Opinion

What Will WWE Do With John Cena At WrestleMania?

Published

7 years ago

March 7, 2018

John Cena. One of the most divisive names in the history of WWE. Whether you love him or hate him, there is no denying the monumental impact he has had on the company and the loyalty he has shown throughout his 16 years in the business. He is still a huge draw capable of bringing in millions of casual viewers from all over the world and he has earned the respect of even the most Anti Cena member of the WWE Universe, myself included. But now we find ourselves in somewhat unfamiliar territory… it is less than 5 weeks until WrestleMania 34 and Super Cena still has no concrete plan set in place, with not even a sniff of a potential rivalry starting. Despite his inclusion in the main event at the final PPV on the road to WrestleMania, Smackdown Live’s Fastlane, Big Match John finds himself with little direction and even less purpose. So, who could John take on at the Showcase of The Immortals? Let’s take a look at some of the widely rumoured potential opponents, fantasy bookings and most likely superstars to go one on one with the face that used to run the place…

The Undertaker

The most obvious choice but also the one which brings the most uncertainty would be The Undertaker. Taker is arguably the greatest of all time in the majority of fans eyes, but his current status within the WWE is very much up in the air. He gave the strongest indication ever that he was finally hanging up his boots after defeat to Roman Reigns at last years event, and his rare out of character appearance on WWE 24 Orlando suggested he would be happy if that was his last appearance for the company… but if history has taught us one thing, you just never know when it comes to The Deadman. The good thing about this potential feud is that despite the age of both men, their long storied careers and part time schedule it would still feel fairly fresh – both men have managed to evade the attention of the other throughout the years, and it would be nice to see a completely new rivalry started even this late into their journeys. There could even be a little more weight added to proceedings by having both men claim to be the GOAT or the most influential to set foot in the ring, potentially even making this a career vs career contest.

The real sticking point with this one though is who do WWE give the win to? Neither man needs the victory at this point of their careers, and with no title up for grabs it becomes even harder to call. The Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak is long gone, so a win does virtually nothing for him and wouldn’t even help to make amends with the fans for the fact he has been toppled twice in his own back yard. Likewise, the loss doesn’t damage him too much. The defeat to Brock Lesnar was one of the greatest shocks in WWE history, and the subsequent loss to Roman Reigns even more so as nobody expected another great big L to be added to the legendary tally… at this point a third loss would probably be expected and would struggle to raise many eyebrows. The problem is, the exact same points can be made for Cena. The 16 time world champion also doesn’t need the win and doesn’t suffer from the loss either, so I really am at a crossroad here. Taker wins, retires on a high, Cena bows out for a while after failing and makes sporadic The Rock style appearances. Cena wins, leaves for a while on the ultimate high, Taker retires once and for all, finally enters the Hall of Fame.

That is both the beauty and the beast of this match –Unpredictability. WWE fans love to be kept guessing so that we can strike up our own theories and fantasy book until we are blue in the face. The match also makes sense from a business standpoint. Two of the companies biggest and greatest stars facing eachother on the biggest night of the year can only mean one thing… $$$.

There is another reason however that this match should not take place. The Undertakers legacy is immense, there is no doubt about that, and he has had some outstanding matches along the way. His encounters with HHH and Shawn Michaels, both men losing to Taker on multiple occasions, were legendary and iconic despite The Deadman clearly lagging in the ring. Fast forward a few years to his matches against Brock Lesnar, Bray Wyatt, Shane McMahon and Roman Reigns… they were truly difficult to watch. A once awe inspiring, intimidating, dominating mountain of a man was made to look weak and past his prime, and there is only one sad, uncomfortable reason for that.. he IS past his prime. Nostalgia can be a wonderful thing creating true Mania moments, but when it is overdone you end up seeing your heroes embarrassed and looking like a shell of their former selves. Taker doesn’t need this match, he doesn’t need to return to WrestleMania or WWE in general for that matter. Which makes me all the more certain that this match will happen. If there is one thing WWE love to do more than anything else, its flog a dead horse.

