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Something They Can’t See: The New Kayfabe

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WWE Triple H Stephanie McMahon Motorcycle

It is quite common nowadays for a certain negative observation about wrestling fans to come from the wrestling talent themselves. Not a criticism, more a prevailing observation. With the veil removed and less illusion and mystery surrounding the business, cynical fans will first see the negative in something (an angle, a character, a match, etc.) which leaves the possibility of something being successful or even interesting less likely. This attitude leaves a bad stench that surrounds wrestling discussion, usually living outside of the kayfabe universe wrestling seeks to create. As a fanbase, we can be cynical perhaps because we have to take everything we see and hear with a grain of salt. We cast doubts as to whether things that are promised or possible will happen. That doubt leads fans to treat the business with as much disdain as appreciation.

Getting back to how this affects the perception of fans among the wrestlers, I recently had the opportunity to speak with a performer who, during a match, saw his opponent demonstrate his frustration with the current climate among wrestling fandom. In my conversation with current indy star Mike Orlando, he spoke of how, when he faced Ryback, the former Intercontinental Champion changed the direction of the match simply to out-think fans, clashing the real universe with the kayfabe one.

Talent does love what they do and loves when it’s appreciated as well. At the core of the business, the mark of a successful wrestler is to garner a reaction whether as a face or as a heel. However, in any line of work, when what you do isn’t appreciated it is easy to take issue. So amidst the growing cynicism towards wrestling and the talent from fans, it feels like only a matter of time before the talent lashes out. Clearly, criticism of talent for a ‘poor’ match or a ‘weak’ skill set reflects that at times fans believe they know more about wrestling than the talent themselves. In their defense, it is easy to think that; fans have been widely exposed to what goes on behind the scenes through shoot videos and social media, leading to that the belief that they know more than the talent.

Whether in kayfabe or not, when talent is pushed to a limit, they will look at their mentions on social media and get fired up. For instance, within the past few months, a comment was directed at Cody Rhodes on Twitter suggesting that his brother was ‘nothing’ as a wrestler, when in actuality that couldn’t be further from the truth. The problem is that, from some fans’ perspective, a wrestler is only as good as his or her last match. However, in actuality, their best match doesn’t stop being significant because they don’t have the same rank or stature now than when they did years earlier. From Cody’s perspective, Goldust’s current booking has no bearing on what his past accomplishments, having been an Intercontinental and tag team champion. Goldust’s character pushed the envelope of what was and wasn’t taboo in its prime, tapping into a persona that made a number of people feel uncomfortable.

It is sad to think that our believing we know more than those that are part of the planning, the work, the preparation and the sacrifice to make something effective can lead to us easily and dismissively casting it aside. When it gets to that point, talent is more than justified in pushing back. Sure, professionals are in a position where they should expect to be faced with criticism and have to deal with it. However, the problem is thinking that, when you see their response, you understand their plight and their state of mind when they respond, or what other factors go into their response. In the case of Cody Rhodes, his family was insulted and his brother’s career accomplishments weren’t even acknowledged.

Heels such as Kevin Owens and Baron Corbin are recognized for their rather clever and witty comments expressed on social media. In a number of cases, Corbin has mocked fans for believing they knew more than the Lone Wolf. In these instances, the critics have felt they are justified, maybe because they have watched wrestling longer than the former NFL player. However, in his responses, he is being consistent with his character in the kayfabe universe, while at the same time pointing out the stigma that so many fans are accused of: that they believe they are knowledgeable and informed enough to know who is and isn’t justified to be in their current role. Other performers frequently point out how Corbin has been quite active in wanting to know more about his current profession and is committed to getting better at it. They say he is constantly inquiring about how to improve and what he needs to work on both inside and outside the ring. Fans’ attacks him are ill-informed because they have no idea how committed he is to getting better. Does he get frustrated if things don’t work well? Who wouldn’t, considering it is all done under a microscope?

