Connect with us

Opinion

Official Chairshot Staff Picks: NXT Takeover: NOLA & WrestleMania 34

Published

on

2018 04 - WWE WrestleMania 34

Now we’ve decided to expand our picks to Takeover for the first time this year. It’s fun since we’ve only predicted 17 matches all year and there’s 19 in this article. So we should see some shifting, or I will fall further behind and meet Impact Wrestling in the proverbial basement. Here’s the current picks standings:

  • DPP: 15-2
  • Harry: 14-3
  • Platt: 13-4
  • Tony: 13-4
  • Eric: 13-4
  • Big Dave: 12-5
  • Mathew: 12-5
  • Weigell: 12-5
  • Greg: 12-5
  • Ninja Steve: 12-5
  • Cook: 12-5
  • PC: 12-5
  • Steve: 11-6
  • Patrick: 11-6
  • Andrew: 10-7

 

NXT TAKEOVER: New Orleans

Unsanctioned Match: Tommaso Ciampa vs Johnny Gargano

We’ve got the first Loser Leaves Town match of the weekend, and the one with the more established storyline too. Gargano is the most natural babyface since Daniel Bryan, and Ciampa is on the Cody Rhodes level of IWC heat. So we’ve got tangible heat, a lovable Face in peril, so this could be a show stealer.

Mathew: Ciampa
Weigell: Ciampa
Andrew: Ciampa
Steve: Johnny Gargano
Greg: Ciampa
Patrick: Ciampa
PC: Ciampa
Ninja Steve: Ciampa
Platt: Ciampa
DPP: Johnny Gargano
Cook: Johnny Gargano
Tony: Ciampa
Harry: Johnny Gargano
Big Dave: Johnny Gargano
Eric: Ciampa

Ciampa: 10
Gargano: 5

Official Chairshot Pick: Tommaso Ciampa

 

NXT Women’s Title: Ember Moon vs Shayna Baszler

Well Ember has looked outclassed, hell most of the division has looked outclassed, but at least Kairi Sane has beaten Shayna legit in the Mae Young. So this entire build, coupled with Ember’s pretty big reaction in the Women’s Royal Rumble, leads you to assume she’s getting called up. So Ember moving up and Shayna being the big bully of the division for the faces to rally against, seems like a solid story.

Mathew: Shayna
Weigell: Shayna
Andrew: Shayna
Steve: Shayna
Greg: Shayna
Patrick: Shayna
PC: Shayna
Ninja Steve: Shayna
Platt: Shayna
DPP: Shayna
Cook: Shayna
Tony: Shayna
Harry: Shayna
Big Dave: Shayna
Eric: Shayna

Official Chairshot Pick: Shayna Baszler (Unanimous)

 

North American Title 6 Man Ladder Match: Ricochet vs EC3 vs Killian Dain vs Lars Sullivan vs Adam Cole vs Velveteen Dream

This match is one of the hardest on both cards. It’s a new title, with all fairly under developed characters, so it’s really a crap shoot. Ricochet, Cole and EC3 have the “Indy” marks hearts, Dream has won over most people, while Dain and Sullivan are monsters…it’s not easy to pick. Another match that could be a show stealer, but may end up being more spectacle than match.

Mathew: Velveteen Dream
Weigell: EC3
Andrew: Adam Cole
Steve: Ricochet
Greg: EC3
Patrick: EC3
PC: Ricochet
Ninja Steve: Velveteen Dream
Platt: Ricochet
DPP: Velveteen Dream
Cook: EC3
Tony: EC3
Harry: EC3
Big Dave: Velveteen Dream
Eric: EC3

Velveteen Dream: 4
EC3: 7
Ricochet: 3
Adam Cole: 1

Official Chairshot Pick: EC3

 

NXT Tag Titles: Undisputed Era vs Authors of Pain vs Pete Dunne & Roderick Strong

Adam Cole pulling double duty unless they unveil a magically 4th member to the team since Bobby Fish is injured. So if Cole wins the NA Championship (assuming it goes on before the tag match), a brief moment of Undisputed Era having most of the gold could be a fun moment. Probably short lived, but the story is entertaining.

