Opinion

Top 5 Matches: Week Ending 12/2/2018

Published

6 years ago

December 3, 2018

Another week, and another 5 matches that stand out. Most American companies are building for the end of this year/early next year PPV, so what did Andrew find for this week?

Well boys and girls, we made it to the final vote for actual week of matches. If your confused since December just started, let me explain.

This is the last week that will feed into November. Next week we will vote for the Match of November, as well as, the Second Chance vote to count as the 12th entry. I have a few people in mind to suggest a match that got overlooked or out-voted throughout the year, and we’ll get 5 Second Chance matches. Then the 12 will get voted down to 5, then the winner of the 5 will be our Match of the Year.

Simple right?

So before we get to this final week, we need to reveal who won last week. NXT UK: Toni Storm vs Jinny, was the match that made the biggest impact during the holiday week. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s see what this week brings.

5. NXT UK UK Championship Match: Pete Dunne (c) vs Jordan Devlin

From Mitchell’s Coverage:
The Bruiserweight is only the second-ever champion, but he has a reign that will be hard to follow. However, not only does the Iron Irishman vow to end that reign, he vows to rebrand the entire show as the NXT Irish Division, guest starring the rest of the UK. Will Devlin turn the Division upside-down? Or will Dunne keep there from being a third-ever champion any time soon?

Birmingham is fired up for their hometown Bruiserweight, while fans tell Devlin “We Want Balor!” The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin! Devlin and Dunne stare down before slowly circling. Fans chant and sing as Dunne and Devlin tie up. Dunne has the chin and brings Devlin down to the mat. He wants the fingers but Devlin headscissors back. Dunne gets up and around but Devlin works to keep him down. Dunne pops out and stares Devlin down, so Devlin slaps him! Of course Dunne slaps back, then drags Devlin up for an armlock. Dunne twists the arm to a hammerlock, but Devlin avoids the stomp. Fans applaud this even match-up.

The two circle again and Devlin gets the wristlock. Devlin wrangles Dunne down but fans still taunt him that he’s a “Reject Balor”. Dunne gets up and monkey flips Devlin away. Devlin scrambles to the apron but then comes back to rock Dunne with a right! Devlin rains rights down on Dunne as fans boo and jeer. Dunne shakes the stars out of his head but Devlin gets him in a headlock. Dunne powers out and things speed up, Dunne runs Devlin over with a lariat! Now Devlin flounders as fans fire up for the Bruiserweight. Dunne gets Devlin down and traps one arm to pull on the other. And he pulls the fingers! Devlin endures the torture as Dunne bends his arm back. Dunne has double chicken wings, to stomp Devlin’s head!

Dunne kicks Devlin while he’s down, then yanks him up. He whips Devlin but Devlin reverses. Devlin stops Dunne from going up and over, and gives him a draping backstabber! Cover, TWO! Devlin grows frustrated while fans rally up for Dunne. He stomps but Dunne grabs the leg, so Devlin throws in forearms. Devlin sits Dunne up and slaps him around. Dunne clubs Devlin with clotheslines, but Devlin then ducks to urenage and moonsault! Cover, ONE! Devlin keeps his cool as he drags Dunne up. Fans rally but Devlin rocks Dunne with a forearm. Devlin eggs Dunne on as he throws more forearms. Dunne grits his teeth as he takes those forearms! Dunne then blasts Devlin with one big right! Devlin is in a corner as fans rally.

Dunne whips but Devlin reverses again. Dunne gets up and over this time then enziguris Devlin! Devlin standing switches and Germans but Dunne lands on his feet! Dunne kicks Devlin’s back, then shoves Devlin for a rebound snap German! Devlin wants mercy but gets a kick instead! And an X-Plex, into an armbar! Devlin reaches and endures, and manages to roll Dunne to a cover. TWO and Dunne lets Devlin go. Devlin gets to a corner again, and Dunne runs in. Devlin dodges and enziguris Dunne, to then boot wash! He drags Dunne right up for the saito suplex! Cover, TWO! Dunne lives but Devlin keeps his cool. Devlin hammers away on Dunne’s back with both hands. He stomps Dunne in the ribs, then gloats. Devlin moonsaults but flops! Dunne stands on Devlin’s hand, to stomp away!

