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No Mercy (2004)
No Mercy (2004)
No Mercy (2004)
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No Mercy
Promotional poster featuring John "Bradshaw" Layfield
PromotionWorld Wrestling Entertainment
BrandSmackDown!
DateOctober 3, 2004
CityEast Rutherford, New Jersey
VenueContinental Airlines Arena
Attendance10,000
Buy rate240,000
Pay-per-view chronology
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2005

The 2004 No Mercy was the seventh No Mercy 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 October 3, 2004, at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Eight professional wrestling matches were contested on the event's card.

The main event was a Last Ride match, where the objective was to place an opponent in a hearse located on the entrance stage and drive them out of the arena. WWE Champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) defeated The Undertaker in this match to retain his title. Two predominant bouts were featured on the undercard; in respective singles matches, John Cena defeated Booker T to win the WWE United States Championship, and The Big Show defeated Kurt Angle.

No Mercy grossed over US$700,000 ticket sales from an attendance of 10,000, and received 240,000 pay-per-view buys. This event helped WWE increase its pay-per-view revenue by $6.2 compared to the previous year.

Production

[edit]

Background

[edit]
The event was held at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

No Mercy was first held by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) as a United Kingdom-exclusive pay-per-view (PPV) in May 1999.[1] A second No Mercy was then held later that same year in October, but in the United States, which established No Mercy as the annual October PPV for the promotion.[2] The 2004 event was the seventh No Mercy and was held on October 3 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Like the previous year, it featured wrestlers exclusively from the SmackDown! brand.[3]

Storylines

[edit]

The event featured eight professional wrestling matches that involved different wrestlers from pre-existing scripted feuds, plots and storylines. Wrestlers portrayed either a villainous or fan favorite gimmick as they followed a series of events which generally built tension, leading to a wrestling match. All wrestlers were from the SmackDown! brand – a storyline division in which WWE assigned its employees to a different program, the other being Raw.

John "Bradshaw" Layfield as WWE Champion

The main event featured WWE Champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) defending the title against The Undertaker in a Last Ride match. The buildup to the match began after SummerSlam, where JBL defeated The Undertaker in a singles match via disqualification to retain his championship.[4][5] On the August 19 episode of SmackDown!, JBL wore a neck brace, to signify that he was recuperating from a chokeslam that The Undertaker gave him on top of his limo.[6][7] On the August 26 episode of SmackDown!, Orlando Jordan, JBL's chief of staff, defended the WWE Championship for JBL against The Undertaker.[8][9] The Undertaker won the match via disqualification following interference from JBL;[8][9] as a result, JBL retained the title. On the September 9 episode of SmackDown!, SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long announced that The Undertaker would get another opportunity for JBL's title at No Mercy in a Last Ride match.[10][11]

One of the featured matches was contested for the WWE United States Championship, in which Booker T defended the title against John Cena. At SummerSlam, Cena defeated Booker T in the first match of a "best of five" series.[5][12] On the August 26 episode of SmackDown!, the second match was won by Booker T, to even the series one-to-one.[8][9] On August 27 at a SmackDown! live event, Booker T defeated Cena to win the third match.[13] On the September 16 episode of SmackDown!, Cena defeated Booker T in the fourth match, making the series even at two wins apiece.[14] On the September 23 episode of SmackDown!, it was announced that the final series match would be scheduled at No Mercy.[15]

The other featured preliminary match was Kurt Angle versus The Big Show in a singles match. The buildup to the match began on the September 9 episode of SmackDown!, where a Lumberjack match was scheduled between Angle and Eddie Guerrero.[10][11] The match ended in a no contest when Big Show returned after a five-month absence by interfering in the match, chokeslamming both Angle and Guerrero in the process.[10][11] On the September 16 episode of SmackDown!, Big Show was given two contracts to choose from; one contract to face Guerrero and one contract to face Angle. Smackdown General Manager Theodore Long announced that Luther Reigns and Mark Jindrak will be banned from ringside and if anyone interferes in the match, they will be fired.[14] Big Show signed the contract with Guerrero's name on it. After signing it, Angle and his associate Luther Reigns, threw Guerrero out of the ring and offered Big Show a handshake.[14] Big Show, however, tore up Guerrero's contract and signed the one with Angle's name on it to face him at No Mercy.[14]

Event

[edit]
Other on-screen personnel
Role: Name:
English commentators Michael Cole
Tazz
Spanish commentators Carlos Cabrera
Hugo Savinovich
Interviewer Josh Mathews
Ring announcer Tony Chimel
Referees Nick Patrick
Charles Robinson
Jim Korderas

Before the event went live on pay-per-view, Mark Jindrak defeated Scotty 2 Hotty in a match taped for Heat, one of WWE's secondary television programs.[16][17][18]

