Opinion

Top 5 Matches: Week Ending 10/7/2018

Published

6 years ago

October 8, 2018

Well now, most of us had WWE on a Saturday and we get New Japan tomorrow. So it’s just an odd weekend when there’s no PPV matches on Sunday, but that gave me more football time. All in all, not really complaining.

But since this is a wrestling article I guess I should get back on topic eh?

Last week was the last week that fed into the September Match Pool. So instead of writing it twice, I’ll just list out September’s pool, and it should be obvious.

All In NWA Championship Match: Cody vs Nick Aldis (c)
MLW Fusion MLW Tag Team Title Match: Pentagon & Fenix (c) vs Rey Horus & Drago
Hell in a Cell WWE Championship Match: AJ Styles (c) vs Samoa Joe
NXT: Ricochet (c) vs Pete Dunne (c)
ROH: Will Ospreay vs Jay Lethal (c)

Now I think this is a first, when we go an entire month without any New Japan matches in the pool. So see, there’s no bias or fudging of numbers. As for who I’m gonna vote for, my vote goes to, NWA Championship Match: Cody vs Nick Aldis (c). Historical aspect and overall emotion is just too good to ignore.

With that out of the way, let’s get to this week’s matches. No New Japan since King of Pro Wrestling is on Monday, but that should all change next article.

5. WWE Super Show-Down SmackDown Women’s Title Match: Becky Lynch (c) vs Charlotte Flair

From Mitchell’s Coverage:

The Lass Kicker finally sits back atop her Women’s Division, but her former friend in The Queen of Flair won’t just sit back and let her have her way. Will Becky’s two-year struggle be for naught? Or will she be too Relent-Lass for Charlotte to overcome?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Charlotte and Becky circle and Melbourne is more on Becky’s side than Charlotte’s. Becky likes that as she kicks and forearms Charlotte. She grinds Charlotte against ropes. Charlotte boots but Becky blocks that to send it sideways. Becky goes after that leg then sweeps the other. She drags Charlotte up but Charlotte fights back with big knees and forearms. Charlotte puts Becky in a corner but Becky boots back. Becky kicks Charlotte into buckles then goes out of the ring. She drags Charlotte all the way out and to the floor! The referee checks on Charlotte and reprimands Becky, but Becky keeps on Charlotte by shoving her into the post! Charlotte shouts in pain from her shoulder, but Becky puts her back in the ring. Cover, TWO!

Becky keeps her cool and stomps a mudhole into Charlotte. She backs off at 4 but goes after Charlotte at the ropes. She stops at 4 again, to bring Charlotte up. Becky elbows Charlotte’s neck then whips her to a corner. Charlotte tumbles to the apron then slingshots in for a roll up. TWO, and Charlotte chops! Becky dodges the next one to tilt-o-whirl takedown into the Fujiwara armbar! Becky pulls back as hard as she can but Charlotte endures. Charlotte powers her way up but Becky brings her back down! Becky pulls on fingers on top of the arm, but Charlotte still endures. Fans rally as they stand up, and Charlotte sidewalk slams Becky! Becky staggers into a back suplex! Both women are down but stirring. Fans rally up for Becky as she stands.

Becky gives Charlotte EuroUppers, then a back kick. Charlotte turns that around to knee drop the back of the leg! Becky staggers into more Flair chops! Charlotte chops and chops then whips but Becky blocks. Charlotte kicks the bad leg, then puts Becky in a corner. Becky dodges to jump kick! Becky scoops Charlotte, but Charlotte fights out. Charlotte scoops and tosses Becky with the exploder! Becky flounders to a corner while Charlotte kips up. Charlotte walks over but Becky puts her into buckles. Becky hops up, leaps and hits the forearms. Cover, TWO! Becky grows frustrated already, but she knows Charlotte well enough to know this won’t be so easy. Becky glares at Charlotte and goes after the arm. Charlotte gets a takedown and wants her hold but Becky punches her away. Charlottes boots Becky down! Cover, TWO!

Charlotte keeps her cool, and takes a moment to catch her breath. Becky gets her in a roll up, TWO! Charlotte forearms Becky but Becky comes back with a forearm. Charlotte forearms again, but so does Becky. They go back and forth, staggering but still standing with every shot. Becky gets an edge, then headbutts! Charlotte SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and now Charlotte is growing frustrated. Charlotte sits up first and drags herself up with ropes. She gets herself to a corner and climbs up top. Charlotte aims, moonsault hits knees! Becky rolls Charlotte up, TWO! Enziguri! Becky staggers over but she wants to go up top. She takes aim, leg drop flops as Charlotte evades!

Charlotte boots Becky back down, then goes after the legs. She drags Becky around for the Boston Crab! Becky endures and crawls towards ropes, for the ropebreak! Charlotte lets go, and grits her teeth. Becky grabs her belt and wants out. But Charlotte pursues, tackling Becky into barriers! Charlotte puts Becky in the ring, but Becky kicks her. Charlotte SPEARS again! But she doesn’t cover, she wants the Figure Four! She gets it! Charlotte wants the bridge but Becky knows it. Becky moves around and drags towards the ropes, but Charlotte gets the Figure Eight! But Becky slaps her with the belt!

Winner: Charlotte via DQ

Rating: *** 3/4

4. NXT: Johnny Gargano vs Tony Nese

From Mitchell’s Coverage:

Johnny Wrestling may have had his shortcomings and mistakes as of late, but he’s moving past his obsession with Tommaso Ciampa one match at a time. Will he make progress with that against the Premier Athlete? Or will the Abs of 205 Live start making moves in NXT?