Devlin clutches his beat up hand, but Dunne gets it again. Devlin breaks free to rock him with a right! Dunne hits Devlin back! Dunne runs but into a SPANISH FLY! But Dunne catches Devlin’s cover into a Koji Klutch!! Devlin endures, reaches, rolls, but Dunne rolls more. Ropebreak! Dunne lets Devlin go and Devlin slumps onto the apron. Devlin then slumps to the floor so Dunne goes out to fetch him. Fans rally up as Dunne brings Devlin to the steps. Dunne wrenches Devlin’s arm, but his stomp misses again, and Devlin shoves out the legs! Dunne’s face hits the steel! Devlin grits his teeth as he drags Dunne up. SUPER SPANISH FLY to the floor!! Fans lose their minds while the referee checks on both men. They’re somehow still okay to compete, so a ring count begins.

Devlin stirs at 2 but Dunne is vulnerable. The count reaches 5 before Devlin gets to Dunne. Both men get up and in at 9.99! Fans are thunderous for this action as both men glare at each other. They grind foreheads as they stand up. Devlin stands first as Dunne’s back bothers him. But Dunne blocks the cover into double knuckle locks. Dunne stands on both hands, and stomps them both! Then buzzsaw kicks Devlin! Then pumphandles, but Devlin slips out to hit a POISON-RANA! Cover, TWO!? Dunne survives and Birmingham knows “This is Awesome!” Devlin’s frustration boils up as he glares down at Dunne. Devlin drags him up and throws forearms. He then runs and springboards, but into a forearm! Dunne drags Devlin up, pumphandle, Bitter End!

But Dunne can’t cover right away from the bad back! He crawls over but Devlin rolls away! Dunne keeps pursuing but Devlin keeps evading. Devlin reaches ropes and the apron but Dunne won’t quit. Both men stand on either side of the ropes, and then Dunne joins Devlin on the apron. Devlin shoves him into a post, back first! Devlin drags Dunne up to the top rope, then positions him carefully. He comes in and climbs up to join Dunne. Dunne resists so Devlin throws more forearms. Devlin stands all the way up, another SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!?! Fans are at a fever pitch as their hometown hero shows superhuman heart. They chant “This is Wrestling!” as Devlin stands and Dunne stirs.

Dunne sees Devlin walking over and sits up. Devlin dares Dunne to stand, so he does, only for Devlin to punch him back down. Dunne gets back up even as Devlin tells him to stay down. Dunne puts up his dukes, but Devlin gives him a headbutt! Both men are rocked, but Devlin gets up again. Devlin takes the mouth guard out, and tosses it away for a SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO?! As Nigel McGuinness says, “How on Earth?!” Devlin goes up top, moonsault, but into a triangle hold!! Dunne has Devlin stuck, and drives in his elbow. Devlin scrambles for another ropebreak, but Dunne brings him away! And snaps the fingers! Devlin taps, Dunne wins!!

Winner: Dunne via Triangle Choke

Rating: ****

4. AJPW Jr Heavyweight Championship Match: Shuji Kondo (c) vs Koji Iwamoto

Iwamoto gets his rematch against the man who took the belt from him two months ago, and this should be good. Kondo is a decorated veteran and Iwamoto has been rising in the ranks over the last two years. Can Iwamoto get his belt back?

This was a fast paced Junior Heavyweight style match. There was a little bit of feeling out early, but after a while they just started throwing haymakers. Kondo hit many signatures, his Hurricane Mixer Spear/Uranagi move, Lanzarse and an Avalanche Inverted Suplex, but just for near falls. Kondo went for the King Kong Lariat, but Iwamoto countered with the first Koko no Geijutsu.

A couple Penalty Kicks fire up Kondo, as he hits the ropes again, but falls victim to another Koko no Geijutsu, giving Iwamoto a rather surprising win, but the fans were behind it.

All in all the match wasn’t anything overly spectacular, not bad at all, but it also shows All Japan is actively investing in the future. The fact the company seems to be on an upswing, this is a perfect time to establish some talent they can lock up for the future. If you like high impact and fast paced wrestling, this should resonate with you.

