hurricane (with Rosey and Super Stacy) in a singles match (01:56)

1. Chris Benoit defeated Orlando Jordan (c) in a singles match for the WWE United States Championship (00:25)

2. Edge (with Lita) defeated Matt Hardy in a singles match (04:50)

3. Rey Mysterio defeated Eddie Guerrero (with Vickie Guerrero) in a Ladder match for custody of Dominick (20:19)

4. Kurt Angle defeated Eugene (with Christy Hemme) by submission in a singles match for Kurt Angle's Olympic gold medal (04:31)

5. Randy Orton (with Bob Orton) defeated The Undertaker in a singles match (17:17)

6. John Cena (c) defeated Chris Jericho in a singles match for the WWE Championship (14:49)

7. Batista (c) defeated John "Bradshaw" Layfield in a No Holds Barred match for the World Heavyweight Championship (09:05)

8. Hulk Hogan defeated Shawn Michaels in a singles match (21:24)





Now, here are some discussion questions concerning the event:

What was your favorite match on this show, and why did you like it the most? What about the worst match of this show, why did you like it the least?

If you could change a few things about Summerslam 2005, what would it be and why?

You may only use wrestlers who were available at the roster at that time or make changes that could have realistically taken place in August 2005. Please keep in mind the situations going into the show such as who could actually have been pushed into a title match, or what songs existed back then if you wanted to change the show's theme music, and so forth.

You may only discuss Summerslam 2005 in this thread. The remaining Summerslam events will be getting their own retrospective threads, any posts regarding other events will be considered spam and you risk getting an infraction.

An additional note on Chris Benoit, please keep comments on him limited to the match from this show. There's more than enough topics on him elsewhere in this section.

Discuss!

 

[Wolf Pac]

Good show and this one felt big and anticipated unlike the previous two, with Hogan and Michaels main eventing, all the new changes on Raw and Smackdown, and the return of Matt Hardy after the whole affair with Edge & Lita.

Favourite match: I know this one is a strange pick but it's Chris Benoit vs. Orlando Jordan. The reason it's my favourite is because of the segments that would follow where Benoit would time himself to make a cup of coffee and go to bathroom in 25 seconds. They were so hilarious.

Least-Favourite match: Kurt Angle vs. Eugene. Like the previous year, Eugene is facing a much superior opponent who deserved better at a major PPV like this. I couldn't take Eugene seriously, the crowd couldn't take him seriously and clearly hated him, and apart from a few moves that Eugene would hit, this was pretty much a squash as I had expected coming into the PPV.

The first change I'd make is Kurt Angle vs. Shelton Benjamin. They had history together in Team Angle and they would've delivered an excellent match for the fans.

I'd keep the Ladder Match between Eddie & Rey, it was a good match, I'd just remove the Dominick storyline from the feud. It was one of the worst things I've seen in WWE and instead I would've put up a contract for a #1 contender shot at the World Heavyweight Title. Eddie could challenge Rey to put up the title shot in their Steel Cage match later on and lose it to him or Rey could have his title match after Summerslam, lose, and Eddie is named the new #1 contender after the Steel Cage match.

Make Matt vs. Edge more longer. It was one of the most anticipated matches on the card and it was disappointing to see it end early. I didn't expect a wrestling match, I expected exactly what we got, and I actually think the ref stoppage was the right finish for this match although maybe it should've been ruled a no contest instead of giving Edge the win. I couldn't imagine anyone winning here by a pinfall or a submission in what would be an intense brawl, but it should have been longer.

 

[The Brain]

After back to back lackluster shows SummerSlam was back big in 2005. This is probably a top five SummerSlam. It felt like a huge event that had a great build. Hulk Hogan vs. Shawn Michaels was a big time main event. John Cena and Batista were both in the middle of their breakout year as defending champions and both had good challengers in Chris Jericho and JBL. This was the first event that had a noticeably vocal backlash against Cena and the crowd was really into the WWE title match with half pulling for Jericho and half pulling for Cena. I would have preferred if SummerSlam was the first meeting between Batista and JBL. Having it a month earlier kind of took a little away from the bigger show. Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero had an intense feud for most of 2005. The stipulation in their ladder match may be the most ridiculous in wrestling history (which says an awful lot) but the match itself was very good. Edge vs. Matt Hardy was a very highly anticipated match as the fans were very much behind Hardy at the time due to real life drama with him, Edge, and Lita. Too bad Hardy looked like a bitch getting his ass kicked in less than five minutes. Undertaker vs. Randy Orton was a good feud and this kept it going with Orton evening the score after mania. Eugene and Orlando Jordan probably weren't the best choices to go against Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit but the stories were decent enough to be on a pretty stacked card.

