WWE Survivor Series 2005: Raw Vs. SmackDown Showdown

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WWE Survivor Series 2005: A Clash of Brands

Hey wrestling fans! Let's rewind the clock to November 2005, a time when the WWE landscape was dominated by the fierce rivalry between Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown. The annual Survivor Series event that year wasn't just another pay-per-view; it was a battle for brand supremacy! The main event, a traditional Survivor Series elimination match pitting Team Raw against Team SmackDown, was the centerpiece of a night filled with high-stakes action, unexpected twists, and unforgettable moments. This article will take you on a deep dive into WWE Survivor Series 2005, exploring the context, the key matches, the unforgettable performances, and the lasting impact of this classic wrestling event.

Background: The Brand Extension Era at Its Peak

To really appreciate the significance of WWE Survivor Series 2005, you need to understand the context of the brand extension era. In 2002, WWE split its roster into two distinct brands: Raw and SmackDown. Each brand had its own exclusive talent, championships, and storylines, creating a unique dynamic in the wrestling world. This separation allowed for distinct creative directions and fostered a sense of competition between the two shows. By 2005, the brand rivalry was at its peak. Raw, led by General Manager Eric Bischoff, and SmackDown, under the guidance of Theodore Long, were constantly vying for dominance, leading to heated feuds and intense matches. The annual Survivor Series event provided the perfect platform to settle the score, with the winning brand gaining bragging rights and momentum heading into the new year. The tension between the brands was palpable, with each show's superstars eager to prove their superiority. The fans were equally invested, choosing sides and passionately supporting their favorite brand. The atmosphere leading up to Survivor Series was electric, with weeks of build-up featuring cross-promotional attacks, strategic alliances, and personal vendettas. The anticipation was further fueled by the uncertainty of who would prevail in the main event. Would the power and experience of Raw be too much for SmackDown? Or would the underdog spirit of SmackDown rise to the occasion? The answers, my friends, were to be revealed at the Survivor Series itself, setting the stage for what would be a night of memorable wrestling.

The Teams and the Build-Up: Raw vs. SmackDown

The main event of WWE Survivor Series 2005 was the traditional 5-on-5 elimination match between Team Raw and Team SmackDown. The stakes were high, with the winning brand gaining significant momentum and bragging rights. Let's take a look at the teams that collided in this epic showdown.

Team Raw:

  • Shawn Michaels: The Heartbreak Kid, a legendary performer and the team's captain, was looking to lead Raw to victory.
  • Kane: The Big Red Machine, a dominant force who brought raw power and intimidation to the team.
  • The Big Show: The World's Largest Athlete, a towering giant with the ability to turn the tide of any match.
  • Carlito: The cool and calculated Intercontinental Champion, who brought a strategic edge to the team.
  • Chris Masters: The Masterpiece, a powerhouse wrestler with a unique submission hold.

Team SmackDown:

  • Randy Orton: The Legend Killer, a rising star and the team's captain, looking to solidify his place at the top.
  • Batista: The Animal, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, bringing immense power and experience to the team.
  • John Cena: The WWE Champion, a charismatic and popular superstar, who was the heart and soul of SmackDown.
  • Rey Mysterio: The Master of the 619, a high-flying sensation who provided agility and excitement.
  • Booker T: The veteran, a former World Champion, who added experience and technical prowess.

The build-up to the match was filled with intense rivalries and personal conflicts. The animosity between Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton was particularly heated, as Orton had previously punted Michaels in the head, leading to a long-standing feud. The WWE Champion John Cena and the World Heavyweight Champion Batista also had a history, as they were once allies, but were now on opposing brands. The dynamics within the teams were also intriguing. Would the superstars be able to put aside their differences and work together for the sake of their brand? Or would egos and rivalries derail their chances of victory? The tension reached fever pitch in the weeks leading up to the pay-per-view, with Raw and SmackDown superstars engaging in sneak attacks, mind games, and heated confrontations. The goal was simple: to weaken the opposition and gain a psychological advantage. The anticipation for the match was at an all-time high, with fans eagerly speculating on the outcome. The sheer star power on both teams ensured a thrilling main event.

The Main Event: An Elimination Classic

The 5-on-5 elimination match between Team Raw and Team SmackDown at WWE Survivor Series 2005 was a true spectacle, delivering a rollercoaster of emotions and unforgettable moments. From the opening bell, the match was a chaotic battle, with both teams throwing everything they had at each other. The elimination format added to the drama, as each fall created a sense of urgency and intensified the competition. The first elimination came when Chris Masters was counted out, putting Raw at an early disadvantage. Kane quickly followed, being eliminated by a disqualification for using a steel chair. The Big Show was the next to go, falling to a double count-out after a brutal brawl outside the ring. On the SmackDown side, Booker T was the first to be eliminated, after a superkick by Shawn Michaels. Rey Mysterio was then eliminated, after being pinned by Carlito. This left the match at a critical juncture, with Shawn Michaels and Carlito representing Raw against Randy Orton, Batista, and John Cena from SmackDown.