Preliminary matches

[edit]
Eddie Guerrero faced Luther Reigns

The first match was between Eddie Guerrero and Luther Reigns. In the early stages, both competitors took the advantage over one another. Reigns controlled most of the match, as Guerrero tried to avoid Reigns' assaults. Guerrero won the match after attacking Reigns with a baton taken from a security guard.[19][20]

The next match was for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship between Spike Dudley and Nunzio. The match began with Nunzio performing a pescado on Spike. The match saw interference from D-Von Dudley as he pushed Nunzio off the top rope. The match ended when Johnny Stamboli tried to prevent interference from D-Von, allowing Bubba Ray to crotch Nunzio on the ring post, allowing Spike to pin him to retain the title.[19][20]

The next match was between Billy Kidman and Paul London. The start of the match saw London perform a running springboard moonsault on Kidman. Kidman took control once back in the ring, as he focused on London's lower back. London attempted to perform a powerbomb but Kidman countered with a sitout facebuster for a near-fall. The match concluded when Kidman executed a Shooting star press on London for the win.[19][20]

The fourth match was for the WWE Tag Team Championship between the team of René Duprée and Kenzo Suzuki and the team of Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio. The match began with Van Dam and Duprée gaining the advantage. Mysterio was tagged in the match and performed a diving headbutt, a tornado DDT and a seated senton on Suzuki. Mysterio performed the 619 on Suzuki and attempted the West Coast Pop but Duprée pulled Mysterio off the ropes. Suzuki pinned Mysterio using the ropes to retain the titles.[19][20]

Main event matches

[edit]

The first main match was between Kurt Angle and Big Show. The stipulation is that Mark Jindrak and Luther Reigns were banned from ringside and if anyone interfered in the match they would be fired. For the duration of the match, Big Show, who stood at 7 feet (2.1 m) squashed Angle. Angle was intentionally counted out but General Manager Theodore Long ordered Angle to continue the match or Angle would never wrestle on SmackDown! again. After Angle returned to the ring, Big Show continued to squash Angle. Angle retrieved a steel chair but Big Show punched the chair onto Angle's face. As Big Show prepared to perform a chokeslam, Angle countered into an ankle lock. While Big Show reached the ropes to force Angle to break the hold, the referee was knocked down. Angle began targeting Big Show's knee and hit his knee with the chair. The match ended with Big Show chokeslamming Angle from the top rope for the win.[19][20]

John Cena faced Booker T for the United States Championship

The second main match was for the WWE United States Championship between Booker T and John Cena in the final "best of five" match. In the early stages of the match, Cena and Booker T fought at ringside. Cena took control as he performed a One-handed bulldog and a Five knuckle shuffle. Cena attempted an FU but Booker T countered with a Book End for a near-fall. Cena was able to dodge a Scissors Kick and executed the FU to win the title.[19][20]

Next was a mixed tag team match between The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) and Dawn Marie versus Charlie Haas, Rico Constantino, and Miss Jackie. The match ended when Haas performed a pointed elbow drop and tagged in Rico, who performed a moonsault for the win.[19][20]

The Undertaker faced John "Bradshaw" Layfield for the WWE Championship

In the main event, John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) faced The Undertaker for the WWE Championship in a Last Ride Match. At the beginning, The Undertaker performed Old School, a Chokeslam and a leg drop on the ring apron. JBL hit The Undertaker with the steel steps and tried to put The Undertaker in the hearse but The Undertaker fought back. JBL executed a diving shoulder block but The Undertaker applied a triangle choke hold on JBL, leading JBL to submit to no effect. The Undertaker backdropped out of a piledriver attempt on the steel steps and executed a Tombstone Piledriver on the steel steps, causing JBL to bleed. The Undertaker chokeslammed JBL through a broadcast table. The Undertaker carried JBL to the hearse but Heidenreich came out of the hearse and covered his mouth with a soaked rag filled with chloroform. Heidenreich placed The Undertaker into the hearse and drove off. Inside the hearse, The Undertaker jumped out and attacked Heidenreich. JBL executed a Clothesline from Hell and helped Heidenreich place The Undertaker back into the hearse. Backstage, Paul Heyman drove the hearse to the parking lot, where Heidenreich drove a car into it, causing an inexplicable explosion, meaning JBL retained the title.[19][20]

Reception

[edit]

The Continental Airlines Arena usually can accommodate 20,000, but the capacity was reduced for the event.[21][22] This event grossed over $700,000 from an approximate attendance of 10,000 – the maximum allowed.[23] It also received 240,000 pay-per-view buys.[23] No Mercy helped WWE earn $24.7 million in revenue from pay-per-view events versus $18.5 million the previous year, which was later confirmed by Linda McMahon, the CEO of WWE, on November 23, 2004 in a quarterly result.[23] Canadian Online Explorer's professional wrestling section rated the event 5 out of 10.[19] The rating was the same as the No Mercy 2005 event, which was marked as an "absolutely terrible" pay-per-view from WWE.[24] The standard match between Billy Kidman and Paul London was rated a 7 out of 10.[19] Additionally, the matches of Eddie Guerrero versus Luther Reigns, Spike Dudley versus Nunzio, Booker T versus John Cena, and the Last Ride match were all rated a 4 out of 10.[19]

The event was released on DVD on November 9, 2004.[25] The DVD was distributed by the label, Sony Music Entertainment.

