Opinion

Chris Deez’s Pre-Royal Rumble WWE WrestleMania 34 Card Predictions

Published

7 years ago

January 22, 2018

With the Royal Rumble 2018 a matter of days away, we are officially on The Road to WrestleMania. However, the seeds were being planted long before now in preparation for the Showcase of the Immortals. Survivor Series 2017 gave us a much clearer indication of what WWE were planning for The Show of Shows, although as we all know, WWE and Vince McMahon are prone to changing their minds at the very last moment, meaning The Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment (Is that enough different ways to say WrestleMania now?) this time around could be the most unpredictable and astounding we have ever seen.

Here are my early predictions for the top matches on the card.

Smackdown Live Tag Team Championships
Rusev Day v Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn v Bludgeon Brothers v The Usos (c)

This is an interesting one. The Smackdown Live tag division has been on absolute fire recently and has been one of 2017’s highlights for most fans, but WWE find themselves in an all too familiar position of having too many superstars to fit into a program hence why I’m going for another multi team match. The Bludgeon Brothers have made quite the impact since debuting but there’s only so many teams left for them to squash, so they need to be entered the title picture as soon as possible to give them some relevance.

The Usos were hands down the team of the year for 2017, but it might be time for them to drop the belts and freshen the division up a little. Rusev Day are over in a way nobody expected at all, but I can’t see WWE sticking the belts on them, yet which is a shame really as they’re both tremendously talented and Rusev has been misused for the longest time.

The most interesting element here is that of KO & Sami Zayn, and it all really comes down to what happens at the Rumble when the two face AJ Styles in a handicap match for the WWE Championship. The going plan seems to be AJ retains the belt, which is the right decision, and would surely lead to a split between the best friends and lead to yet another fantastic feud between the pair. If this is the case I would have Gable & Benjamin replace them in this match, or maybe Breezango. I’m expecting this to open the show, and regardless of which teams compete it has the potential to steal the show as it has so many times over the last 6 months or so.

When I say Uce, you say… no.

Shane McMahon v Daniel Bryan

If you’ve read anything I’ve written before you’ll know that this is my absolute nightmare, but it seems to be something WWE are determined to do. SD Live was meant to be the land of opportunity but the only opportunities we’re seeing are the ones for Shane to stroke his own ego. If Bryan does return it should under no circumstances be against Shane… he is NOT a wrestler and it’s scandalous that he keeps depriving talented superstars of main event spots.

For him to have faced AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, The Undertaker and competed in main events at numerous PPV’s honestly sickens me. Bryan could still have amazing matches with the likes of Owens, Styles or Zayn but he wont get the chance to. This is going to happen whether we like it or not. Toilet break match for me.

NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

Raw Tag Team Championships
The Bar v The Club v The Revival (c)

The Revival are the only team keeping me interested in the slightest bit about RAW’s tag division. The Bar are great and putting them together was absolute genius, but there’s only so many times I can watch the same match between the same guys no matter how good it might be. SD Live’s tag division has been on fire, while RAW’s has stagnated big time, so the return of The Revival will hopefully add fire into the mix.

The division still needs a few more legs though and I’m happy to see Gallows and Anderson return to a more prominent role recently. Seeing them capture the gold and Finn potentially doing the same would be a great way to build them up as the dominant faction in WWE, and its only a matter of time before we see the Authors of Pain or SAnitY called up… maybe on the RAW after Mania?

They’re not sports entertainers. They’re professional wrestlers. Top Guys!

Braun Strowman v Samoa Joe

Now I don’t overly want this to happen because Strowman at this point should be competing for a championship, but with the Universal Championship match all but decided we need something else for him to do in the meantime. Braun taking on Joe makes sense as it can be worked around what happened at Survivor Series when The Monster Among Men took out HHH not once, but twice. Joe was originally brought in as HHH’s hitman of sorts, so to have him once again do his dirty work makes sense. This is definitely a match up we all want to see, both men are insanely over despite one being a heel and seeing the two behemoths go one on one would be a sight to see.

Whatever does happen with these two, at least one of them needs to be competing for a championship again afterwards. I would absolutely move Joe over to Smackdown Live and have him go for the United States Championship at the very least.

