Judgment Day 2006

Judgment Day (2006)

Promotion	WWE
Date	May 21, 2006
Venue	US Airways Center
City	Phoenix, Arizona
Attendance	14,000
Last Event	Backlash
Next Event	ECW One Night Stand

The 2006 Judgment Day was the eighth Judgment Day professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). It was held exclusively for wrestlers from the promotion's SmackDown! brand division. The event took place on May 21, 2006, at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Arizona. It was the final Judgment Day to be brand-exclusive as following WrestleMania 23 the following year, brand-exclusive PPVs were discontinued. The event also featured the finals of the 2006 King of the Ring tournament.

Event summary[]

MNM vs Paul London & Brian Kendrick[]

Paul London & Brian Kendrick seemingly have had MNM's number, and they continued their dominance over the tandem at Judgment Day when they defeated them for a sixth straight time to become WWE Tag Team Champions. But that wasn't the only big story coming out of this red hot opening match of Judgment Day. Following the loss, MNM imploded as Johnny Nitro and Melina viciously attacked Joey Mercury.

Throughout the match, Mercury and Nitro worked seamlessly, showing why they are two of the premiere tag team specialists on SmackDown. But, ironically, it was a miscue on a double team maneuver that led to their downfall. With Kendrick knocked down on the outside, Nitro held London from the apron, and Mercury came at him full-steam ahead with a forearm. At the last second, London ducked out of the way and Mercury knocked his tag team partner to the outside and onto Melina. London capitalized on the mistake and rolled up Mercury with a bridge for the pin as the U.S. Airways arena exploded in jubilation.

London & Kendrick jumped around the ring besides themselves, clutching their new prized possessions -- the WWE Tag Team Championship belts. Their weeks of dominance over MNM finally paid off. After five straight victories over the former champs, many wondered if they could actually win the big one when the gold was on the line.

The fireworks were far from over when the bell rang, however. Melina got into Mercury's face following the match, blaming him for the loss. After repeatedly poking him in the chest and screaming at him, Melina slapped Mercury across the face with all her might. A frustrated Mercury grabbed Melina's wrist, and this made Nitro snap. Johnny Nitro jumped on his partner like a rabid dog just let out of his cage. Melina continued her rampage, kicking refree Jim Korderas in the groin. The action spilled to the outside, and several officials and General Manager Theodore Long rushed down to break things up. Amidst the chaos, the respected GM took a big spill. MNM had indeed imploded, and left several victims in its wake.

This marks London's second WWE Tag Team Championship reign, while this is Kendrick's first-ever taste of WWE gold. After the match, WWE.com caught up with an elated Kendrick & London.

"People have always doubted me and Paul," said Kendrick. "I hope the doubters are gone. We beat MNM six straight times. That's gotta be some kind of record. My goal now is to stay on top, stay hungry."

London was equally as excited after the victory, and had some major plans to celebrate.

"I'm a thrill-seeker. But this is the biggest thrill of my life. MNM, they're a great team, but it's time to change the guard on SmackDown. I'm going to Arizona State (University) to have some fun tonight."

But while one team has reached a new high, another has hit rock bottom. Will MNM ever be able to recover from the crushing loss? Surprisingly, London hopes his rivals patch things up.

"I hope for the sake of SmackDown they work out their problems. They are a great team," said London.

Jillian Hall vs Melina[]

Judgment Day is a night that Melina wishes she could permanently erase from her mind. Just moments after her team, MNM, lost the WWE Tag Team Championship and imploded, she suffered a controversial loss to her former image consultant Jillian, and was punked out by SmackDown interviewer Kristal. To make matters even worse, Melina and Johnny Nitro were fired by General Manager Theodore Long after the Diva slapped the GM in protest of the match.

The two Divas showed that they are much more than just eye candy as they battled in a physical back and forth match. As the match wore on, Jillian was able to come out of the corner with a roll up. Melina managed to get her hand on the bottom rope, but referee Chris Kay was out of position to see it, and counted her shoulders down for the 1-2-3. Despite Melina's protest, Jillian was victorious, and Melina's night continued on a downward spiral.

A livid Melina started to make her way up the ramp, but she was cut off by Kristal. The SmackDown interviewer said, with a big smile on her face, she had to ask the question that is on everyone's mind - "This hasn't been a good night for you, has it?" Melina wound up with a big swing, but Kristal ducked and knocked down the furious Diva. Officials separated the two Divas, forcing an enraged and embarrassed Melina to retreat backstage.

Booker T vs Bobby Lashley[]

At Judgment Day, Booker T lived up to his promise, and did just what he said he would when he defeated Lashley to become the new King of the Ring. King Booker got help from his wife Sharmell, and later from Finlay as he used a scissor kick to get the pin on the determined newcomer. However, what happened after the match may be what is remembered the most.

King Booker, basking in the glow of his controversial victory, immediately went to try on his newly won crown and robe. Moments later, a furious Lashley, realizing what happened, made his way towards Booker and the throne. Seeing Booker with the crown apparently sent the youngster over the edge, because seconds later, in one of the most memorable moments in King of the Ring history, he speared Booker and his crown through the throne, effectively putting an end to the celebration.

Just minutes after the attack, WWE.com caught up with an emotional Lashley backstage. The SmackDown powerhouse, who is usually soft-spoken, was anything but that with his comments. "That felt good! He deserved it. Booker had no business winning that match, but this ain't over. Booker, you better make sure you look over your shoulder, because I could be there at any point."

Those comments will soon be put to the test. WWE.com has learned that this week on SmackDown, Booker T will have his official King of the Ring coronation.

Results[]

Tag team match for the WWE Tag Team Championship: Paul London and Brian Kendrick defeated MNM (Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro) (c) (with Melina)
Singles match: Jillian Hall defeated Melina
2006 King of the Ring final: Booker T (with Sharmell) defeated Bobby Lashley

Other on-screen talent[]

Interviewer: Kristal Marshall