The bell rings and fans duel between “Johnny Wrestling!” and “Johnny Failure!” Gargano ties up with Nese but Nese gets the wristlock. Gargano rolls and handsprings to reverse back. Nese get a headlock but Gargano powers out, only for Nese to run him over. Things speed up and Nese catches Gargano. Gargano slips out and shoves, to then follow and headscissor Nese! Nese bails out but Gargano runs, only to get run over by an elbow! Nese kicks Gargano in the corner and stomp a mudhole. Fans continue to duel as Nese chops Gargano sharply. Nese whips Gargano corner to corner but Gargano goes up and over. Gargano rolls, Nese goes up and over, but then Gargano goes up to school boy kick Nese!

Nese staggers and Gargano clotheslines him against the ropes! Nese bails out but Gargano builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit from one southpaw to another! Fans fire up and Gargano smiles. Gargano feels a bit more like himself now, and he puts Nese up against barriers for a chop. He puts Nese back in the ring and “Johnny Freakin’ Wrestling” climbs up top! Nese stops him with a swipe at the legs, and Gargano is stuck up top. Nese knees Gargano up to the fireman’s carry, then drops him for the gutbuster. Cover, TWO! Nese stomps away on Gargano, covers, TWO! Nese puts on a rear bearhug then slams Gargano down to the mat. Roll to a cover, TWO! Nese puts Gargano in a body scissors and squeezes. Fans rally up as Gargano endures, but Nese brings an arm over to chop Gargano on the chest!

Nese squeezes again and even toys with Gargano, but that only angers Gargano. Gargano pries at the feet, breaks the grip, and makes it a cover. TWO and Nese has the squeeze back on. Fans rally as Gargano works around to start throwing forearms. Nese pushes him away but then goes back to the bearhug. Gargano fights out but Nese shoves and sweeps! Nese then hops up, triangle moonsault! Gargano evades but Nese lands on his feet, so Gargano hits the slingshot DDT! Fans cheer and duel while Gargano gets himself up. Nese crawls away but walks into haymakers. Gargano rallies with forearms, then enziguris Nese to a corner. Gargano runs in but Nese puts him on the apron. Nese runs, but into the slingshot spear! Cover, TWO! Gargano keeps his cool while Nese survives.

Gargano puts Nese in a corner to stomp a mudhole of his own. He backs off at 4, but then Nese puts Gargano in the corner. Gargano comes back with forearms, Nese shoves to give Gargano a forearm! Nese handsprings to dodge the forearm, tot he kick, knee, and kick. Gargano jumps the sweep to buzzsaw! Then mule kick, but Nese rolls up to deadlift! Sunset flip counter, TWO! Gargano runs, tilt-o-whirls to a takedown! GargaNO Escape, but a roll over! TWO and another lift, buckle bomb!! The referee checks on Gargano while fans declare “This is Awesome!” Both men are down but stirring. Gargano makes sure his arms are still good while he rolls out of the ring. Nese stands and slingshots, but goes to the apron when Gargano dodges. Gargano swings and Nese cartwheels over him, but he turns around into a forearm!

Gargano puts Nese back in, then slingshots again, but Nese blocks the DDT! Nese tosses Gargano back out! And then FLIES! Direct hit, then Nese puts Gargano back in quick. Nese climbs up, 450 splash!! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives and it shocks the Premier Athlete! Fans love it, though, as they chant “NXT! NXT!” Nese drags himself up, gritting his teeth. He drags Gargano to a corner and positions him. He scrapes his shoe on Gargano’s face, then runs side to side. Gargano dodges the knee to give an enziguri! Gargano runs but Nese reels him in, German Suplex to buckles! Kneepad down, but SUPERKICK!! Gargano runs for a BIG clothesline! Fans fire up for Gargano as he grits his teeth and puts on the GargaNo Escape! Nese taps, Gargano wins!

Winner: Gargano via Garga-NO Escape

Rating: ****

3. Stardom World of Stardom & Wonder of Stardom Double Championship Match: Kagetsu (c) vs Momo Watanabe (c)

Both women are coming off of near misses in the 5 Star Grand Prix, but as champions they still had respectable showings. Momo is still young, so Kagetsu doesn’t really respect her completely. Momo however really tries her best to be a little stoic like the former Queen’s Quest leader, Io Shirai. So let’s see if we get a double champion or something different.

The match starts off nicely mat based. Both just trade headlocks and counters until Kagetsu takes things to the outside. She throws Momo into the first 2 or 3 rows of a few sections. She then beats and chokes her with an umbrella. I guess there are no rules on the outside, but as we all know, Japanese referees really really apply their discretion to a lot.

Kagetsu keeps control for a while and even does her spot where she spits water in her opponents face and then the referees as well. The funny moment here is while Momo is laying on the mat and Kagetsu is gloating, you see the referee yell at Momo and point at Kagetsu as he tries to wake her up. It definitely came off like he was sick of Kagetsu’s crap and told her to get up and kick her ass.

It’s at this point, we get more of a back and forth match. First Oedo Coaster is dodged, as Momo then lights up Kagetsu with knees and kicks. Momo manages her Pendulum Driver, but Kagetsu kicks out. Momo even pulls out a Wristclutch Half Nelson Suplex, but Kagetsu still manages to kick out.

A few submissions get exchanged and both women are exhausted. Kagetsu throws the ref into the corner to knock Momo from her perch, and then hits her with the mist. Finally lands the Oedo Coaster, but Momo shows her resiliency and kicks out. In a final flurry from them both, you see a bunch of strikes exchanged, followed by dual head kicks. Last time they were both down, both women did stereo kip ups to beat the count. However, this time, is a different time.

