Opinion

DeMarco’s WWE SummerSlam 2019 Ratings & Analysis

My immediate reaction to WWE SummerSlam, complete with match ratings and his analysis. See if you agree! (You won’t.)

Published

5 years ago

August 12, 2019

Greg DeMarco

Greg DeMarco gives you his immediate reaction to WWE SummerSlam, complete with match ratings and his analysis. See if you agree! (You won’t.)

WWE rolls into Toronto for the Biggest Party Of The Summer, with over 6 hours of action for all to enjoy! I made my picks along with the rest of The Chairshot staff, and you can see those here. Did you enjoy it? Did I? Let’s take a look….

Check out Mitchell’s WWE SummerSlam 2o19 Results & Recap!

WWE Cruiserweight Championship – Drew Gulak (c) vs. Oney Lorcan (Kickoff)

Drew Gulak, complete with an awesome robe, kick starts the match (and SummerSlam) in a faster way than expected. The match itself was good, and Oney Lorcan did an amazing job getting the crowd invested–considering many were still filing in. Props to both men for tackling one of the toughest spots on the format.

Drew Gulak pinned Oney Lorcan to retain – ***

Buddy Murphy vs. Apollo Crews (Kickoff)

Two amazing talents getting a chance to shine is always a win in my book. Buddy started off hot with a great knee to the head of Apollo, getting the near fall and making me think he was getting the super push win. Apollo also got a chance to shine, but this was the Buddy show. That is, until Erick Rowan interjected himself! Rowan attacked Buddy Murphy and advised he keep his (Rowan) name out of his (Buddy) mouth moving forward. No indication if Buddy will comply. The match was crazy entertaining for what it was.

Buddy Murphy beat Apollo Crews by disqualification (possibly a no-contest–doesn’t matter) – ***1/2

Edge was given a great Toronto reception when he interrupted Elias, further driving the point home that the Kickoff does indeed matter. Edge takes Elias out with a surprising Spear–surprising to me since Edge reportedly could die with one bad bump. Props to Edge for the moment, he looked great.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship – Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross (c) vs. The IIconics (Kickoff)

Nikki Cross has basically the easiest character to play. She can do almost anything and it makes perfect sense within her character. Like touching belts with Alexa Bliss…while they were both wearing the championship belts. This match is a reminder that while The IIconics may not be around for their in-ring abilities, Nikki Cross also can’t hit an effective High Cross Body–despite it part of it being her name.

This match was the first of a whopping FOUR for the women’s division, each with increasing importance. I fully believe Charlotte Flair vs. Trish Stratus should be given serious consideration to go on last tonight. Thankfully this didn’t go on last, as Billie Kay couldn’t even get pulled off the apron in an impressive manner. Alexa and Nikki were the stars of this match, holding it together as best they could.

Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross beat The IIconics with Twisted Bliss to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships – **1/2

Submission Match for the WWE Raw Women’s Championship – Becky Lynch (c) vs. Natalya

Much like the 2019 Royal Rumble, Becky Lynch kicks off a major WWE PPV. I don’t mind that decision at all–she’s not going on last against Natalya, might as well use a big star to pop the crowd (especially since nothing is announced for Roman Reigns).

Both women did a great job utilizing the stipulation but still working that “WWE Main Event Style,” including brawling around the ringside area. Becky sold the correct leg throughout the match, which was better than her entire run this past winter/spring. No one bought Natalya’s chances in this match, but she was both credible and believable from bell-to-bell. Huge pop for Natalya locking the Sharpshooter in late. The right person won–and my only complaint is Shayna Baszler didn’t attack Becky after. 🙂 Match did exactly what it needed to do, and then some.

Becky Lynch forced Natalya to tap to the Dis-Arm-Her to retain the Raw Women’s Championship – ****

Goldberg vs. Dolph Ziggler

This is the perfect way to use Goldberg–early attraction against someone who will bump his ass off to give the crowd exactly what they want. Sasha Banks could learn a lot from watching Dolph Ziggler’s entrance, even knowing he’d get crushed, he was all energy and really ramped it up. And good on Ziggler, he knew he was going to destroyed, so he dropped a “pro wrestling” on a live mic before it happened. Go Dolph go.