Literally the best thing in WWE right now. Who saw that coming/

Intercontinental Championship
Finn Balor v The Miz (c)

The fact that Roman Reigns is once again going to compete in the main event suggested he would drop the title soon, and it made sense for The Miz to win back the title he made so prestigious. Miz has now gone 3 straight PPV’s (SummerSlam, TLC, Survivor Series) without defending the belt, and no matter how good he has been on RAW this has hurt the relevancy of the title. What WWE need to do is give him a big-name opponent to bring the spotlight back onto the belt, and Finn Balor makes all the sense in the world.

Finn has been largely misused since returning from his most recent injury and his most recent rivalry with Bray Wyatt was embarrassingly bad to watch at times. Finn is another superstar who is over in a big way and he needs to hold a belt to raise his stock in the company again before eventually going on to try and reclaim to Universal Championship which we never lost.

Literally the last man you should be shoving your wife in front of…

Seth Rollins v Dean Ambrose

Surely, I’m not the only one who saw this coming from a mile off? From the first second that they buried the hatchet and teamed up to gain the Tag Team Championships, you just knew somewhere not too far down the line one would betray the other to set up a feud (again). This time I’m expecting Ambrose to be the one who turns as there are a good few reasons why he was motivated to. There’s the fact he never truly tasted revenge for Rollins originally breaking up The Shield all those years ago, Seth taking the pin when they lost the titles to Sheamus & Cesaro, Ambrose suffering a long-term injury and being replaced by Jason Jordan… the possibilities are endless.

No I will not fist you Seth, I’m a married man!

4 Horsewomen WWE v 4 Horsewomen MMA

This is a weird one for me. I don’t agree with Charlotte being wasted on a match like this when she could be defending her title instead, but at the same time the SDLive women’s division has been quite poor for a while now so I can’t imagine who she would even compete against. This match has been in the works for quite some time now and we know how doggedly stubborn WWE can be regardless of it being detrimental for the talent involved.

Ronda Rousey has been a long-time target for WWE since her UFC career started to go downhill and she would be a huge draw. Competing alongside Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir this will be the marquee matchup for the women and could well end up being quite entertaining if done right. As for the finish, I really hope WWE go with Rousey turning on her teammates and helping team WWE gain the win or else they run the risk of having non-WWE competitors making their 4 top women (Charlotte, Becky Lynch, Sasha Banks, Bayley) look weak and irrelevant.

It’s funny who you can bump into waiting for the bus

United States Championship
Dolph Ziggler v Baron Corbin v Bobby Roode (c)

Another match with lots of potential competitors but not a huge amount of interest around the belt. It is still early days for Roode but so far, he has been unspectacular and is proving to be nothing more than a flashy entrance. Dolph will certainly return between now and April claiming he wants back the title which he never lost, and I would expect him to reclaim it here.

Corbin… ahh I just don’t know anymore. Whenever it seems like he has finally caught a break and started to improve, WWE go and ruin him again. I imagine he will do well in the Rumble and then do something similar to the returning Dolph. Corbin lost the title in the last match between these 3 but never received a rematch prior to Dolph vacating the belt, giving Corbin the perfect way back in claiming to be the rightful champ.

GLORIOUS!

Raw Women’s Championship
Asuka v Alexa Bliss (c)

This one is looking almost as inevitable as the Universal Championship match at this point, with Asuka being the odds-on favourite to win the Women’s Royal Rumble after Paige’s supposed career ending injury. Over the next few months I’d expect Bliss to fend off a few other competitors, all the while having to look over her shoulder for Asuka and being stalked by her on RAW.

There’s also the prospect of Nia Jax being added into this match in some capacity. Her storyline as Bliss’ best friend is still ongoing but the tension is clear, and the cracks are starting to show in their relationship. Alexa facing off against two of the most dominant women on the roster would be a great way for her to play up to her heel characteristics, constantly ducking, dodging and evading any confrontation. The only outcome i can see is Asuka claiming her first main roster championship.

WWE is so predictable. Imagine if Bliss won though?

Universal Championship
Roman Reigns v Brock Lesnar (c)

Yep.

That is all.

….. FIIIIIIIIIE If you insist.

WWE Championship
Shinsuke Nakamura v AJ Styles (c)

Another one that’s virtually nailed on, WWE have dropped more than enough hints of this happening. The ‘dream match’, a phrase we seem to be hearing almost weekly these days, could well be the match of the night but only if Styles makes sure of it. It may be an unpopular opinion, but for me Nakamura has been absolute trash since stepping up from NXT thanks to a mix of horrible booking, WWE limiting his move set and killing his momentum by repeatedly having him lose to Jinder Mahal. Styles will also have to carry this feud on the promo side of things as Nakamura has become no better in that department, so much so that he has been limited to a few words every time he has had a mic thrusted in his face recently.

