The buildup to the match began on the August 28 episode of SmackDown!, when Undertaker defeated Lesnar and The Big Show in a Triple Threat match, earning a title shot against then WWE Champion Kurt Angle.[2][3] On the September 4 episode of SmackDown!, Angle defended the championship against Undertaker, however, the match ended in a no contest after Lesnar interfered and attacked them both with a steel folding chair; Angle retained the championship as a result of Lesnar's interference.[4][5] On the September 18 episode of SmackDown!, Angle defended the title against Lesnar in a 60-minute Iron Man match.