We often watch talent through a small lens, but our perspective needs to be broadened because all these performers are constantly striving to, ultimately, become more successful at entertaining the paying public. And when they elicit a response from you, they ultimately have struck a chord. Whether they are liked or not, they are committed. One of the most polarizing wrestlers in WWE is, without question, Roman Reigns. It is, of course, easy to question, challenge, jeer or cheer a character that fills a great deal of television time, and on-screen Reigns doesn’t try to play up either the cheers or the jeers. He simply tries to remain in character, a character that is far from heelish, despite what at times appears to be the kind of heat that should be bestowed upon the most despised villain. However, when talent breaks character, for instance on social media, it is simply because the outpouring of criticism they receive isn’t rational or justified. This became apparent when Reigns commented upon the belief of certain fans that he didn’t ‘sacrifice’ enough. Reigns pulled no punches as he highlighted how he has spent countless days, weeks, and months away from his family, how his sacrifice goes beyond the ring. Is this kayfabe? No, it’s very real, but it plays into his kayfabe character. He has the support of management because they know he is committed to being better. And he is eliciting a reaction, and for that he really should be commended, not condemned. The same could be said about John Cena, who has faced the same love/hate reaction that Reigns does, in his case over the past decade. While Cena has endured criticism for a lack of character change, moveset, and for being ‘super,’ he takes it all in stride. He acknowledges the criticism but states that the fans’ passion is always welcome. However, what if that passion was perceived as being disrespectful?

There will be a contingent of fans that will no doubt say that they are justified in criticizing how they see fit that they pay for the product so they are free to share their views. And we couldn’t agree more, but what tends to be forgotten is that unless we have stepped in the ring, taken a bump, attempted to generate a reaction with everything we say and do, then we in all fairness we can’t see what they see. Our awareness of what goes into a match is limited to what those in the business have made us aware of, and even that will vary depending on whom the talent is and their unique experiences. Anyone that has seen a film that lifted the veil to show what happens behind the scenes in wrestling has seen that the sacrifices they make are real, whether that is watching Mick Foley receive 25 shots to the head while handcuffed or seeing another wrestler pulling shards of glass from his skin. Their commitment truly is unparalleled.

During the 1980s and earlier, fans exposure to the truth behind the kayfabe was minimal at best. They jeered or cheered, but it was much purer; there wasn’t a need to know the truth or the need to try to outthink what we were watching as if they were predicting the end of a suspenseful movie. Fans today want to know something before it happens, yet they also love the element of surprise. Their rather critical nature is rooted in the abundance of information they are exposed to on a day to day basis. They believe they know more because things they believe to be truthful are widely shared.

However, what if everything we believed to be the reality of things, wasn’t? What if everything fans had been made aware of was a deliberate effort to reinforce the belief that fans of today do ‘know it all?’ Part of the breaking of kayfabe is to stay a step ahead of those in the audience, and those watching on some form of a device. In reality, it doesn’t break kayfabe at all, but establishes a new one.

Some talent are doubtless insulted, but not because audiences are tougher to convince or more particular about what they like or don’t like. Rather, it’s completely justified to be insulted if someone tells you they know better what you have committed your life to better than you do. It is much like the child that believes they know more than their parent, or the employee that feels they know more than their employer. You can’t claim superior knowledge when you aren’t walking in the shoes of those you are watching. Is questioning what we watch, when it has to do with what happens in a match, justified? Truth be told, no, not really. The talent are given parameters of what to do, and the decision of who wins or loses isn’t something the talent needs to be chastised about. And in the end, more than likely they know something we don’t. That, is their new kayfabe.


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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

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May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

  • AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
  • Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
  • Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
  • DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
  • DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
  • Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
  • Patrick – Gunther
  • Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
  • Rob – Gunther
  • Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

  • AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
  • Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
  • Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
  • DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
  • DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
  • Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
  • Patrick – Becky Lynch
  • Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
  • Rob – Lyra Valkyria
  • Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

 

  • AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
  • Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
  • Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
  • DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
  • DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
  • Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
  • Patrick – Jacob Fatu
  • Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
  • Rob – Jacob Fatu
  • Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0 

 

  • AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
  • Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
  • Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
  • DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
  • DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
  • Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
  • Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
  • Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
  • Rob – Dominic Mysterio
  • Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

 

  • AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
  • Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
  • Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
  • DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
  • DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
  • Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
  • Patrick – John Cena
  • Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
  • Rob – John Cena
  • Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

  • AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
  • Andrew – @IWCWarChief
  • Dave – @AttitudeAgg
  • DJ – @TheMindlessPod
  • DPP – @itsmeDPP
  • Jason – @JediFett
  • Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
  • Rey – @itsreycash
  • Rob – @rbonne1
  • Greg – @gregdemarco44
  • PC – @PCTunney
  • TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY – 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

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FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

 


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About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


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All Shows On Demand


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

Chairshot Staff Picks: WrestleMania 41 Las Vegas

Time for The Chairshot personalities to put their money where their mouths are! WreslteMania 41 predictions from the “expert” staff at TheChairshot.com and Chairshot Radio Network.

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Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Chairshot Staff Picks. And what better setting than WrestleMania for this article to return! This 41st edition has one of the most stacked rosters in WWE history. So, without further ado, let us get to the predictions and prognostications…

  • AJ – The New Day
  • Andrew – The New Day – No one seems to hold tag titles long anymore.
  • Dave – The New Day – They have earned it.
  • DJ – The New Day – Feel tha Powah!
  • DPP – War Raiders – Big E distraction.
  • Jason – The New Day – We are not getting E in a working capacity though everyone wants it.
  • Patrick – The New Day – WWE doesn’t care about this match, so why should I?
  • Rey – The New Day – Its a New Day, bruh.
  • Rob – The New Day – New Day rocks and wins!
  • Greg – The New Day – New. Day wins. New. Day wins!

Tunney’s Take: War Machine – Yes, WAR MACHINE. I have personally had the pleasure of throwing back a few cold ones with these guys on more than one occasion. Not only being tag champs in WWE but defending the titles at Mania and against The New Day is really cool for me as a long-time fan. Would it be fun to see The New Day have another title run.. YES. I think it’s smarter to give the War Raiders a big Mania W.

Chairshot Pick: THE NEW DAY 9-2

  • AJ – Jade Cargill
  • Andrew – Jade Cargill – She needs to stay a dominant force.
  • Dave – Jade Cargill – Gotta gear her up for the long term.
  • DJ – No contest – Naomi puts another beat down on Jade.
  • DPP – Jade Cargill – Nervous for how this match will go.
  • Jason – Naomi – Way more runway with Naomi as a bad guy. Keep it going!
  • Patrick – Jade Cargill – Jade gets her revenge.
  • Rey – Jade Cargill – Best non-title feud going. Naomi should win but Jade sneaks by.
  • Rob – Naomi – Naomi gets help to win.
  • Greg – Jade Cargill – They ain’t beating Jade here.

Tunney’s Take: Jade Cargill – I imagine WWE sees Jade’s ceiling much higher than Naomi’s. What better way to keep Jade climbing the ladder towards a World Title than to pick up a decisive victory in Vegas!

Chairshot Pick: Jade Cargill 8-2-1

  • AJ – Jacob Fatu – “AJ does a pretty good LA Knight impersonation” – PC Tunney
  • Andrew – Jacob Fatu – I’m biased, Jacob for President.
  • Dave – Jacob Fatu – Getting gold back in the Bloodline is smart.
  • DJ – Jacob Fatu
  • DPP – Jacob Fatu
  • Jason – Jacob Fatu – Thanks for coming pal, YEAH!
  • Patrick – Jacob Fatu
  • Rey – Jacob Fatu – C’mon cuz! All gas no brakes with it. Yadadamean??
  • Rob – LA Knight – Solo costs Jacob.
  • Greg – LA Knight – Solo screws Jacob.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – It has been quite the journey for the Samoan Werewolf. I feel like that journey and the positive turn around it has taken deserves to be rewarded. Let’s see what Jacob can do on his own. Plus, LA Knight is ready to challenge for a World Title.