Aftermath

[edit]

Following No Mercy, the storyline between JBL and The Undertaker ended. JBL was then placed in a new angle against Booker T. On an episode of SmackDown!, a six-man tag team match involving Booker T, Rob Van Dam, and Rey Mysterio taking on JBL, Kenzo Suzuki, and René Duprée was scheduled.[26][27] At the time, Booker T being a villain, congratulated JBL with the success that he has accomplished within the company in a segment backstage.[26][27] The tag team match got underway, and JBL was led to believe that Booker T was going to betray his tag partners, as Booker T warned both Van Dam and Mysterio not to interfere with him during the match.[26][27] The match concluded with Booker T pinning JBL for the win, thus turning Booker T into a crowd favorite.[26][27] The following week on SmackDown!, Booker T defeated Orlando Jordan, JBL's associate, to earn the right to face JBL for the WWE Championship at Survivor Series.[28][29] At Survivor Series, JBL defeated Booker T to retain the WWE title.[30]

On the October 21 episode of SmackDown!, Paul Heyman requested that Theodore Long schedule a match between Heidenreich and The Undertaker at Survivor Series.[26][27] Long agreed to the match, but informed Heyman that in order for the match to take place, he had to get The Undertaker to sign the contract personally.[26][27] The following week, Heyman met The Undertaker at an undisclosed location where he pleaded his case about Heidenreich wanting to face The Undertaker in a match.[28][29] The Undertaker signed the contract and warned Heyman he would defeat Heidenreich at Survivor Series.[28] At Survivor Series, The Undertaker was successful in defeating Heidenreich.[31]

Following his win at No Mercy, John Cena lost the WWE United States Championship to Carlito Caribbean Cool, who debuted on SmackDown!.[32][33] As part of the storyline, Carlito was given a bodyguard, Jesús, who stabbed Cena in the kidney while at a Boston-area nightclub.[34][35] On the November 18 episode of SmackDown!, Cena captured the United States Championship after defeating Carlito for it.[36][37] Cena later debuted a "custom made" spinner-style title belt in December at Armageddon in a Street Fight against Jesús.[38]

Results

[edit]
No.Results[18][39]StipulationsTimes[19]
1HMark Jindrak defeated Scotty 2 Hotty by pinfallSingles match2:46
2Eddie Guerrero defeated Luther Reigns (with Mark Jindrak) by pinfallSingles match13:22
3Spike Dudley (c) (with The Dudley Boyz) defeated Nunzio (with Johnny Stamboli) by pinfallSingles match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship8:48
4Billy Kidman defeated Paul London by pinfallSingles match10:37
5René Duprée and Kenzo Suzuki (c) (with Hiroko Suzuki) defeated Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio by pinfallTag team match for the WWE Tag Team Championship9:13
6Big Show defeated Kurt Angle by pinfallSingles match
Luther Reigns & Mark Jindrak were banned from ringside. Had anyone interfered in the match, they would be fired 		13:07
7John Cena defeated Booker T (c) by pinfallSingles match for the WWE United States Championship
Final match in the best of five series		10:22
8Miss Jackie, Charlie Haas, and Rico defeated Dawn Marie and The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) by pinfallMixed tag team match8:48
9John "Bradshaw" Layfield (c) defeated The UndertakerLast Ride match for the WWE Championship21:06
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
H – the match was broadcast prior to the pay-per-view on Sunday Night Heat

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

No Mercy (2004)

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from Grokipedia
No Mercy (2004) was the seventh annual professional wrestling pay-per-view (PPV) event produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), held on October 3, 2004, at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The event, exclusive to the SmackDown brand during WWE's brand extension era, featured eight matches, including four championship contests, and drew an attendance of approximately 10,000 spectators. It highlighted ongoing feuds and rivalries central to the SmackDown roster, with significant outcomes that advanced key storylines heading into late 2004. The card opened with defeating Luther Reigns in a singles match, followed by Spike Dudley retaining the Cruiserweight Championship against Nunzio. then defeated in a Cruiserweight division bout, often noted for its high-flying action. Mid-card highlights included Rene Dupree and retaining the Tag Team Championship over and , as well as defeating in a grudge match. One of the event's pivotal moments occurred when defeated Booker T in the fifth and final match of their best-of-five series to capture the , solidifying Cena's rise as a main event contender. A six-person mixed match saw Rico, , and Miss Jackie triumph over The and Dawn Marie. The main event was a high-stakes WWE Championship defense by John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) against The Undertaker in a Last Ride match—a stipulation requiring the winner to place their opponent in a hearse and drive it away—where JBL controversially retained the title via interference from Heidenreich, allowing him to hit a Clothesline from Hell and place the Undertaker in the hearse. This outcome extended JBL's record-breaking reign as champion, which had begun earlier that year, and intensified The Undertaker's pursuit into subsequent events.