Neither woman makes the count, so it’s a double knock out. No titles change hands. Still an odd situation where an umbrella and spitting water are fine, but Kagetsu felt the need for a ref bump to use the mist. Just one of those odd moments is all.

Winner: Double Knockout

Rating: ****

Honorable Mentions:

Dragon Gate: PAC & Eita vs Shingo Takagi & BxB Hulk
Winner: PAC via Red Arrow
Rating: *** 3/4
AJPW: Hikaru Sato & Atsushi Murayama vs Kotaro Suzuki & Shuji Kondo
Winner: Kondo via King Kong Lariat
Rating: *** 1/4
WWE Super Show-Down: The Shield vs Dogs of War
Winner: Shield via Dirty Deeds
Rating: *** 1/4
AJPW: Jake Lee & Koji Iwamoto vs Sushi & Atsushi Aoki
Winner: Jake via Saito Suplex
Rating: *** 1/4
Raw: Roman Reigns vs Dolph Ziggler
Winner: Reigns via Spear
Rating: ***
Stardom Artists of Stardom Title Match: Jungle Kyona, Natsuko Tora & Kaori Yoneyama vs Mayu Iwatani, Saki Kashima & Tam Nakano
Winner: Tam via Tiger Suplex Hold
Rating: ***

2. WWE Super Show-Down No Holds Barred WWE Championship Match: Samoa Joe vs AJ Styles (c)

From Mitchell’s Coverage:

The Phenomenal One and the Destroyer were once good friends, but perhaps being such good friends is how Joe learned Styles’ weakness. Joe would burn the bridge between him and Styles by using Styles’ own family as a pressure point to hurt the champion. It backfired at first, as Styles went after Joe so hard, he got disqualified. Then in their rematch, Styles survived, but not without controversy. Joe demanded this match, and SmackDown GM Paige agreed. There MUST be a winner this time, so the rules go out the window! Does Styles have a chance of surviving? Or will he leave Joe for dead in the land down under?

Before the bell, Joe waits for Styles on the ramp. Styles marches his way down, eyes locked with Joe, and the fight is on! They brawl on the ramp and Joe headbutts Styles. Styles hits back and throws Joe into barriers! He puts puts Joe in the ring and this match officially begins! Styles throws Joe into a corner then throws hands. Joe can only defend himself, then he throws jabs back. Joe backs Styles down until Styles falls down. Styles stands up and hits Joe back with a heavy haymaker. Joe stands but Styles is on him again. Joe throws Styles out then follows, but Styles trips him up. Even so, Joe shoves Styles over the announce desk! Styles quickly gets up and chases Joe back into the ring.

Styles kicks Joe down, then stalks him to a corner. He kicks Joe again, then chops him. Styles bumps Joe off buckles then rams in a shoulder. Fans duel as Styles snapmares Joe and kicks him in the back. Styles kicks Joe in the chest, but Joe grits his teeth. Joe chops Styles off his feet! Joe stalks Styles now, then chops him off his feet again. He headbutts Styles then jabs him against the ropes. Joe runs and boots Styles out of the ring! Joe waits for Styles as long as it takes, because there are no count-outs. Styles stands and Joe builds speed to DIVE! Joe barrels Styles into barriers! Joe paces while Styles crawls. Styles makes it around the corner but Joe is there to bounce him off steel steps. Joe stalks Styles and whips him to barriers. Then he forearms Styles back into them!

Joe drags Styles up for a snap suplex to the floor, then looms over Styles as he writhes. He puts Styles in the ring, then soaks up the heat. Joe snapmares Styles into a vice grip on the shoulder. Styles endures but Joe has an iron grip. Fans rally up and Styles stands to fight out with elbows. Styles throws haymakers, then runs, but into Joe’s big back elbow! Cover, TWO! Joe keeps his cool as he puts that grip back on Styles’ shoulder. Styles again endures while fans rally up. Styles pries his way out and fights back with chops. He chops and forearms then whips, but Joe reverses. Joe hits the back elbow to Pele! Styles flops out to the apron while fans duel again. Joe drags Styles for a cover, TWO! Styles drags himself back to the apron, but Joe keeps his eyes on him.

Joe grabs the legs and catapults Styles into the ropes for the guillotine. Styles coughs and gasps for air as he flops to the floor. Fans chant “We Want Tables!” while Styles staggers to his feet. Joe stalks Styles to stomp him at the apron. Joe drags Styles up and suplexes, but Styles holds onto ropes. Now Styles to suplex Joe out, but Joe resists. Joe gets Styles up and in but Styles slips out to then throw the Phenomenal Blitz! Joe is on his knees, Styles runs and hits the forearm! Styles catches his breath while Joe crawls to a corner. Styles runs in corner to corner for the big clothesline. Joe gets out of the fireman’s carry but Styles elbows Joe away. Styles hops up and hits the moonsault DDT! Cover, TWO! Styles keeps his cool, and drags Joe up.

Styles wants the Clash, but Joe sweeps the legs to catapult Styles into buckles. Joe then runs him over with a lariat! Cover, TWO! Joe drags Styles up for a fireman’s carry. Styles fights out to enziguri! Joe wobbles but stays standing. Styles runs but into the powerslam! Cover, TWO! Styles barely survives but Joe is still just as frustrated. Joe drags Styles back up and whips him to a corner. Styles hits back then hops up, but Joe catches the moonsault for a driver! Cover, TWO!! Joe is so close but still so far. Fans duel as Joe comes up with ideas. Joe rolls out, and he snags a chair from the timekeeper’s area. Joe aims at Styles but Styles dropkicks the chair into his face! Styles stands while Joe is down.

