Opinion

The Wrestling Debate Club: Should NXT UK Have Returned?

Chairshot’s Rey Ca$h and WrestlingHeadlines.com’s Clive have a pointed debate on whether NXT UK should’ve returned or not.

Published

4 years ago

October 15, 2020

Rey Cash

Clive: Greetings! I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Clive, and I am and a podcaster and columnist for WrestlingHeadlines.com. I’d like to welcome you all to this, the first in a bi-monthly Brand Extension offshoot, where Chairshot Media’s Rey Ca$h and I take you to Wrestling Debate Club. In written form! Rey, thank you for joining me on this new and potential laden venture!

Rey: My pleasure sir! I’m still astonished that you were so willing and happy to lose a debate against me so publicly, but I’m still happy to be here with you.

Clive: There was me hoping for a cordial and respectful back and forth on this debut installment. Instead, you went for the jugular. If that’s how you want to play it, then let’s jump right in. Unless you have any preemptive sore-loser caveats you want to throw in beforehand?

Rey: Remember Braveheart? The Scot died. On your cue, Clivert!

Statement Up For Debate: These past few weeks have seen the return of NXT UK to the WWE Network and TV outlets around the world. Considering there are still unaddressed roster members implicated in June’s #SpeakingOut Movement, should NXT UK even return at all? Rey, as a proponent for the show’s return, the floor is yours.

Proponent’s Argument: Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, trolls and trollettes of the IWC, I’d like to speak to you about a word that has become a bit of a buzzword in recent times – diversity. Now, more than ever, society has realized the importance of diversity. And I’m not just speaking about racial diversity, gender diversity, or the diversity of sexuality, religion, or class. I’m talking about diversity of choice. In this wonderful business that we call professional wrestling, this particular form of diversity has been quite the major issue over the years. The WWE essentially ran a monopoly on the business for almost 2 decades; so much so that they had to create their own diversity. They tried to achieve this first with the initial brand split, then with the rise of NXT, and most recently, with what Triple H calls “global localization”. It’s because of this that one of the most underserved markets in all of professional wrestling, the United Kingdom, received a WWE offshoot brand in NXT UK.

Now, I know that there has been massive controversy associated with this brand. The timing of its inception with the simultaneous rebirth of World of Sport is fresh in people’s minds, what with the so-called “homogenization” of the British Independent wrestling scene, and most recently, the #SpeakingOut scandal. It’s important to state, as we’ve talked about ad nauseum personally and in our various mediums, that there was a cancer in the wrestling business and it needed to be cut out. For the most part, wrestling – and WWE in particular – has done that. So while there is still some uncertainty with a portion of the NXT UK roster, and there MUST be an amicable resolution on those performers who deserve swift and severe punishment, the point of the brand should not be lost. The diversity of the brand should not be destroyed. The sins of the few should not affect the many. The importance of this brand for the region it serves, and the possibility of what this brand represents is a fire that must be stoked. Not one that should be extinguished. NXT UK gives European and Commonwealth wrestlers a steady wage in their own backyard. They have guarantees that working for the various Indy promotions could not promise. And the prospect of what making it in the WWE can do for a performer is too great to pass up, especially if you don’t have to move stateside. So I’d like to finish my opening argument by reminding you all of the importance of what NXT UK can and should be. A diverse, bustling showcase for the best professional wrestlers that Europe has to offer. A few disgustingly unfortunate controversies should not end this medium.

Opponent’s Argument: Readers, WWE, as we all know, is a publicly traded company. In so being, it strives to be the standard bearer in all things professional wrestling. It even aims for similar standards in the world of entertainment as a whole. With that comes a responsibility. A base level of visibility. A transparency to show to the world that it is not this all conquering evil conglomerate some pockets of wrestling fandom believe it to be.

In the Speaking Out Scandal’s wake, WWE has failed to set the standard. While independent wrestlers around the world have taken quick, decisive, and foundation rumbling measures to not only ensure a safe working environment, but also to present an untainted product to the public, WWE has in some cases portrayed itself as a brush with which to brush under a rug its dirty little secrets. Especially when it pertains to NXT UK.

Yes, some of those with allegations have indeed been shown the door, or at least suspended, pending further investigation. However, other allegations have remained, on the face of it at least, ignored. Why are public statements made for some and not for others? Why, with such an incredibly sensitive issue nowhere near resolved, are some accused not also treated with the visibility given to their peers? The UK and European wrestling scenes are small. In turn, they are close knit. Guilt by association is not a word I wish to use lightly. Yet, innocent wrestlers have toured the world for years with colleagues who are now considered predators, and a cancer to the business.