The final stretch of the match was nothing short of epic. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the remaining superstars fought with everything they had. The chemistry between Shawn Michaels and Randy Orton was incredible, as they traded blows and near falls. Cena and Batista's alliance was tested as they tried to overcome the numbers disadvantage. In a pivotal moment, Carlito was eliminated after a sweet chin music from Shawn Michaels, evening the odds at 2-on-2. The final moments were filled with drama. Batista turned on Cena, hitting him with a Batista Bomb, and then seemingly allowing Randy Orton to pin Cena, and thus securing the victory for SmackDown. However, moments after, the referee reversed the decision, claiming Batista had interfered, which led to Cena eliminating Batista and finally pinning Orton to secure the victory for Team Raw. The finish was controversial, as the crowd was left in disbelief at the turn of events. Raw had emerged victorious, thanks to the heroic performance of Shawn Michaels and the WWE Champion John Cena.

Other Notable Matches and Moments

While the main event was the centerpiece of WWE Survivor Series 2005, the event was filled with other notable matches and moments that contributed to its overall greatness. Let's delve into some of those highlights.

  • Triple H vs. Ric Flair: This match was a classic clash of generations. Triple H, representing the younger generation, faced the legendary Ric Flair. The match was a brutal contest, filled with high-impact moves and near falls. In the end, Triple H secured the victory, solidifying his dominance over the younger generation. The match was a testament to Flair's enduring legacy and his ability to put on a great performance even at his age.
  • Kurt Angle vs. Sabu: This match, though not a match, was a major upset. Kurt Angle who was on SmackDown at the time, was scheduled to face off against Sabu. However, during the match, Angle would suffer an injury forcing a no-contest call, which led to a backstage brawl between the brands. Angle was later pulled from the Survivor Series due to his injury.
  • SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match: MNM defeated the team of Batista and Rey Mysterio, earning their spot in the Survivor Series match.
  • The Undertaker vs. Bob Holly: The Deadman was dominant in a match against Bob Holly. This match helped establish a clear contrast between the brands.

These matches added depth and excitement to the event, showcasing a variety of wrestling styles and personalities. The undercard matches provided valuable context to the main event, creating a well-rounded and engaging pay-per-view experience. The Survivor Series event wasn't just about the main event; it was a night of wrestling filled with memorable matches and moments that would be talked about for years to come.

The Aftermath and Legacy

The events of WWE Survivor Series 2005 had a significant impact on the WWE landscape, shaping the direction of the brand rivalry and setting the stage for future storylines. Raw's victory in the main event gave them a boost of momentum and established them as the dominant brand. The controversial finish, with Batista turning on Cena and then the referee reversing the decision, created a lot of buzz and set up future feuds. The betrayal by Batista led to a renewed rivalry between Batista and Cena, which continued into the new year. Their feud was one of the highlights of WWE during the subsequent months. The show also solidified the rising stars. Randy Orton was established as a main event player. And of course, John Cena's WWE Championship reign continued to grow in the wake of the victory. The event also highlighted the importance of teamwork and brand loyalty. The superstars who worked together and put aside their differences were the ones who ultimately succeeded. The rivalry between Raw and SmackDown continued to be a major storyline in the months following Survivor Series, with the two brands constantly trying to one-up each other. The event was a reminder of the power of brand loyalty and the passion of wrestling fans. The event remains a classic. It's remembered as one of the best Survivor Series events of all time, largely due to its high-stakes matches, the dramatic turns, and the incredible performances of the superstars involved. The impact of Survivor Series 2005 extended beyond the immediate aftermath, influencing the way WWE approached its brand extension and its storytelling for years to come.

Conclusion: A Night to Remember

WWE Survivor Series 2005 was a night to remember for wrestling fans. From the intense brand rivalry to the unforgettable main event, the event was filled with high-quality wrestling and dramatic storytelling. The clash between Team Raw and Team SmackDown was a classic elimination match, showcasing the talent and personalities of the superstars involved. The other matches on the card, including Triple H vs. Ric Flair, added depth and excitement to the overall event. The Survivor Series event was a reminder of the power of wrestling to entertain and engage its audience. The event continues to be celebrated by fans as one of the best wrestling events of all time, and it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of professional wrestling. If you're looking for a dose of wrestling nostalgia, I highly recommend going back and watching WWE Survivor Series 2005. You won't be disappointed! It's a true classic that captures the spirit of the brand extension era and delivers a night of unforgettable action. The event is a must-watch for any wrestling fan, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in WWE history and highlighting the enduring appeal of the sport.