Styles on the other hand has been nothing but phenomenal (sorry) in WWE. The company have shown on numerous occasions that he is every bit as important as Roman Reigns by having him compete on a RAW PPV against Finn Balor, appeared the following night on an episode of RAW, won the WWE Championship again to an incredible reaction from the crowd, and went on to have one of the best matches of 2017 at Survivor Series against Brock Lesnar.

Its only a matter of time before Nakamura tastes championship gold, but hopefully it won’t be on this night. They should be allowed to feud with eachother for a short while longer after Mania, Styles has put in too much fantastic work, arguable the best of his career, to drop the title on the biggest stage of them all.

The House That AJ Styles Built

HHH v Kurt Angle

The only thing with this one that I can’t decide on is how it will start up. On one hand HHH could start giving Angle hassle for not being a good enough GM, proven by him having to finish the job by pinning Shane at Survivor Series. At the same time, Angle could give HHH hassle for not believing in him and intervening when he already had the outcome of the match under control. There will more than likely be a stipulation here, maybe a no DQ affair, and im also expecting Angle’s job to be on the line.

Don’t expect this to be a very good match. 10 minutes maximum with Angle obviously winning.

You have the most beautiful eyes Hunter, I could get lost in them… I love you.

John Cena v …?

What do you do with a problem like John Cena? The 16-time champion doesn’t really have anything in the works after yet another period away from the company so it’s a hard one to predict. The safe money is still on him facing The Undertaker, but I pray to god this doesn’t happen, the legacy of Taker has already been tarnished and you just know Big Match John would come out victorious here. And after #Raw25 that seems a little less likely.

The other possibility is the horrible, excruciating, downright sickening thought of Jinder Mahal being a part of a major storyline heading into Mania. From a business point of view, it makes sense, WWE are still determined to dig into the Indian market by having Jinder as at least a strong mid card guy and Cena would be the perfect opponent. Their characters of Mr USA v Mr Anti America align perfectly and a Wrestlemania crowd is probably the only one you’ll find which will be sort of receptive to a match like this.

Personally, I wouldn’t have Cena compete at all, I would throw a curveball and have him as the host of the whole event. This way he can have a back and forth with various superstars and set up a match for after Mania, we know just how good he is on the mic and plus it didn’t do any harm to The New Day when they hosted last year did it?

WrestleMania 34 Predictions

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Top 5: Interesting Statistics About The WWE Royal Rumble

Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s 2025 WWE Royal Rumble Results, Review & Reaction

We are firmly on the Road to WrestleMania, starting with the Royal Rumble! Greg has his initial thoughts and reactions for everyone’s favorite event!

Published

4 weeks ago

February 2, 2025

Greg DeMarco

We are firmly on the Road to WrestleMania, starting with the Royal Rumble! Greg has his initial thoughts and reactions for everyone’s favorite event!

It’s the first Royal Rumble in an NFL stadium (thanks to the WWE calendar change), and both Rumble matches feature a star-studded line-up that makes it much harder than you’d think to pick a winner. I was lucky enough to attend one Royal Rumble live, 2019, and it’s always the best way to set the stage for WrestleMania.

If @whoislaniee‘s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner is any indication, we are in for one hell of a night with one hell of a crowd!

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

Always great to see Stephanie McMahon kicking off a show–the more Stephanie, the better. Apparently we’ve managed to pack 70,000 fans into Lucas Oil Stadium, and if you didn’t know, Pat McAfee loves him some Indianapolis.

With each match you’ll see my picks, in my traditional “Who Should Win?/Will Will Win?” format. I made them in this week’s solo edition of The Greg DeMarco Show, which you can listen to here:

Women’s WWE Royal Rumble Match

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: Bianca Belair
Who Will Win: Bianca Belair

Last year’s winner was Bayley, entering at #3, and she went on to defeat Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 40.

Iyo Sky enters #1, and I do love the elevated platform–it’s not really a stage, but it does enhance the overall feel of the show. Old school fans will remember the entrance from Montreal watching Prime Time Wrestling.
I feel like Liv Morgan always enters these matches early. I also didn’t realize she’s been in all 8 Women’s Royal Rumble matches.
I do love the “ticker” across the bottom of the screen with stats and info during the entrances. Very ESPN, very “Wrestling As A Sport” to me.
Gotta say I was hoping for the black canvas (I’m biased), but I’ll always take grey over light blue.