Chairshot Pick: Jacob Fatu 9-2

  • AJ – Tiffany Straton
  • Andrew – Tiffany Straton – I hate Charlotte Flair, no objectivity here.
  • Dave – Charlotte Flair – Tiffy might be the future, but she kinda failed the litmus test.
  • DJ – Charlotte Flair – The Queen crowns the freshman.
  • DPP – Tiffany Stratton
  • Jason – Charlotte Flair – Tiff wasn’t ready for this spot. Charnos is inevitable.
  • Patrick – Charlotte Flair – Lol Charlotte wins.
  • Rey – Charlotte Flair – Tiffany SHOULD win but, if Charlotte can squash, she will.
  • Rob – Charlotte Flair – Charlotte gets number 15.
  • Greg – Tiffany Stratton – Lol Charlotte wins. (Actually she doesn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Charlotte Flair – Charlotte needs the title for the first time in her career. Tiffy has had a nice run but now needs to take that all important step of not losing momentum after losing the title. Despite the drama and lackluster build here, I see a really good match coming this weekend from these two.

Chairshot Pick: Charlotte Flair 7-4

  • AJ – El Grande Americano
  • Andrew – El Grande Americano – I’d like to see Gable gain some momentum. Rey is Teflon.
  • Dave – El Grand Americano – He needs a marque win much more than Rey.
  • DJ – Rey Mysterio
  • DPP – El Grande Americano – Grande wins with the switcheroo to prove he is not Gable.
  • Jason – Rey Mysterio – Unmask Grande at the end. It is fun but has a shelf life.
  • Patrick – El Grande Americano – TOTALLY NOT CHAD GABLE
  • Rey – Rey Mysterio – Someone’s mask is coming off and it ain’t Rey.
  • Rob – El Grande Americano
  • Greg – Rey Mysterio – Hall of Famer wins but doesn’t take the mask.

Tunney’s Take: Rey Mysterio – Go listen to DWI 471. DP, Greg and I lay out exactly what this match should be, FUN! Multiple Americanos!!!

Chairshot Pick: El Grande Americano 6-5

  • AJ – Jey Uso
  • Andrew – Jey Uso – Kinda booked themselves into a corner here.
  • Dave – Jey Uso – It just makes sense.
  • DJ – Jey Uso – Jey YEETS all over The Ring Genreal.
  • DPP – Jey Uso – Jey wins after normal Gunther beating.
  • Jason – Jey Uso – Land the plane man. YEET
  • Patrick – Jey Uso – Jey has earned this one.
  • Rey – Jey Uso – YEEEEEEEEEEEET!
  • Rob – Jey Uso – YEET
  • Greg – Jey Uso – If Jey loses we riot. We don’t cause he wins.

Tunney’s Take: Jey Uso – ‘Til sweat drop down my balls, ‘Til all these bitches crawl, ‘Til all… YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chairshot Pick: Jey Uso 11-0

  • AJ – Roman Reigns
  • Andrew – Seth Rollins – I can see Rollins being the last piece of Team Rock.
  • Dave – Roman Reigns – I can’t see Roman losing two years in a row.
  • DJ – Seth Rollins – Paul Heyman is a Seth Freakin Rollins guy.
  • DPP – Seth Rollins – The Rock helps Rollins.
  • Jason – Roman Reigns – Seth’s favor is a red herring. Make-A-Wish Brooks got his main, now look at the lights.
  • Patrick – Seth Rollins – Seth Rollins… Paul Heyman guy.
  • Rey – Seth Rollins – I smeeeeellllllll a new soul to sell.
  • Rob – Roman Reigns – Paul Heyman helps Roman win.
  • Greg – Seth Rollins – Brock Lesnar returns to help Seth win.

Tunney’s Take: CM Punk – I really have no idea here. I picked Punk because nobody else did. This is going to be professional wrestling cinema at its finest. The story is thick and neatly woven. All the participants are legends and so are the potential party crashers. Will The Rock stick his nose in here? Will Brock Lesnar return to play a factor? Obviously, Paul Heyman has a Plan A… but what is it? All these questions and more will be answered Saturday as night 1 will definitely go out with a bang!