Production

Background

No Mercy was established as World Wrestling Entertainment's () annual October pay-per-view event beginning with the October 17, 1999, edition in Cleveland, Ohio, following an inaugural UK-exclusive iteration in May of that year. The 2004 installment represented the seventh in the series and operated exclusively under the SmackDown! brand, continuing the format initiated in 2003 amid WWE's policy that separated its roster into Raw and SmackDown! divisions since March 2002. Held on October 3, 2004, at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the event accommodated a capacity crowd of approximately 10,000 attendees. The 2004 production centered on eight professional wrestling matches drawn from SmackDown! brand rivalries, with the main event innovating the Last Ride match stipulation—requiring competitors to transport their opponent into a hearse and drive it away from the arena—for the WWE Championship contest.

Storylines

The storylines leading into No Mercy (2004) were developed primarily through episodes of WWE's SmackDown! program in September 2004, featuring in-ring confrontations, promos, and video vignettes that highlighted ongoing rivalries within the SmackDown! roster. The WWE Championship match between champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) and The Undertaker stemmed from JBL's controversial title reign, which began at The Great American Bash earlier in 2004 and was marked by interference from his "Cabinet" stable. The Undertaker, returning from a storyline injury, first challenged JBL at SummerSlam but lost due to outside help from JBL's allies; this led to escalating attacks, including The Undertaker's assault on JBL during the September 16 episode of SmackDown!. On the September 9 episode, after JBL chose Eddie Guerrero as opponent but switched following an attack on Guerrero by Angle and Reigns, SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long booked the bout as a Last Ride match—where the winner must place the loser into a hearse—to settle the feud decisively. JBL's associates, including Orlando Jordan, along with allies Gangrel and Viscera, retaliated by ambushing The Undertaker later that week, intensifying the personal animosity through vignettes depicting The Undertaker's vengeful Deadman persona. The feud between and Booker T evolved from Cena's rapid rise as a fan favorite rapper and underdog champion earlier in 2004. Cena's title was stripped by the corrupt general manager in the summer, prompting new GM to award it to Booker T and establish a best-of-five series to determine the rightful holder. Booker T turned during the , mocking Cena's streetwise persona with taunts and physical dominance in their matches, which were tied at 2-2 by late September. Promos on SmackDown! emphasized Cena's resilience against Booker T's veteran aggression, with in-ring stare-downs building tension for the decisive fifth match. Kurt Angle's rivalry with originated from an April 2004 incident where "broke" Angle's leg in a brutal attack, sidelining the Olympic gold medalist and fueling Angle's quest for retribution upon his return. The feud escalated on the September 9 episode of SmackDown!, where a Lumberjack match devolved into chaos with 's return and attacks on multiple wrestlers, heightening tensions. Their singles match was later booked for No Mercy. Long's on-screen interference, including distractions during confrontations, added layers of authority meddling, while vignettes showcased Angle targeting 's vulnerabilities. Eddie Guerrero's match against arose from Reigns' role as an enforcer in Angle's orbit, protecting his allies amid Guerrero's chaotic feuds over trust and betrayal. Reigns repeatedly interfered in Guerrero's bouts, including a shot to Guerrero's leg during a prior contest, positioning the singles match as Guerrero's fight for personal security against such hired muscle. The Cruiserweight Championship bout between champion and Nunzio highlighted tensions between the Dudley family and the (FBI) stable, with family loyalties at stake. Nunzio earned his title opportunity by pinning in a non-title match on SmackDown! the week prior, drawing interference from Dudley's brothers Bubba Ray and D-Von into the promotional narrative. Billy Kidman and Paul London's encounter stemmed from fractured tensions in the cruiserweight division after their time as partners, with Kidman adopting a more aggressive style that clashed with London's high-flying optimism. Video packages on SmackDown! recapped their deteriorating alliance through competitive exchanges, emphasizing the division's emphasis on speed and betrayal. The WWE Tag Team Championship defense by champions and against and built on the international heels' mockery of , including Suzuki's satirical performances of "Born in the U.S.A." during entrances. The challengers, high-flying fan favorites, had traded victories with the champions in recent SmackDown! tag matches, culminating in a direct title challenge after and Van Dam's upset win over the duo earlier in the fall. The mixed tag team match involving Miss Jackie, , and Rico against Dawn Marie and The (Bubba Ray and D-Von) revolved around wedding drama and romantic entanglements surrounding Haas. Jackie, Haas' fiancée, clashed with Dawn Marie, who claimed Haas was obsessed with her during Jackie's absences, leading to catfights on SmackDown!. The Dudleys aligned with Dawn after she publicly boasted about her involvement with Haas on the September 30 episode, pulling Rico—Jackie's ally—into the fray as a defender of their circle.