My favorite match was the main event. It seems that we don't get that big time main event match that often anymore. This felt special. It was a little weird that Shawn turned heel literally just to wrestle Hogan and then turned face immediately after but Shawn being Shawn he pulled it off. The match is probably best remembered for HBK's overselling, and while times it looked a little ridiculous, it did not take away from a great match.

I didn't really dislike any of the matches but if I had to pick a least favorite I'd go with Angle vs. Eugene. Eugene had fallen pretty far since the last SummerSlam. Wrestling HHH in 2004 was ok but he was only at that level for a one time storyline. Eugene didn't belong with Angle in 2005. At least the storyline was pretty good with Eugene upsetting Angle in his open challenge and winning his gold medals.

Since I just said Eugene didn't fit with Angle in 2005 let's come up with someone better. How about Shelton Benjamin? His stock was starting to fall around this time but it wasn't too late for him. A feud with Angle at SummerSlam could have kept Benjamin relevant and I'm sure they would have had a very good match. I would have given Chris Benoit a different opponent too. If I remember correctly Orlando Jordan beat Benoit at the Bash a month earlier. That shouldn't have happened. Benoit should have just won the title there and went into SummerSlam as champ. I would have done Chris Benoit vs. Christian. That would have been much better. It would have been nice to squeeze Carlito in this show somewhere but I'm not sure where.

By the way, it was heavily rumored that Muhammad Hassan was originally going to beat Batista for the title at this show before his sudden release. Not sure how much truth there is to that.

 

[Tyrant25]

The best match on the card was definitely Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio. Despite the storyline, Guerrero and Mysterio have always great chemistry and managed to put on a top-tier match. The elephant in the room, or the ring in this case, of course was the "custody of Dominick" stipulation that many consider one of the worst storylines in history. I honestly don't mind it, but the fact that a child's fate would be determined in a wrestling match isn't very releastic at all. Add in the fact that Dominick seemed legitimately afraid throughout the entire ordeal. Perhaps it wasn't the best option for a stipulation, but Guerrero and Mysterio made up for it with a great match.

The main event was... interesting. Hulk Hogan vs. Shawn Michaels looked like a great match on paper. The storyline wasn't bad, and it was refreshing to see a Hogan return, but Michaels' overselling throughout the entire match did, in fact, take away from it. It made the match look both sloppy and goofy. Rumor has it that Michaels was angry over the fact that Hogan was going over in the match when he really didn't have to, and I suppose that was his variation of revenge. It was understandable, but it was also a dick move.

Bret Hart's rating: 4/10

My rating: 7.5/10

 

[roipdh123]

Well this was a good Summer Slam but it had the feeling of a huge improvement from the 2 shows from 2003-2004.
My favorite match of the show {not regarding to the storyline but pure wrestling} is by far Mysterio vs Guerrero. It was a great match with few high spots & some aggressive moments.I will never forget that moment that Vickie didn't came out in the cue... just a funny moment in a good match and I recommend for everyone to see it.

The worst match was Eugene vs Angle for obvious reasons.

Now as far as changes in the card I would have change it as follows:
1.Have the Mysterio vs Guerrero match still in a Ladder match but of course not for the custody of domiinic {I like the suggestion of the No.1 Con. shot which fits well with what was delivered in the next PPV}.

2.Angle should have faced Shelton Benjamin and that would have been a great match with a 3 year story.

3.Chris Benoit should have won the title a month earlier and defend the title in a Four Way match against Carlito & Christian & Eugene/Orlando Jordan.

4.Matt Hardy vs Edge should have been at least ten minutes to continue build the feud properly.

