Opinion

Chris’ IMPACT! Wrestling Results & Coverage (10/11/18)

Published

6 years ago

October 12, 2018

Chris Pinheiro

IMPACT! Wrestling comes from Mexico City as we are three days away from Bound For Glory!!!

Follow me on Twitter: @OldSkewlPantz

Listen to the Bearded IMPACT! Podcast every Friday morning!!

QUICK RESULTS

Petey Williams d. Trevor Lee, Jack Evans and Puma King – pin fall on Lee, Canadian Destroyer
Maximo d. Grado – pin fall, kiss
Loser Leaves IMPACT: Rojit Ronju d. Gursinder Singh – pin fall, face buster DDT
Austin Aries/ Moose/ Killer Kross d. Johnny Impact/ Fallah Bahh/ Eddie Edwards – pin fall, Aries pins Impact, brain buster
Tessa Blanchard d. Keyra – pin fall, Buzzsaw DDT

________________________________

IMPACT! WRESTLING (10/11)

Video package recapping the feuds going into Bound For Glory kick us off tonight!

Trevor Lee vs. Jack Evans vs. Puma King vs. Petey Williams

All four men square off to start, then Lee celebrates and all four men begin exchanging blows. This will not be easy to follow. Puma starting with Petey after, and they wrestle to a stalemate.

Petey hits a drop toe hold onto Puma on the second rope and hits a dropkick to his back. Puma reverses a whip and hits a flapjack, then Lee runs in a hits a tilt a whirl back breaker on Puma for two. Lee throws Petey and dumps Puma out.

Lee puts Petey in a corner, chokes him with his boot, and tries to start a USA chant. Lee hits a hard whip on Oetey in a corner, covers for two. A delayed vertical suplex is reversed and then Petey hits a side Russian leg sweep on Lee. Petey goes for the Destroyer, but it’s reversed. Petey with a double leg, into a sharpshooter. Evans breaks up the hold, then dropkicks Puma and goes to work on Petey.

One legged drop kick on Petey, then into a standing moonsault by Evans, Lee breaks it up, Puma in as well and he delivers kicks to Lee and Evans. Puma then flies off the buckles to Evans on the floor, runs back in and hits Lee with a code breaker for two.

Evans hits a dropkick/moonsault off Puma, landing on Lee for two. Puma charges Evans in the corner and whips him across, but it’s reversed. Puma goes up top, but Evans hits a cartwheel enziguri on Puma on the top rope. Evans then comes off the top with a 630 Splash, but Lee then hits a stomp on a standing Evans. Petey Williams goes for a tornado move, lands on his feet, and then hits A CANADIAN DESTROYER on Lee for the 1-2-3!!!!!

Winner: Petey Williams (pin fall)

Backstage, the OGz are arriving to the arena for their summit tonight.

**commercial break**

Backstage interview with Rich Swann who says he’s happy Sydal found someone to buy into his hippy bull crap. He says he found a partner for Sunday, and they’re going to go off.He then calls for the footage to be played, and his tag team partner is WILLIE MACK!!!!

Grado vs. Maximo

Grado is coming out solo tonight after what happened to Joe Hendry last week.

Maximo gets a huge pop from the AAA crowd in Mexico City. Don calls him the Mexican Grado lol

Maximo has a shirt that says “KISS ME” and the crowd begins to chant “beso”

Both men play to the crowd before they start. Maximo goes behind Grado and gyrates his hips, to which Grado begs off. Grado then goes behind and Maximo grinds on him again.

Maximo then hits a shoulder tackle and then cartwheels away. Grado stacks up Maximo for two, and then a bodyslam. Grado with a diving headbutt for two again. Maximo goes down stairs to break up the punch combo, and then chops away in the corner. Maximo the distracts Grado and goes to kiss him, then goes off the ropes with a pair of clotheslines for two.

Maximo hits a drop kick that sends Grado to the floor and he follows it up with a tope suicida!!! Throws Grado back in and covers for two.