Roxanne Perez has “Iron Woman” written all over her entering at #3. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

We even get “Active” and “Eliminated” in the ticket? I am REALLY digging this.
Lyra Valkyria enters to very little reaction–she’s a fantastic talent but has not connected on the main roster.
Lyra with the early wardrobe malfunction and we are already slightly derailed, kudos to everyone for getting it together.
Interesting to have the secondary champions enter back-to-back, and Indianapolis doesn’t seem to care much about her, either. Maybe I was wrong about this crowd, and maybe my criticism of Lyra was premature.
Chelsea thinking she’s dumped everyone and pointing to the sign is a great piece of business.
B-Fab enters at #6, and I would assume she has the lowest chance of winning of anyone in the field.
Man, B-Fab is still very NOT good.
Ivy Nile enters #7, the 5th straight entrant who has zero chance of winning this thing.
Also, we are still without an elimination, but probably 10 “hanging on the rope” spots already.
Ivy Nile is already more over in Indy than the Intercontinental and United States Champions.
Zoey Stark, complete with Barry Windham’s “Stalker” facepaint, enters eighth to continue our run of women with zero chance of winning.
Lash Legend enters at #9, and I have a feeling she’s about to win this crowd over.
LASH POINTED TO THE SIGN.
“Get her on the Fever” – Pat McAfee.
Chelsea Green gives us our first elimination, of B-Fab.
Bianca Belair enters at #10, really hurting my chances of being right.

And here’s my pick to win the Women’s #RoyalRumble, Bianca Belair. At #10? Doesn’t look good for me!

(Seth Rollins won his from #10, I believe.)

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

The crowd definitely picked up with Bianca being in the match.
BIANCA IS A MACHINE.
Shayna Baszler enters #11, reminding me she works for WWE. Which is sad, I really thought she’d have a hell of a run in WWE.
Bayley is #12, and we still have quite the group in this match. Personally I don’t see Bayley being a back-to-back winner.
Sonya Deville is in at #13 to complete the PFC trio in this match. I’m sure that’ll work out well for them!
Iyo Sky is so good, she saved Sonya’s knee spot and I am sure no one noticed.
Maxxine Dupri in at #14, another non-winner, but to her credit she only keeps getting better.
With 12 women thill in this match, I have a feeling we’re getting Nia Jax or Charlotte Flair soon to give us a bunch of eliminations.
Ivy Nile out, followed by Maxxine Dupri, and the countdown is on!
Naomi brings the halfway point with her, entering at #15.

Naomi is a former women’s champion and had an amazing WrestleMania moment back in Orlando–why does Michael Cole keep saying 2024 was her breakout year? #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

All of PFC is gone, and nothing of value is lost (from this match–they are valuable as people).
Jaida Parker, entering at #16, comes in to a better reaction than half of the field. Miss Parker has a hell of a WWE career ahead of her.
Chelsea Green is so damn good at what she does.
And here comes Piper Niven at #17.
Will Piper somehow eliminate Piper?
Yes – the answer to that question is yes.
Naalya enters at #18, her eighth Royal Rumble. She’s a little over 20 minutes away from 3 cumulative hours in Rumble matches.

If anyone “deserves” a Royal Rumble win, it’s Natalya. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

FANTASTIC reaction for Jordynne Grace–that has to raise some eyebrows among leadership.
JORDYNNE GRACE IS A STAR.
Michin in at #20, as we are up to 10 eliminations.

BUT THE INTERNET TOLD ME ALEXA BLISS WASN’T GONNA COME BACK DUE TO A CONTRACT DISPUTE. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

Wade Barrett, Michael Cole, and Pat McAfee crapping all over the wrestling newz sites is amazing.
And you can tell Alexa Bliss is THRILLED to be back.
Zelina Vega in at #22 to not win the Royal Rumble.
HUGE SPOT for Zelina Vega and Jordynne Grace.
If you happen to rewatch this match, watch Bayley very closely. It’s a look inside the business–she’s basically an agent in the ring.
Candice LeRae enters at #23, and I am reminded that she’s the WWE Women’s Speed Champion. I also wonder if they’ve started piping in crowd noise for these entrances.
Of note, we haven’t closed a Royal Rumble PLE with the Women’s Royal Rumble Match since the first one in 2018.
Of the 10 women eliminated so far, 6 of them entered #4-5-6-7-8-9.

