Welcome to the SLTD PPV Rewind, a retrospective column looking back at the PPVs of 2006, a decade after they happened. This time it’s Judgment Day.
WWE Tag Team Championship: MNM Vs. Paul London & Brian Kendrick
Two young tag teams representing the division in this match, something that the single Smackdown brand was an advocate for which makes me excited to see what happens what the brands split again this year.
Londrick have some fantastic chemistry in this match and MNM play the champions very well using a more restrained, controlled approach to counteract the frenzied pace presented by the challengers.
Solid championship match, some nice spots although nothing spectacular. London & Kendrick win the tag team championships after some miscommunication between MNM before London rolls Mercury up for the pin.
After the match, MNM implode as Nitro & Melina blame Mercury for the loss and a brawl ensues.
Rating: 3/5
Chris Benoit Vs. Finlay
A very slow and methodical pace for this stiff, technical brawl which can only be expected from the two men facing off. A lot of short covers, submission holds, ugly blows and hard slams, this one is for the fans of these kinds of matches. For me, it slowed the pace of the show down but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate it even if it is a little too overlong.
Chris Benoit wins after Finlay taps out to the crossface.
Rating: 3/5
Jillian Hall Vs. Melina
Melina’s second appearance of the night is considerably less eventful than the first. Each PPV must have had a “Include at least one women’s match” quota because this is a wasteful inclusion, especially since there’s no championship to be vying for and the ‘story’ around the match started at the make-up table.
A forced entry onto the card, Jillian wins after a sunset flip despite Melina’s hand being under the bottom rope.
Rating: 1/5
Cruiserweight Championship: Gregory Helms Vs. Super Crazy
Another solid championship match, once again solidifying that Helms was doing the best work of his career in this persona while Super Crazy brings the high flying offensive that division was so lauded for at the time. A strong back and forth, balanced bout featuring a lot of my favourite moves (Tilt a whirl backbreaker, moonsaults) that showcased the best of both men.
Gregory Helms retains the Championship after hitting a powerbomb and pinning Super Crazy with his feet on the ropes.
Rating: 3/5
Kurt Angle Vs. Mark Henry
A Royal Rumble rematch here, both men work well together given Henry’s size but Angle manages to accommodate it well with his technical abilities.
Another solid outing, Henry is looking to continue his streak of carnage while Angle is laying the foundations of his ‘Wrestling Machine’ persona that we’ll come to see more of later in the year before he heads off to TNA.
Henry wins by count out after he crushed Angle between himself and the ring post. Angle gets his (as the mouthpiece says) revenge after attacking Henry with a chair and putting him through a table post-match.
Rating: 3/5
King Of The Ring Finals: Booker T Vs. Bobby Lashley
At this point, Lashley was still green however, thanks to Booker’s experience, this match showcased showcased him/his abilities well, providing him enough opportunity to demonstrate what he brings to the table.
Both Booker and Sharmell raised the stakes in this match through generic heel tactics, which successfully get Lashley over. Another decent match on the show, Booker gets the win (and the crown) after interference from Finlay, Lashley gets the upper hand after the match, ruining the celebration of the new King.
Rating: 3/5
Undertaker Vs. The Great Khali
Thank god for The Undertaker. This is a match for Khali, to supposedly show the audience what he can do which, as we all know, isn’t much.
A very slow and dull match reflects Khali’s offence and is only saved by the old faithful Taker who is doing his best to make OK lemonade from some pretty shitty lemons. I may be being generous here but it’s all due to a widespread affinity for the Deadman.
The Great Khali wins after hitting Taker with a big boot.
Rating: 2/5
World Heavyweight Championship: Rey Mysterio Vs. JBL
You know, as a wrestler, I just can’t like JBL. He’s a huge overachiever, a good hand to have to elevate younger stars yet he was consistently positioned as a main eventer during this time despite (in my opinion) his lack of technical prowess. As a character, a bully to smaller guys and a coward to bigger guys, JBL works but surely a character shouldn’t be World Champion?
Anyway, as soon as you’ve seen who’s in this match you know the way it goes. Underdog overpowered, smaller guy uses his speed to his advantage only to be thwarted by the sizable advantages of his opponent. I’m just grateful that Mysterio does this better than anyone else at the time otherwise this would have been a chore to watch.
Rey Mysterio retains the World Heavyweight Championship after hitting a frog splash from the top rope.
Rating: 3/5
Final Thoughts:
Nothing spectacular to rave about, just more middle of the road matches that generate another middle of the road PPV. I suspect things will pick up with next month’s PPV.
21/40 – C-
2006 PPV Ranking:
- No Way Out – C
- Wrestlemania 22 – C
- Backlash – C
- Judgment Day – C-
- Royal Rumble – C-
- New Year’s Revolution – D-
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