With police taskforces regarding #SpeakingOut still ongoing as you read this, it is irresponsible for WWE to operate with a business as usual mindset. Not enough has been done to assuage the collective anxiety felt by the Internet Wrestling Community. Until that has happened, NXT UK, now the hub of the BritWres scene, should not be back on our screens.

Proponent’s Retort/Rebuttal/Cross: My counterpart stated that WWE is the standard bearer in professional wrestling, and as such, should set the standard in situations such as this. He’s absolutely correct. Unequivocally so. He also states that WWE seemingly has brushed it’s dirty little secrets under a proverbial rug. Again, absolutely correct. I’d be an idiot if I didn’t acknowledge and lament WWE’s extremely checkered history of shoddy business practices, unfair treatment of performers, and overall crassness. These are all facts. But the question being asked is should NXT UK be ended because of all of the above.

Let’s talk about a few of these dirty little secrets that have been brushed under the rug by WWE. Chris Benoit committed a double murder homicide while under the employ of WWE. There is a very public and saddening list of professional wrestlers that spend the majority of their time under WWE’s employ that died at extremely young ages, with their demise ultimately being tied to the rigors and demands of the WWE model – most notably, Eddie Guerrero. There is a history of racist undertones in gimmicks, who’s pushed to success and why, and in treatment by wrestlers and management. The absolute same can be said for the treatment of the women of WWE historically, probably even more so. And then there’s Vince McMahon, as shrewd a businessman that’s ever lived, but a man who is as devilish as any we’ve seen in this generation. These are all verifiable facts. Do they mean that WWE should cease operations?

The answer should be, and is no. For all of the atrocities that WWE has been responsible for, they have given us just as much, if not more. The amount of lives that the WWE has ruined is likely quadrupled by the lives that they’ve positively impacted – professionally, financially, and for some, even personally. WWE’s success is directly involved in the success of every other wrestling company in the business, and that’s even before they became a conglomerate. In more recent years, WWE has taken a heavy philanthropic charge, placing heavy emphasis on their fight against multiple forms of cancers, the Special Olympics, and women’s empowerment to name a few. There are multiple redeeming qualities that WWE has, and we haven’t even talked about the product. For all of the conjecture about the enjoyment of it, there’s no debate that the biggest and most memorable and important moments in the wrestling world happen in the WWE.

So, am I arguing that the ends justify the means? No, that’s not my decision to make. For every issue that I’m somehow able to accept, millions more can’t. I accept that and I honor that. What I am arguing, however, is that this isn’t a black and white situation. It never is in entertainment. The issue is simply, “What does NXT UK have to offer, and is it still worth it?” With this being the ACTUAL question at hand, I feel that the answer is an unequivocal yes. I ask you, if you shut down NXT UK, what do you do with their near 40 person roster? Are the masses worth sacrificing for the transgressions of a few? I also ask, especially to my counterpart, if you are a wrestling fan in the UK and Europe, what are you supposed to watch? NXT UK has given the European wrestling scene it’s only weekly episodic show. Yes, the bigger Indy companies will still do shows and televise them, but will it have the ease of watching and production quality that the WWE has?

Finally, if we do shut down NXT UK, what does this mean for future brands, shows, and companies? This sets a precedent that if any show has issues with some of its performers, that show should cease. That’s a dangerous precedent to set. One that gives entirely too much power to a society that more often than not abuses it. Instead of destroying what is essentially 50+ people’s livelihoods, let’s get rid of the ACTUAL abusers. Let’s clean up the show, clean up the brand, and clean up the business. Don’t throw it in the trash because a handful of guys are trash.

Opponent’s Retort/Rebuttal/Cross: The question posed today isn’t whether or not NXT UK should be done for good. Rey posits several salient points as to the deeds of the few being outweighed by the needs of the many. Rather, the question asks if it is too soon to bring the product back to the masses.

I was a huge proponent of its arrival on the Network. Proud of its venture onto normal television. Even with the backlash of its apparent harming of the BritWres scene as a whole. But Rey mentions charitable causes and women empowerment programs as WWE’s positives. Indeed they should be. However, when, on the face of it, a complete lack of action has been taken for some still accused, their victims who spoke out are far from empowered. With WWE’s success, as Rey suggests, this problem is a microcosm of the entertainment industry. For WWE to rise above its peers in that arena, more has to be done.

