2005 in professional wrestling explained

2005 in professional wrestling describes the year's events in the world of professional wrestling.

List of notable promotions

These promotions held notable events in 2005.

Promotion NameAbbreviationNotes
Consejo Mundial de Lucha LibreCMLL
GCW
Lucha Libre AAA WorldwideAAAThe "AAA" abbreviation has been used since the mid-1990s and had previously stood for the promotion's original name Asistencia Asesoría y Administración.
NBWA
New Japan Pro-WrestlingNJPW
Pro Wrestling GuerrillaPWG
Ring of HonorROH
Total Nonstop Action WrestlingTNA
World Wrestling CouncilWWC
World Wrestling EntertainmentWWEWWE divided its roster into two storyline divisions, Raw and SmackDown!, referred to as brands, where wrestlers exclusively performed on their respective weekly television programs.

Calendar of notable shows

January

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Eventwidth=20%Notes
4Toukon Festival: Wrestling WorldShinsuke Nakamura defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in a Singles match to win the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship
9WWE


New Year's RevolutionTriple H (with Ric Flair) defeated Edge, Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Batista, and Randy Orton in an Elimination Chamber match to win the vacant World Heavyweight Championship with Shawn Michaels as special guest referee
16TNAFinal ResolutionJeff Jarrett (c) defeated Monty Brown in a Singles match to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
30WWE


Royal RumbleBatista chose to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship.
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

February

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
13TNAAgainst All Odds
19ROHThird Anniversary Celebration: Part 1The Carnage Crew (H. C. Loc & Tony DeVito) vs. Generation Next (Roderick Strong & Jack Evans) vs. The Ring Crew Express (Dunn & Marcos) vs. Special K (Azrieal & Dixie) vs. Special K (Izzy & Deranged) in a Scramble Cage Match
20WWE


No Way OutPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
25ROHThird Anniversary Celebration: Part 2Jimmy Rave defeated A.J. Styles in a Singles match
26ROHThird Anniversary Celebration: Part 3Austin Aries (c) defeated Samoa Joe in a Singles match to retain the ROH World Championship
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

March

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
11AAARey de ReyesCiudad Madero, MexicoElimination match: finals of the 2005 Rey de Reyes tournament.
13TNADestination X
18NBWAMike Lockwood Memorial TournamentB. J. Whitmer defeated Nigel McGuiness (c) in a Singles match for the NBWA Heavyweight Championship
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

April

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Eventwidth=20%Notes
3WWE


WrestleMania 21Los Angeles, CaliforniaBatista defeated Triple H (c) (with Ric Flair) in a Singles match to win the World Heavyweight ChampionshipThe event also featured the return of Stone Cold Steve Austin who started his part-time appearances with WWE at this event.
First event to feature the Money in the Bank ladder match
8CMLL49. Aniversario de Arena MéxicoMexico City, MexicoLos Perros del Mal (Damián 666, Halloween and Pierroth) defeated Dr. Wagner Jr., Místico and Negro Casas by disqualification
24TNALockdownA.J. Styles defeated Abyss in Six Sides of Steel match for an NWA World Heavyweight Championship match at Hard Justice
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

May

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
1WWE


BacklashManchester, New Hampshire
5N/AMark Curtis Memorial ReunionJohnson City, TennesseeMick Foley and Shane Douglas (with Dominic DeNucci) defeated Al Snow and D'Lo Brown (with Les Thatcher)
15AAATriplemanía XIIIGuadalajara, Jalisco, MexicoLatin Lover, La Parka and Octagón defeated Los Hell Brothers (Chessman and Cibernético) and Fuerza Guerrera
15TNAHard JusticeA.J. Styles defeated Jeff Jarrett (c) in a Singles match to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship with Tito Ortiz as Special Guest Referee
22WWE


Judgment DayMinneapolis, MinnesotaJohn Cena (c) defeated John "Bradshaw" Layfield in a "I Quit" match to retain the WWE Championship
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

