Opinion

The Young Bucks Still Aren’t Killing The Business

Published

8 years ago

December 22, 2017

Every couple of weeks or so we go through it all over again. The argument that goes back to the beginning of time. Old school vs. New school. People from the olden days hate how things are done today by disrespectful punks that are killing the business to have a laugh. People doing things today don’t want to hear complaining from the old-timers that don’t get it & are just jealous they couldn’t do the things that they do. Wrestling fans fall into either camp & tend to buy into one side of the argument without much thought, if Twitter & comment sections are any indication. So what got everybody worked up this time? You knew it had to involve The Young Bucks.

These things usually do.

The Young Bucks GIF Seen Around The World

Super FLIPPY DROPKICKY Sequence! @NickJacksonYB @MattJackson13 @theAdamPage v @TheFlipGordon @dragon_leecmll #Titan #FinalBattle #ROH pic.twitter.com/KAwzOZxtLM

— Brian The Guppie (@briantheguppie) December 16, 2017

I mean…it’s a silly spot. The first time I watched it I kind of rolled my eyes, but it’s not like I haven’t seen 5,000 matches with some type of standoff spot where everybody tries moves & they all miss. The point is to establish a stalemate and get a reaction from the crowd. Which this did, a sold out Hammerstein Ballroom crowd at the Ring Of Honor Final Battle pay-per-view.

To act like this is anything new would mean that I would have forgotten all of the matches Tajiri had with Super Crazy in ECW where they did multiple standoffs. I’m getting old, and my short-term memory isn’t what it once was, but I haven’t forgotten those. Neither have Nick & Matt Jackson, or other people of my generation that grew up watching wrestling. I liked those standoffs. After the first few matches they got a little old as a TV viewer, but they always got a pop from the crowd at the event.

The moment the GIF got posted online, everybody lost their damn minds. Especially UFC fighters, for some strange reason. I don’t know what had those guys all excited last weekend, but a bunch of them were very angry with the temerity & unmitigated gall of the spot. The one I recognized was Daniel Cormier, who apparently is a pro wrestling expert when he’s not busy getting knocked out by Jon Jones and being given championships anyway.

Some wrestlers tweeted back at the UFC guys. Cody Rhodes was defensive in support of his Bullet Club buddies, as you would expect. Vince Russo didn’t like it because there wasn’t a miscarriage or a transvestite involved, as you would expect. Jim Cornette rambled on about how it was killing the business & kissed the UFC fighters’ ass, as you would expect. I guess you wouldn’t expect Russo & Cornette to agree on something, but then again they’re both behind the times. Just in different ways.

Young Bucks vs. Midnight Express

One fun part of the whole Twitter brouhaha was Dave Meltzer firing some shots at Cornette and really grinding his gears by comparing the Young Bucks to a team near & dear to his heart.

As live show performers, the first time I saw them work a crowd as heels, it was the same response of mixing comedy with getting middling foes over and using creative new moves like MX. https://t.co/xW5cBEKKh6

— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) December 18, 2017

I’m not 100% sold on the comparison. Get back to me in thirty years & we’ll see how well the Young Bucks’ matches have aged. The MX are pretty timeless. As far as personal enjoyment goes, I’d take the Midnights every time.

The Midnight Express can’t wrestle today. To be honest, if a team went out there and wrestled just like the Midnight Express today, I wouldn’t like them. Originality doesn’t always equal awesome, but you have to have some if you’re going to stand out. If Nick & Matt went out there and used all of the Midnight Express’s old moves and brought in their old manager for a payday, it’d get over as well as Bob Holly & Bart Gunn did as the New Midnight Express.

Midnight Express Jim Cornette Jim Ross NWA

Jim Corntte & The Midnight Express, an old school comparison to The Young Bucks.

Meltzer probably would equate the Young Bucks with the Midnight Express. He’s a fan. Whether we agree with him or not, he makes a valuable point. These teams play the same roles. They’re exciting tag team wrestlers playing the role of bad guy. It’s tough to be exciting & get booed. It’s even tougher in 2017 than it was in 1987. Bobby Eaton didn’t have to worry about promoting himself on Twitter. Promotions actually promoted their wrestlers back in the day. Wrestlers have to do it themselves now, or risk getting left behind.

Let’s be honest. Cornette isn’t an angel here. He’s been involved in some spots that heavily exposed the business too. Like this one from the 1993 Survivor Series match pitting his Heavenly Bodies team against the Rock n’ Roll Express.

WWF Survivor Series..@RealRickyMorton flips The Heavenly Bodies @drtomprichard pic.twitter.com/NxtDCWCSvJ

— History of NWA/JCP/WCW/MSW (@HistoryofWrest) December 21, 2017

I mean, come on now. Who in the world believed that 185 pound Ricky Morton could flip any two men on the planet over the top rope like that? It’s ridiculous. No wonder the Boston Garden crowd took a dump all over the match.

When you think about it, the Rock n’ Rolls exposed the business as much as anybody. Morton would get his butt kicked for the entirety of the match. There was no way that he could possibly recover. Sure enough, he would get the hot tag to Robert Gibson, crazy stuff would happen & the Rock n’ Roll Express would get the win to the delight of the crowd. They never had any real chance winning matches against teams that were bigger & stronger, and beat Morton up the whole match, but they did all the time.

Talk about exposing the business!

Honestly, the GIF wasn’t even the most business-exposing thing to happen in wrestling this week. Stephanie McMahon’s announcement of the Women’s Royal Rumble took that award from where I sit. I got pretty worked up about it. It’s one thing for wrestling moves to get a little too much like gymnastics. It’s another thing for people to completely forget they are feuding with each other & celebrate together like everybody just won the Super Bowl. That, to me, was more business-exposing than anything I’ve ever seen the Young Bucks do inside a wrestling ring.

Granted, I haven’t seen all their matches so maybe I missed something.

From what I have seen, the Bucks are this generation’s high-flying tag team. They get a little meta with their humor. Some of the things they do aren’t my cup of tea as a wrestling viewer. But they’re super successful and making a ton of money outside WWE, so I have to give them a ton of credit as a wrestling columnist. To do anything else wouldn’t make much sense, at least from my perspective. As far as I can tell, they aren’t killing the business.

Twenty years from now, wrestlers of this era will be on whatever social media platform is around bitching & moaning about how the new wrestlers are destroying the business. That’s how this has worked since the beginning. Old wrestlers complained about Flair vs. Steamboat. Old wrestlers complained about the various Expresses. Old wrestlers complain about whatever happens after they retire, just like other old athletes complain about how current athletes have it easy or use PEDs or whatever.

They sometimes have good points worth listening to. We just need to make sure their more destructive takes are taken with a grain of salt. I mean, could you imagine if we let a bunch of bitter old people that hate young people that aren’t like them at all run the country? Wouldn’t that be a terrible idea? They’d do whatever they could to destroy us!

The world can’t be stuck in the past, and neither can pro wrestling. We can celebrate the past. We can watch all the old-time wrestling we want. I know I do. We can’t let it decide the future. Wrestling has to take its own course. We might not always like the direction it goes in…but if you’re anything like me, that’s been a pretty common thing for most of your time as a fan.

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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!

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

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!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

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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

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Classic POD is WAR

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

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

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

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