If WWE isn’t as transparent as it can be with these investigations, as the standard bearer that it is, why should companies aspiring to be affiliates buck that trend? If WWE doesn’t call a halt to proceedings until ALL accused have either been routed or cleared, why, then, should anybody else? With the accused (from NXT, Raw, and Smackdown also) wrestling away as if nothing has happened, how long will it be before independent companies wait for the fires to die out again before bringing their own accused back in? It might not take as long next time for a similar scandal to hit the scene.

Proponent’s Closing Statement: Ladies and gentlemen of the IWC, I’d like to make it known officially that I agree with my opponent on pretty much every point he has. I absolutely think that WWE should be held accountable for the inconsistency of how they’ve handled the #SpeakingOut movement accused. I think that there should have been a clear, concise, and most importantly PUBLIC plan as to what happens with those mentioned. I also think that WWE is and should continue to be the leader in the wrestling business, which means that they need to set the standard. And Clive and I both believe that they’ve missed the mark in this regard.

Where we disagree, however, is on one fundamental issue. What do you do until that happens? I’m not going to pretend to be a lawyer or a contract expert, but it’s more than fair to assume that all of the performers signed to WWE have morality clauses in their contracts. The people who have been released thus far have all openly admitted to what they did. The ones still under contract, however, have not. Some of which are actively fighting the allegations legally. This puts WWE in a precarious situation. I’d LOVE to see that WWE released Matt Riddle or Velveteen Dream today, but can you imagine the potential legal firestorm that may bring? They’d have legal recourse to say that WWE stood by them this far, and if rumors are believed to be true, both men informed WWE of their situations before they became public. So this is absolutely a lose-lose situation in the eyes of the WWE.

Now, I’m not sticking up for Riddle, Dream, or any of the accused. I’m not even sticking up for the WWE in this regard, who have the capital and gravitas to deal with any legal firestorm that may come their way. I’m simply trying to point out the delicacy of how this situation has to be handled. And not simply for the performers mentioned, but for the accusers as well. This situation is one that must be handled with care, diligence, and time. That last point – time – is the issue on which my opponent and I disagree. So to end my statement, I’ll ask you this. In a post-quarantine world, do you really think that the NXT UK brand could handle a full on shut down until all legal issues have run their course? Do you think that the WWE can afford to completely shut down a brand, one so important and synonymous with their second biggest market, to wait for the official situations of a few potentially guilty parties?

I believe that the answer is no. I believe that all of the accused should deal with their transgressions, and if true, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and fired. I believe that there is ABSOLUTELY no place for sexual assault, sexual deviance, abuse, domestic violence, targeting and grooming, or any of the other things mentioned in the allegations in society, especially in wrestling. But most importantly, I believe that the innocent should not be punished for the guilty. I believe that NXT UK should continue.

Thank you.

Opponent’s Closing Statement: With this being such an incendiary topic, it’s heartwarming to know that Rey and I are on the same page on the majority of the issues arising from this. So much so, it would be pointless for me to reiterate the points my opponent has so eloquently put across.

The issue with time, however, is that its very abundance can lead to complacency. Not just by WWE, who might not be as rigorously investigating matters as it was in June and July. But also by those accused whose status remains unresolved. Whose social media has slowly but surely become more active. Whose friends – even family members, with whom I struggle to believe would have been blind to such behaviour all this time – wait for them to be ingratiated back into the fold; their own potential guilt by proxy equally diminished.

Rey is spot on with the negative ramifications a prolonged postponement would have for third parties and wrestlers themselves. Knowing said wrestlers like I do, however, what with them having lived in each others’ pockets for lifetimes, this disease has to be thoroughly eradicated. Before it can come back, even more damaging to the wrestling community than it was the first time.

Clive: Well, Rey, thank you for joining me on this unique venture. I like to think this back and forth will have conjured up several talking points and issues for those reading to ponder.

Rey: Man, I thought we were supposed to fight? Like joust style. Like on American Gladiators. This was waaaaayyyy too friendly, but you are my brother, so I guess I’ll let this slide. Let’s do it again sometime!

Clive: Oh, indeed we will, sir. Indeed we will. If, however, we are going to do that, a tally has to be kept to see who is more in keeping with IWC sentiments. This where you, the reader, get to have your say. Hit us up in the comments below, or if you find this on social media. Tell us who you think won this debate, why, and if you have an alternative option.

You can find Clive on Twitter @RickyandClive

You can find Rey on Twitter @ItsReyCash

FIN

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!