The pop for Goldberg’s super-sparklers and pyrotechnics should answer any questions as to why he belongs on this card. Nostalgia sells, and this is the second match on the card. Ziggler sold the entire situation like he was a true champion and ready to end Goldberg’s legend. The match was actually better than I expected–with double the moves I expected!

Superkick. Superkick. Spear. Jackhammer. Ziggler masterfully gives the fans the encore they didn’t know they wanted by calling Goldberg back out. Well done, Dolph. And even after the encore, Dolph didn’t stop entertaining.

Goldberg pinned Dolph Ziggler following a Spear and a Jackhammer – *** (purely for entertainment value)

United States Championship – AJ Styles (c) vs. Ricochet

The lower third graphic for The OC is amazing–such a great touch. Also shows that they’re at least a little bit behind this crew. Ricochet doing his best Rey Mysterio with the gear this time out, and I wonder if he’ll make it a tradition.

The early story of the match saw Ricochet neutralizing The OC, until his leg was injured. At that point, Ric put on a selling clinic that would make Mr. Perfect and Dolph Ziggler proud. This included a one-legged Springboard Clothesline and Shooting Star Press. Props to Corey Graves for explaining how he could hit the move and it would still hurt Ricochet to do it–it’s the little things.

The injury of course comes into play when AJ locks in Calf Crusher, but Ricochet counters with an ANACONDA VICE??? Brilliant, even if it spawned some CM Punk chants. I know some don’t like it when Ricochet is booked like an underdog fighting from underneath, but this is WWE and he can make a lot of money that way. AJ wins, and this was a brilliantly planned–and executed–match. Don’t sleep on that finish, it wasn’t just a Styles Clash, but a powerbomb right before. I also loved the post-match attack, as it really helps establish The OC as a top heel faction.

AJ Styles pinned Ricochet following the Styles Clash to retain the United States Championship – ****

Smackdown Women’s Championship – Bayley (c) vs. Ember Moon

Am I the only one who sees Ember Moon and sees a heel? I can’t be the only one. Bayley was Bayley, and I really thought her title reign was heating up with this. However, it seems like I am wrong, because this match fell really flat. It was a game of connect-the-spots, and the Top Rope Bayley-To-Bayley mercifully ended a match that was even clunky at points. Hindsight is 20/20, but this was better served on the Kickoff. Given it’s placement on the card, people were also starting to hit the restrooms and concession stands. Largely forgettable match.

Bayley pinned Ember Moon with a Top Rope Bayley-To-Belly to retain the Smackdown Women’s Championship – **3/4

Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon (Owens will quit if he loses)

So I had to step aside to fix a beeping smoke detector upstairs in my daughter’s room. However, when I came back I saw a crowd that was crazy into the action, hinging on everything Owens did. I am giving it a rating for what I saw, and I will go back and watch it and edit things here after I do, later tonight.

As for the result, I picked Shane to win and I was wrong. Hearing the crowd pop for everything Owens was doing showed me that Owens had to win. This was a spot where you give the fans what they want.

Kevin Owens pinned Shane McMahon after a KO Stunner – ***1/2

Charlotte Flair vs. Trish Stratus

Interesting that we didn’t get the video package for this match, instead focusing on the Roman Reigns saga. This match placement also means we are done with the women halfway through the show. For this one, we have a 7-time champion (and Hall Of Famer) against a 9-time champion. For the record, I picked Trish to win, with the idea that Charlotte wins the rematch at WrestleMania 36.

Trish Stratus showed some serious rust in this match, more than she showed at Evolution. Thankfully Charlotte Flair did her best Io Shirai impersonation and carried her to a good match. Charlotte helped Trish go from spot-to-spot early, but once Charlotte went on the offensive I felt like we got more of a story. I also want my prediction to be wrong, because I already don’t want to see a rematch.