Mathew: Dunne & Strong
Weigell: Undisputed Era
Andrew: Dunne & Strong
Steve: Undisputed Era
Greg: Dunne & Strong
Patrick: Dunne & Strong
PC: Undisputed Era
Ninja Steve: Undisputed Era
Platt: Undisputed Era
DPP: Undisputed Era
Cook: AOP
Tony: Dunne & Strong
Harry: Dunne & Strong
Big Dave: Undisputed Era
Eric: Undisputed Era

Dunne & Strong: 6
Undisputed Era: 8
AOP: 1

Official Chairshot Pick: Undisputed Era

 

NXT Championship: Aleister Black vs Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas

Andrade’s character has been evolving thanks to Zelina Vega. She interferes like a good old school manager, she’s beautiful and she’s now helped to bring out the intensity from “Mr. Tranquilo”. Black already destroyed Almas a few months ago, so Andrade is looking to get some vengeance for pride. Both men have something at stake, pride, titles and 1 on 1 undefeated streaks. Aleister seems like a lock to many, but Almas is El Idolo.

Mathew: Aleister Black
Weigell: Aleister Black
Andrew: Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas
Steve: Aleister Black
Greg: Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas
Patrick: Aleister Black
PC: Aleister Black
Ninja Steve: Aleister Black
Platt: Aleister Black
DPP: Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas
Cook: Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas
Tony: Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas
Harry: Aleister Black
Big Dave: Aleister Black
Eric: Aleister Black

Almas: 5
Black: 10

Official Chairshot Pick: Aleister Black

 

 

WrestleMania 34

Women’s Battle Royal

The Andre the Giant Battle Royal doesn’t matter…and this probably won’t either. No offense to the women, but these aren’t positioned well on the card and the writers don’t usually do anything with the winner. So a useless distinction goes to the inaugural winner.

Mathew: Sasha Banks
Weigell: Bayley
Andrew: Becky Lynch
Steve: Becky Lynch
Patrick: Natalya
Greg: Nikki Cross
PC: Bayley
Ninja Steve: Natalya
Platt: Sasha Banks
DPP: Ember Moon
Cook: Becky Lynch
Tony: Mandy Rose
Harry: Becky Lynch
Big Dave: Becky Lynch
Eric: Sasha Banks

Sasha Banks: 3
Becky Lynch: 5
Bayley: 2
Ember Moon: 1
Natalya: 2
Nikki Cross: 1
Mandy Rose: 1

Official Chairshot Pick: Becky Lynch

 

Humongous Wonder #8’s Royal Battle

Aside from Matt Hardy’s name for it and the documentary…this match is worthless. A mid carder will win, it will matter for maybe 2 months, and then we’ll forget. Also, I changed my choice from what I said on Podcasts to avoid a 3 way tie, can’t be having those.

Mathew: Dolph Ziggler
Weigell: Bray Wyatt
Andrew: Big Cass
Steve: Matt Hardy
Patrick: Matt Hardy
Greg: Curt Hawkins
PC: Bobby Lashley
Ninja Steve: Big Cass
Platt: Bobby Lashley
DPP: Matt Hardy
Cook: Dolph Ziggler
Tony: Dolph Ziggler
Harry: Curt Hawkins
Big Dave: Big Cass
Eric: Big Cass

Big Cass: 4
Dolph Ziggler: 3
Matt Hardy: 3
Bray Wyatt: 1
Curt Hawkins: 2
Bobby Lashley: 2

Official Chairshot Pick: Big Cass

 

Cruiserweight Title: Cedric Alexander vs Mustafa Ali

This is tough, both men go in as faces, both are given sympathetic reasons for wanting to “achieve their dream”, so it’s not an easy pick. Cedric is the uncrowned king who was robbed of his chance earlier this year because of Enzo drama. Sadly, from their match on Raw 2 weeks ago, no one cares about the Cruiserweights still, so I’m not expecting a lot of care from the crowd, even if this headlines the Kickoff show.

Mathew: Cedric Alexander
Weigell: Cedric Alexander
Andrew: Cedric Alexander
Steve: Mustafa Ali
Patrick: Cedric Alexander
Greg: Mustafa Ali
PC: Cedric Alexander
Ninja Steve: Cedric Alexander
Platt: Cedric Alexander
DPP: Cedric Alexander
Cook: Cedric Alexander
Tony: Mustafa Ali
Harry: Mustafa Ali
Big Dave: Cedric Alexander
Eric: Cedric Alexander

Cedric Alexander: 11
Mustafa Ali: 4

Official Chairshot Pick: Cedric Alexander

 

Raw Women’s Title: Nia Jax vs Alexa Bliss

Well Alexa used and bullied Nia Jax, the perfect Mean Girls angle. Mickie James’ involvement is a little suspect, but still, picking on the big girl and getting bullied puts Nia in a sympathetic role. Can’t really have her lose with all of the ‘Be a Star’ campaign stuff.