Chairshot Pick: Seth Rollins 6-4-1

  • AJ – Iyo Sky
  • Andrew – Iyo Sky – Rhea vs Bianca doesn’t need a belt to be compelling.
  • Dave – Rhea Ripley – Going with Rhea barely, hoping Iyo wins.
  • DJ – Iyo Sky – Unfinished business.
  • DPP – Iyo Sky – Rhea and Bianca are too consumed with each other.
  • Jason – Iyo Sky – More layers to Rhea/Bianca. Iyo rules.
  • Patrick – Iyo Sky – Iyo stole the build and gets the win.
  • Rey – Iyo Sky – Smart money is on the underdog champ.
  • Rob – Iyo Sky – Iyo survives.
  • Greg – Bianca Belair – Naomi helps Bianca win and turn heel.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – Rhea is the best women’s wrestler in the world. Give her the biggest win on the grandest stage of them all!!! Bianca needs to go full heel. Iyo has been amazing in this build.

Chairshot Pick: Iyo Sky 8-2-1

  • AJ – Dominik Mysterio
  • Andrew – Finn Balor – I can see a Judgement Day meltdown incoming.
  • Dave – Bron Breakker – Bron is about to become a MegaStar.
  • DJ – Bron Breakker – Judgement Day implodes.
  • DPP – Dominik Mysterio – Finn take the pin.
  • Jason – Penta – I literally do not care because the winner is us, the fans.
  • Patrick – Bron Breakker – The WWE doesn’t care about this matchup, so why should I?
  • Rey – Dominik Mysterio – Only match without a clear winner. I choose chaos.
  • Rob – Bron Breakker – Finn and Dom cancel each other out.
  • Greg – Dominik Mysterio – Dom steals the pin from Bron, on Finn.

Tunney’s Take: Bron Breakker – The case can be made for any of these four to walk away with the most prestigious non-World title in pro wrestling history. The short of it is though that the Main Event picture isn’t really readily accessible for Breakker right now. Let this IC reign go through the summer, to SummerSlam.

Chairshot Pick: Bron Breakker 5-4-1-1

  • AJ – Damian Priest – “AJ does a pretty good Drew impersonation” – PC Tunney
  • Andrew – Drew McIntyre – Priest has not been interesting in this face incarnation.
  • Dave – Drew McIntyre – Time for Drew to get that win back.
  • DJ – Fuck finish – To be continued at Backlash.
  • DPP – Drew McIntyre – Physical matchup!
  • Jason – Drew McIntyre – Either one is fine here.
  • Patrick – Drew McIntyre – With two eyes, Drew turns the tide.
  • Rey – Drew McIntyre – Low key match of the weekend.
  • Rob – Damien Priest
  • Greg – Damien Priest – Priest wins, Drew tweets about it half hour later.

Tunney’s Take: Drew McIntyre – With the addition of the Street fight rules, these two behemoths have a really good chance to have one of the best matches of the entire weekend (winks at Rey Ca$h-A-Mania)! I do wonder what is next for both of these talents moving forward. Priest has staled since leaving the Judgement Day and Drew seems stuck in the same cycle for a while now. Very interested to see what the summer holds for this pair.

Chairshot Pick: Drew McIntyre 7-3-1

WHO WILL BE RANDY’S OPPONENT?!?

  • AJ – Nick Aldis – Orton wins
  • Andrew – Orton and Aldis vs Solo and Tama – Orton and Aldis win
  • Dave – Someone is getting an RKO!
  • DJ – A segment w/ the Wyatt s6cks.
  • DPP – Rusev – Aldis introduces Rusev who defeats Orton.
  • Jason – Nick Aldis – You got one more in ya, bubba. Aldis wins!
  • Patrick – Nick Aldis
  • Rey – Solo then Rusev – Solo in a squash and Rusev MATCHKA(wins)
  • Rob – Nick Aldis – Aldis proves himself, Orton wins.
  • Greg – Nick Aldis – Orton beats Aldis, they shake after.

Tunney’s Take: I would really love to see a singles match between Orton and Aldis. More likely this is some type of involvement with Solo and Tama. Rusev as a surprise challenger would be cool but, I feel that would be better left for RAW. An impromptu Goldberg retirement match would be crazy and fun, yet highly unlikely and illogical. Whatever happens, best believe exactly what Dave Ungar said, “Someone is getting an RKO!”.