Styles decides to take that chair for his own, to jab it into his ribs and SMACK it across his back! Joe hides under the bottom rope but that won’t spare him. Styles jabs and SMACKS Joe again, then sits the chair up. Styles takes a seat to wait for Joe, so that he can kick him. Then he positions the chair and puts Joe in a corner. Styles backs off, runs back in, and uses the chair for a step stool, only for Joe to catch him, and urenage him onto the chair! Joe covers, TWO!! Styles still survives and Joe grows further frustrated. Joe rolls out because he wants something else. He goes to the ring, and pulls out a table! Melbourne is happy to see that!

Joe brings the table up and in, but first SMACKS Styles with the chair! Styles writhes in pain while Joe sets up that table. Joe drags Styles to the corner and up to the top rope. Fans anticipate what’s coming, but so does Styles. Styles slips out and electric chairs Joe and himself through that table!! Joe clutches his leg, but “This is Awesome!” Styles drags himself up but so does Joe. Joe can barely walk, and the referee checks on Joe. Joe says he heard something pop, but he won’t let this end the match. Styles comes over and moves the ref aside, to stalk the wounded Joe. He goes after the bad leg with vicious stomps! Styles shows no mercy for the man who threatened his family! He grabs and snaps the leg in the toehold, and says “He’s mine now!”

Styles grabs that leg for a DDT into the mat. He drags Joe up to a corner, and just as Joe said before, Styles reminds Joe there are consequences for our actions. But Joe turns things around to put Styles in the corner, only for Styles to get the leg for the Calf Crusher! Joe grabs Styles first, for the Coquina Clutch! Styles squirms around, but a ropebreak doesn’t do anything. Even so, Styles uses the ropes to get out of the hold then he roundhouses Joe away! Styles hurries back up, forearms Joe away, then hotshots him. Joe falls and Styles aims, for a springboard 450 on that bad leg! Styles doesn’t cover, he wants Joe to suffer as he suffered.

Joe rolls out but Styles pursues. Styles kicks that bad leg even as Joe hobbles. He forearms Joe against the barriers but then Joe dumps Styles over. Joe chops Styles now, right in front of the fans. Styles forearms Joe away, then uses the barriers as a springboard for the Phenomenal Forearm! Joe is now dead weight but Styles drags Joe up and in, because the fall has to happen in the ring. Styles prepares his forearm again, and aims at Joe. Joe manages to stand, and Styles springboards, but into the Coquina Clutch! Joe doesn’t have it all, and Styles backs him into buckles. But Joe holds on, and then uses the clutch to suplex Styles! Cover, TWO!!

Both men are down from exhaustion and pain, but this match must continue. They slowly stir, and Joe stands first. Joe puts Styles in a corner, then hoists him back up top. He chops Styles then tucks him in, for a Muscle Buster lift. Styles slips out as the knee gives out, roll up, TWO, COQUINA!! Joe can’t get the body scissors and Styles rolls up like Hell in a Cell! TWO, and Styles shifts right to the Calf Crusher! He even uses Joe’s own boot straps against him! Joe endures as Styles pulls way back. JOE TAPS! STYLES WINS!

Winner: Styles via Calf Crusher

Rating: **** 1/4

1. WWE Super Show-Down Cruiserweight Championship Match: Buddy Murphy vs Cedric Alexander (c)

From Mitchell’s Coverage:

The Soul of 205 Live has been undefeated in the year 2018, especially once becoming THE Cruiserweight Champion at Wrestlemania. However, the Cruiserweight Juggernaut is the other hometown hero tonight. Can Murphy use his superior size and strength to end the #AgeofAlexander? Or is the building legacy only going to continue in the land down under?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Murphy has Melbourne on his side and he makes sure Alexander knows it. Murphy offers a handshake, only to take it back. Then he hits Alexander with a knee trigger! Cover, TWO! Murphy almost got the better of Alexander, but he keeps going. He sets Alexander in the drop zone then climbs up, but Alexander bails out. So Murphy hops down, builds up speed and FLIES! Direct hit on the champion! Melbourne is thunderous for Murphy as he puts Alexander in. Murphy climbs again and leaps at Alexander for meteora! Cover, TWO! Alexander survives but Murphy is not deterred. Murphy kicks Alexander swiftly on the back, then again. Murphy kicks Alexander a third time, then covers, TWO! Alexander isn’t that easy to defeat, but Murphy doesn’t mind.

Murphy aims but Alexander evades. Alexander gives Murphy a big uppercut, then a boot. Alexander blocks Murphy’s kick to give the elbow. Murphy staggers and Alexander runs, but into a sleeper hold! Murphy squeezes tight and brings Alexander down to a knee. Alexander endures and powers Murphy to a corner. He bounces Murphy off buckles but it takes three times to break free. Murphy then shoves Alexander into buckles! Fans cheer as Murphy drags Alexander up. Murphy sets Alexander on buckles, then runs corner to corner, only to get a SUPERKICK! Murphy is down and Alexander drags himself up. Fans rally again as Alexander walks over. Murphy rocks him with a heavy right! Alexander staggers to a corner and Murphy puts him up top.

Melbourne is behind Murphy as he climbs up. Alexander fights back and he shoves Murphy away. Murphy returns but is pushed back again. Murphy tries a third time but Alexander gets him with a SUPER Michinoku Driver!! Cover, TWO!! Melbourne is relieved that their hometown hero still lives. Alexander and Murphy both stir as the fans rally up. Alexander runs and shoulders Murphy, to then swing kick and knee strike. Murphy staggers, Alexander says “Get Over Here!” with the step-in springboard shot! Murphy rolls out of the ring but Alexander builds speed to FLY! Direct hit on the challenger! Alexander puts Murphy back in, but he has to catch his breath a moment. He gets to the apron and takes aim at Murphy.