Event

Preliminary matches

The preliminary portion of No Mercy 2004, held on October 3 at the Continental Airlines Arena in , featured a series of undercard bouts designed to energize the live crowd of approximately 10,000 and establish early momentum for the evening's high-stakes action. The pre-show match saw overpower in a brief encounter, showcasing Jindrak's raw power through dominant strikes and a decisive finisher that highlighted his potential as an emerging force on SmackDown, effectively warming up the audience with a straightforward showcase. Opening the main pay-per-view card, faced in a resulting from Reigns' prior attacks on Guerrero. Guerrero asserted technical dominance early with arm drags, dropkicks, and a prolonged bearhug to wear down his larger opponent, while Reigns countered with power moves like short-arm clotheslines and spinebusters to shift momentum. The bout built tension through Guerrero's resourceful use of a chair, culminating in his signature frog splash that drew a roaring ovation from the crowd, who had been firmly behind the high-flying champion throughout. In the WWE Cruiserweight Championship defense, Spike Dudley defended against Nunzio, delivering a fast-paced affair filled with aerial spots including hiptosses, arm drags, and high-risk dives that emphasized the division's athleticism. Interference from the Dudley Boyz added layers of chaos, with Bubba Ray's involvement turning the tide amid a supportive crowd that appreciated the underdog resilience, ultimately allowing Dudley to retain the title via a clever backslide. Billy Kidman clashed with Paul London in a Cruiserweight showdown marked by intense high-flying exchanges, such as London's moonsault and dropkicks countered by Kidman's gutbusters and powerbombs. The match escalated, leading to his upset victory via Shooting Star Press after London was left bloodied from the mouth, a sequence that elicited mixed reactions from the audience but underscored Kidman's heel turn and the bout's role in elevating midcard stakes. The Tag Team Championship match pitted champions and against and , erupting into chaos with rapid tags, hot switches, and standout spots like Mysterio's 619 and Van Dam's Rolling Thunder. Interference from Suzuki outside the ring disrupted the challengers' rhythm, amplifying the disorder as the crowd chanted enthusiastically for the fan favorites, building palpable energy for the night's marquee contests through the high-octane action. The mixed tag team match brought levity with Miss Jackie, Charlie Haas, and Rico battling Dawn Marie and The Dudley Boyz, blending comedic catfights between the women, Rico's flamboyant moonsaults, and brawling from the Dudleys' power offense like spinebusters. Haas contributed technical flair with crossbodies, while the segment's humorous undertones, including Rico's over-the-top antics, drew laughs and cheers from the audience, providing a lighter breather that maintained crowd engagement without overshadowing the athletic displays. Overall, these preliminary matches fostered an electric atmosphere, with the crowd's vocal support for high spots and underdog stories transitioning seamlessly into the main events, as evidenced by sustained pops for and that carried forward.

Main event matches

The main event matches at No Mercy 2004 showcased the SmackDown brand's top talent in high-stakes contests that emphasized power, resilience, and dramatic , contributing to the event's reputation as a pivotal for character development and title implications. Kurt Angle faced Big Show in a singles match with Luther Reigns and Mark Jindrak banned from ringside by SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long, under threat of termination. Angle, leveraging his amateur wrestling background, targeted Big Show's left knee early, using a steel chair to weaken the larger opponent and attempting an ankle lock submission hold to ground him. Big Show asserted his dominance with a Gorilla Press Slam. The match built to a climactic sequence where Big Show delivered a chokeslam, pinning Angle for the victory at 13:07 and solidifying his return as a force on the roster. This encounter highlighted the contrast between technical precision and raw power, underscoring Angle's vulnerability against larger foes while advancing Big Show's redemption arc. In the semi-main event, John Cena challenged Booker T for the WWE United States Championship in the decisive fifth match of their best-of-five series, tied at 2-2, with the winner claiming the title vacated earlier by corrupt management. The bout opened with intense brawling at ringside, where Cena gained momentum via a one-handed bulldog and his signature Five Knuckle Shuffle, while Booker countered with a Scissors Kick and Book End for several near-falls that kept the crowd engaged. Booker briefly introduced a chair into the mix, but referee intervention prevented disqualification, allowing Cena to rally with an FU (Attitude Adjustment precursor) to secure the pinfall at 10:22 and capture the championship. This victory marked a breakthrough for Cena, transitioning him from rising star to titleholder and intensifying his "Doctor of Thuganomics" persona through in-ring mic work and resilient performances that resonated with the SmackDown audience. The headline attraction pitted WWE Champion JBL against The Undertaker in a Last Ride match, where victory required placing the opponent inside a parked at ringside and driving it away to end the contest. The Deadman controlled the early going with supernatural intensity, executing a Tombstone Piledriver on the steel steps that left JBL bleeding and a through the announce table, creating multiple dramatic near-falls amid the brutal, no-holds-barred environment. JBL retaliated with his Clothesline from Hell and attempted to load Undertaker into the hearse several times, but the Phenom's resilience prolonged the 21-minute affair until a shocking interference: Heidenreich, hidden inside the hearse, emerged with a chloroform-soaked rag to incapacitate Undertaker. With Heidenreich's aid, JBL completed the by securing Undertaker in the vehicle and driving off, retaining the title at 21:06 and extending his controversial reign while setting up future feuds through the controversial finish. This match exemplified the SmackDown brand's flair for cinematic stipulations and high drama, reinforcing JBL's champion status against Undertaker's mythic aura.