Great reaction for Stephanie Vaquer–Indianapolis seems to be an NXT crowd. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

LET STEPHANIE VAQUER HER WIN YOU COWARDS. (Personal opinion, she’s the best women’s wrestler in the world.)
#25 already–we are trying to make up some time.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand it’s Trish Stratus.

Honestly, did we need Trish Stratus? #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Kinda wanted Jordynne Grace to toss Trish Stratus right there.
Piper Niven just kncoked the SH*T outta Trish!
Raquel Rodriguez in at #26, and we have 4 more entrants left.
Nia, Charlotte, and…..Becky? Nikki? (Bella, that is.)
The crowd is NOT HAPPY about Alexa Bliss’ elimination.
#1-3 all still in the match.
Charlotte Flair and her new face at in at #27.

Listen, I’m going to hell, but Charlotte Flair’s entrance reminds me of when JR returned from his stroke. Lay off the plastic surgery. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Love Wade Barrett pointing out that Charlotte got pyro. I hope Roman gets his, too.
Took Charlotte forever to get her robe off, apparently.
Like I’m supposed to believe Jordynne Grace can’t suplex Charlotte Flair?
Charlotte definitely brought some fire to this match.
Giulia getting almost no reaction is surprising given the reaction of some other NXT talents.
Iyo and Liv approaching an hour in the match, along with Roxanne Perez.

Giulia eliminated Jordynne Grace, which makes me think Jordynne might be spending some time in NXT. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Nia Jax enters at #29, leaving a surprise for #30? Becky Lynch?
Good for Nikki Bella! And she gave someone in the crowd one hall of a souvenir.
And now it’s time for the “World vs Nia” spot.
Forget Superkick It’s an APRON PARTY.
Roxanne Perez just snuck back in without being eliminated.
Given who is left, it does seem like this is Charlotte’s match to win.
ROXANNE PEREZ IN THE FINAL THREE?

This company obviously believes in Roxanne Perez. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

LOLCHARLOTTEWINS

Winner of the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Charlotte Flair

I don’t love the decision to have Charlotte Flair win the Women’s Royal Rumble Match after being gone for over a year, but she IS Charlotte Flair. This should shock nobody. I know Charlotte Flair is a dream match opponent for Tiffany Stratton in the eyes of many, and if she were to put Tiffany Stratton over at WrestleMania, then I will eat my words and say it was worth it.

Hell of a performance for Roxanne Perez, I haven’t seen the tally yet but I do wonder if she broke the record for longest time in one Rumble.

I could go for a Slim Jim meat stick right about now.

Why was Mickie James in the crowd, and not IN THE MATCH??? #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

2 Out of 3 Falls Match for the WWE Tag Team Championships
The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs. #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano, champions)

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: DIY (but it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things)
Who Will Win: DIY (but it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things)

(I won’t be live tweeting or doing a bulleted list for these two matches, likely just the two Rumbles.)

Had to laugh seeing the drone in front of Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin during their entrance.

DIY wins 2 falls to 1, making my prediction accurate. That is small change, though. I liked the match for what it was, but it’s a reminder of Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey from WrestleMania 38–great match, wrong setting. This was an arena match, not a football stadium match. Yes, that DOES matter. Setting is a huge part of pro wrestling.

NXT Black and Gold will always hold a place in my heart, but part of what made that what it was was the crowd. This wasn’t the crowd for this match. Plus it got around 15 minutes, which is about right for a 1-fall match featuring these four. On TV, counting commercial breaks, these guys get 25-30 minutes.

The Street Profits got involved, eventually attacking everyone. I fully expect a WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match at WrestleMania, with DIY, MCMG, the Street Profits, and possibly Pretty Deadly and Angel/Humberto. This was really just the beginning–it was just misplaced on this card.

Winners AND STILL WWE Tag Team Champions: DIY

Michael Cole did also inform us that Roxanne Perez is the new record-holder for longest Royal Rumble performance. Score one for the good guy (me, from my tweet above).

Ladder Match for the WWE Championship
Kevin Owens vs. Cody Rhodes (champion)

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: Kevin Owens
Who Will Win: Cody Rhodes

Love that Kevin Owens took down the Winged Eagle Championship during SmackDown last night, and entered with it. Granted, Cody Rhodes has his, too. But KO has a certain edge to him when carrying that title.

