Opinion

Pros & Cons of Each Money In The Bank Competitor Winning The Contract

A look at each WWE Money In The Bank competitor and the pros & cons of their potential victory!

Published

6 years ago

June 17, 2018

Cameron Shank

Take a look at each WWE Money In The Bank competitor and the pros and cons of their potential victory!

Lana

Pro – While it is a near certainty that Lana doesn’t come away from Chicago with the briefcase, a Lana/Rusev win would be historic. Not to mention the outcome would be completely out of left field. Some fans complain of a lack of truly surprising moments. Well this would quench their thirst and then some.

Con – Out of all the women in the Money in the Bank ladder match, Lana has the least in-ring experience. Despite being over with the fans, her in ring skill isn’t the best. Compared to the other women in the match, she is the least qualified to be carrying a preverbal title opportunity.

Naomi

Pro – Being one of the most athletic superstars in WWE, Naomi has proven her worth before, but whose to say she can’t do it again. She did win the Women’s battle royal at WrestleMania, thus giving her the opportunity to separate the Women’s WrestleMania Battle Royal from the winners of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Con – With Naomi being the lovable face that she is, it’s hard to see her cash in on a downed champion. A heel turn could make sense as of the division is face heavy. But I don’t think I’m alone here when I say I’d rather see Becky Lynch take on that task.

Ember Moon

Pro – Ember Moon is one of the most gifted superstars on the RAW roster. And while her time on the main roster has been short, she has had a better run than most NXT call ups. Like Finn Balor before her, a quick push to a championship could show how much she is regarded backstage.

Con – Moon has only been on the main roster for two months now, and while some superstars have won championships in less time, Moon would do well to wait a while before capturing the RAW Women’s championship. And since Ember is a clear cut babyface, the Money in the Bank contract doesn’t mesh well with her character.

Charlotte

Pro – Despite being one of the most dominant women in WWE, it isn’t likely she’ll come away with the win in Chicago. If she does will then, it will be a complete swerve. Then Charlotte Flair will have another niche in her belt if WWE is trying to portray her as the greatest female of all time.

Con – Charlotte simply doesn’t need Money in the Bank. Not only is she already a part of the women’s main event scene, but she also has a hefty number of accolades already associated with her name. The money in the Bank match is designed to get people to the top title, not keep them there.

Becky Lynch

Pro – Lynch said it herself on Tuesday, since being the inaugural SmackdownLive Women’s Championship, she hasn’t done anything noteworthy. A win this Sunday would reestablish Lynch in a title scene she hasn’t been a part of for months. Becky has always been portrayed as the

Con – With Auska and Charlotte on the same brand, and the rumor of a champion vs. champion match between Charlotte and Rousey in the works, a title run for Lynch would be transitional at best. Even if she held on the briefcase passed WrestleMania, there is no telling what the talent pool will look like.

Sasha Banks

Pro – Banks winning would not only help boost her back into the main event scene, but also it could advance the Sasha/Bayley frenemies story. A heel turn could be just what the Boss needs to get out of the slump she’s been on. As one of the best performers in the women’s division, she’s certainly earned another go at the top.

Con – Banks has yet to defend the RAW Women’s Championship after winning it. So if she was to capture the championship again, one might be skeptical of her reign. But with her fued with Bayley still going, and Rousey in the title picture, it might not be her time. Besides, there are other ways of getting an already four time champion into a title match.

Alexa Bliss

Pro – Alexa Bliss and the Money in the Bank briefcase seem like the perfect match. Bliss running down the ramp, contract in hand, is not hard to picture. As a break from the title scene, Bliss could still be an important figure in the Women’s division.

Con – After just being defeated for the RAW Women’s Championship, Alexa would do well with some time away from the title scene. Alexa has been on top of both women’s divisions for a while now, and letting someone else get a piece of the spotlight will not only help another woman, but it will also make sure Bliss doesn’t look too strong.

Natalya

Pro – with Ronda Rousey possibly capturing the RAW Women’s Championship, the resulting story between the two friends could make for an entertaining dynamic. And Natalya certainly deserves a championship run after all her years of service.