Grado then regains the advantage, hits his combo and elbow, then lowers his straps. Now it looks like he’s wearing a girdle. Maximo then kisses Grado and covers him for the 1-2-3

Winner: Maximo (pin fall)

After the match, Grado goes to shake hands, which Maximo accepts, and then Grado kisses Maximo HAHA

Backstage we see Bahh, Impact and Edwards. They’re trying to get Eddie’s attention. Eddie then starts talking to Moose, saying if he wants to involve his wife, then tonight will be a little taste of what he will do to him at Bound For Glory.

Impact says games are over, they’re taking them to SlamTown. He asks Bahh is he’s nervous to which he says “No No No!”

**commercial break**

Video package for LAX vs The OGz

The GWN moment of the week is a four corners Knockout’s match from Bound For Glory 2010

Video package for oVe vs Cage/Lucha Bros.

**commercial break**

Backstage interview with Eli Drake. He discusses La Parka last week, saying he makes the rules, so La Parka was disqualified for bringing a chair last week. Eli delivers an open challenge for anyone who’s from New York (have to be from there) for Bound For Glory!!

Gama Singh in ring, as we will find out who the weak link in The Desi Hit Squad is.

Rojit Ronju vs. Gursinder Singh

Gama says the loser has to go back to Punjabi and will no longer be a part of the Squad.

Lock up to start, and they stalemate. Ronju attacks from behind to take advantage. Punches and kicks before Singh hits a lung blower for two. Singh whips Ronju across who levels Singh but then gets caught in submission holds. Ronju gets out and hits a shining wizard for two.

Gama continues to shout orders from the outside to both men. Both men trade forearms before Singh gets advantage and hits a dropkick and after some back and forth, hits a modified flapjack for two. Ronju gets a leg trip and a stomp to the midsection for two.

Ronju then hits a vertical suplex and a front face suplex combo for two. Singh reverses things into an Olympic Slam for two. Ronju then rolls under the bottom rope with an apparent shoulder injury, but when Singh comes back he hits a flying knee and a face buster DDT for the 1-2-3!

Winner: Rojit Ronju

Gama then slaps Ronju multiple times and kicks him out of the ring and walks to the back with him.

**commercial break**

Johnny Impact/Fallah Bahh/Eddie Edwards vs. Austin Aries/Killer Kross/Moose

Impact and Kross will start. Chain wrestling to start and Kross hits a standing exploder suplex. Bahh tags in. Kross goes for the leg, can’t get him up. Forearm drops Bahh. Bahh slaps him back. Bahh then fires off with forearms, but Kross hits a huge clothesline that takes down Bahh. Moose tags in, calls in Eddie who also tags in.

Moose and Eddie exchange blows, with Eddie calling for more.Moose rips his shirt, removes a glove, and eats Kobashi-like chops from Eddie. Eddie reverses a suplex into one of his own. Moose mounts the corner, but Eddie hits an enziguri and a hurricanrana for two.

Eddie then mounts the buckles, but Moose dropkicks him off after an Aries distraction. Austin attacks on the floor, and tosses Eddie back in. Moose tags in Kross who stomps away, hits a snapmare and a big kick. Kross then tags in Aries, who punches Eddie and tags in Moose.

Jawbreaker by Eddie and Moose tags in Aries. Eddie hits some chops and tags in Bahh. Bahh gets a boot in the corner but then hits a belly to belly on Aries. Bahh goes up top, but Moose hits a pump kick to take him down.

Aries stomps away and tags in Kross. Double team whip to the corner and clothesline from Kross, who then knees Bahh repeatedly.

**commercial break**

We’re back as Moose is domination Bahh and he tags in Aries. Aries hits a drop toe hold and tries a submission hold, but can’t put it on. He then tags in Moose, who continues to work over Bahh in the corner. Kross in and the beating continues.

Kross hits a DDT and covers for two. Kross sets Bahh in the corner and tags in Moose. Kross misses a shoulder charge in the corner, then Bahh hits a Samoan drop on Moose and tags in Impact, as Moose tags Aries. Aries hits a knee and boxes the ears. Impact then hits a leg lariat and a shining wizard for two. Impact then hangs Aries in the ropes and hits a German suplex off but misses Teady for Impact. Aries gets a school boy for two, floats over into a Last Chancery but Impact gets the ropes.