But except for that it was a good PPV with average title matches and a good main event.

 

[JJV]

This was a great show. Benoit and Jordan's US Championship match was a joke and so was the Angle-Eugene match. Instead, I would have much rather seen Benoit and Angle face off again. Those guys have always been amazing in the ring together.

Edge and Matt Hardy's feud was amazing but they should have kept it longer. Either the ladder match or the street fight stipulation (both took place on Raw) should have been put to the Summerslam match.

Batista and JBL's match was good and so was the Jericho-Cena match. One thing I don't like is that they let Cena go over Jericho all the time. It would have been nice to see Jericho beat Cena at Summerslam or at least in 2008 in their Survivor Series or Armageddon match.

Mysterio-Eddie and the Orton-Taker matches were very good and it was great to see Orton pick up the win there. Hogan and HBK's match was not good, but it's a Hogan match so as always it had a big hype and it didn't disappoint in giving a "main event" feel lol.

Rating: 7/10

 

[Cub McCallister]

This was an ok summerslam there were some matches that didn't belong on the card and others that possibly stole the show such as the ladder match, I would make some changes such as:

1) Orlando Jordan (C) Vs Chris Benoit
United States Title Match. Same as before really.

3) Edge Vs Matt Hardy
Same as before but make it longer and have both men counted out and unable to compete to further the storyline.

3) Eddie Guerrero Vs Rey Mysterio.
Same as before but this time make it a number 1 contenders match for the world title with Eddie getting the victory.

4) Kurt Angle Vs Shelton Benjamin
Have this match instead, with angle getting the victory after a hard fought match.

5) Randy Ortan Vs The Undertaker
Same as before.

6) Interpermotional Battle Royal
This match will determine which superstar gets a future title shot of their choosing.

7) John Cena (C) Vs Chris Jericho
Same as before.

8) Batista (C) Vs Muhammed Hussan
No Holds Bard Match. Change this and have Hussan beat Batista to within an inch of his life but the champ retains.

9) Shawn Michaels Vs Hulk Hogan
Have Michaels go over here.

Not many changes tbh but this card would of done better I think.

 

[mcfly2012]

Quick couple of question for anyone to answer please. Why was there never a hbk v Hogan the sequel? Especially at a wrestlemania. Or if it was a one match gig would you change the match to be held at a wrestlemania?

 

[The Samoan Heritage]

I loved this PPV, but wish it had a better build up.
Keep:
Eddie Guerrero vs Rey Mysterio
Edge Vs Matt Hardy- longer, hard fought battle
Michaels vs Hogan
Cena vs Jericho
Randy Orton vs Undertaker
Change:
Kurt Angle vs Eugene to Angle vs Shelton Benjamin with Benjamin getting the upset victory against Kurt Angle in the invitationals

Chris Benoit vs Orlando to Benoit vs Orlando and The Basham brothers for the U.S. championship

JBL vs Batista was a good match, but they had already faced off before so ai would have saved it for Summerslam or added an additional player to their feud.

Hurricane vs Masters change to a divas match or some tag team match

Overall good PPV with a great main event
Favorite match- Shawn Michaels vs Hogan and Guerrero vs Mysterio

Least favorite- Masters vs Hurricane felt pointless

 

[Pedigree1]

Summerslam 2005 was a pretty good show.. After what a 2 year run at best of avg summerslams we come to this.. This one didnt disappoint at all. I also remember funny as it is,the one match that made me buy this PPV was the Matt hardy Vs Edge..

For most of 2005 the Hardy Vs Edge feud felt real,and it was real.. Too bad Hardy got the breaks beat off of him,but it was a real fight.. Favorite match was HBK vs Hogan.. I just remember HBK superkicking Hogan for no good reason,that was a awesome swerve that no one saw coming.. Great Match,and really HBK could have gone over,and i couldnt have cared..

The Chris Benoit match,was pretty funny actually.. I remember Benoit afterwards making himself a cup of coffee then going to the bathroom,in fact timing himself.. So hilarious.