Reception

Commercial performance

No Mercy (2004) drew 183,000 pay-per-view buys, marking a decline from the 275,000 buys for the 2003 edition of the event. The event attracted an attendance of 10,000 at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. These figures contributed to WWE's strong overall pay-per-view performance in 2004, with the company generating approximately $95.3 million in worldwide PPV revenue for the fiscal year, driven in part by major events like WrestleMania XX. The live gate revenue exceeded $700,000, supporting WWE's total live event and PPV segment that year. The was broadcast in through standard PPV providers, with additional international syndication in select markets via television networks and services. A DVD release followed on November 9, 2004, as part of WWE's ongoing distribution strategy to capitalize on event highlights and extend audience reach beyond live viewership.

Critical response

The critical response to No Mercy 2004 from contemporary wrestling journalism was generally mixed, with praise directed toward the undercard's athletic displays and criticisms focused on the main event's sluggish execution and overreliance on gimmicks. Contemporary reviews noted a mediocre overall showing amid a challenging year for the SmackDown brand. Reviewers highlighted the strengths of the cruiserweight and mid-card divisions, particularly Eddie Guerrero's resilient performance in the opening match against , where his technical prowess and crowd engagement stood out as a highlight in an otherwise formulaic encounter. The mixed match involving Rico and also drew positive notes for its comedic timing and unexpected energy, providing relief from the card's heavier segments. In contrast, the main event drew widespread criticism for its slow buildup and contrived stipulations, with the explosion finish seen as emblematic of dated booking choices that undermined The Undertaker's impactful comeback. Pro Wrestling Torch's staff analysis emphasized the intrigue generated by The Undertaker's return as a key draw, yet noted how the match's plodding structure failed to capitalize on the buildup's potential. Overall, the event's reception underscored a divide between entertaining undercard spots and a top-heavy structure that struggled to deliver payoff. Contemporary coverage from outlets like 411Mania echoed these sentiments, with J.D. Dunn awarding four stars to the Kidman-London clash as the night's standout for its narrative depth, while rating the JBL-Undertaker affair at just 1.5 stars for its "deadly boring" early going and reliance on interference. The SmarK Rant on Inside Pulse similarly praised the cruiserweight title defenses and tag bouts at around 2.5-2.75 stars for their entertainment value, but dismissed the main event at 1.25 stars as a clichéd brawl lacking momentum. While dedicated modern retrospective analyses remain limited and often folded into broader examinations of the Ruthless Aggression era, examples include a 2025 review on Retro Pro Wrestling, which described the event as disappointing overall despite highlights like the cruiserweight matches.

