Power Shifts & Emotional Showdowns: July to December 2005
The second half of 2005 in WWE was packed with dramatic turns, emotional storylines, and career-defining matches. As John Cena and Batista solidified their roles as the faces of their respective brands, legends like The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and Ric Flair continued to deliver timeless performances. The tragic final stretch of Eddie Guerrero’s in-ring career added a powerful emotional backdrop to a period already brimming with change. From heated rivalries to unforgettable battles, the last six months of 2005 blended entertainment, athleticism, and emotion in unforgettable fashion.
This period was not only about defending titles — it was about legacy, loyalty, and the evolution of superstars. With the arrival of fresh talent, renewed rivalries, and the unfolding of long-term storylines, WWE fans were treated to a dynamic and emotionally rich journey through the end of the year. Let’s revisit the standout feuds, matches, and superstar moments that defined this pivotal stretch.
📅 July – The Great American Bash: Power Struggles 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- Batista vs. JBL (World Heavyweight Championship)
- Eddie Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio (Custody of Dominik Begins)
- The Undertaker vs. Muhammad Hassan
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Batista stood firm as SmackDown’s top champion, overcoming JBL’s underhanded tactics in a title match filled with drama and close calls. Meanwhile, Eddie Guerrero shocked everyone by revealing that he was the biological father of Dominik Mysterio, throwing his friendship with Rey Mysterio into emotional chaos and setting the stage for a deeply personal and dramatic rivalry.
The Undertaker clashed with Muhammad Hassan, who had been embroiled in controversy due to his character. The match was intense, and Hassan’s post-match segment — in which he was carried away by masked men — effectively wrote him off WWE television. This controversial ending became one of the most talked-about moments of the year.
📅 August – SummerSlam: Dominance & Betrayals 🎉
🔥 Key Matches:
- Hulk Hogan vs. Shawn Michaels
- John Cena vs. Chris Jericho (WWE Championship)
- Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero (Ladder Match – Custody of Dominik)
- Batista vs. JBL (World Heavyweight Championship – No Holds Barred)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Hulk Hogan took on Shawn Michaels in a match filled with theatrics and controversy, with Michaels over-selling every move in a bizarre yet unforgettable performance. John Cena defended his WWE Championship against Chris Jericho, forcing Jericho out of WWE in what would be a temporary farewell.
The emotional climax of Rey Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero’s storyline came in a ladder match for the custody of Dominik. With heart-wrenching drama and high-risk action, this was one of the most memorable matches of the year.
Batista and JBL’s rivalry reached its violent peak in a No Holds Barred match, with Batista dismantling his rival and asserting total dominance over the blue brand.
📅 September – Unforgiven: The Ultimate Opportunist Rises 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- John Cena vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Championship)
- Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Masters
- Ric Flair vs. Carlito (Intercontinental Championship)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
John Cena battled through adversity to hold off Kurt Angle, showcasing heart and resilience against the Olympic hero. Their feud kept fans hooked with high-intensity matches and strong storytelling.
Shawn Michaels proved age is just a number, defeating the younger Chris Masters and continuing his legacy of excellence.
Ric Flair’s win over Carlito for the Intercontinental Title surprised the WWE Universe and reminded everyone that The Nature Boy still had the passion and skill to claim gold.
📅 October – No Mercy: SmackDown’s Top Stars Collide 🔥
🔥 Key Matches:
- Batista vs. Eddie Guerrero (World Heavyweight Championship)
- Randy Orton vs. The Undertaker (Casket Match)
- Bobby Lashley vs. Simon Dean (Debut Match)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Batista and Eddie Guerrero clashed in a respectful but hard-hitting contest, which would sadly be Eddie’s final pay-per-view match. The respect between the two added emotional gravity to the encounter.
Randy Orton, with the help of his father, sealed The Undertaker inside a casket, delivering a spine-chilling heel moment that deepened their rivalry.
Bobby Lashley burst onto the scene, overpowering Simon Dean and setting himself up as a dominant future star.
📅 November – Survivor Series: Brand Warfare ⚔️
🔥 Key Matches:
- Team RAW vs. Team SmackDown (Traditional Survivor Series Match)
- John Cena vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Championship – Special Referee: Daivari)
- The Undertaker Returns
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
SmackDown took home the win in the brand supremacy battle, with every superstar fighting for their show’s pride. The match had eliminations, surprises, and huge momentum swings.
John Cena overcame biased officiating from Daivari to retain his title against Kurt Angle, reinforcing his image as a never-quit champion.
The Undertaker made a dramatic return, emerging from a burning casket to renew his feud with Randy Orton. The moment was cinematic and unforgettable.
📅 December – Armageddon: The End of an Era 🎇
🔥 Key Matches:
- Batista & Rey Mysterio vs. Kane & Big Show (Tag Team Match)
- Randy Orton vs. The Undertaker (Hell in a Cell)
- John Cena vs. Chris Jericho vs. Kurt Angle (WWE Championship – Triple Threat)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Batista and Rey Mysterio worked together, fusing power and agility to overcome the colossal threat of Kane & Big Show. Their teamwork won over fans and reinforced their mutual respect.
In an unforgettable Hell in a Cell, The Undertaker defeated Randy Orton, finally closing the book on one of the year’s most intense rivalries.
John Cena once again stood tall, defending his WWE Championship in a hard-fought triple threat against Jericho and Angle, showcasing why he was the company’s top guy.
🔥 2005 Summary – The Second Half in Review
The final stretch of 2005 in WWE delivered an unforgettable blend of endings and new beginnings. From tearful goodbyes to superstar ascensions, this period showcased the heart of WWE storytelling.
- Randy Orton’s brutal feud with The Undertaker, ending in Hell in a Cell 🏆
- Eddie Guerrero’s final PPV appearances, remembered with reverence 💔
- John Cena’s unwavering championship reign, proving doubters wrong 🔥
- Edge waiting in the wings, ready to change the landscape 🎭
Heading into 2006, WWE fans waited eagerly to see what would come next: Edge’s potential cash-in, Batista’s dominance, and Cena’s next big challenge. The road ahead was paved by unforgettable moments from the latter half of 2005.