Mathew: Nia Jax
Weigell: Nia Jax
Andrew: Nia Jax
Steve: Nia Jax
Patrick: Alexa Bliss
Greg: Alexa Bliss
PC: Nia Jax
Ninja Steve: Nia Jax
Platt: Alexa Bliss
DPP: Nia Jax
Cook: Nia Jax
Tony: Nia Jax
Harry: Nia Jax
Big Dave: Nia Jax
Eric: Alexa Bliss

Nia Jax: 11
Alexa Bliss: 4

Official Chairshot Pick: Nia Jax

 

US Championship 4 Way: Rusev vs Randy Orton vs Jinder Mahal vs Bobby Roode

It’s RUUUSSSEEV DDAAAAAYYYYY!!! Oh, there are 3 other people in this match? No, I refuse to accept that. Rusev all day, all match, all wins, then we celebrate.

Mathew: Jinder Mahal
Weigell: Rusev
Andrew: Rusev
Steve: Bobby Roode
Patrick: Rusev
Greg: Rusev
PC: Bobby Roode
Ninja Steve: Randy Orton
Platt: Rusev
DPP: Jinder Mahal
Cook: Jinder Mahal
Tony: Rusev
Harry: Rusev
Big Dave: Jinder Mahal
Eric: Jinder Mahal

Rusev: 7
Jinder Mahal: 5
Bobby Roode: 2
Randy Orton: 1

Official Chairshot Pick: Rusev

 

Smackdown Tag Team Titles: Bludgeon Brothers vs New Day vs The Usos

We’ve got two of the best tag teams in WWE, pitted in a battle against the big monster team. Bludgeon Brothers have killed everyone, ruined a possible match of the year at Fastlane and have been looking very dominant. Maybe the Brothers have looked too strong and that’s a downfall, but it should be brutal, and Triple Threats are No DQ anyway, so weapons could be the equalizers.

Mathew: The Usos
Weigell: The Usos
Andrew: Bludgeon Brothers
Steve: Bludgeon Brothers
Patrick: Bludgeon Brothers
Greg: New Day
PC: Bludgeon Brothers
Ninja Steve: The Usos
Platt: Bludgeon Brothers
DPP: Bludgeon Brothers
Cook: The Usos
Tony: The Usos
Harry: New Day
Big Dave: The Usos
Eric: Bludgeon Brothers

The Usos: 6
Bludgeon Brothers: 7
New Day: 2

Official Chairshot Pick: Bludgeon Brothers

 

Intercontinental Championship: The Miz vs Seth Rollins vs Finn Balor

This is a match that many feel was spoiled with the two better workers wrestling each other twice in 4 weeks in 1 on 1 matches. Miz will add a nice old school heel dynamic, but this is interesting. Can Miz retain and get one step closer to the overall days record of being IC champion? Will Seth Rollins become a Grand Slam Champion? Can Finn Balor finally get his career back on the tracks after returning from injury a year ago?

Mathew: Finn Balor
Weigell: The Miz
Andrew: The Miz
Steve: Seth Rollins
Patrick: Finn Balor
Greg: Finn Balor
PC: The Miz
Ninja Steve: The Miz
Platt: The Miz
DPP: Seth Rollins
Cook: The Miz
Tony: Finn Balor
Harry: The Miz
Big Dave: Finn Balor
Eric: The Miz

Finn Balor: 5
The Miz: 8
Seth Rollins: 2

Official Chairshot Pick: The Miz

 

SPECULATIVE: Undertaker vs John Cena

Even casual fans know the narrative here. Cena is desperate for a match, so he calls out the Dead Man. When the Dead Man doesn’t answer, then he starts insulting his character and pleading for an answer one way or the other. This desperate side of Cena is not a good look on him, it’s a man facing his own mortality, at the showcase of the Immortals, trying to leverage the most iconic Immortal, for one more taste of the spotlight.

Mathew: Undertaker
Weigell: Undertaker
Andrew: No Match
Steve: Undertaker
Greg: No Match
Patrick: No Match
PC: Undertaker
Ninja Steve: Undertaker
Platt: No Match
DPP: No Match
Cook: No Match
Tony: Undertaker
Harry: Undertaker
Big Dave: No Match
Eric: Undertaker

Match – Undertaker Wins: 8
No Match – 7

Official Chairshot Pick: Match – Undertaker Wins

 

Daniel Bryan & Shane McMahon vs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

The other Loser Leaves Town match, and it’s equally as conflicting. Daniel Bryan’s return is hard to disregard as a good chance to have a victorious moment, but then the disappointment of Bryan coming back just to lose or be betrayed, would be equally as poignant. Even though the voting is lopsided, this match has possibility to go either way.