Aftermath

Immediate fallout

Following John "Bradshaw" Layfield's (JBL) controversial retention of the in the Last Ride match against at No Mercy, SmackDown booking immediately positioned JBL for non-title defenses to build momentum for his reign. On the October 7 episode, JBL escaped with a count-out victory over , continuing his reliance on underhanded tactics to avoid clean losses. This pattern escalated on the October 21 episode, where Booker T, who had competed against at the , pinned JBL in a six-man tag team match alongside and against JBL, , and René Duprée, officially earning Booker T a opportunity at . John 's hard-fought win over Booker T to capture the United States Championship at No Mercy marked a return to the title after losing it earlier in 2004, but the title's status shifted dramatically in the ensuing weeks. On the October 7 episode of SmackDown, debuting Carlito Cool upset in his promotional debut to claim the United States Championship via pinfall after a distraction-assisted Apple Spitter. sought immediate retribution, regaining the title via pinfall on the November 18 episode in a 30-second match, setting up a volatile short-term centered on 's aggressive defenses that extended to . Big Show's dominant victory over in their singles match at No Mercy solidified his monster persona, prompting further escalation on television. On the episode, Big Show squashed Angle's protégé in under three minutes, underscoring Angle's vulnerability and drawing direct intervention from SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long. Long, aiming to curb Big Show's rampage and support Angle's competitive pursuits, announced protective stipulations and rematch opportunities in the following weeks, including Angle's participation in a number one contender's on October 14. The pay-per-view's main event also sparked an abrupt redirection for The Undertaker, as Heidenreich—managed by Paul Heyman—interfered by attacking the champion mid-match, allowing JBL to secure the win and igniting a personal vendetta. This led to The Undertaker confronting Heidenreich on the October 21 episode, where Heidenreich scored a quick upset over Shannon Moore, signaling the start of their intense feud culminating at Survivor Series. In the lower card, Billy Kidman's upset victory over Paul London in a non-title cruiserweight division bout at No Mercy resulted in immediate shakeups, with Kidman defending against Charlie Haas in a no-contest on October 7 and a successful pinfall retention on October 14. Similarly, tag team champions Kenzo Suzuki and René Duprée's retention over Rob Van Dam and Rey Mysterio prompted division realignments, including Duprée's individual loss to Van Dam on October 14 and multi-man tags integrating cruiserweights into broader storylines.

Long-term impacts

John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) retained the against at No Mercy, extending his reign that had begun at on June 27, 2004 and would continue uninterrupted until he dropped the title to at on April 3, 2005. This successful defense, part of a series of high-profile matches against top SmackDown talent, reinforced JBL's portrayal as a cunning, resilient champion who relied on interference and controversy to maintain his status amid fan backlash. The extension of his title run through the fall of 2004 helped establish JBL as a credible main event antagonist in WWE's post-Attitude Era landscape, setting the stage for his prolonged heel dominance into early 2005. John Cena's victory over Booker T to capture the United States Championship at No Mercy served as a pivotal elevation from midcard prominence to upper-card contention during his second reign with the title that year. Holding the title for 105 days from November 18, 2004, until losing it to on March 3, 2005, Cena's reign included defenses that showcased his growing popularity and in-ring reliability, directly contributing to his inclusion in the and accelerating his trajectory toward challenging for the at . This accomplishment solidified Cena's transition from a rapper gimmick to a prototypical heroic figure, laying foundational momentum for his decade-long status as WWE's top babyface. The Undertaker's defeat in the Last Ride match against JBL at No Mercy, aided by Heidenreich's interference, concluded a heated summer feud but ignited a new rivalry that revitalized his supernatural "Deadman" persona. This loss prompted Undertaker to pursue vengeance against Heidenreich, culminating in a Graveyard Match win at Survivor Series 2004, before evolving into a marquee confrontation with Randy Orton in 2005 that emphasized gothic elements like urns and lightning effects during their WrestleMania 21 encounter and subsequent Hell in a Cell bout at Armageddon. The storyline fallout reinforced Undertaker's enduring mystique, bridging his brief biker phase back to iconic horror-themed presentations that defined his later career feuds. Kurt Angle's submission loss to Big Show at No Mercy contributed to ongoing challenges from his neck injuries during the Ruthless Aggression era, but he remained active on SmackDown through early 2005, including a WWE Championship triple threat at Royal Rumble 2005 and participation in the Team SmackDown vs. Team Raw elimination match at Survivor Series 2004. Angle continued main event feuds, such as with JBL, before being drafted to Raw in June 2005, though chronic injuries ultimately led to his WWE departure in August 2006 without another world title reign. No Mercy 2004 exemplified SmackDown's robust 2004 booking under the Ruthless Aggression banner, bolstering the brand's rivalry with Raw through star-driven narratives involving JBL, Cena, Undertaker, and Angle that sustained viewer interest and PPV buy rates. The event's outcomes contributed to SmackDown's narrative momentum, fostering interconnected feuds that underscored WWE's emphasis on intense, character-building competition during a transitional period post-Attitude Era.