Things did pick up, but Stratus seemed outmatched the entire time. Charlotte did a great job making her look good, although most of Trish’s spots seemed contrived while Charlotte’s offense felt natural. Trish Stratus applying the Figure Four backwards is the equivalent of folding your arms the other way. Charlotte carried the match, and rightfully won. The crowd’s investment helped my entertainment value, and thus my rating.

Charlotte Flair made Trish Stratus tap out to the Figure Eight Leg Lock – ***

WWE Championship – Kofi Kingston (c) vs. Randy Orton

Really surprised by the crowd chanting “Kofi’s Stupid!/Randy Sucks!” during this match. I didn’t expect that much support for Orton. I also didn’t expect Randy Orton to look like a giant compared to Kofi Kingston. But here we are. Kofi and Randy delivered a strong match, but one thing I realized is that we had too many methodical matches in a row here. This would have been a good spot to insert a fast paced tag team match to heat the crowd back up.

And for the second straight year, the WWE Championship match at SummerSlam was made to be about the wife of the champion. And it ended in a disqualification. That’s a disappointment. I know they will stretch this out to Hell In A Cell, but there are better ways to do it (in my opinion). Great match up to that point.

Kofi Kingston fought Randy Orton to a double countout and retained the WWE Championship – ***3/4

Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor

Everything about Bray Wyatt’s entrance was bad ass. The music, the effects, and the way it was filmed. He’s automatically like nothing else on the roster. Let’s keep it that way. That said, he’s going to give kids nightmares–make sure he always goes on late! The match? It was exactly what it needed to be. Bray went on an offense tear early, Finn finally fought back like a former Universal and Intercontinental Champion should, but Bray caught him with the Mandible Claw and it was over. The whole thing was beautifully executed.

Bray Wyatt pinned an unconscious Finn Balor after a Mandible Claw – ****

Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Seth Rollins

Interesting note: when introducing the video package for this match, the announce team never referred to this as the main event. I’ve noticed more, lately, that they are really selective with that term. Honestly, I’ve noticed it going back to Extreme Rules 2018, when they were really particular about not calling the Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler Iron Man Match the main event. Love the all black look for Seth here, but then again I want to see him get his ass kicked and have it lead to a heel turn. Side note: Michael Cole reminded us that Rollins earned this title shot by winning a Battle Royal, meaning both of his title shots this year came by winning a battle royal.

The little things always go a long way. Seth clobbering Brock’s back when Brock was driving shoulders into his midsection is a great example of this. Quickly getting The Stomp was a lot of fun as well. Add on to that Brock swinging Seth around by the rib tape! Classic stuff.

Once Brock went on the offensive, it was Big Boss Brock taking out Seth piece-by-piece. This is what Brock does, and this is why he’s so valuable. He’s the big baddie at the end, the big boss that most can’t beat. Win or lose, it’s the perfect story to tell and it works every time. Also noteworthy was Brock Lesnar hitting a normal suplex, but doing it in a way that tossed Seth Rollins across the ring. Another example of why Brock Lesnar is so valuable.

Seth wouldn’t go down without a fight, and the crowd was into all the near falls. Seth isn’t the best at selling an injury, seemingly forgetting that his ribs were injured at times. Sure, “fighting spirit” and all. But injured ribs means no suicide dives. Surprisingly, Rollins got the win after that ass kicking! Didn’t expect it to go that way, but it’s an intriguing development and I am interested to see where it goes.

That was one hell of a match with an unexpected ending. Well done.

Seth Rollins pinned Brock Lesnar after The Stomp to capture the Universal Championship – ****1/2

WWE has been putting on great PPV events all year, and this was no different. The main event was great, and the surprising ending really drove things home. The card itself was good to great, even the worst parts (looking at you Bayley vs Ember Moon) weren’t atrocious. In a rarity, the final match of the night was my favorite, and you can’t help but feel satisfied.

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

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!