Judgment Day 2009: Good Wrestling, Familiar Stories, and One Final Verdict

Umaga and Punk open with a physical match built around the hometown favorite trying to solve an opponent he cannot overpower. Punk attacks with kicks, dives, and repeated attempts to lift Umaga, while Umaga cuts him off through size and heavy strikes. The crowd gives Punk's comebacks useful energy, especially when he strings together head kicks and appears close to creating the Go to Sleep. Umaga's power prevents that finish from ever becoming realistic. After surviving Punk's best burst, he lands a superkick, running hip attack, and Samoan Spike for the clean pin. The result is surprising because Punk holds Money in the Bank, but it gives Umaga credibility and advances their rivalry. The match is solid, straightforward, and more effective than the booking initially appears.

Christian and Swagger produce a smart rematch that leans on counters and character rather than trying to top their Backlash match through bigger spots. Swagger controls with amateur wrestling and power, while Christian repeatedly looks for shortcuts and quick reversals. The finishing sequence fits both men perfectly. Swagger attempts to roll Christian up while grabbing the tights, but the referee catches him. Moments later Christian pulls down Swagger's singlet straps and uses the same illegal leverage on his own roll-up, escaping with the championship because the referee misses it. The hypocrisy is intentional and gives Christian a clever veteran victory without making Swagger look incapable of beating him. Nine minutes is enough for the story, and the crowd responds well to the champion's resourcefulness. It is a good ECW title match with an appropriately crafty finish.

Morrison and Benjamin get a useful showcase for their athleticism at a time when Morrison is settling into his singles babyface role. Benjamin works with more aggression, using Charlie Haas at ringside to create distractions and slow Morrison's momentum. Morrison answers through speed, springboard offense, and several counters that keep the crowd invested even when the middle section becomes methodical. Benjamin's power gives the near falls weight, but he never finds a decisive answer for Morrison's movement. After surviving another interference attempt, Morrison creates space and lands Starship Pain for the clean pin. The victory matters more than the match itself because it continues Morrison's post-draft rise on SmackDown. Ten minutes feels appropriate, and both men look credible, though the bout never reaches the spectacular level their reputations might suggest.

Mysterio and Jericho deliver the night's best match by turning the 619 into the central tactical problem. Jericho repeatedly blocks or counters the move, forcing Mysterio to improvise instead of relying on his normal sequence. The counters become progressively better, including Jericho catching Mysterio directly into the Walls of Jericho and repeatedly threatening the mask. Mysterio survives by using speed and positioning, while Jericho's frustration creates openings rather than random mistakes. The final sequence pays off the entire structure: Mysterio finally lands the 619 and follows with the splash to retain. The crowd is fully invested, the pacing stays sharp, and neither wrestler wastes motion. Their later matches become even better, but this is an excellent first pay-per-view chapter and the clearest example of Judgment Day's strong bell-to-bell wrestling.

Orton and Batista spend too much of the match working toward the non-finish instead of building a compelling championship fight. Orton stalls, uses chinlocks, and repeatedly tries to escape the ring once Batista's power begins creating momentum. The story eventually becomes explicit when Orton attempts to get counted out, tries to use a chair and the championship belt, and finally decides to force the disqualification himself. Batista blocks the RKO, Orton backs into referee Mike Chioda, and then deliberately slaps him to trigger the bell. The finish protects Orton's title and leads naturally to the steel cage rematch, but it makes the previous fourteen minutes feel like setup. Ric Flair's post-match return gives the crowd a strong moment, yet the championship match itself is slow, evasive, and intentionally unsatisfying.

Cena and Big Show tell a simple injury story for nearly fifteen minutes, but the pace is too slow for the amount of drama it produces. Show repeatedly attacks Cena's ribs, uses bearhugs and heavy strikes, and prevents the STF because of his size. Cena sells consistently and finds short comebacks through the Five Knuckle Shuffle, DDT, and top-rope leg drop. The crowd reacts to the strength challenge more than the wrestling itself. After escaping another knockout-punch attempt, Cena simply lifts Show for the Attitude Adjustment and gets the pin. The finish is visually impressive, yet it arrives after long stretches of repetitive control and makes Show's sustained offense feel less consequential. The match accomplishes the basic story of Cena overcoming injury and size, but it is one of the night's weakest attractions.

Edge and Hardy close with another very good match built on years of familiarity and the challenger's willingness to take increasingly dangerous risks. Hardy controls long stretches through speed, dives, and creative counters, while Edge attacks the lower back and waits for mistakes. The ringside sequence adds real danger when Edge Spears Hardy off the barricade after Hardy tries to run across it. Back inside, Hardy survives several near falls and appears close to winning after repeated Twist of Fate variations. Matt Hardy's cast shot changes the match, but Jeff still kicks out once before the final move. Edge catches him on the top rope and delivers an Edgecution to retain. The interference keeps the result from feeling definitive, yet the match itself is strong, dramatic, and a worthy main event.