Con – If Natalya does manage to take down the briefcase this Sunday it may telegraph a Ronda Rousey title win. And if WWE wants to do the rumored Charlotte vs. Rousey match, Natalya would just be getting in the way of things. If a feud would start between Rousey and herself, she would undoubtedly end up on the losing end.

Bobby Roode

Pro – Roode has been floundering on the main roster ever since he got called up. While a short United States Championship run kept him occupied, it didn’t do much in the grand scheme of things. Winning the briefcase would elevate Roode to main event status.

Con – However, Roode will have to have an evolution of character if he wants to make an effective Mr. Money in the Bank. There have been rumors of a turn for the Glorious One, but if that isn’t the case, perhaps the briefcase would do better for someone else.

Rusev

Pro – People would lose their minds if Rusev won the contract this Sunday. Not only would Rusev Day get the spotlight many believe it to deserve, but it would also be an endorsement to how over Rusev has gotten. A cash in from the Bulgarian Brute could rival that of Dolph Ziggler, especially if it happens to occur on Rusev Day.

Con – A downside to this, however, is that with Styles, Nakamura, and possibly Samoa Joe in the title picture, there would be little chance to cash in. He may be holding on to the contract for a long time before he gets the chance to become champion. By then the luster of Rusev Day might wear off.

Finn Balor

Pro – Since winning the Universal Championship in record time, Balor hasn’t amounted to much on the main roster. Since he was never given his rematch for the Universal Championship, he does hold a claim that could make for a good story. And with Rollins doing wonders with the I.C. title, it may be best for Balor to capture a win on Sunday. Mabye we could even see a heel turn.

Con – With Brock Lesnar holding the Universal Championship and guys like Roman and Braun chasing, Balor could have a long wait ahead of him if he were to win. That’s not entirely bad as the Money in the Bank has that flexible expiration date. Even then Strowman and Lesnar probably wouldn’t fall to Balor, even in a cash in situation. HIs best bet would be for Roman to pick up the title, and we all know how the fans would take to Roman being Universal Champion.

Kevin Owens

Pro – If Owens hadn’t already won the Universal Championship, it would have been no surprise to his first world title come from a Money in the Bank cash in. That is how great of a concoction Owens and the stipulation could manifest. Owens time on the mic would elevate that much more when he’s practically champion. Let’s just hope that his next run as champion goes better than his last.

Con – Like Balor, Owens would have to wait for the opportune cash in opportunity. WWE probably wouldn’t want him getting a pin fall win over Lesnar or Strowman. Even if her were successful in a cash in, this would most likely keep him from Sami Zayn, when the two do great work together.

New Day

Pro – Just the idea of the New Day carrying the briefcase is entertaining enough. To see it would not only be a different take on the Money in the Bank, but also for the New Day as well. The trio carrying around the green case could provide for some entertaining skits and promos. They might even substitute it for the pancakes,

Con – Speaking of the Free Bird Rule, while it would be entertaining to see them hold the briefcase, it would be confusing if they actually captured the WWE Championship. One member could hold the belt while the others act more like lackeys, but that’s so out of character for the trio. A break up could happen, where one member takes the contract for himself, but it’s unlikely New Day will be breaking up in the foreseeable future.

Samoa Joe

Pro – Joe has been sitting just outside of the main event scene since his debut. He hasn’t yet to win a single championship in WWE, despite being one of the best NXT call ups. While there are other ways of getting him to that point, a Money in the Bank contract would be an step in the right direction. Joe with the briefcase may also be the most dangerous combination in the contracts’ history.

Con – That being said, the Money in the Bank contract doesn’t exactly fit Joe’s character. He’s the Destroyer of SmackdownLive, not an opportunist. Joe doesn’t need a the briefcase to get involved in the main event scene, since he has been so close to it.

Bruan Strowman

Pro – Strowman winning would virtually guarantee that he will win the Universal Championship. If Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar are actually having another go at SummerSlam. A cash in by Strowman, à la Seth Rollins, would be the best course of action to please the most amount of people if a Roman Brock match does happen. Plus, a Strowman title win has been long overdue.

Con – Much like Samoa Joe, Strowman’s character doesn’t warrant something as underhanded as a Money in the Bank contract. Of course, this could be rectified by Strowman going the RVD/John Cena route and announcing his cash in in advance. Even then, there are other ways of getting Strowman a title match.