That little ladder is HILARIOUS. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

This match was brutal, and whatever they are paying Kevin Owens isn’t enough. Cody Rhodes was beating on KO as a heel would, but he’s a babyface? I know everyone wants “Homelander” Cody, but really he might be more like “Patrick Bateman” Cody. Either way, as great as Cody is (and he is great), there is one missing element. At this point, it’s obvious to me that Cody is the worst babyface in the company. Look at him: THE MAN IS A HEEL.

While I’m glad Cody is fully out of The Bloodline’s shadow, he just needs to beat John Cena at WrestleMania, turn heel, and truly hit his stride. And I want true heel Cody. Chicken sh*t, goons, the whole thing.

Winner, AND STILL WWE Champion: Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes is gonna buy Kevin Owens a lot of cigars, booze, or meat. Whatever that man wants. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

You gotta think Sami Zayn not stopping Cody Rhodes from winning will be a major sticking point for Kevin Owens. Seems like we’ll get Sami vs Kevin at WM41.

Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Match

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: Jey Uso
Who Will Win: John Cena

Last year’s winner was Cody Rhodes, entering at #15, and he went on to defeat Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 40.

Rey Mysterio (Jr) enters at #2, and it’s obvious that gone are the days where randoms would enter at #1 and #2.
I believe I said on my podcast (if not, I meant to) that Penta would need to enter #1 or #2 so he can have his pyro.

I am so happy for Penta in the WWE. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

I really hope we get a Lucha Underground reference on commentary.
LET PENTA WIN YOU COWARDS! (I know, it didn’t work for Stephanie Vaquer.)
PENTA IS A STAR.
I do appreciate how they didn’t fight on the apron, instead just got right back into the ring.
Chad Gable in at #3, and all we need is for Dominik Mysterio to be #4.
That spot looked NASTY, I hope Chad Gable’s knee is okay.
Carmelo Hayes in at #4, and I am reminded that we likely get Trick in this match.

Trick Williams’ #RoyalRumble entrance is gonna be ICONIC.

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

I know they have a temporary alliance at the moment, but Chad Gable vs. Carmelo Hayes would be an absolute BANGER.
KING CUERNO vs PENTAGON JR! #IYKYK
That spot was far too similar to what we saw in the Women’s Rumble.
Otis in and had some fun.
BRON BREAKKER IS A MACHINE.
The crowd reaction to Bron Breakker tells me the WWE might make even MORE money in the future.
What if Breakker won this match? He won’t, but What If?
If not for WWE, I wouldn’t know who IShowSpeed was.
Honestly, nothing wrong with what they did with IShowSpeed there.
Sheamus enters at #9, and I assume we will see some Beats Of The Bowery.

Gotta play the hits, pal. (Sheamus.) #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

This is the most normal Sheamus’ hair has ever looked.
Crazy that this is only Jimmy Uso’s 3rd Royal Rumble.
Big Jim definitely got a bulk discount on his new gear. I wonder how many color combos he got???
Andrade in at #11, and Wade Barrett points out what I’ve been thinking–why run to the ring?
Jacob Fatu enters at #12 and gets his pyro. The rocket ship has been strapped, pal.
Ludwig Kaiser enters at #13 and no one not named (Greg DeMarco Show co-host) Patrick O’Dowd cares.
Kaiser immediately dumped by Penta, and he’ll probably lose to him on Monday’s Raw, too.

Here comes the most underappreciated wrestler in WWE history, @mikethemiz. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

We lost Michael for a minute there.

The fact that Joe Hendry’s fact on the ticket is “Say His Name And He Appears” is amazing.

Great pop for him, too.

And Michael Cole references Nic Nemeth! #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

I’d actually forgotten that we’d likely get a Joe Hendry appearance, so they got a little pop out of me.
I acknowledge you, my Tribal Chief.

☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️ #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk would be one hell of a match at WrestleMania, just sayin’.
Showdowns like Roman Reigns and Bron Breakker is what the Royal Rumble is all about.
SPEAR TO ROMAN.
That might have been the greatest spear ever.
After Joe Gendry and Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre gets very little reaction entering at #17.
Drew McIntyre with the very silky smooth hair tonight.
Finn Balor in at #18 and we have our second drone sighting of the night.
Something is wrong with Pat McAfee’s headset. Hell of a showing by Penta, by the way.
Jey Uso in at #20 to a HUGE pop.
LET JE YWIN YOU COWARDS.
Poison Rana by Jey???
Let’s hope AJ Styles can stick around for a bit this time. (Not necessarily in the Rumble, but in general.)