Springboard but into a waistlock. Standing switch and shove, handspring to Neuralizer! Cover, TWO! Murphy survives but Alexander still has moves to use. Alexander drags himself up while fans chant “Aussie Aussie Aussie! OI OI OI!” Alexander drags Murphy up in a waistlock, hauls him up but Murphy resists. The champ’s back also bothers him, but he tries again. Murphy slips out and boots Alexander! Murphy hops up but gets an uppercut! Alexander climbs up but hears the fans still on Murphy’s side. Alexander brings Murphy up, but Murphy fights back. They brawl up top with body shots, but Murphy gets the edge. Murphy sunset flips but Alexander holds on. He gets tucked in, SUPERKICK to POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Melbourne can’t believe it but Alexander survives.

The fans keep rallying and Murphy sits up first. Alexander follows and the two glare at each other. Murphy grabs Alexander but Alexander enziguris! Alexander fires himself up but Murphy reels him in. Murphy dodges the kicks to give the knee trigger! Murphy pumphandles but Alexander pops out to victory roll! TWO!! SPANISH FLY OUTTA NOWHERE! Cover, TWO!! LUMBAR CHECK!! Cover again, TWO?!? Murphy survives impact after impact and Alexander’s face says it all! Melbourne is giving their hero a standing ovation as he crawls to ropes. Alexander takes off the elbow pads because he’s getting serious. He drags Murphy in but Murphy sends him out. Alexander is still on the apron, and springboards, into a knee trigger! MURPHY’S LAW!! Cover, MURPHY WINS!!

Winner: Buddy via Murphy’s Law

Rating: **** 1/4

Thoughts:

Now as much as I’d like to pick weird matches, I have to say, I feel the best told story is with, NXT: Johnny Gargano vs Tony Nese. We saw Nese trying to take advantage of a weakened Gargano, but as the match progressed we saw more of him come back. He had intensity, confidence and that energy that so many fans connected to. So with all that, it’s hard for me to vote against it.

Well enjoy the excessive WWE this week. Because with New Japan and Bound for Glory, it’ll be a little difficult for WWE to break into the top 5 matches next week.

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

Up Next

WWE Week in Review (Ending 10/7/2018)

Don't Miss

Predicting The Card: WWE WrestleMania 35

Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s Top 5: The Final Opponent For John Cena In WWE

It’s obvious that John Cena is nearing the end of his legendary career, and he’s suggested ending it at WrestleMania 41. Who should be his final opponent?

Published

2 weeks ago

April 11, 2024

Greg DeMarco

John Cena Last Match Randy Orton WWE WrestleMania 41

It’s obvious that John Cena is nearing the end of his legendary career, and he’s suggested ending it at WrestleMania 41. Who should be his final opponent?

John Cena recently appeared on the Pat McAfee Show, the Monday after his surprise (but mostly expected) WrestleMania 40 appearance during Cody Rhodes’ win over Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship. During that appearance, he confirmed what many expect, that he is nearly done with his in-ring career. But Cena even tossed out the idea of a time-frame, detailing that his acting schedule will likely take him through Christmas, and maybe Hollywood could “pump the brakes” to allow for one final run.

That run could easily begin at the Royal Rumble with a surprise entrance (or entering himself via TV appearances as part of the build), with a tease for his 17th world title win before finally settling in on his final match.

Fantasy booking and storytelling aside, the goal here is the final match–more specifically the final opponent. With a John Cena, you’ve got a ton of options. As such, it’s hard to narrow it down to 5, and one of your favorites is likely missing–be warned!

Greg DeMarco’s Top 5: The Final Opponent For John Cena In WWE

Honorable Mentions:

The Miz – A feud with John Cena gave The Mix a WrestleMania 27 main event–and a WrestleMania main event victory on top of it. Miz has been receiving more love than ever lately, and a match with John Cena would not be misplaced. Maybe he can use their WrestleMania 33 contest (and Cena’s personal aftermath) as fodder for it, too.
AJ Styles – The man who once made it popular to “BEAT UP JOHN CENA” is also nearing the end of his run, and could be the one candidate on this list that could realistically give us a double-retirement match. He would also be the guy who retired both The Undertaker and John Cena (and would probably end up being the guy who lost in both).
The Rock or Cody Rhodes – Both great options, but you have to figure their dance card for WrestleMania 41 is already full, potentially standing across the ring from one another. Either is an amazing option (including “Thrice In A Lifetime”), but I just don’t think it’s in the cards.
Trick Williams – Potentially a surprising addition to the Honorable Mentions, but the comparisons are there in terms of in-ring style/ability, promo skills, and the interplay they had in NXT (remember, it was Cena who is credited with encouraging Trick to not be afraid to go for it himself despite his relationship with Carmelo Hayes).

5. CM Punk

The fifth spot on this list was nearly interchangeable between several of the honorable mention names, but it really came down to Punk and Seth Rollins for me (with a hint of AJ Styles). The 2011 feud between CM Punk and John Cena was legendary, and is a moment that will forever be seen by me as the one that truly cemented CM Punk as a member of the growing list of all-time greats in WWE.

Punk is uniquely qualified for this match as he would make it mean more than a showboat for John Cena’s career and final match. It’s entirely believable that CM Punk would want to put John Cena’s career into the ground, and WWE has the video archive to support it.

Despite being #5, this could actually be a dark-horse for the match we get, and I can’t see anyone reasonably being upset about that.