The Miz

Pro – After the work the Miz has put in the last few years, fans have been clamoring for another main event run for him. The Money in the Bank contract was made for someone like the Miz. A cash in on Daniel Bryan, if in the works, could make for a moment that will go down in history, and make Bryan’s eventual revenge that much sweeter. Miz the only one in both Money in the Bank matches to actually win said match, but that doesn’t mean he’s not the favorite to win going into Sunday.

Con – While it is difficult to pick a winner, Miz is the most predictable competitor at this point. A cash in on Daniel Bryan makes so much sense that a child could see it coming. That’s the main issue here, it’s too predictable. Of course, if this did happen, no one would complain as we’d finally see the feud we’ve been waiting two years fo come to fruition. However, the Bryan/Miz feud doesn’t need the title to be interesting.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s Top 5: The Final Opponent For John Cena In WWE

It’s obvious that John Cena is nearing the end of his legendary career, and he’s suggested ending it at WrestleMania 41. Who should be his final opponent?

Published

2 weeks ago

April 11, 2024

Greg DeMarco

John Cena Last Match Randy Orton WWE WrestleMania 41

It’s obvious that John Cena is nearing the end of his legendary career, and he’s suggested ending it at WrestleMania 41. Who should be his final opponent?

John Cena recently appeared on the Pat McAfee Show, the Monday after his surprise (but mostly expected) WrestleMania 40 appearance during Cody Rhodes’ win over Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship. During that appearance, he confirmed what many expect, that he is nearly done with his in-ring career. But Cena even tossed out the idea of a time-frame, detailing that his acting schedule will likely take him through Christmas, and maybe Hollywood could “pump the brakes” to allow for one final run.

That run could easily begin at the Royal Rumble with a surprise entrance (or entering himself via TV appearances as part of the build), with a tease for his 17th world title win before finally settling in on his final match.

Fantasy booking and storytelling aside, the goal here is the final match–more specifically the final opponent. With a John Cena, you’ve got a ton of options. As such, it’s hard to narrow it down to 5, and one of your favorites is likely missing–be warned!

Greg DeMarco’s Top 5: The Final Opponent For John Cena In WWE

Honorable Mentions:

The Miz – A feud with John Cena gave The Mix a WrestleMania 27 main event–and a WrestleMania main event victory on top of it. Miz has been receiving more love than ever lately, and a match with John Cena would not be misplaced. Maybe he can use their WrestleMania 33 contest (and Cena’s personal aftermath) as fodder for it, too.
AJ Styles – The man who once made it popular to “BEAT UP JOHN CENA” is also nearing the end of his run, and could be the one candidate on this list that could realistically give us a double-retirement match. He would also be the guy who retired both The Undertaker and John Cena (and would probably end up being the guy who lost in both).
The Rock or Cody Rhodes – Both great options, but you have to figure their dance card for WrestleMania 41 is already full, potentially standing across the ring from one another. Either is an amazing option (including “Thrice In A Lifetime”), but I just don’t think it’s in the cards.
Trick Williams – Potentially a surprising addition to the Honorable Mentions, but the comparisons are there in terms of in-ring style/ability, promo skills, and the interplay they had in NXT (remember, it was Cena who is credited with encouraging Trick to not be afraid to go for it himself despite his relationship with Carmelo Hayes).

5. CM Punk

The fifth spot on this list was nearly interchangeable between several of the honorable mention names, but it really came down to Punk and Seth Rollins for me (with a hint of AJ Styles). The 2011 feud between CM Punk and John Cena was legendary, and is a moment that will forever be seen by me as the one that truly cemented CM Punk as a member of the growing list of all-time greats in WWE.

Punk is uniquely qualified for this match as he would make it mean more than a showboat for John Cena’s career and final match. It’s entirely believable that CM Punk would want to put John Cena’s career into the ground, and WWE has the video archive to support it.

Despite being #5, this could actually be a dark-horse for the match we get, and I can’t see anyone reasonably being upset about that.

