WWE SmackDown kicked off 2006 with a stacked show on January 6. The card featured the likes of Randy Orton, Booker T, Rey Mysterio, and then-World Heavyweight Champion Batista. The Animal and his partner Rey failed to claim the tag team titles from MNM inside a steel cage.
Elsewhere on the show, Randy Orton lost to Chris Benoit in the sixth match of the Best of Seven Series for the United States Championship. The episode pretty much set the tone for the rest of the year when it came to storytelling and work rate.
On a side note, Batista had to relinquish his title because of a triceps injury he suffered during a house show match against Mark Henry. The former Evolution member would spend months on the shelf watching fellow superstars in action without him.
Speaking of action, let’s take a look at some of the best WWE SmackDown matches of 2006:
Randy Orton vs. Rey Mysterio (WWE SmackDown – April 7)
Just days after winning the world title at WrestleMania 22, Rey Mysterio found himself in his first title defense on WWE SmackDown against Randy Orton. The Biggest Little Man had no intention of dropping the championship he worked so hard to win.
Orton had a stellar run as arguably the most hated heel on the blue brand in 2006. The Legend Killer did an incredible job selling Mysterio’s offense. The pair would have many great matches in the following years.
Chris Benoit vs. Finlay (King of the Ring First Round Match – WWE SmackDown #351)
Two of the hardest-hitting wrestlers of their generation came face-to-face at the May 2, 2006, SmackDown taping. The stakes were high as the winner would advance to the second round of the King of the Ring.
Finlay had a reputation for being a no-nonsense brute with a penchant for dishing punishment. Chris Benoit was one of the greatest workers of his generation. Together, they gave fans one of the best WWE SmackDown matches of 2006.
Chavo Guerrero vs. Rey Mysterio (I Quit Match – October 20)
Chavo Guerrero cost Rey Mysterio the World Heavyweight Championship at the Great American Bash. Guerrero rattled Mysterio’s brain with a stiff steel chair shot. The distraction allowed Booker T to pin the champion for the win.
Mysterio and Guerrero soon found themselves on the opposite side of the ring. Mysterio defeated Guerrero in a solid Falls Count Anywhere Match just a week before their I Quit Match on WWE SmackDown.
Guerrero upped his game for the I Quit encounter. He showed a more sadistic side inside the ring. The closing moments of the match saw Guerrero repeatedly target Mysterio’s knee with a steel chair – causing the latter to scream “I Quit” in agony.
Chris Benoit vs. Randy Orton (No Holds Barred Match – January 27)
Chris Benoit and Randy Orton had a series of fantastic matches in 2006. The pair delivered one of the best WWE SmackDown matches of 2006 at the January 24 taping. The No Holds Barred stipulation meant more opportunity for violence for both men.
The Rabid Wolverine brought his technical prowess to the mat. Orton, to fan shock, kept up with the more technically sound Benoit. Both men took some nasty bumps in the match. In the end, Benoit hit Orton with the trash can lid and followed it with his Crossface submission for the win.
Kurt Angle vs. The Undertaker (World Title Match – March 3)
Kurt Angle and The Undertaker had an (almost) five-star classic for the world title at No Way Out 2006. The pair ran it back for the Wrestling Machine’s championship at the February 27, 2006 WWE SmackDown taping.
Angle and Taker went to war with each other in this nearly 30-minute match. This bout featured some fantastic chain wrestling and heavy striking. The DQ finisher protected both greats ahead of their outings at WrestleMania 22.
Also read: Best WWE SmackDown Matches Of 2007