Mathew: Kevin & Sami
Weigell: Daniel Bryan & Shane
Andrew: Kevin & Sami
Steve: Kevin & Sami
Patrick: Kevin & Sami
Greg: Kevin & Sami
PC: Kevin & Sami
Ninja Steve: Kevin & Sami
Platt: Kevin & Sami
DPP: Kevin & Sami
Cook: Daniel Bryan & Shane
Tony: Kevin & Sami
Harry: Kevin & Sami
Big Dave: Kevin & Sami
Eric: Kevin & Sami

Kevin & Sami: 13
Bryan & Shane: 2

Official Chairshot Pick: Kevin & Sami

 

Raw Tag Team Titles: Braun & Partner vs The Bar

So this makes you wonder. If Braun picks a pathetic partner, it makes the whole tag division look like garbage. If Braun picks a comparable returning star, then that opens up a betrayal angle, or also makes you wonder who they heck could beat two monsters. With all that, this match is very dangerous, and WWE could be playing a weird game of chicken between what could be a cool moment, and what will be awkward writing here on out.

Mathew: Braun & Partner
Weigell: Braun & Partner
Andrew: Braun & Partner
Steve: Braun & Partner
Patrick: Braun & Partner
Greg: Braun & Partner
PC: The Bar
Ninja Steve: Braun & Partner
Platt: Braun & Partner
DPP: The Bar
Cook: Braun & Partner
Tony: Braun & Partner
Harry: Braun & Partner
Big Dave: Braun & Partner
Eric: The Bar

Braun & Partner: 12
The Bar: 3

Official Chairshot Pick: Braun & Partner

 

Smackdown Women’s Title: Charlotte vs Asuka

Our lone wolf Greg Demarco, picked the angle that most of us see clearly, but are just hoping against. Asuka’s streak, ability and mystique are what makes her at the moment, but Charlotte is a Flair, and she’s already one of the most decorated Women’s Champions in WWE history. So the only Women’s Grand Slam Champion (NXT, Divas, Raw & Smackdown) vs the undefeated Empress. Should be fun.

Mathew: Asuka
Weigell: Asuka
Andrew: Asuka
Steve: Asuka
Patrick: Asuka
Greg: Charlotte
PC: Asuka
Ninja Steve: Asuka
Platt: Asuka
DPP: Asuka
Cook: Asuka
Tony: Asuka
Harry: Asuka
Big Dave: Asuka
Eric: Asuka

Asuka: 14
Charlotte: 1

Official Chairshot Pick: Asuka

 

Ronda Rousey & Kurt Angle vs Triple H & Stephanie McMahon

We have a lone wolf here too…our Commissioner of Chairshot Radio, PC Tunney. I don’t know, maybe he’s drunk? Ronda is a huge deal, being put in a match to allow for headlines and press clippings. If he ends up being right, good on him. But it’s hard to believe this doesn’t end in Ronda trying to tear off Stephanie’s arm.

Mathew: Ronda & Kurt
Weigell: Ronda & Kurt
Andrew: Ronda & Kurt
Steve: Ronda & Kurt
Patrick: Ronda & Kurt
Greg: Ronda & Kurt
PC: Stephanie & HHH
Ninja Steve: Ronda & Kurt
Platt: Ronda & Kurt
DPP: Ronda & Kurt
Cook: Ronda & Kurt
Tony: Ronda & Kurt
Harry: Ronda & Kurt
Big Dave: Ronda & Kurt
Eric: Ronda & Kurt

Ronda & Kurt: 14
Stephanie & HHH: 1

Official Chairshot Pick: Ronda & Kurt

 

WWE Heavyweight Championship: AJ Styles vs Shinsuke Nakamura

The Wrestle Kingdom 10 rematch the IWC has been anticipating since Money in the Bank. There’s really nothing more to be said than, two fairly over babyfaces, that work well in the ring and whoever wins, sends the crowd home happy. This should be special regardless of Meltzer rating (only Snowflakes matter).