4. Roman Reigns

John Cena and Roman Reigns have had two separate legendary programs. the first saw Cena, at times, embarrass Roman in promo exchanges in a feud that took place in the “pre-Tribal Chief” era. The second is more fresh and likely more memorable, as John Cena put Roman Reigns over in a football stadium in Las Vegas at SummerSlam (although it might be more remembered for the return of Brock Lesnar).

Reigns, a legend himself at his point (he’s featured alongside Steve Austin at the top of the “Forever” portion of the Then/Now/Forever/Together video that recently debuted) would provide a pairing akin to The Undertaker serving as Shawn Michaels’ retirement opponent at WrestleMania 26 9notice I didn’t say “final opponent). The end of Roman’s 1316 day world title reign has brought about a new appreciation for Reigns, which would further enhance this pairing at WrestleMania 41.

3. Bron Breakker

Bron Breakker is the picture-perfect definition of a juggernaut in WWE, a fast rising star who almost seems like a lock to main event WrestleMania one day (you never know–Seth Rollins JUST got his first WrestleMania main event last weekend). Breakker recently said farewell NXT as the natural in-ring competitor makes a transition to full-time main roster competition.

Breakker also fits the category of who “needs it.” Bring the man to retire John Cena would be quite the feather in the cap of Breakker’s early career, and would give him a moment that would be relived for generations to come. The only question mark is WWE “trusting” Breakker with this moment, as a sudden change of character could mean that Cena’s final match wouldn’t be seen or discussed as much. Breakker, to me, has given no reason for anyone to suspect that might happen, regardless of any controversies his father and uncle have been linked to.

2. R-Truth

Despite being 5-years older than John Cena, and making his in-ring debut in the same year (1999), R-Truth’s childhood hero hanging up the boots will undoubtedly be a hard-hitting moment for the man who has basically become the WWE Mascot. Truth emulating Cena in his matches, and of course the RawAfterMania moment with Cena, Truth, and The Miz hitting a Fifteen Knuckle Shuffle (thank you, Michael Cole) on The Judgment Day makes this a near can’t miss final match for both John Cena and the WWE Universe.

R-Truth himself is equally deserving of this match, as it would be a reward for all of his years in the ring as part of a career that seems age defying while proving that age is not only a number, but also a number that can be ignored (see Child Hero, John Cena).

While a rematch of their 2011 WWE Capital Punishment main event is an unlikely WrestleMania 41 match-up, it’s one I believe everyone would love to see.

1. Randy Orton

I mean, is there anyone more perfect? John Cena and Randy were inseparably linked for a good portion of their careers, and have shared the ring more times than Big Show has turned babyface/heel. Both are far into legendary status at this point, and Orton specifically is obviously focused on enjoying this stage of his career.

But Orton is still delivering great performances inside the ring, too.

Randy Orton vs John Cena was an exciting proposition many years ago, became a punchline for WWE booking a few years ago, but is now coming full circle as the perfect match-up to end the amazing career of John Cena. It has my vote, and should have yours, too.

Even if R-Truth would be the most fun option.

What say you? Who is the best candidate to stand across the ring from John Cena in his final WWE match, potentially at WrestleMania 41? Who did I leave out?

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s WrestleMania 40 Saturday Results & Review

It’s the Granddaddy Of ‘Em All, WrestleMania! Night 1 of WrestleMania XL and Greg DeMarco has your results and review!

Published

3 weeks ago

April 8, 2024

Greg DeMarco

It’s the Granddaddy Of ‘Em All, WrestleMania! Night 1 of WrestleMania XL and Greg DeMarco has your results and review!

It all comes down to this–at least for the first night! A loaded card in front of a packed house, and I’d expect everyone to deliver one hell of a performance.

Women’s World Championship – Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley (champion)

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Rhea Ripley retains

In my opinion, this match should be the main event of Night 1, but The Rock is back and that was going to take precedence (even if I disagree). Becky won this title shot at the Elimination Chamber, even though they were already building the feud before that event in Perth. Ripley herself main evented that event in a stadium, defeating Nia Jax.

