Opinion

Abe’s 2018 In Review (Part Three): 5 Things to Look Forward To

Published

7 years ago

July 13, 2018

The wrestling world has already undergone a pretty eventful 2018 in its first 6 months. If you’re having trouble remembering, you can refresh with my Match of the Year and Wrestler of the Year articles. Aside from everything else, I’m here to remind you that there’s still plenty left to be excited about.

NXT UK (Next Tapings July 28 & 29)

After a successful return to Royal Albert Hall, it was announced that NXT would officially be launching its UK brand with Johnny Saint as the General Manager. There are already two storylines with seeds planted from the previous event. Noam Dar won a #1 Contender’s match for Pete Dunne’s United Kingdom Championship in his return from injury. Mark and Joe, the Coffey Brothers, established themselves after the aforementioned match by attacking the remaining competitors. Travis Banks, Flash Morgan Webster, and Zack Gibson left without capturing gold, but it’s safe to assume they are firmly positioned at the top of the card.

Mae Young Classic (Tapings August 8 & 9)

Last year’s tournament gifted us the bright NXT prospects of Kairi Sane, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai, Candice LeRae, Sarah Logan and Biana Belair. Tegan Nox, the Welsh wrestler formerly known as Nixon Newell, had to pull out of last year’s tournament due to injury. Fortunately, she’s been training at the Performance Center since last summer. Current Progress Women’s Champion, Jinny, also had to withdraw from the NXT UK special after being injured. I would be surprised if both women didn’t compete in the MYC or the upcoming UK shows. This week it was announced that former Divas Champion, Kaitlyn, and Rhea Ripley will be the first entrants in the upcoming tournament. Kaitlyn will have a similar role to Serena Deeb from last year where we’ll see a familiar face in a new environment.

****UPDATE: During the publishing process of this article, Jinny, Kacy Catanzaro, Nicole Matthews, and STARDOM ace, Io Shirai were announced as the next crop of entrants.

All In Cody Rhodes

ALL IN (September 1)

One of the most captivating stories we’ve ever seen in wrestling. Those with a ticket know they’re going to witness history. We got to see Cody and The Young Bucks take on something no other group of wrestlers have ever attempted. They used their own money to create and promote an event from scratch. Their goal was to get 10,000 seats and they sold out in 30 minutes. Don Callis agreed on air to do commentary for the event which means it’s going to be streamed for the viewing public. In a card that already features Marty Scurll vs Kazuchika Okada, others already committed include Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Pentagon Jr., Tessa Blanchard, Rey Mysterio, Jay Lethal, and more. The best part is that the event is also being booked by Cody and The Bucks which means there are hardly any creative restrictions. I suggest you clear your schedule on September 1st if you haven’t already.

chrisjerichocruise.com

Chris Jericho’s Rock N Wrestling Rager (October 27-31)

Here we have another ambitious project created as a brainchild of a wrestling great. The sphere of wrestling may actually stand still for the five days this cruise is taking place. Chris Jericho is essentially putting the entire Ring of Honor roster along with the hottest independent stars on a cruise ship filled with bands and comedians. Your next vacation can’t really get more fun than that. It’s really going to be entertaining to hear about all the reports, footage, and stories that are going to emerge from that boat. Hopefully they’ll find a way to stream some of the action. It would be nice to get a piece of the fun. I can only imagine what that week’s episode of “Being the Elite” is going to be like.

G1 Climax 28 (July 14 – August 12)

The G1 Climax is the crown jewel of New Japan Pro Wrestling. And luckily for you, Night 1 will likely be ready for viewing by the time this article is published. Last year was my first time watching the G1 and every day was a treat. Seeing all the different clashes of styles and flashes of creativity within a month’s window is truly pro wrestling at it’s finest. Every tournament always meets expectations by providing multiple MOTY candidates. One interesting thing about this year is that Chris Jericho is the current Intercontinental Champion but he’s absent from the tournament. See, WWE isn’t the only promotion with a belt being held hostage. His placement in future storylines is going to be something to watch. Jericho’s next target is waiting somewhere in this tournament. There are multiple intertwining parts regarding Kenny Omega and the B Block. Omega will eventually have to square off against his fellow Golden Lover, Kota Ibushi in what should be a masterpiece. Newly christened head of The Firing Squad, Tama Tonga will also be looking assert himself over his former Bullet Club comrade. If that’s not enough for Omega to deal with, he gets the tournament favorite, and last year’s winner, Tetsuya Naito in the first night of the B Block.

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Related Topics:All In Chris Jericho Cruise Featured Featured Big G1 Climax Mae Young Classic NXTUK

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

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

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

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

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

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

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

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

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1