Mathew: Shinsuke Nakamura
Weigell: Shinsuke Nakamura
Andrew: Shinsuke Nakamura
Steve: Shinsuke Nakamura
Patrick: AJ Styles
Greg: AJ Styles
PC: AJ Styles
Ninja Steve: Shinsuke Nakamura
Platt: Shinsuke Nakamura
DPP: Shinsuke Nakamura
Cook: Shinsuke Nakamura
Tony: AJ Styles
Harry: AJ Styles
Big Dave: AJ Styles
Eric: Shinsuke Nakamura

AJ Styles: 6
Shinsuke Nakamura: 9

Official Chairshot Pick: Shinsuke Nakamura

 

Universal Title: Brock Lesnar vs Roman Reigns

The Samoan Sex Machine vs Lesnar has been expected since last year. This has been on a crash course, and only smarks who like to be contrarian will say it hasn’t been built well. Reigns has been received more positively because the overall disdain for Lesnar barely being around is finally outweighing his “special attraction” status. Time to crown a new champion.

Mathew: Roman Reigns
Weigell: Roman Reigns
Andrew: Roman Reigns
Steve: Roman Reigns
Patrick: Roman Reigns
Greg: Roman Reigns
PC: Roman Reigns
Ninja Steve: Roman Reigns
Platt: Roman Reigns
DPP: Roman Reigns
Cook: Roman Reigns
Tony: Roman Reigns
Harry: Roman Reigns
Big Dave: Roman Reigns
Eric: Roman Reigns

Official Chairshot Pick: Roman Reigns (Unanimous)

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


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

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


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

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: WrestleMania 41 Las Vegas

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

Published

on

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

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

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

Chairshot Pick: THE NEW DAY 9-2

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Jade Cargill 8-2-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Jacob Fatu 9-2

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Charlotte Flair 7-4

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

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

Chairshot Pick: El Grande Americano 6-5

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Jey Uso 11-0

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Seth Rollins 6-4-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Iyo Sky 8-2-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Bron Breakker 5-4-1-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Drew McIntyre 7-3-1

WHO WILL BE RANDY’S OPPONENT?!?

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

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

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Logan Paul 7-4

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Liv & Raquel 9-2

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

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

Chairshot Pick: John Cena 6-5

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

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

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

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

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

 MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

THURSDAY – POD is WAR 

FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

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

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

 


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

All Shows On Demand

Listen on your favorite platform!

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


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

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


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

Blog

DeMarco: Top 5 Non-Title WrestleMania Matches In WWE History

Not all WrestleMania classics had titles on the line. Dive into the top 5 non-title matches that stole the show & defined legacies. #WrestleMania #WWEHistory

Published

on

Shawn Michaels Kurt Angle WrestleMania 21

Not all WrestleMania classics had titles on the line. Dive into the top 5 non-title matches that stole the show and defined legacies.

WrestleMania is the Showcase Of The Immortals, but it’s not always the championship matches that steal the show—or define careers. In fact, some of the most iconic, business-defining, and emotionally resonant contests at the Grandest Stage of Them All didn’t feature a title at all. These matches succeeded because of character work, in-ring execution, and the kind of storytelling that sells tickets and moves merch.

Here are the five best non-title matches in WrestleMania history—at least, according to me!


5. The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan – WrestleMania X8 (2002)

This was never going to be a five-star technical clinic—but it was always going to be the moment. “Icon vs. Icon” was a tagline, sure, but it was also the reality: the biggest star of the ‘80s vs. the biggest star of the Attitude Era. And Toronto turned it into magic. Hogan walked in a heel but walked out immortal (again), with the SkyDome shaking on every punch, every look, every gesture.

What made this work was its self-awareness. Rock and Hogan read the crowd and flipped roles mid-match—Rock became the arrogant aggressor while Hogan Hulked Up to thunderous applause. It’s not often a non-title match headlines a card emotionally the way this one did, but it dominated every headline and highlight reel.


4. Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart – WrestleMania X (1994)

Sibling rivalries don’t usually lead to technical masterpieces, but then again, this wasn’t your average family drama. Owen and Bret opened WrestleMania X with a wrestling clinic that stood tall over a night packed with title changes. Owen needed to prove he was more than Bret’s little brother, and he did it by out-wrestling the best wrestler in the company. Clean. One-two-three.

It wasn’t just a great match—it was perfect storytelling. Owen’s victory, contrasted with Bret’s later world title win, set the tone for an entire year of brother-vs-brother tension. Bret became champion, but Owen had the moral victory—and all the bragging rights. This is proof that opening matches can steal the show.


3. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 25 (2009)

If WrestleMania moments could be trademarked, this match would be the reason why. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels wasn’t about championships—it was about legacy. Michaels wanted to be the man who ended The Streak. The build was steeped in biblical imagery: light vs. dark, heaven vs. hell. And the match? Pure perfection. Each man brought everything they had—near-falls, psychology, reversals that had 70,000+ people gasping in unison.

It was 30 minutes of generational storytelling that transcended pro wrestling. And here’s the kicker—it wasn’t even the main event. Yet it dwarfed everything that followed. Meltzer gave it 4.75 stars, fans gave it their hearts, and WWE gave it a sequel the next year. A match so good it forced the company to run it back—because lightning actually struck.

Now, if THIS MATCH is #3, what could possible be #2 and #1…


2. Bret Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin – WrestleMania 13 (1997)

This wasn’t just a match—it was the turning point of an era. The Submission Match between Bret Hart and Steve Austin was as violent as it was poetic, with Ken Shamrock enforcing the rules and the Chicago crowd growing more frenzied by the second. The brilliance? The shift. Bret Hart, the traditionalist hero, grew darker and more self-righteous by the second, while the disrespectful anti-hero Austin refused to quit, even when drowning in his own blood. There was no title on the line, but the stakes felt bigger than gold.

The infamous double turn changed the business. Austin’s defiance turned him into the voice of a new generation of fans—blue collar, anti-authority, Attitude Era. Meanwhile, Bret would go on to lead the heel Hart Foundation. WWE didn’t need a championship to create a moment that catapulted Austin into superstardom and ignited the company’s hottest era. This match is business-first booking at its absolute best.


1. Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 21 (2005)

Dream matches often disappoint. This one didn’t. At WrestleMania 21, Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle went hold-for-hold and spot-for-spot with Mr. WrestleMania himself, and together they delivered a masterclass in in-ring psychology. Every sequence had stakes, every near-fall had meaning. It was a stylistic war: Michaels’ heart vs. Angle’s intensity.

Angle forcing Michaels to tap was a statement—it told fans that pure wrestling, not just spectacle, could still main-event caliber storytelling without any need for a title. Michaels sold the ankle lock like death, and Angle’s post-match collapse sold the moment as a hard-fought war. This is the kind of match that keeps purists up at night, smiling, and leaves the storytelling fans like myself as happy as can be!


10 Honorable Mentions (Not Honorable, Just For The Heck Of It)

  • Edge vs. Mick Foley – WrestleMania 22 (2006)
    A hardcore war that solidified Edge as a top-tier main eventer. That flaming table spear is still played in every Edge highlight reel.

  • AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon – WrestleMania 33 (2017)
    Everyone expected smoke and mirrors—what they got was a surprisingly technical, high-energy opener that kicked off the show right.

  • The Undertaker vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 28 (2012)
    “End of an Era” wasn’t just a tagline. The Hell in a Cell match, with HBK as referee, was a brutal epilogue to a generation’s legacy.

  • Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho – WrestleMania XIX (2003)
    A student-teacher battle of wills. Jericho’s low blow post-match was the perfect heel punctuation to a career-defining contest.

  • Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins – WrestleMania 31 (2015)
    The greatest RKO of all time. That curb stomp reversal belongs in a museum.

  • Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show – WrestleMania XXIV (2008)
    More sports-entertainment than wrestling, but a crossover moment that made mainstream headlines and paid off with a great finish.

  • Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis – WrestleMania III (1987)
    A retirement match with big heat, a hot crowd, and Piper walking off into the sunset (for a minute).

  • The Firefly Funhouse Match – John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt – WrestleMania 36 (2020)
    Cinematic weirdness at its best. A meta masterstroke that broke Cena down in layers.

  • Bad Bunny & Damian Priest vs. The Miz & John Morrison – WrestleMania 37 (2021)
    Bad Bunny stunned everyone. He didn’t just belong—he elevated the show.

  • Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio – WrestleMania 39 (2023)
    Father vs. son in a grudge match that played perfectly off real-life drama and Hall of Fame weekend emotions.


Some of these matches shaped legacies. Others shifted eras. But all of them proved that the most memorable moments at WrestleMania don’t need a title—they just need truth in the storytelling and fire in the execution.

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast 

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR


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

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


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

Sports

Entertainment

Sports Entertainment

Buy A Chairshot T-Shirt!

Chairshot Radio Network

Trending

WP Twitter Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com