June

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Eventwidth=20%Notes
12WWEECW One Night StandNew York CityThe Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) defeated Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman in a Tag team matchThis event was The Dudley Boyz and Rhyno's last appearance in WWE until 2015
Last PPV appearance for many wrestlers including Mike Awesome
First event produced by WWE to promote the former Extreme Championship Wrestling promotion. This would be the genesis of the launch of the ECW brand the following year.
18ROHDeath Before Dishonor IIICM Punk defeated Austin Aries (c) in a Singles match to win the ROH World Championship
19TNASlammiversaryRaven defeated A.J. Styles (c), Abyss, Monty Brown and Sean Waltman in the King of the Mountain match to win the NWA World Heavyweight ChampionshipThis event was Samoa Joe's debut in TNA
26WWE


VengeanceLas Vegas, NevadaBatista (c) defeated Triple H in a Hell in a Cell match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

July

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Eventwidth=20%Notes
17TNANo SurrenderRaven (c) defeated Abyss (with James Mitchell) in Dog Collar match to retain the NWA World Heavyweight ChampionshipThis event was Rhyno's debut in TNA
24WWE


The Great American BashBuffalo, New YorkJohn "Bradshaw" Layfield (with Orlando Jordan) defeated Batista (c) by disqualification in a Singles match for the World Heavyweight Championship
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

August

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Eventwidth=20%Notes
4-14NJPWG1 Climax finalTokyoMasahiro Chono defeated Kazuyuki Fujita in a G1 Climax tournament
6GCWSecond Annual Fred Ward Memorial ShowColumbus, GeorgiaDavid Young and Chris Stevens defeated Erik Watts and Sonny Siaki
14TNASacrificeJeff Jarrett and Rhino defeated Raven and Sabu in a Tag team match
21WWE


SummerSlamWashington, D.C.Hulk Hogan defeated Shawn Michaels in a Singles matchLast PPV appearance of Chris Jericho in WWE until late 2007, he lost to John Cena on the following night's Raw in a Loser Leaves WWE match as his contract expired after.
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

September

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
3–4Battle of Los AngelesLos Angeles, CaliforniaChris Bosh defeated A.J. Styles in a Battle of Los Angeles tournament
11TNAUnbreakableA.J. Styles defeated Christopher Daniels (c) and Samoa Joe in a Triple threat match to win the TNA X Division Championship
16CMLLCMLL 72nd Anniversary ShowMexico City, MexicoHéctor Garza lost to Perro Aguayo Jr. and Universo 2000 in a Lucha de Apuestas hair vs. hair vs. hair elimination match
17ROHGlory By Honor IVA.J. Styles (with Mick Foley) defeated Jimmy Rave in a Finishers match
18AAAVerano de EscándaloVeracruz, MexicoElectrified steel cage match "Loser has his head shaved" match.
18WWE


UnforgivenOklahoma City, OklahomaKurt Angle defeated John Cena (c) by disqualification in a Singles match for the WWE Championship
23CMLLInternational Gran PrixMexico City, MexicoMístico defeated Último Guerrero by disqualification in a Best two-out-of-three falls match
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

October

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Eventwidth=20%Notes
9WWE


Houston, TexasBatista (c) defeated Eddie Guerrero in a Singles match to retain the World Heavyweight ChampionshipLast PPV appearance for Eddie Guerrero before his death in November
23TNABound for GloryOrlandoRhino defeated Jeff Jarrett (c) (with Gail Kim) in a Singles match to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship with Tito Ortiz as special guest refereeThe show was promoted as TNA's premiere PPV event and their equivalent to the rival WWE's WrestleMania.
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

