Opinion

Official Chairshot Ratings: Royal Rumble 2018

Published

7 years ago

January 29, 2018

Well now we’ve got an interesting situation at hand. I was trying to be objective and keep notes while over my buddy’s house for our annual Rumble Party (Twitter: @Griever2112 – Follow him, he’s good people). So between drinking, eating and attempting to be social with a laptop…well atop my lap, hopefully my notes held up.

I did miss the first couple Pre-show matches, so this will start at the official “KICKOFF MATCH” and move into the main card.

United States Championship Kickoff Match: Bobby Roode(c) vs Mojo Rawley

With Bobby Roode being as over as he is (due to music or what have you), it’s a little insulting to be on the Pre-show, but yes I can figure that two rumbles would make the time crunch very tangible.

To most people’s surprise, Mojo Rawley answered the Open Challenge, and I’m not mad. Mojo has shown a lot of good potential with this new heel persona, and this match was mostly just a diluted version of their tournament match, but still decent for a Kickoff.

Bobby Roode needed the victory to start building credibility and Mojo continues to put on good showings as a fairly new “re-imagined” character.

Rating: ** (Silver V)

WWE Heavyweight Championship 2v1 Handicap Match: AJ Styles(c) vs Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn

Kicking off with the WWE Championship is a little surprising, but it might play into the Rumble later.

So this started off very slow, a couple quick mind game tags don’t help the match quality early on. Instead of focusing on one, Styles did a little damage to each guy slowly. That strategy worked for the most part, however, the ending was controversial and gives and excuse to drag out the story. Styles did pull off a nice Asai DDT at some point

Sami tries to tag in Kevin, misses, and Styles throws Zayn out of the ring. When KO comes in to try and soften up Styles with a Pop Up Powerbomb, Styles counters it with a body scissors, and the pinfall. This allows the heels to claim the wrong man got pinned, but a segment after the match proved that Shane McMahon didn’t really care.

Rating: *** 1/4 (Gold IV)

Smackdown Live Tag Team Championship 2 out of 3 Falls Match: The Usos(c) vs Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin

So Chad Gable is a proven workhorse, The Usos put on fantastic matches and Shelton Benjamin is still very good, so this match has a lot of potential.

We get a nice long match before the first pinfall. The Usos block Gable’s rolling German Suplex twice, kick out of Benjamin’s Paydirt and each team tries to dodge the others’ signature moves. Eventually the Usos hit a few super kicks on Gable, keep Benjamin away and hit the big Uce Splash for the first pinfall.

At that point, Benjamin and Gable play the heels and go to take out one of the brothers before the second fall starts. They hit their tandem powerbomb, bulldog move and go in to take advantage of a 1 on 2 situation. But much to their chagrin, as soon as the bell rings, Benjamin gets rolled up, Gable is stuck climbing to the top rope, so they lose 2 falls to 0.

I don’t see how Gable and Benjamin can come back from this without a goofy plea to the powers that be. So here’s to hoping someone else gets a shot at The Usos, maybe Bludgeon Brothers?

Rating: *** (Gold V)

30 Man Royal Rumble:

So this was a surprise within itself that the classic rumble was relegated to the middle of the card. I have no issues with it aside from the fact that myself and friends figured it would hurt the following tag match, and yes it did. But that’s for the next match, not this one. So Rusev and Balor kick things off, crowd chants Rusev Day and they both last for a while. A few fun moments were Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas showing up and further cementing his main event ability. Copo de nieve es un gran fan del El Idolo.

Heath Slater becomes a heel punching bag when an eliminated Baron Corbin lays him out on the ramp, and that becomes a comedy storyline until Sheamus tries to toss him in for a cheap elimination, but Slater eliminates him instead. When Kofi is thrown over, he lands one foot on Xavier Woods and then Big E brings over a big plate of pancakes as a foot coaster, until they cheerleader lift him back in.