Impact floats out of a suplex, hits a superkick and gets two as Moose breaks it up. Moose hits a headbutt on Eddie, goes for Impact in the corner. Impact reverses the Go To Hell with an hurricanrana, Moose comes back with a clothesline and a pump kick on Eddie. Kross comes in but Bahh hits a superkick on him. Eddie with a suicide dive on Moose, and Bahh starts going up top, but Aries dropkicks him down and hits a Roaring Elbow that sends Bahh to the floor. Impact hits the Impact Kick and Starship Pain but Kross pulls him off the cover at two. Kross hits the Doomsday Saito on Impact on the floor, and Kross and Moose hits a powerbomb on the apron on Eddie. They toss Impact back in and Austin hits Impact with a brainbuster for the 1-2-3

Winners: Austin Aries/ Moose/ Killer Kross (pin fall)

**commercial break**

Bound For Glory video package

James Mitchell is playing an organ when Allie walks up. He says he knew she would be coming and asked if the darkness has consumed her yet. She says she’s needs to go back to The Undead Realm… She says she’s not going to go get her soul back, but he reminds her that when Su put her in the coffin, she made a deal, and he soul belongs to “him” now. She says she needs to get back there and get Keira out. Mitchell agrees, but he says if he scratches her back, never mind. He will make sure the coffin will be open Sunday night, but he makes no promises. She says they have a deal and they shake on it… Mitchell laughs as we fade to black

**commercial break**

Bound For Glory taping video package

Keyra vs. Tessa Blanchard

Keyra is considered the toughest woman in Mexico, who wrestles both women and men on the regular.

Lockup to start, Keira starts the forearm exchange. Keira hits a step up hurricanrana, and then a Michinoku Driver, followed by a moonsault off the second buckle for two. Keyra charges but Tessa rolls out. Keyra hits a superkick on Tessa on the floor, goes for a hurricanrana off the apron, but Tessa catches and slams Keyra into the post back first. Rolls her back in for a two count.

Abdominal stretch by Tessa, goes for a pump ha sleep by Meyra reverses into a cross body for two. Keyra gets Tessa in a corner, they run back and forth with clotheslines. Keyra then hits a running dropkick to a seated Tessa. Keyra pulls Tessa out, covers and gets a two. Keyra misses a charge, goes up but Tessa kicks her down and hits a Hangman DDT, then The Buzzsaw DDT for the 1-2-3

Winner: Tessa Blanchard (pin fall)

The LAX/OGz Summit is up next!

**commercial break**

The OGz come out first, lead by King, for the Summit. LAX comes out next to a large ovation. All six men are in the ring, and King says in a few short days, they step into the Concrete Jungle and he ends the myth and legend that is Konnan. He says Konnan held him back and would never step aside. Kings says Konnan is an old dog that needs to be shot in the back of the head and put out of his misery. King says he will destroy everyone Konnan and the LAX have ever worked for.

Konnan begins his retort in Spanish (I caught that he called him a stupid dog). The fans love it. He says he will send King back to his mother. Konnan then translates, calling King “Baby Nuts” And says all he has to do is say the word and everyone in Mexico City will rush the ring and jump King and he will help them. Konnan talks about all the disrespect King has brought upon him, including burning Konnan’s old mask. Konnan talks about how he raised King, and the OGz, and made them ready. He says King isn’t making boss moves, he’s making bitch moves. He says the bosses aren’t happy, and they want Konnan to deliver a message, that the cease fire ends…

NOW!

LAX jumps the OGz, who then retreat!!

Final video package for Bound For Glory, as we’re THREE DAYS AWAY!!

I WILL SEE YOU SUNDAY, FOR BOUND FOR GLORY!!

Bearded IMPACT! Podcast, tomorrow, where every you get your podcasts!!!

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

1 week 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

2 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!