  • AJ – Logan Paul
  • Andrew – AJ Styles – Logan doesn’t need the rub and should stay upper mid card.
  • Dave – Logan Paul – It’s the smart move and would be a statement win for Paul.
  • DJ – Logan Paul – Kross gets involved somewhere.
  • DPP – AJ Styles – AJ wins a great high-flying match.
  • Jason – AJ Styles – Just enjoy it or get a beer, nerds.
  • Patrick – Logan Paul – Logan Paul will main-event Mania sooner than later…
  • Rey – Logan Paul – Pass the torch, my wily vet.
  • Rob – Logan Paul – Kross helps Paul win.
  • Greg – AJ Styles – Styles wins after Paul’s cheating backfires.

Tunney’s Take: Logan Paul – Logan seems to really have dedicated himself to becoming great in this business. Anyone with that type of goal must have a World title on their mind. Beating AJ at Mania will be a great springboard for Logan into the Main Event sooner than later (winks at Patrick O’Dowd).

Chairshot Pick: Logan Paul 7-4

  • AJ – Liv & Raquel
  • Andrew – Liv & Raquel – Not really a fan of Lyra, she needs more work.
  • Dave – Liv & Raquel – This Bayley and Lyra team makes no damn sense.
  • DJ – Liv & Raquel – Bayley crashes out.
  • DPP – Liv & Raquel – Bayley continues a potential heel turn tease.
  • Jason – Bayley & Lyra – Finish the story!
  • Patrick – Bayley & Lyra – The WWE doesn’t care about this matchup, so why should I?
  • Rey – Liv and Raquel – Bayley want a title but it ain’t the ones in this match.
  • Rob – Liv & Raquel – Champs retain.
  • Greg – Liv & Raquel – Liv and Raquel retain thanks to Carlito and maybe JD.

Tunney’s Take: Liv & Raquel – Liv and Raquel need to be kept as the cornerstone of the women’s tag division for a lengthier period of time. Building tag teams in this division is difficult enough, let alone without a North Star.

Chairshot Pick: Liv & Raquel 9-2

  • AJ – Cody Rhodes
  • Andrew – Cody Rhodes – They are mentioning it so much, I don’t think 17 happens.
  • Dave – Joh Cena – Record falls and we head to summer with a built-in storyline.
  • DJ – John Cena – Some kind of Final Boss involvement.
  • DPP – John Cena – Cena wins and retires on RAW.
  • Jason – John Cena – Story’s over, “Captain” BIG MATCH JOHN.
  • Patrick – John Cena – A record breaking night for Cena.
  • Rey – John Cena – They’d be really stupid to turn John just to lose. (Post-Mania: Rock, Cena, T Scott, Seth & Drew, TEAM Corporate)
  • Rob – Cody Rhodes – Cody surprises us with the W.
  • Greg – Cody Rhodes – Cody wins to piss off Rock and set the table for Cena to turn back face. Crowd is behind Cena all the way through.

Tunney’s Take: Cody Rhodes – They had me until the threat of retirement. Been there. Done that. Didn’t fall in love with it back then. I love John Cena. I love this final run. John will get his 17th just not here. I expect nothing less than an absolute GEM of a match here to close WrestleMania 41. This has all been, is, and will continue to be about Cody Rhodes. WM40 defeats Roman Reigns. WM41 defeats John Cena. WM42 defeats The Rock (The Final Boss).

Chairshot Pick: John Cena 6-5

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We wait all year for this so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

  • AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
  • Andrew – @IWCWarChief
  • Dave – @AttitudeAgg
  • DJ – @TheMindlessPod
  • DPP – @itsmeDPP
  • Jason – @JediFett
  • Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
  • Rey – @itsreycash
  • Rob – @rbonne1
  • Greg – @gregdemarco44
  • PC – @PCTunney
  • TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

For the latest, greatest and up to datest in coverage, opinions, and podcasts ALWAYS #UseYourHead and visit TheCharishot.com

Prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot plenty of GREAT t-shirt designs! Makes an awesome gift!!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY – Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY – POD is WAR 

FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY – The Front and Center Sports Podcast / The Oddity… Keeping the news ridiculous!

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

 


Chairshot Radio Network
Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts… Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Listen on your favorite platform!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand


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