However, Cena could be used for much bigger and better things, such as putting over the next big thing…

Braun Strowman

That next big thing comes in the shape of The Monster Among Men. There aren’t many superstars who can claim to have had a better 2017 than Strowman despite him still not holding a major championship. He was a key component in the title scene at Summerslam, had the rivalry of the year with Roman Reigns, made Kane relevant again, repeatedly made Brock Lesnar his bitch, tipped over an ambulance and a semi truck, pulled down scaffolding with a grappling hook on top of Lesnar and Kane, went on multiple rampages destroying the arena and everyone in his path, developed his character beyond anyone’s expectations, smashed a giant bass over Elias’ back after singing a song to him, coined two of the best catchphrases in years (Get These Hands! & I’m Not Finished With You!) and even managed to bring out great performances and matches from Big Show. One of the most amazing things about Strowman is the ease with which he can switch between being a monster one week, a goofball the next and then back to being the monster again. It should also be noted that he isn’t your typical giant by any means, he is lightning fast for someone of his size and regularly pulls off huge dropkicks and top rope moves. In two short years he has gone from being a lumbering mess with The Wyatt Family to being one of, if not the, best big guy in WWE history.

He now finds himself in a similar situation to Cena though. Strowman has done everything in his power to show he is worthy of opportunities, but despite being places into major feuds he keeps coming up short and now he finds himself with not a lot going on. The closest thing he has to a rivalry right now would be Elias, and as entertaining as it has been this doesn’t do much for either man. They’re both over in a huge way, but in a straight up contest there would only ever be one winner and this will only end up hurting Elias going forward. The great thing about having Cena take on Strowman is that we have witnessed Cena beat monsters and giants many times before, so it gives Strowman some genuine competition for once. We’ve seen Strowman take down some huge names over the last two years and seen WWE show huge faith in him, but a victory over Cena on the grandest stage of them all could push him to the moon and back.

This is another scenario which doesn’t hurt Cena in the slightest. He wouldn’t be losing to a flash in the pan superstar who will be forgotten about in a few months, he would be losing to a dominant killer who is destined to be the top guy at some point down the road. Plus there is no shame in losing to a man who can throw Lesnar around like a ragdoll. Cena has made it clear he is happy to help put over new talent, and after the impact Strowman has made, Cena could help propel him to stardom. Speaking of impact…

Elias

How about a guitar across the back for impact? Elias and Cena had the makings of a nice little rivalry starting back on Christmas Day last year when Elias attacked Mr Hustle Loyalty Respect with his trusty instrument (okay, okay settle down children). The rivalry had to be waylaid briefly while the Elimination Chamber main event scene was sorted out, but now would be the perfect time to rekindle the feud. Elias is another guy who has come a long way in a short time, just like Strowman, but needs one great rivalry to really put him over rather than the drips and drabs he has been feeding off. He has quickly gone from making a few mysterious backstage appearances, to an uninspiring feud with Jason Jordan (really WWE?) to putting on main event calibre matches with Reigns and Cena in which he was the main attraction and needed no carrying throughout the contests whatsoever.

Elias is all the way over right now in terms of his gimmick and in ring ability but is still some way off from being championship material. We’ve already seen great chemistry between the two men in their recent encounters, and a WrestleMania victory over a name like Cena could be the start of a long and prosperous career. Even if Elias was to win this matchup, I would definitely think about moving him over to SDLive where the roster is thin on the ground and needs another good heel. RAW is full to the brim around the Universal and Intercontinental Championship scenes, so potentially entering him in to the United States Championship scene with new opponents could help to keep him from going stale. Many would say Elias isn’t established enough yet to defeat someone as prolific as Cena, but surely Fandango’s WrestleMania victory over Chris Jericho was weirder? Speaking of weird decisions…

Rey Mysterio

Bizarre. The only word to describe it. Seeing Rey appear at the Royal Rumble this year was a fantastic moment and one which brought back some phenomenal memories. We’ve seen some brilliant, strange and unexpected returns throughout the years but its very rare they lead on to more than just a brief cameo. Recent rumours would suggest that Rey will be bucking that trend and returning to face Cena at Mania, which really raises just the one question… WHY!?

