WWE The Great American Bash 2005

Buffalo Brawl: WWE's SummerSlam Lead-Up Card Delivers

July 24, 2005 - HSBC Arena, Buffalo, New York

As the calendar flips to August, professional wrestling fans know that the stage is set for the most anticipated event of the year: SummerSlam. But before we get there, World Wrestling Entertainment put on a show-stopping card in Buffalo, New York, and I was fortunate enough to be ringside for all the action.

Tag Team Tussle

The evening kicked off with Heidenreich and Road Warrior Animal taking on MNM (Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro) for the WWE RAW Tag Team Titles. This one was a barnburner from start to finish, with both teams trading holds and delivering high-impact moves. In the end, it was the behemoth duo that emerged victorious, retaining their titles in a thrilling 12-minute contest.

Booker T Takes Down Christian

Next up, Booker T faced off against Christian in a singles match that showcased some of the best technical grappling on display tonight. These two old foes went toe-to-toe for over 11 minutes, with Booker ultimately securing the win via a devastating Bookend. This one was all about the mat work and psychology, folks - a masterclass from two of the best.

United States Title Tilts

The action only intensified as Orlando Jordan battled Chris Benoit for the WWE United States Title. Jordan's impressive technical skills were matched by Benoit's ruthless intensity, but in the end, it was the challenger who emerged victorious, pinning Jordan after a vicious Crippler Crossface. A fantastic contest that highlighted both competitors' strengths and weaknesses.

Undertaker Demolishes Muhammad Hassan

The Deadman, The Undertaker, was on a mission to dismantle Muhammad Hassan in their singles match. And dismantle him they did - with a vicious Tombstone Piledriver that left the Middle Eastern menace reeling. A quick and decisive victory for Taker, setting him up nicely for whatever SummerSlam may have in store.

Mexicools Mayhem

The Mexicools (Juventud, Psicosis, and Super Crazy) took on The Blue World Order (Nova, Stevie Richards, and The Blue Meanie) in a chaotic six-man tag team match. This one was all about high-flying acrobatics and wild brawling, with each side trading moves and near-falls galore. In the end, it was the Mexicools who emerged victorious, their unity and teamwork proving too much for their opponents.

Mysterio vs. Guerrero: A Thrilling Rivalry Renewed

The main event of the evening saw Rey Mysterio face off against Eddie Guerrero in a singles match that had all the makings of an instant classic. These two legends traded near-falls and high-risk moves, with both men giving it their all. In the end, Mysterio's cunning and quickness proved too much for Guerrero, securing the win after a daring West Coast Pop.

Melina vs. Torrie Wilson: A Special Referee Match

The ladies were out in full force as Melina took on Torrie Wilson in a singles match with Candice as special referee. This one was all about high-flying aerials and technical grappling, with both women delivering impressive moves throughout. In the end, it was Melina's cunning and athleticism that won her the day.

World Heavyweight Title Match: JBL vs. Batista

And finally, we had our main event - a World Heavyweight Title match between John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) and Batista. This one was all about power and aggression, with both men delivering massive moves and near-falls galore. In the end, it was JBL's cunning and experience that won him the title, pinning Batista after a vicious Layfield Bomb.

A Thrilling Card

All in all, tonight's card was an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. With eight matches featuring some of the best talent in professional wrestling, this show had something for everyone. As we count down the days until SummerSlam, it's clear that WWE is gearing up for a summer to remember. Stay tuned, folks - it's going to be a wild ride!

Card Details

Date: 24 Jul 2005
Promotion: World Wrestling Entertainment
Arena: HSBC Arena
Attendance: 8000
Type: Pay Per View
Broadcast Type: Live

Matches

Heidenreich and Road Warrior Animal(C) defeat MNM in a WWE RAW Tag Team Title Match
Booker T defeat Christian in a Singles Match
Match Time: 11:35
Orlando Jordan(C) defeat Chris Benoit in a WWE United States Title Match
Match Time: 14:11
The Undertaker defeat Muhammad Hassan in a Singles Match
Match Time: 08:04
The Mexicools (Juventud, Psicosis and Super Crazy) defeat The Blue World Order (Nova, Stevie Richards and The Blue Meanie) in a Six Man Tag Team Match
Match Time: 04:55
Rey Mysterio defeat Eddie Guerrero in a Singles Match
Match Time: 15:38
Melina defeat Torrie Wilson in a Singles Match (Special Referee: Candice)
Match Time: 05:00
John Bradshaw Layfield(C) defeat Batista in a World Heavyweight Title Match
Match Time: 19:50