4. Roman Reigns

John Cena and Roman Reigns have had two separate legendary programs. the first saw Cena, at times, embarrass Roman in promo exchanges in a feud that took place in the “pre-Tribal Chief” era. The second is more fresh and likely more memorable, as John Cena put Roman Reigns over in a football stadium in Las Vegas at SummerSlam (although it might be more remembered for the return of Brock Lesnar).

Reigns, a legend himself at his point (he’s featured alongside Steve Austin at the top of the “Forever” portion of the Then/Now/Forever/Together video that recently debuted) would provide a pairing akin to The Undertaker serving as Shawn Michaels’ retirement opponent at WrestleMania 26 9notice I didn’t say “final opponent). The end of Roman’s 1316 day world title reign has brought about a new appreciation for Reigns, which would further enhance this pairing at WrestleMania 41.

3. Bron Breakker

Bron Breakker is the picture-perfect definition of a juggernaut in WWE, a fast rising star who almost seems like a lock to main event WrestleMania one day (you never know–Seth Rollins JUST got his first WrestleMania main event last weekend). Breakker recently said farewell NXT as the natural in-ring competitor makes a transition to full-time main roster competition.

Breakker also fits the category of who “needs it.” Bring the man to retire John Cena would be quite the feather in the cap of Breakker’s early career, and would give him a moment that would be relived for generations to come. The only question mark is WWE “trusting” Breakker with this moment, as a sudden change of character could mean that Cena’s final match wouldn’t be seen or discussed as much. Breakker, to me, has given no reason for anyone to suspect that might happen, regardless of any controversies his father and uncle have been linked to.

2. R-Truth

Despite being 5-years older than John Cena, and making his in-ring debut in the same year (1999), R-Truth’s childhood hero hanging up the boots will undoubtedly be a hard-hitting moment for the man who has basically become the WWE Mascot. Truth emulating Cena in his matches, and of course the RawAfterMania moment with Cena, Truth, and The Miz hitting a Fifteen Knuckle Shuffle (thank you, Michael Cole) on The Judgment Day makes this a near can’t miss final match for both John Cena and the WWE Universe.

R-Truth himself is equally deserving of this match, as it would be a reward for all of his years in the ring as part of a career that seems age defying while proving that age is not only a number, but also a number that can be ignored (see Child Hero, John Cena).

While a rematch of their 2011 WWE Capital Punishment main event is an unlikely WrestleMania 41 match-up, it’s one I believe everyone would love to see.

1. Randy Orton

I mean, is there anyone more perfect? John Cena and Randy were inseparably linked for a good portion of their careers, and have shared the ring more times than Big Show has turned babyface/heel. Both are far into legendary status at this point, and Orton specifically is obviously focused on enjoying this stage of his career.

But Orton is still delivering great performances inside the ring, too.

Randy Orton vs John Cena was an exciting proposition many years ago, became a punchline for WWE booking a few years ago, but is now coming full circle as the perfect match-up to end the amazing career of John Cena. It has my vote, and should have yours, too.

Even if R-Truth would be the most fun option.

What say you? Who is the best candidate to stand across the ring from John Cena in his final WWE match, potentially at WrestleMania 41? Who did I leave out?

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

Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s WrestleMania 40 Saturday Results & Review

It’s the Granddaddy Of ‘Em All, WrestleMania! Night 1 of WrestleMania XL and Greg DeMarco has your results and review!

Published

3 weeks ago

April 8, 2024

Greg DeMarco

It’s the Granddaddy Of ‘Em All, WrestleMania! Night 1 of WrestleMania XL and Greg DeMarco has your results and review!

It all comes down to this–at least for the first night! A loaded card in front of a packed house, and I’d expect everyone to deliver one hell of a performance.

Women’s World Championship – Becky Lynch vs. Rhea Ripley (champion)

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Rhea Ripley retains

In my opinion, this match should be the main event of Night 1, but The Rock is back and that was going to take precedence (even if I disagree). Becky won this title shot at the Elimination Chamber, even though they were already building the feud before that event in Perth. Ripley herself main evented that event in a stadium, defeating Nia Jax.

It was revealed during her entrance that this is Becky Lynch’s “Flu Game,” as she has temperatures as high as 102 degrees throughout the week.
Rhea Ripley enters to a life performance of her entrance theme, which you can tell she dug.
Prime logo is center ring, just the black outline with “Prime” in the middle, and it is not at all bothersome. I can’t believe people made such a big deal out of bitching about that.
The stage looks dope, not at all “too small” as some had said. The whole environment looks great, honestly.
Rhea Ripley has been dealing with a wrist injury. She said on the Pat McAfee Show she didn’t expect to work with the wrist brace on tonight, but there it is.
Corey Graves points out that Becky’s training was likely impacted by her illness, and Pat McAfee scoffs at him for stating the obvious. I hope that isn’t what we get all night.
Commentary notes that is is 52 degrees and windy in the stadium, and I am reminded of Nick Khan’s comments about moving an outdoor WrestleMania to late April in the future, if they don’t get an indoor building (he did say “2026” when talking about that, which likely means the 2025 venue is indeed set).
Rhea’s Prism Trap is a fell of a submission finisher. Add in the body lock the way she did, and it’s even more impressive.
I just noticed the “Prime” turnbuckle pads and it’s…weird. I just didn’t expect it and can’t think of the last time we didn’t have the WWE/WWF logo on the buckles outside of Black and Gold NXT. WrestleMania 2?
I am also noticing that Dude Wipes seems to have sponsored the ring posts. Kudos to WWE (and the wrestling industry behind them) for being so damn desirable to sponsors!
That combo to get into the Riptide was fantastic–and the kickout was even better.
During the DisarmHer you can clearly see the commentary position, and Michael Cole is legit reclined all the way back. Love it–Cole is living his best life.
Rhea’s Riptide into the buckle before the proper Riptide was pretty sweet as well. Made Becky look insanely strong in defeat.