November

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Eventwidth=20%Notes
1WWE


Taboo TuesdayJohn Cena (c) defeated Kurt Angle and Shawn Michaels in a Triple threat match to retain the WWE ChampionshipLast PPV appearance of Christian in WWE until 2009.
This event was also involved the SmackDown! roster.
5WWC32nd WWC AniversarioBayamón, Puerto RicoCarlito defeated Shane
13TNAGenesisTeam 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) and Rhino defeated America's Most Wanted (Chris Harris and James Storm) and Jeff Jarrett (with Gail Kim) in a Six-man tag team matchThis event was Christian (under new ring name Christian Cage)'s debut in TNA
It was also dedicated to WWE wrestler Eddie Guerrero, who died the day of the show.
It was Team 3D's first PPV match in TNA
27WWE


Survivor SeriesDetroit, MichiganTeam SmackDown! (Batista, Rey Mysterio, John "Bradshaw" Layfield, Bobby Lashley, and Randy Orton) defeated Team Raw (Shawn Michaels, Kane, Big Show, Carlito, and Chris Masters) in a 5-on-5 Survivor Series elimination matchEddie Guerrero was booked to be the captain of Team SmackDown! before his death, after his death he was replaced by Batista
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

December

width=5%Datewidth=5%Promotion(s)width=15%Eventwidth=15%Locationwidth=40%Main Event
2CMLLJuicio FinalMexico City, MexicoUniverso 2000 defeated Halloween in a Best two-out-of-three falls Lucha de Apuestas, hair vs. hair match
10AAAGuerra de TitanesGuadalajara, Jalisco, MexicoAbismo Negro, Latin Lover and La Parka, defeated La Secta Cibernetica (Cibernético, Dark Cuervo, and Dark Escoria)
11TNATurning PointJeff Jarrett (c) defeated Rhino in a Singles match to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship
17ROHFinal Battle 2005Edison, New JerseyKenta (c) defeated Low Ki to retain the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship
18WWE


ArmageddonProvidence, Rhode IslandThe Undertaker defeated Randy Orton (with Bob Orton) in Hell in a Cell match
19WWE


Tribute to the TroopsBagram, Afghanistan.Shawn Michaels defeated Triple H in a Boot Camp match
(c) – denotes defending champion(s)

Accomplishments and tournaments

TNA

AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotes
2005 TNA Super X Cup TournamentSamoa JoeAugust 14
Chris Candido Memorial Tag Team TournamentAlex Shelley and Sean WaltmanAugust 16

TNA Year End Awards

See main article: Total Nonstop Action Wrestling Year End Awards.

PollWinner(s)
Tag Team of the YearTeam 3D (Brother Devon and Brother Ray)
Knockout of the YearJackie Gayda
Finisher of the YearThe Canadian Destroyer
Who To Watch in 2006Christian Cage
Memorable Moment of the YearChristian Cage debuts at Genesis
X Division Star of the YearA.J. Styles
Feud of the YearA.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels
Match of the YearBarbed Wire Massacre: Abyss vs. Sabu at Turning Point
Mr. TNAA.J. Styles

WWE

AccomplishmentWinnerDate wonNotes
Royal RumbleBatistaJanuary 30Winner received their choice of a championship match for either Raw's World Heavyweight Championship or SmackDown's WWE Championship at WrestleMania 21. Batista last eliminated John Cena to win and chose to challenge for his own brand's World Heavyweight Championship, which he subsequently won from Triple H.
Money in the Bank ladder matchEdgeApril 3This was the inaugural match. Edge defeated Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Christian, Kane, and Shelton Benjamin to win a world championship match contract. Edge cashed in the contract and won the WWE Championship from John Cena at the following year's New Year's Revolution after Cena had just retained the title in an Elimination Chamber match.
WWE Championship #1 Contender's TournamentJohn CenaFebruary 20Defeated Kurt Angle in the tournament final to win a WWE Championship match against John "Bradshaw" Layfield at WrestleMania 21, which Cena subsequently won.
WWE Championship #1 Contender's TournamentJohn "Bradshaw" LayfieldApril 26Defeated Kurt Angle, Booker T, and Big Show in the tournament final to win a WWE Championship match against John Cena at Judgment Day. JBL, however, was unsuccessful in winning the title.
Gold Rush TournamentEdgeMay 16Defeated Kane in the tournament final to win a World Heavyweight Championship match against Batista on the May 23 episode of Raw, but was unsuccessful in winning the title.

