The Undertaker vs. The Great Khali – WWE Judgment Day 2006 (Full Match Details)
Event: WWE Judgment Day 2006
Date: May 21, 2006
Venue: US Airways Center
City: Phoenix
Brand: SmackDown!
Match Type: Singles Match
Manager: Daivari accompanied The Great Khali.
Background
- The Great Khali made his WWE debut in April 2006 by attacking The Undertaker.
- Khali, managed by Daivari, repeatedly claimed he had “broken the Deadman’s spirit.”
- Undertaker disappeared from television for several weeks following Khali’s assault.
- SmackDown! General Manager Theodore Long later announced Undertaker had challenged Khali to a match at Judgment Day, which Khali accepted.
Match Summary
Entrances
- The Great Khali entered first with Daivari.
- The Undertaker made his return with his signature dark entrance to a huge ovation.
Opening Minutes
- Undertaker attacked with punches and forearms.
- Khali barely moved from the strikes because of his massive size.
- Khali quickly shoved Undertaker away and established control using his strength.
Khali Dominates
- Khali delivered:
- Heavy overhand chops
- Massive kicks
- Clubbing forearms
- Standing boots to the chest
- Undertaker was repeatedly knocked to the mat.
- Khali used his size to prevent Undertaker from mounting sustained offense.
Undertaker’s Comeback
- Undertaker ducked a chop and landed several punches.
- He walked the top rope and connected with Old School.
- Undertaker attempted a Chokeslam, but Khali’s size prevented him from lifting the giant.
- Khali blocked the move and regained control.
Daivari’s Involvement
- Daivari distracted Undertaker from ringside.
- Undertaker briefly grabbed Daivari and threw him into the ring.
- The referee ordered Daivari away from ringside while Khali recovered.
Finish
- Khali hit Undertaker with a devastating overhand chop to the head.
- He followed with a huge Big Boot to the face.
- Rather than using a traditional cover, Khali simply placed one foot on Undertaker’s chest.
- The referee counted:
- 1…
- 2…
- 3…
Winner: The Great Khali via pinfall.
Match Statistics
- Winner: The Great Khali
- Method: Pinfall
- Finishing Sequence: Overhand chop → Big Boot → Foot-on-chest pin
- Manager: Daivari
- Championship: None
- Stipulation: Standard Singles Match
After the Match
- Undertaker remained motionless in the ring after the decisive loss.
- Daivari celebrated, proclaiming Khali had “slain the Phenom.”
- WWE presented the victory as one of the most dominant defeats of Undertaker’s career, emphasizing that Khali had overwhelmed him physically.
Storyline Aftermath
- The rivalry continued throughout the summer.
- Khali challenged Undertaker to a Punjabi Prison Match at The Great American Bash, but Khali was removed from the match due to a medical issue involving elevated liver enzymes, and The Big Show took his place.
- Undertaker and Khali resumed their feud later, eventually concluding it on SmackDown! before SummerSlam 2006.
Match Reception
The match is widely regarded as one of the weaker bouts in Undertaker’s career. Critics praised WWE’s effort to establish The Great Khali as an unstoppable monster, but many felt the match suffered from a slow pace and limited in-ring action. Despite the criticism, Khali’s clean victory over Undertaker was a major moment in his early WWE run.