Winner via pinfall AND STILL your Women’s World Champion: Rhea Ripley

Hell of an opener, and if you didn’t know Becky was sick, you wouldn’t have known. Props to them both. That would have satisfied as a main event, but can now go down as one of the best openers in WrestleMania history.

Ladder Match for the Raw Tag Team Championships and Smackdown Tag Team Championships – DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) vs. Awesome Truth (The Miz & R-Truth) vs. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) vs. A Town Down Under (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller) vs. The New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) vs. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest, Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Awesome Truth (Raw titles) and A-Town Down Under (SmackDown)

As many expected, the belts are hanging separately, meaning we are most likely splitting the tag titles here. Triple H and company have put some serious work into building up the tag team divisions of both brands, and even though I expect the two winners to not be actual “teams,” but either way I actually like the way they didn’t make a big deal out of splitting the titles up, they’re just doing it. They have been defended separately since being unified, albeit rarely.

R-Truth makes a joke about DIY being DX and that’s now taken off. I love it.
The Miz is very under appreciated. Can literally do anything.
Someone is struggling with the “Titan Tron” videos tonight.
Not gonna lie, I am the biggest Pat McAfee fan, but he’s actually quite annoying right now.
Sign of the night: SANTA DESERVED IT.
Lots of green in this match, half of the teams wearing their “WrestleMania Green” gear.
Also, loving the Consequences Creed gear for Woods.
God Bless Finn Balor for taking that Airplane Spin into the ladder.
205 combined years of experience in this match. That’s an average of 17 years (Waller has the least with 7, Balor and Miz are tied for the most with 23).
“Dunne Mountain?!?!” Thank you Michael Cole for fixing that.
HOT TAG TO R-TRUTH!
Poor Finn Balor, not he takes the AA to the ladder after John Cena’s Five Moves Of Doom
R-TRUTH WITH THE PIN!
Hilarious.
A-Town Down Under gets the SmackDown tag titles!
And Grayson gets tossed through a ladder, still holding a title!
The match does continue until the Raw tag titles are also retrieved.
If Theory also got the Raw tag titles down, I will laugh my ass off.
Birminghammer is a fantastic name for a tandem (somewhat) Burning Hammer.
Tornado DDT through a table!
Air Raid Crash from the ladder!
And we still have more tables set-up.
JD McDonagh trying to get Finn–who has taken a beating–to get the Raw tag titles.
McDonagh through the tables!
PERFECTLY placed Razor’s Edge onto that chair.
Dude, that ladder is trashed. (And very unsafe.)
AA sends Damian outside!
I think everyone wants R-Truth to get this. EVERYONE.
YES!

Winners via belt retrieval, AND NEW:

SmackDown Tag Team Champions – Grayson Waller & Austin Theory
Raw Tag Team Champions – R-Truth & The Miz

Really good Ladder Match, but it’s hard to have a bad one. The tag team titles are split and it was really well done. It made perfect sense to do it that way, not make a big deal out of it and just let it happen. I am excited to see both teams win–not because I picked both, but because I think one team (Waller/Theory) have amazing futures and the other (Miz/Truth) will be a lot of fun, even if their run will probably be short lived.

Santos Escobar (with Legado Del Fantasma members Angel, Humberto, & Elektra Lopez) & Dominik Mysterio vs. Rey Mysterio & Andrade (with The LWO members Carlito, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz Del Toro, & Zelina Vega

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Dominik and Santos win, giving Dominik “revenge” for his loss at WrestleMania 39.

Look, this match doesn’t make a lick of sense–Dominik shows up two weeks ago and finds his way into another WrestleMania match with Rey? Definitely shoehorned. But Dominik is outstanding, so if this gets him on the card, I’ll take it.

More green in this match, and I am here for it.
Innovative Double Cross Body by Rey & Andrade.
Dominik showing experience beyond his years, making sure the ref sees his tag with Santos.
At this moment, I am wondering who turns–Carlito or Andrade. Gotta assume it’s one of them.
Three matches in and I don’t even notice the Primo logo in the center of the ring or on the turnbuckle pads.
Santos Escobar trying to unmask Rey Mysterio, as if we don’t all have Google.
Corey Graves making a great point about Rey taking some responsibility for the issues in his life, and Michael Cole immediately dismissing it.
It’s so hard to do a really good Dragon Screw Leg Whip, and Andrade (along with Dominik and Santos) just pulled off two to perfection.
Camera shot of Rey’s cross body shows the heaters above the ring. Good–keep ’em warm!
This could have easily been an 8-man tag team match. Maybe we get that Monday on Raw (which can also be where the turn happens, making my prediction here likely wrong).
Joaquin Wilde gets to do his NXT spot at WrestleMania, and that’s probably more important than officially being in the match.
Two masked men–definitely the Kelce Brothers–are here.
My bad, it was Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. Good call, honestly. Great pop for them, too.
Looking at the reply, Dominik sold that ringpost spot like a champ.

Winners via pinfall (Rey on Santos): Rey Mysterio & Andrade

Fun tag team match that served its purpose. Needed? Maybe not, as I really wanted to get Liv Morgan vs. Nia Jax onto this card. But when you can get Rey & Dominik on the card, everyone will be happy. and of course the Jason Kelce & Lane Johnson appearances.

Brother vs Brother: Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Jimmy Uso follows in the footsteps of Owen Hart and Matt Hardy and beats the “more talented brother.”

They’ve wanted this match all their lives–and the preview video was insane. Very well done.