Fast forward to the final 6, Mysterio, Orton and Cena represent the old guard and Nakamura, Reigns and Balor are the newer guys. As they square off, we see for a change that the old guard goes out and we’re left with Reigns and Nakamura as final 2. Everyone was watching with bated breath on if Philly was gonna riot and murder puppies after a Roman win, or if the internet will collective rejoice for Nakamura.

And as we know, Nakamura and Reigns have a good back and forth but Nakamura comes out on top and the peasants rejoice.

Rating: *** (Gold V)

Raw Tag Team Title Match: The Bar vs Jason Jordan & Seth Rollins

The crowd was dead following an hour plus of Rumble stuff and a winner they didn’t want to kill.

So this saw a weird spot with Jordan getting slammed into the post and playing up head trauma of some sorts and being literally useless all match. Rollins was basically in a handicap match, puts up a damn good fight, but fails. Jordan had an amusing moment when he makes it back to the corner at the right moment to get a hot tag and win the match, tags in, gets dizzy, tags right back out, says he’s done and just sits on the stairs while Rollins gets dragged back into the ring and destroyed.

Well this either leads to the team implosion and cements the Jordan heel turn, or we see Jordan play up CTE or something to try and gain sympathy from Rollins, all in a way to slow burn his heelish ways.

Rating: * 3/4 (Bronze I)

WWE Universal Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat Match: Brock Lesnar vs Braun Strowman vs Kane

Yay, chairs and tables and destroyed announce tables, also known as, everything they usually do with power guys.

This match happened, Brock potatoed Braun, Kane tried, Braun got relegated to the outside of the ring and Kane got F5’d through a table and Brock pins him in a match that no one was surprised about.

I’ve got nothing for this aside from maybe Elimination Chamber turns into a number 1 contender match and that’s where Reigns gets his win. I don’t know, I’m trying to hope this leads to something.

Rating: ** (Silver V)

30 Woman Royal Rumble:

I need the Spice Girls to cue up some Girl Power. This is historic, not only was it the first Women’s Rumble, it main evented the Royal Rumble, give me a Hell Yeah.

The match begins with Sasha and Becky, so that kinda already makes you a little nervous that two fan favorites are out so early. But the rest of the entrants were very fun and a nice combination of nostalgia, returns and showing some classic women can still go. One big comedy spot was Vickie Guerrero saying “Excuse Me’ like 90 times, getting all the women to stop and gang up on her and eliminate her fairly quickly.

Torrie Wilson, Kelly Kelly, Michelle McCool and Lita looked pretty terrible tonight. Ms. Jacqueline did her thing, Beth Phoenix had a nice power spot with Nia, Molly Holly looked amazing and Trish Stratus didn’t look like she missed too many steps and got the illustrious number 30 entry. Ember Moon also entered as a nice feel good moment since she only had one arm, plus the face off again with Asuka was a nice pop.

So the final four was odd since it was the two Bellas, Sasha and Asuka, but Sasha took charge of the Bellas in a very heelish way, until the Bellas took the opportunity to eliminate her. Nikki eliminates Brie, while her and Asuka go out to the apron and swing back and forth. Asuka drops, the crowd gasps, and then when Asuka kicks her legs out from under her…the peasants rejoice again.

Now no one asked Asuka who she wanted, both champions just came in the ring with her and Asuka was like a kid in a candy store of potential victims. Ronda Rousey debuts in full Roddy Piper, doesn’t say anything, infers a beef with Charlotte…but then leaves.

I guess this is one of those “Tune in Monday/Tuesday to see what happens”, but it seemed a little unnecessary.

Rating: *** (Gold V)

So yes the two Rumbles may have been a little spotty but over all they were fun, and the women’s rumble definitely came off as a more entertaining match. I also can’t complain since I won the two Rumble pools for the first time in the 12 years my friends have been doing this. So a little extra cash and my Empress of Tomorrow winning her title shot makes for a good night.

Sleepy time everyone, time for me to pass out.

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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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: 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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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

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

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