WWE Hall of Fame

See main article: WWE Hall of Fame.

Awards and honors

Pro Wrestling Illustrated

See main article: List of Pro Wrestling Illustrated awards.

CategoryWinner
PWI Wrestler of the YearBatista
PWI Tag Team of the YearMNM
(Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro)
PWI Match of the YearShawn Michaels vs. Kurt Angle (WrestleMania 21)
PWI Feud of the YearMatt Hardy vs. Edge and Lita
PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the YearJohn Cena
PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the YearTriple H
PWI Comeback of the YearRoad Warrior Animal
PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the YearBatista
PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the YearChris Candido
PWI Rookie of the YearBobby Lashley
PWI Woman of the YearTrish Stratus
PWI Lifetime AchievementEddie Guerrero

Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame

See main article: Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.

CategoryInductee
IndividualPaul Heyman
Triple H
GroupThe Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, and Buddy Roberts)

Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards

See main article: List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards.

CategoryWinner
Wrestler of the YearKenta Kobashi
Most OutstandingSamoa Joe
Best Box Office DrawMístico
Feud of the YearBatista vs. Triple H
Tag Team of the YearAmerica's Most Wanted
(Chris Harris and James Storm)
Most ImprovedRoderick Strong
Best on InterviewsEddie Guerrero

Title changes

NJPW

Incoming champion – Hiroyoshi Tenzan
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
February 20Satoshi KojimaNew Year Gold Series
May 14Hiroyoshi TenzanNexess VI
July 18Kazuyuki FujitaSummer Fight Series
October 8Brock LesnarToukon Souzou New Chapter
Incoming champions – Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
October 30Cho-Ten
Toukon Series
Incoming champion – Heat
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
January 4Tiger Mask IVToukon Festival: Wrestling World
October 8Black TigerToukon Souzou New Chapter
Incoming champions – Gedo and Jado
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
March 4American Dragon and Curry ManBig Fight Series
May 14Hirooki Goto and MinoruNexess VI

TNA

TNA X Division Championship
DateWinnerEvent/ShowNote(s)
January 16A.J. StylesFinal Resolution
March 13Christopher DanielsDestination X
September 11A.J. StylesUnbreakable
December 11Samoa JoeTurning Point

WWE

Raw

SmackDown

Raw and SmackDown each had a world championship, a secondary championship, and a tag team championship for male wrestlers. SmackDown also had a title for their cruiserweight wrestlers. There was only one women's championship and it was exclusive to Raw.

width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
January 9Triple HNew Year's RevolutionElimination Chamber match for the vacant title, also involving Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, Randy Orton, Batista, and Edge. Shawn Michaels was the special guest referee.
April 3BatistaWrestleMania 21
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
April 3John CenaWrestleMania 21
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
June 20CarlitoMonday Night Raw
September 18Ric FlairUnforgiven
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
March 1
Orlando JordanSmackDown!
August 21Chris BenoitSummerSlam
October 18
Booker TSmackDown!
November 22
VacatedSmackDown!Vacated when Booker T's title defense against Chris Benoit ended in a double pinfall.
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
January 9Trish StratusNew Year's Revolution
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
January 16La Résistance
House showJonathan Coachman replaced Eugene in this match due to injury.
February 4
William Regal and TajiriMonday Night Raw
May 1The Hurricane and RoseyBacklashTag team turmoil match, also involving The Heart Throbs, Simon Dean and Maven, and La Résistance.
September 18Lance Cade and Trevor MurdochUnforgiven
November 1Kane and Big ShowTaboo TuesdayKane and Big Show were voted into this match as a result of neither winning the WWE Championship voting.
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
January 11
The Basham Brothers
SmackDown!Fatal four-way tag team elimination match, also involving the teams of Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns, and Booker T and Eddie Guerrero.
February 20Eddie Guerrero and Rey MysterioNo Way Out
April 18
MNM
SmackDown!
July 24The Legion of Doom
The Great American Bash
October 25
MNM
SmackDown!Fatal four-way tag team match, also involving The Mexicools, and the team of Paul Burchill and William Regal.
December 13
Batista and Rey MysterioSmackDown!
December 27
MNM
SmackDown!
width=14%Datewidth=14%Winnerwidth=14%Event/Showwidth=58%Note(s)
February 20Chavo Guerrero Jr.No Way OutSix-way Cruiserweight Open, also involving Paul London, Akio, Shannon Moore, and Spike Dudley.
March 29
Paul LondonSmackDown!Seven-man battle royal.
August 2NunzioVelocity
October 9JuventudNo Mercy
November 15NunzioHouse show
November 22
JuventudSmackDown!
December 18Kid KashArmageddon

