After an absence of multiple months due to family issues, Jordan returned on the August 5 episode of "SmackDown!", defeating René Duprée. Later in the night, Jordan turned heel by saving WWE Champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) from an attack by the Undertaker. On the August 12 episode of "SmackDown!", Jordan joined Layfield's Cabinet, where he was appointed "Chief of Staff". Jordan faced the Undertaker in the main event later that night, losing by disqualification after Layfield attacked Undertaker mid-match. On the August 26 episode of "SmackDown!", Jordan once again faced Undertaker, this time with Layfield's WWE Championship on the line. The match once again ended in a disqualification after Layfield again interfered. On the November 25 episode of "SmackDown!", Jordan and Layfield defeated Eddie Guerrero and Booker T, after interference from The Basham Brothers, who were made the Cabinet's "co-secretaries of defense" on the December 2 episode of "SmackDown!". Jordan, Layfield and the Bashams were defeated by Booker T, the Undertaker and Eddie Guerrero in a 4-on-3 handicap match on the December 9 episode of "SmackDown!". Jordan entered his first Royal Rumble match at the titular event on January 30, 2005, but was eliminated by Booker T.