Background
The main feud heading into The Great American Bash was between Rey Mysterio and King Booker over the World Heavyweight Championship. On the July 7 edition of SmackDown!, Booker became the number-one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship by last eliminating William Regal and Matt Hardy in a Battle Royal. Later that night, Booker and Queen Sharmell, Booker's wife, attacked Mysterio backstage, and executed a low blow.
I will beat this peasant (Mysterio), and take the World Championship at the Great American Bash. I want it all. I want my entire kingdom to rejoice in my royal splendor. King Booker will soon be King of the world. —King Booker commenting on his future World Heavyweight Championship match against Rey Mysterio.The following week, on SmackDown!, Mysterio faced off against William Regal, a member of Booker's Court. Booker, who was providing commentary for the match, attempted to interfere and attack Mysterio. Mysterio, however, attacked Booker and pinned Regal for the win. After the match, Mysterio executed a 619 and a seated senton on Booker. On the July 21 edition of SmackDown!, Mysterio defeated Booker in a non-title match. Mysterio pinned Booker after a 619 following interference from Chavo Guerrero.
Another primary feud heading into the event was between The Great Khali and The Undertaker. At the previous SmackDown! brand pay-per-view event, Judgment Day, Khali defeated The Undertaker. One month later, on the June 30 edition of SmackDown!, Khali challenged Undertaker to a Punjabi Prison match at The Great American Bash. The following week, Undertaker accepted Khali's challenge.
Great Khali, you dare challenge me. There's an old saying that says you should quit while you're ahead. At The Great American Bash, I will face you in your Punjabi Prison match, and you will, Rest in Peace. —Undertaker accepting The Great Khali's challenge to a Punjabi Prison match at The Great American Bash.A promoted match on the card saw the returning Batista face Ken Kennedy. Mark Henry and Batista were both involved in a feud between the World Heavweight Champion Batista and Mysterio against MNM, Johnny Nitro, Joey Mercury and Melina over the WWE Tag Team Championship with Henry assisting in MNM's defense. Soon after Batista suffered an injury. Upon his return, the two began a feud and were boooked in a match at The Great American Bash until Henry suffered an injury in a six-man tag team match with Finlay and King Booker against Batista, Mysterio and Bobby Lashley. Henry's replacement was his ally Ken Kennedy.
Read more about this topic: The Great American Bash (2006)
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