Results

Match outcomes

The matches at No Mercy 2004 consisted of a pre-show bout taped for WWE Heat and eight main card contests, all from the SmackDown brand. The results are summarized in the table below, denoting entering champions with (c), methods of victory where specified, and any notable interferences.
#StipulationParticipantsWinnerDurationNotes
Pre-showSingles matchMark Jindrak vs. Scotty 2 HottyMark Jindrak2:47Pinfall.
1Singles matchEddie Guerrero vs. Luther Reigns (w/ Mark Jindrak banned from ringside)Eddie Guerrero13:21Pinfall.
2WWE Cruiserweight ChampionshipSpike Dudley (c) vs. NunzioSpike Dudley (c)8:48Retained via pinfall.
3Singles match (number one contender's match for WWE Tag Team Championship)Billy Kidman vs. Paul LondonBilly Kidman10:36Pinfall.
4WWE Tag Team ChampionshipKenzo Suzuki (c) & René Duprée (c) (w/ Hiroko) vs. Rey Mysterio & Rob Van DamKenzo Suzuki (c) & René Duprée (c)9:13Retained via pinfall.
5Singles matchThe Big Show vs. Kurt AngleThe Big Show13:10Pinfall (no interference stipulation: loser fired).
6WWE United States Championship (fifth match in best-of-five series)Booker T (c) vs. John CenaJohn Cena10:20New champion via pinfall.
7Six-person mixed tag team matchCharlie Haas, Rico & Miss Jackie vs. Bubba Ray Dudley, D-Von Dudley & Dawn MarieCharlie Haas, Rico & Miss Jackie8:47Pinfall.
8WWE Championship Last Ride matchJBL (c) vs. The UndertakerJBL (c)20:35Retained by placing Undertaker in a hearse and driving away (interference by Heidenreich).

Event notes

The No Mercy 2004 proceeded without any reported major injuries or unexpected absences among the participating wrestlers during the live event. , referee duties were handled by a team of SmackDown regulars, including Charles Robinson, Nick Patrick, and Jim Korderas, ensuring consistent officiating across the card. SmackDown General Manager Theodore "Teddy" Long contributed significantly to the production through his on-screen authority, notably in a pre-event segment where he banned Reigns and from ringside for the Guerrero-Reigns match. Logistical preparations for the main event's hearse—positioned prominently on the entrance stage for the match's "Last Ride" objective—involved coordinated placement and safety measures to facilitate the dramatic sequences, including the vehicle's remote-controlled drive-off if a winner emerged. Event trivia includes 240,000 buys (buyrate of 0.48), a respectable figure for a SmackDown-exclusive PPV in 2004 amid the brand split era's competitive landscape. Unlike major events with promotional crossovers, No Mercy 2004 had no tie-ins with the WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2005 video game, which was released later in November 2004.

References

  1. https://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2004
  2. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/ppv-special/wwe-no-mercy-2004
  3. https://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2004/results
  4. https://www.wwe.com/classics/uk-exclusive-pay-per-views
  5. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/wweppv/nomercy/
  6. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Wrestling/NoMercy
  7. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/No_Mercy_2004
  8. https://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wwe-smackdown-report-09-09-04/
  9. https://www.blogofdoom.com/2019/03/03/no-mercy-2004/
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  11. https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2010/12/22/wwe-no-mercy-2004-1032004/
  12. https://retroprowrestling.com/wwe-no-mercy-2004-review/
  13. https://www.wwe.com/videos/john-cena-vs-booker-t-no-mercy-2004-united-states-championship-best-of-five-series-final
  14. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3MHuPQ-JoM
  15. https://bastionblogger.com/2018/01/03/no-mercy-2004/
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  19. https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wwf/nomercy.html
  20. https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wwe/wweppv/nomercy/wwe-no-mercy-2004/
  21. https://insidepulse.com/2004/10/20/28147/
  22. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2004/10/04/fans-wont-remember-no-mercy/
  23. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=2632
  24. https://tjrwrestling.net/review/tjr-retro-wwe-no-mercy-2004-review-jbl-vs-undertaker-last-ride-match/
  25. https://wrestletalk.com/stats/every-wwe-pay-per-view-buyrate/
  26. https://corporate.wwe.com/f/docs/annual-reports/2004.pdf
  27. https://www.wrestlingdvdnetwork.com/full-list-2004-wwe-dvds/360/
  28. https://dvdloc8.com/viewdvd_26181.html
  29. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/events-results/wwe/smackdown-2004
  30. https://www.thesportster.com/heidenreich-most-bizarre-career-in-wwe-history/
  31. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=193&page=11
  32. https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2012/02/04/reliving-a-title-run-5-jbl-as-wwe-champion-in-04-05/
  33. https://www.vulture.com/article/timeline-john-cena-best-wwe-moments.html
  34. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=691&page=11
  35. https://www.thesportster.com/wwe-every-undertaker-feud-ruthless-aggression-era-ranked/
  36. https://www.wwe.com/superstars/kurt-angle
  37. https://www.blogofdoom.com/2025/07/11/ruthless-aggression-era-every-wwe-championship-match-on-a-big-four-ppv-decisively-ranked/
  38. http://www.profightdb.com/cards/wwe/no-mercy-3904-169.html
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaHvAkg1lW8
  40. https://www.sacnilk.com/news/WWE_No_Mercy_%25282004%2529_Results_Winners_Matches_Venue_Attendance
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