9 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE SmackDown From 2004
5. 14 October Had A Super Stiff Brawl Worth Seeing
Ready for a match only the most hardcore (ahem) WWE fans will remember? You got it. JBL defended his WWE Title against Hardcore Holly on the 14 October '04 episode of SmackDown. The show took place over in Manchester, England, and it turned out to be a fun experience. Going in, Bob had beaten Layfield via DQ and countout to ready his title challenge.
They beat the bones off each other, as expected. Some of the weapon shots were agonisingly stiff. Hell, even the punches Holly and JBL threw at one another will make you wince. If you need a comparison to another match before checking this one out, then think Bradshaw vs. Finlay from WrestleMania XXIV and you'll be along the same lines in terms of rugged physicality.
No, this wasn't the longest match, but it didn't need to be. JBL sold hard for everything Holly chucked at him, which was really a hallmark of his time as a heel champion, and Hardcore looked great from opening bell to last. His title tilt vs. Brock Lesnar at the ’04 Rumble was second rate, but this was some laugh and it worth watching at least once.
The addition of JBL lackey Orlando Jordan around ringside actually added to the occasion rather than taking away from it too. He took a couple of mean shots from Holly before a sickening steel chair shot put Bob down for the count. Fans in Manchester didn't quite get the tables they chanted for, but they did see something cool in their hometown.
Brutal Bob and jolly John were in the mood that mid-October.