It was revealed during her entrance that this is Becky Lynch’s “Flu Game,” as she has temperatures as high as 102 degrees throughout the week.
Rhea Ripley enters to a life performance of her entrance theme, which you can tell she dug.
Prime logo is center ring, just the black outline with “Prime” in the middle, and it is not at all bothersome. I can’t believe people made such a big deal out of bitching about that.
The stage looks dope, not at all “too small” as some had said. The whole environment looks great, honestly.
Rhea Ripley has been dealing with a wrist injury. She said on the Pat McAfee Show she didn’t expect to work with the wrist brace on tonight, but there it is.
Corey Graves points out that Becky’s training was likely impacted by her illness, and Pat McAfee scoffs at him for stating the obvious. I hope that isn’t what we get all night.
Commentary notes that is is 52 degrees and windy in the stadium, and I am reminded of Nick Khan’s comments about moving an outdoor WrestleMania to late April in the future, if they don’t get an indoor building (he did say “2026” when talking about that, which likely means the 2025 venue is indeed set).
Rhea’s Prism Trap is a fell of a submission finisher. Add in the body lock the way she did, and it’s even more impressive.
I just noticed the “Prime” turnbuckle pads and it’s…weird. I just didn’t expect it and can’t think of the last time we didn’t have the WWE/WWF logo on the buckles outside of Black and Gold NXT. WrestleMania 2?
I am also noticing that Dude Wipes seems to have sponsored the ring posts. Kudos to WWE (and the wrestling industry behind them) for being so damn desirable to sponsors!
That combo to get into the Riptide was fantastic–and the kickout was even better.
During the DisarmHer you can clearly see the commentary position, and Michael Cole is legit reclined all the way back. Love it–Cole is living his best life.
Rhea’s Riptide into the buckle before the proper Riptide was pretty sweet as well. Made Becky look insanely strong in defeat.

Winner via pinfall AND STILL your Women’s World Champion: Rhea Ripley

Hell of an opener, and if you didn’t know Becky was sick, you wouldn’t have known. Props to them both. That would have satisfied as a main event, but can now go down as one of the best openers in WrestleMania history.

Ladder Match for the Raw Tag Team Championships and Smackdown Tag Team Championships – DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) vs. Awesome Truth (The Miz & R-Truth) vs. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) vs. A Town Down Under (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller) vs. The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) vs. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Awesome Truth (Raw titles) and A-Town Down Under (SmackDown)

As many expected, the belts are hanging separately, meaning we are most likely splitting the tag titles here. Triple H and company have put some serious work into building up the tag team divisions of both brands, and even though I expect the two winners to not be actual “teams,” but either way I actually like the way they didn’t make a big deal out of splitting the titles up, they’re just doing it. They have been defended separately since being unified, albeit rarely.

R-Truth makes a joke about DIY being DX and that’s now taken off. I love it.
The Miz is very under appreciated. Can literally do anything.
Someone is struggling with the “Titan Tron” videos tonight.
Not gonna lie, I am the biggest Pat McAfee fan, but he’s actually quite annoying right now.
Sign of the night: SANTA DESERVED IT.
Lots of green in this match, half of the teams wearing their “WrestleMania Green” gear.
Also, loving the Consequences Creed gear for Woods.
God Bless Finn Balor for taking that Airplane Spin into the ladder.
205 combined years of experience in this match. That’s an average of 17 years (Waller has the least with 7, Balor and Miz are tied for the most with 23).
“Dunne Mountain?!?!” Thank you Michael Cole for fixing that.
HOT TAG TO R-TRUTH!
Poor Finn Balor, not he takes the AA to the ladder after John Cena’s Five Moves Of Doom
R-TRUTH WITH THE PIN!
Hilarious.
A-Town Down Under gets the SmackDown tag titles!
And Grayson gets tossed through a ladder, still holding a title!
The match does continue until the Raw tag titles are also retrieved.
If Theory also got the Raw tag titles down, I will laugh my ass off.
Birminghammer is a fantastic name for a tandem (somewhat) Burning Hammer.
Tornado DDT through a table!
Air Raid Crash from the ladder!
And we still have more tables set-up.
JD McDonagh trying to get Finn–who has taken a beating–to get the Raw tag titles.
McDonagh through the tables!
PERFECTLY placed Razor’s Edge onto that chair.
Dude, that ladder is trashed. (And very unsafe.)
AA sends Damian outside!
I think everyone wants R-Truth to get this. EVERYONE.
YES!