All these megastars, and Jacob Fatu might be the most over guy in the match right now. #ROYALRUMBLE

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

I’d be okay if Braun shaved his head again.
Jacob Fatu can literally do ANYTHING and it makes sense.

JOHN CENA’S SOCKS!
JOHN CENA’S SOCKS!
JOHN CENA’S SOCKS!#RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

CM Punk, John Cena, and Roman Reigns all in the ring all at the same time? YES PLEASE.
Now add in Seth Rollins? This is the greatest Royal Rumble of all time.
The current field: Seth Rollins, CM Punk, John Cena, AJ Styles, Jey Uso, Drew McIntyre, and Roman Reigns. That is ABSURD.
The only man who can follow all that talent is indeed Dominik Mysterio. This is about to be amazing.
Imagine if Dom wins. I mean, just imagine it.
With the addition of Sami Zayn, the storylines in this Rumble right now are insane.
Damian Priest, who is probably challenging Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania, enters at #28.
Two more to go. Any surprises?
LA Knight, who I forgot was in this match, enters next.
I kinda expect him to move to Raw in this transfer window.
Ah yes, Logan Paul. I also forgot he was on this.
We’ve had a Nic Nemeth and now a Ricochet reference tonight. I love when you’re WWE, and you are comfortable talking about (almost) ANYBODY.

If I’m WWE, I have Logan Paul wait until the final two before jumping back into the ring. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

He didn’t, by the way. Opportunity missed.
Final 6: Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, John Cena, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Logan Paul… STAR. STUDDED.
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins – the WrestleMania Main Event we never got.
YESSS!
Brilliant spot to have Logan Paul eliminate CM Punk.
Final 3: John Cena, Jey Uso, and Logan Paul. Two of my picks are left.
The action on the outside between Rollins, Roman, and Punk drives home how important the Rumble is to the competitors.
And then there were 2: my Who Should Win vs. my Who Will Win.
Please God let Jey Uso win this thing.
(And that’s not a slight against John Cena.)
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

IT’S JUST YOU, UCE! #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Winner of the 2025 Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Match: Jey Uso

Just like the sign said: EAT. SLEEP. YEET. MANIA. I am so damn happy for Jey Uso. You can tell John Cena was as well, along with Michael Cole. And probably everyone in the entire company. Jey Uso is the success story.

As for the match? Well obviously this is a knee jerk reaction, but eff it–this is the best Royal Rumble Match they have ever put on. The early action was fun and exciting. But from the time Joe Hendry’s music hit to the moment Jey Uso pushed John Cena off of the apron, this match was insane. I think Roman Reigns coming in at 16 was a huge part of that. Once Roman is in the match, you are watching to see a) what he does, and b) if he’ll get eliminated. CM Punk eliminating Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns was beautiful, and then Logan Paul tossing CM Punk was even better. If that leads to Rollins vs. Reigns and Logan vs. Punk at WrestleMania, you can take my money.

My money is a Peacock membership, which is automatically charged. But still. Take it.

If John Cena wins it’s still probably the best Royal Rumble Match of all time. But Jey Uso winning makes that an undisputable fact.

Overall Thoughts on the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble

The Women’s Royal Rumble was decent to good. Loved Roxanne getting the Iron Woman treatment, but in the end it’s another chapter of LOL Charlotte Wins.
I need to rewatch DIY vs MCMG because I was on the phone when my son called. Maybe I will enjoy it more on a second viewing.
The ladder match was brutal but the end result was expected. Cody is still missing something, and I think that something will continue to be missing until he turns heel. He’s just overshadowed by too many of the other babyfaces.
The Men’s Royal Rumble Match was the best Royal Rumble match they have ever put on. Great action in the early half, and from 15 (Joe Hendry) on, it was amazing. The storyline movement with CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins was (here’s that word) cinema, and having the most over wrestler in the company not named Roman Reigns win, and doing so by eliminating the odds-on favorite, was perfect. I’m biased because Jey Uso was my pick, but it was the perfect ending to what was probably as close to perfect as a Rumble match has been since 1992.

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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS: WWE Crown Jewel Immediate Reactions

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Published

4 months ago

November 2, 2024

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Join DJ and Tunney for their immediate reactions to WWE Crown Jewel. For the latest, greatest and up to datest, ALWAYS #UseYourHead and visit THECHAIRSHOT.COM