Births

Debuts

Retirements

Deaths

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: WWE Diva Search Contestant Joy Giovanni. 2004. Online World of Wrestling. 2017-10-16. 2011-10-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20111027100853/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/j/joy-giovanni.html. dead.
  2. Web site: Amy Weber's IMDB. IMDB.
  3. Web site: Wrestler Profiles: Pez Whatley. Online World of Wrestling. 2007-12-26.
  4. Web site: ‘Pistol’ Pez Whatley Dead At 54 . Slam Wrestling . Oliver . Greg . 19 January 2005 . 2 February 2023.
  5. Web site: Chris Candido Profile. 2008-03-20. Online World Of Wrestling.
  6. Web site: Chris Candido Dead At 33 . Slam Wrestling . Clevett . Jason . 29 April 2005 . 2 February 2023.
  7. Web site: Northeast Wrestling Spyder/Dan Quirk Passes Away . Stein, Nate . 2005-05-30 . 411mania.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20110607092005/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/24460/Northeast-Wrestling-Spyder-Dan-Quirk-Passes-Away.htm . 2011-06-07 . dead .
  8. Web site: Shinya Hashimoto Dies Suddenly . Slam Wrestling . 11 July 2005 . 2 February 2023.
  9. Web site: Miguel Perez Dead At 68 . Johnson . Steven . Slam Wrestling . 16 July 2005 . 2 February 2023.
  10. Web site: Alfred Hayes . https://web.archive.org/web/20160706203916/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1496270/Alfred-Hayes.html . 6 July 2016 . dead . . 10 February 2008 . 16 August 2005 .
  11. Web site: Lord Al Hayes Dead At 76 . Oliver . Greg . Slam Wrestling . 21 July 2005 . 2 February 2023.
  12. Web site: Chris Tolos Dies Of Cancer . Oliver . Greg . Slam Wrestling . 13 August 2005 . 2 February 2023.
  13. News: COLLEEN BAUMAN, Individually et al. v. DAISY GWIN, et al.. Justia Law. 2017-02-16. en.
  14. Web site: Independent Wrestler Chris Cash Dies In Motorcycle Accident . Clevett . Jason . Slam Wrestling . 19 August 2005 . 2 February 2023.
  15. Web site: Sailor White Dead At 56 . Oliver . Greg . Slam Wrestling . 26 August 2005 . 2 February 2023.
  16. Web site: Mr. America Stanlee A Showboating Pioneer . Oliver . Greg . Slam Wrestling . 27 September 2005 . 2 February 2023.
  17. News: Sullivan. Patricia. Wrestler Reggie 'The Crusher' Lisowski Dies. April 1, 2017. The Washington Post. October 28, 2005.
  18. Web site: The Crusher Dead At 79 . Oliver . Greg . Slam Wrestling . 23 October 2005 . 2 February 2023.
  19. Web site: Remembering Eddie Guerrero.
  20. Web site: Eddie Guerrero Found Dead . Slam Wrestling . 13 November 2005 . 2 February 2023.