Winners via belt retrieval, AND NEW:

SmackDown Tag Team Champions – Grayson Waller & Austin Theory
Raw Tag Team Champions – R-Truth & The Miz

Really good Ladder Match, but it’s hard to have a bad one. The tag team titles are split and it was really well done. It made perfect sense to do it that way, not make a big deal out of it and just let it happen. I am excited to see both teams win–not because I picked both, but because I think one team (Waller/Theory) have amazing futures and the other (Miz/Truth) will be a lot of fun, even if their run will probably be short lived.

Santos Escobar (with Legado Del Fantasma members Angel, Humberto, & Elektra Lopez) & Dominik Mysterio vs. Rey Mysterio & Andrade (with The LWO members Carlito, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, & Zelina Vega

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Dominik and Santos win, giving Dominik “revenge” for his loss at WrestleMania 39.

Look, this match doesn’t make a lick of sense–Dominik shows up two weeks ago and finds his way into another WrestleMania match with Rey? Definitely shoehorned. But Dominik is outstanding, so if this gets him on the card, I’ll take it.

More green in this match, and I am here for it.
Innovative Double Cross Body by Rey & Andrade.
Dominik showing experience beyond his years, making sure the ref sees his tag with Santos.
At this moment, I am wondering who turns–Carlito or Andrade. Gotta assume it’s one of them.
Three matches in and I don’t even notice the Primo logo in the center of the ring or on the turnbuckle pads.
Santos Escobar trying to unmask Rey Mysterio, as if we don’t all have Google.
Corey Graves making a great point about Rey taking some responsibility for the issues in his life, and Michael Cole immediately dismissing it.
It’s so hard to do a really good Dragon Screw Leg Whip, and Andrade (along with Dominik and Santos) just pulled off two to perfection.
Camera shot of Rey’s cross body shows the heaters above the ring. Good–keep ’em warm!
This could have easily been an 8-man tag team match. Maybe we get that Monday on Raw (which can also be where the turn happens, making my prediction here likely wrong).
Joaquin Wilde gets to do his NXT spot at WrestleMania, and that’s probably more important than officially being in the match.
Two masked men–definitely the Kelce Brothers–are here.
My bad, it was Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. Good call, honestly. Great pop for them, too.
Looking at the reply, Dominik sold that ringpost spot like a champ.

Winners via pinfall (Rey on Santos): Rey Mysterio & Andrade

Fun tag team match that served its purpose. Needed? Maybe not, as I really wanted to get Liv Morgan vs. Nia Jax onto this card. But when you can get Rey & Dominik on the card, everyone will be happy. and of course the Jason Kelce & Lane Johnson appearances.

Brother vs Brother: Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Jimmy Uso follows in the footsteps of Owen Hart and Matt Hardy and beats the “more talented brother.”

They’ve wanted this match all their lives–and the preview video was insane. Very well done.

Jey in the WrestleMania whites tonight.
And we get a hot start to the match!
“Big Brother Jimmy” is always a fun thing to hear.
More Dude Wipes sponsorship on this one–you have to wonder if having Dude Wipes on the posts for the opener was in error.
Superkicks. Lots of Superkicks.
Very enjoyable YEET/NO chants from the crowd.
Jey just kicking the hell out of Jimmy, including a Jumping Super Kick.
This has “Fight Without Honor” feels from old school ROH, where the winners have respect after. We will definitely see these guys together again.
Jimmy apologizing to Jey. Crowd is not buying it.
Of course it was BS, and Jimmy gains the advantage.
SPEAR. USO SPLASH. DONE.

Winner, via pinfall: Jey Uso

Jey breaks the babyface curse by beating his heel brother. Thought we might get an embrace between them, instead we faded out. A good match that was more about the story than the in-ring action. I can see some feeling like this hasn’t “lived up to expectations” because of the high expectations you’d have for an Usos match. Their best work will always be as a team, but I know this is a lifelong dream come true for both.

As for all the Superkicks, I mean….it’s an Usos match.

Six-Woman Tag Team Match – Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, & Kairi Sane) vs. Naomi, Bianca Belair, & Jade Cargill

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Bianca, Naomi, & Jade win when Jade scores the pin (probably on Kairi, who always seems to eat the fall)

This match is all about getting Bianca Belair on the card (she had to be), and Jade Cargill’s debut. It also got Damage CTRL on the card, which they truly deserve–even if it is to lose.