Rey returning would be cool don’t get me wrong, he looked in amazing shape at the Rumble and showed he hasn’t lost a step in the ring but it just doesn’t make any sense when you consider where he is at in his career. He has continued to find success everywhere he has been since departing WWE, and is still booked as a major star in any promotion he sets foot in… at this point Rey doesn’t need WWE. The one constant theme around WWE in recent years is fans complaining about part timers returning for a big pay day. We have a Universal Champion who appears 10 times a year, Cena off somewhere doing his best impression of The Rock, Jericho prioritising his music career… the only exception would be The Undertaker who has put in 30 years of his life and should be allowed to pop in to say hello whenever he feels like it. Rey has nothing to prove, nothing to gain, has options falling at his feet in terms of getting regular work elsewhere and unfortunately would more than likely be booed by a lot fans. WWE are turning us against our favourite superstars of the past by refusing to focus on the present and the future.

Please WWE. Stop. Just give it a rest. There’s no need, it cheapens WrestleMania and doesn’t make sense. While we are on the subject of things which make no sense…

Finn Balor

Finn Balor’s treatment throughout most of 2017 made absolutely no sense either. The first ever Universal Champion had a year to forget after returning from his long-term injury and has only recently found himself as part of WWE’s major plans around the Intercontinental Championship heading into WrestleMania season. Only 4 short months ago, Finn was about to walk in to a comical farce of a match at TLC which would have seen him doing his very best Tony The Tiger impression while facing Bray Wyatt dressed in drag pretending to be his dead sister. Yep. That nearly happened.

Finn is undoubtedly one of the best wrestlers in the world right now, incredibly popular with the fans and is right up there with Strowman as one of the next big stars to carry WWE forward unto the future. It is strongly believed that some members of WWE management still don’t view Balor as the future of the business due to various factors including his size, his injury record and lacklustre feuds up to now, but Cena’s backstage influence and his relationship with the WWE’s higher-ups could easily see these doubts set aside with one recommendation. This match would undoubtedly be a show stealer, Finn has always treated us to great matches and Cena has shown some of his best ever work over the last 12 months against the likes of AJ Styles. This could quite easily be Finn’s best rivalry to date and be the making of him in WWE.

Samoa Joe

This. This is the one for me. Joe has been out injured for a short while and it couldn’t have come at a worse time. He was an integral part of the Universal Championship scene leading into Summerslam, had a great rivalry with all three members of The Shield and had solidified himself as one of the best heels the company had to offer with his attack on Paul Heyman. Joe would certainly have made a major impact in the Royal Rumble and was nailed on for a huge push, but as much as his injury derailed his career slightly it could have been a blessing in disguise for the Samoan Submission Machine. A pissed off Joe could come back to RAW looking to make up for lost time, immediately starts taking people out left right and centre and then sends a challenge to the entire roster for WrestleMania. Who should answer? The leader of the Cenation of course.

Joe is absolute fire on the mic, bringing a level of intensity which you don’t always get from the larger powerhouse superstars, and his potential promos with Cena have me foaming at the mouth. Their wrestling styles compliment eachother to perfection, they both have the advantage of many years of experience at the top level and despite their career trajectories taking very different paths they can both claim to be the top stars in their respective promotions which could be something to sink their teeth into during back and forth verbal sparring. With the correct booking behind it, this could prove to be Cena’s greatest rivalry to date.

This could well prove to be the last WrestleMania for John Cena, so it needs to be a good one. Regardless of your views on WWE’s poster boy, very few men or women have made an impact the size of his and he deserves one more great Mania moment to be remembered by. His most likely opponent? The Undertaker. The one I want to see? Samoa Joe.

John Cena’s time is very nearly up… and his time to cement his legacy is certainly now.

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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

3 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

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

Published

4 months ago

November 2, 2024

PC Tunney

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