Jey in the WrestleMania whites tonight.
And we get a hot start to the match!
“Big Brother Jimmy” is always a fun thing to hear.
More Dude Wipes sponsorship on this one–you have to wonder if having Dude Wipes on the posts for the opener was in error.
Superkicks. Lots of Superkicks.
Very enjoyable YEET/NO chants from the crowd.
Jey just kicking the hell out of Jimmy, including a Jumping Super Kick.
This has “Fight Without Honor” feels from old school ROH, where the winners have respect after. We will definitely see these guys together again.
Jimmy apologizing to Jey. Crowd is not buying it.
Of course it was BS, and Jimmy gains the advantage.
SPEAR. USO SPLASH. DONE.

Winner, via pinfall: Jey Uso

Jey breaks the babyface curse by beating his heel brother. Thought we might get an embrace between them, instead we faded out. A good match that was more about the story than the in-ring action. I can see some feeling like this hasn’t “lived up to expectations” because of the high expectations you’d have for an Usos match. Their best work will always be as a team, but I know this is a lifelong dream come true for both.

As for all the Superkicks, I mean….it’s an Usos match.

Six-Woman Tag Team Match – Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Asuka, & Kairi Sane) vs. Naomi, Bianca Belair, & Jade Cargill

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Bianca, Naomi, & Jade win when Jade scores the pin (probably on Kairi, who always seems to eat the fall)

This match is all about getting Bianca Belair on the card (she had to be), and Jade Cargill’s debut. It also got Damage CTRL on the card, which they truly deserve–even if it is to lose.

Respectfully, Dakota Kai. (Good thing the ring and surrounding area is heated)
Not gonna lie, Jade looks nervous. But this is a six-woman tag, and her portion is likely highly choreographed. Gonna be all good.
As I watch and enjoy the match (but am not typing much lol), this seems like a match where we’re all just waiting for Jade to come in and win.
No one has told Jade about the tag ropes yet, apparently.
And now Jade is in, and Damage CTRL makes her look like a million bucks.
Dakota Kai nicely gets herself into position for the finish, and Jade gets her WrestleMania win.

Winners via pinfall (Jade on Dakota): Jade Cargill, Naomi, & Bianca Belair

We knew what this one was about going into it, and that’s what it should have been. Jade still ain’t ready. I know it might be an “ego hit” for her to go to NXT, but she needs it. If Giulia can go to NXT, so can Jade.

Intercontinental Championship – Sami Zayn vs. GUNTHER (champion)

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Sami Zayn pulls off the major upset and is the one to dethrone Gunther

Gunther has had a stranglehold on the Intercontinental Championship, defending it like crazy in 2023 but slowing that down here in 2024. It’s not fair to say he’s outgrown the title, but that might actually be the case. It’ll be really interesting to see what happens with Imperium leading up to the draft, and at the WWE Draft itself.

Sami Zayn was the perfect wrestler to have their journey form backstage to the ring followed by the cameras. From his family to Chad Gable to Kevin Owens, it was all so perfect–maybe too perfect? (Not in that someone will screw him, but in that it might be too heavily foreshadowing his win?)
Gunther looked oddly nervous standing on that stage.
You know, the Intercontinental Championship is basically a third world title at this point. And we could see the end of a legendary reign. I think this deserved the Samantha Irvin In-Ring Introductions (aka “Japan Style”) treatment.
Gunther is smiling confidently now, we’re good.
Crowd is ON FIRE for these guys (and evenly split with their chants for each guy).
This is the 21st time the Intercontinental championship is defended at WrestleMania, and it makes you wonder what in the hell they were thinking for the other 11.
Looks like Dude Wipes is back on the ringpost!
Hell of a nearfall, followed up by a Helluva Kick from Gunthcr, and one from Sami!
That finish….AMAZING.

Winner via pinfall, AND NEW Intercontinental Champion: Sami Zayn

The athletes… the moments… the storytelling… professional wrestling is such a beautiful business. Sami Zayn’s win over Gunther was everything I had hoped it would be when I picked Sami to win. Absolutely beautiful.

Cody Rhodes & World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins vs. The Rock & Undisputed WWE Champion Roman Reigns

Greg’s pre-show prediction: Seth & Cody get the win after tons of interference and surprise appearances, making Roman vs Cody on Sunday a match where The Bloodline is banned from ringside.

So much involved in this one. As you know, If Rock & Roman win, Sunday’s WWE Championship match will be held under Bloodline Roles. If Seth & Cody win, then that mach will see ZERO Bloodline involvement. Personally, if Cody is winning the title, I’d rather it be straight up. But I wouldn’t be at all surprised if I am wrong.

Honestly, after the introductions, I realized I was just watching!
This was very much Steve Austin vs The Rock inspired, with them fighting all over the stadium, and pushing the envelope.
I loved The Rock basically neutering the referee–normally I hate that, but here it works.
That finish and the condition of Rollins both lay perfectly into night 2, I would imagine.

Winners via Rock pinfall on Rhodes: The Rock & Roman Reigns

Per rule, Sunday’s main event will now be Bloodline Rules. And given that, my prediction of Roman retaining might be harder to pull off. This was a good return for The Rock, and perfectly played into the whole story. Job well done.

Greg DeMarco’s Overall Thoughts for WWE WrestleMania XL, Saturday (Night 1)

in a vacuum, this was highly enjoyable show. Night 2 might end up being legendary if both Bayley and Rhodes win, and it could overshadow Night 1. But the scene was fantastic, production was top notch as always, and the fans went home having enjoyed one for the ages. The Triple H Era s well underway, and will likely kick into a higher gear with Night 2.

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