Respectfully, Dakota Kai. (Good thing the ring and surrounding area is heated)
Not gonna lie, Jade looks nervous. But this is a six-woman tag, and her portion is likely highly choreographed. Gonna be all good.
As I watch and enjoy the match (but am not typing much lol), this seems like a match where we’re all just waiting for Jade to come in and win.
No one has told Jade about the tag ropes yet, apparently.
And now Jade is in, and Damage CTRL makes her look like a million bucks.
Dakota Kai nicely gets herself into position for the finish, and Jade gets her WrestleMania win.

Winners via pinfall (Jade on Dakota): Jade Cargill, Naomi, & Bianca Belair

We knew what this one was about going into it, and that’s what it should have been. Jade still ain’t ready. I know it might be an “ego hit” for her to go to NXT, but she needs it. If Giulia can go to NXT, so can Jade.

Intercontinental Championship – Sami Zayn vs. GUNTHER (champion)

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Sami Zayn pulls off the major upset and is the one to dethrone Gunther

Gunther has had a stranglehold on the Intercontinental Championship, defending it like crazy in 2023 but slowing that down here in 2024. It’s not fair to say he’s outgrown the title, but that might actually be the case. It’ll be really interesting to see what happens with Imperium leading up to the draft, and at the WWE Draft itself.

Sami Zayn was the perfect wrestler to have their journey form backstage to the ring followed by the cameras. From his family to Chad Gable to Kevin Owens, it was all so perfect–maybe too perfect? (Not in that someone will screw him, but in that it might be too heavily foreshadowing his win?)
Gunther looked oddly nervous standing on that stage.
You know, the Intercontinental Championship is basically a third world title at this point. And we could see the end of a legendary reign. I think this deserved the Samantha Irvin In-Ring Introductions (aka “Japan Style”) treatment.
Gunther is smiling confidently now, we’re good.
Crowd is ON FIRE for these guys (and evenly split with their chants for each guy).
This is the 21st time the Intercontinental championship is defended at WrestleMania, and it makes you wonder what in the hell they were thinking for the other 11.
Looks like Dude Wipes is back on the ringpost!
Hell of a nearfall, followed up by a Helluva Kick from Gunthcr, and one from Sami!
That finish….AMAZING.

Winner via pinfall, AND NEW Intercontinental Champion: Sami Zayn

The athletes… the moments… the storytelling… professional wrestling is such a beautiful business. Sami Zayn’s win over Gunther was everything I had hoped it would be when I picked Sami to win. Absolutely beautiful.

Cody Rhodes & World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins vs. The Rock & Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Seth & Cody get the win after tons of interference and surprise appearances, making Roman vs Cody on Sunday a match where The Bloodline is banned from ringside.

So much involved in this one. As you know, If Rock & Roman win, Sunday’s WWE Championship match will be held under Bloodline Roles. If Seth & Cody win, then that mach will see ZERO Bloodline involvement. Personally, if Cody is winning the title, I’d rather it be straight up. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised if I am wrong.

Honestly, after the introductions, I realized I was just watching!
This was very much Steve Austin vs The Rock inspired, with them fighting all over the stadium, and pushing the envelope.
I loved The Rock basically neutering the referee–normally I hate that, but here it works.
That finish and the condition of Rollins both lay perfectly into night 2, I would imagine.

Winners via Rock pinfall on Rhodes: The Rock & Roman Reigns

Per rule, Sunday’s main event will now be Bloodline Rules. And given that, my prediction of Roman retaining might be harder to pull off. This was a good return for The Rock, and perfectly played into the whole story. Job well done.

Greg DeMarco’s Overall Thoughts for WWE WrestleMania XL, Saturday (Night 1)

in a vacuum, this was highly enjoyable show. Night 2 might end up being legendary if both Bayley and Rhodes win, and it could overshadow Night 1. But the scene was fantastic, production was top notch as always, and the fans went home having enjoyed one for the ages. The Triple H Era s well underway, and will likely kick into a higher gear with Night 2.

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!