The Orton Vs Taker match,was great.. Taker in 2005 could still go big time and was a Fixture in the company.. Remember Orton was supposed to go over at WM,but orton himself nixed that idea.. Awesome build,awesome story and even Cowboy made the story line feel so much more important..

Least favorite was Angle and Eugene.. Previous Summerslam Eugene was Boo'd out of the building against Trips,and this one was no different.. Instead of Eugene,why not throw in Sheldon Benjamin. While not great on the Mic,sheldon was a awesome performer and had amazing athletic ability.. They had history in Team Angle,why not buld some kind of feud on it?? The WWE missed one on that!

Eddie vs Rey was a great ladder match.. The match was great,while a strange storyline it was Eddie and Rey.. Little did we know,it was Eddie's last summerslam ever.. Great match!

 

[Judah's Lion]

SummerSlam 2005 was much better than the 2003 and 2004 editions. the two years prior had great potential but boatloads of odd calls and missed opportunities, so this was a nice comeback to the big match feel. before i get to my changes, i'll answer the few questions/statements that were brought up in the earlier posts...

Jericho didn't go over Cena here or the next night on Raw cuz he wanted to leave wrestling for awhile and work on his rock band Fozzy. it was his call to lose and to lose specifically to Cena and then get carried away literally kicking and screaming. Jericho has always had great respect for Cena both inside and out of the ring.

HBK/Hogan was originally supposed to be a best of 3 series with the two men trading wins and then culminating, i believe, at Mania 22. but Hogan stuck with the one time blow off match with himself going over. so yeah, HBK was pretty irritated about that (or so i've read) and decided to give the show he did as a way of saying that Hogan might have the better win/loss record, but he was the better wrestler/entertainer kind of thing. at least that's what i've read and put together. hopefully HBK will elaborate more on this in his second autobiography.

now for my changes...

forget Chris Masters. Hurricane and Rosey vs. Shelton Benjamin and Charlie Haas vs. Kane and Big Show, the super heroes vs. world's greatest tag team vs. the super heavyweights, for the Tag Team Titles.

Edge vs. Matt Hardy was freaking amazing. the real life drama going on was so intense. these two guys had really incredible matches on ppv and on Raw, including a Street Fight, Steel Cage Match and a Ladder Match. the change i'd make for SummerSlam specifically is to make this, their first encounter in this feud, one of those gimmick matches. doesn't matter who wins actually. one can win here, one can win the other gimmick match at the next ppv, let them get a draw or two and drag this one out till Survivor Series. then it can culminate in their awesome Ladder Match with the MITB Briefcase and Matt's Raw Career on the line. that's how i'd do it anyways.

Eddie vs. Mysterio in the Ladder Match was awesome. as EVERYONE has already stated, in this and many other threads, i'd scrap the ludicrous storyline of Dominick's custody and simply make it for the #1 Contender's Spot for the World Title.

Taker/Orton II was great. loved that Orton got the win to keep this feud going and the score tied so to speak. might have made this one the Casket Match though. this way their Hell in a Cell Match would be the actual tie breaker. but still, this was great.

JBL/Batista was very good. again as others have said, i'd just have this be their first encounter instead of their second one. otherwise it was very good as it was.

Jericho/Cena was pretty strong too. i think it was the ppv before this that there was a Triple Threat Match between Jericho/Christian/Cena that i really enjoyed. i might have done that for SummerSlam just cuz of the quality of the match. plus it'd make the next night on Raw seem that much bigger with Jericho putting his "career" on the line.

Hogan/HBK was freaking epic. really wish this could have been the start of a best of 3 series but i get why it went down the way it did. not sure if Hogan should have won since there was only gonna be one match and he was a part-timer, but i guess i could take it either way. this is my match of the night just cuz of the hype. and to be honest, the delivery was pretty excellent too. overselling and all.

Benoit and Angle both had pretty sub-par opponents. why not pair them off together? loved Carlito around this time as a face. it'd be nice to have him on the card. same goes for Flair. as such, i'd do Benoit vs. Flair for the US Title and Angle vs. Carlito for the Gold Medals. the card was pretty stacked as it was, but i'd throw in those (what i consider to be) minor changes just to fill it out a bit more and make the matches we did get just that much better. overall though, an absolutely great show!