Winner: Iwamoto via Koko no Geijutsu

Rating **** 1/4

3. AJPW Real World Tag League: Jun Akiyama & Daisuke Sekimoto vs Ryouji Sai & Jake Lee

Welcome to another installation of Uncle Jun’s “You Gonna Learn Today”. With how stiff he was with Yoshitatsu a few matches prior, you have to wonder how he feels about Jake Lee. Jake is a young guy who left wrestling for MMA, but was trained by Keiji Mutoh and Atsushi Aoki, so the way he wrestlers is very much the older style. Will Jun lay in some real time teaching, or does he like this student?

Sekimoto and Sai start things off, but everyone wanted to see Jake and Jun. The crowd swelled and the two had a small standoff, before Jun grabs a waist lock, but gets pushed to the ropes. As Jun breaks, Jake slowly gives space and then connects with the Round Kick to Akiyama’s chest. Jun immediately removes his elbow pad and there was new fire in his eyes.

The important thing about this was in the Royal Road tournament, Jun injured his elbow in his match against Jake. So it was a little gamesmanship, followed up with Jake pulling a page out of Jun’s book and pulling off the old oki-doke misdirection as he attempted a move on the apron but Jun saw it and they just stared each other down. These two need to have another singles match soon because this will be great.

As for this match, all four of these guys put on a damn good show. Rouji Sai took most of the punishment, Jake managed to break up Sekimoto’s “I’m Helping” Super German Suplex, to give Sai the opening to take over the match, After a few kicks, Sai hits a big Sky Kick in the corner and gets the win for the team.

Abridged version yes, but much like New Japan, tournaments are used to build more storylines. The match was a good match, but the personalities shining through are what make these special.

Winner: Ryouji via Sky Kick

Rating: **** 1/4

Honorable Mentions:

Impact: Lucha Bros vs Willie Mack & Rich Swann
Winner: Lucha Bros via Tandem inverted Code Red
Rating: *** 3/4
205 Live: Cedric Alexander & Mustafa Ali vs Buddy Murphy & Tony Nese
Winner: Alexander via Lumbar Check
Rating: *** 1/2
WWE Raw Intercontinental Title Match: Seth Rollins (c) vs Dolph Ziggler
Winner: Rollins via Falcon Arrow
Rating: *** 1/4
NXT UK Women’s Title Match: Toni Storm vs Rhea Ripley
Winner: Ripley via Rip Tide
Rating: ***
AJPW Real World Tag League: Odinson & Parrow vs Zeus & The Bodyguard
Winner: Parrow via Powerbomb/Backstabber Combo
Rating: ***
Impact: Eli Drake vs Tommy Dreamer
Winner: Drake via Boat Oar/Chair combo
Rating: ***
NXT: Keith Lee vs Lars Sullivan
Winner: Sullivan via Freak Accident
Rating: ***

2. Progress Chapter 78 Progress World Championship Match: WALTER (c) vs Mark Haskins

So the story here was that Haskins had to relinquish the title due to a neck injury a few years ago, and now he’s finally clawed his way back. So can Haskins fell the giant Austrian Redwood for the title he never lost?

To take a line from my grandfather, this match encapsulated, “Ever see what a chainsaw does to a tree”. Haskins gave up significant size, but after getting thrown around and nearly toyed with, he started chipping away. Round Kicks to the back of WALTER’s hamstrings eventually dropped the hulking champion, and gave him the opportunity to work on the arm.

A big fun spot from this match was after Haskins had WALTER in the corner, a few running lariats, he winds up for a corner to corner move, WALTER tries to cut him off with a Shotgun Dropkick, but Haskins sees it coming, jumps in the air and times his Double Footstomp beautifully. Yes we see Kota Ibushi and other juniors do this often, but consider the two people here…it was cool.

Haskins locks in his Bridging Fujiwara Armbar a few times on top of strikes to weaken WALTER’s left arm. There was a real moment in this match where WALTER looked wounded and Haskins had a legitimate shot, as well as, the crowd support.

WALTER’s size saves him from tapping out to a Sharpshooter by just grabbing backwards and pulling Haskins off of him. Haskins fights out of a Sleeper Hold, Chicken Wing, Power Bomb…but eventually falls victim to the Fire/Thunder Driver. Haskins showed a lot of heart and it definitely told the story that WALTER was pushed further than most people have ever pushed him.

Winner: WALTER via Fire/Thunder Driver

Rating: **** 1/2

1. MLW Fusion MLW Tag Team Championship Match: Pentagon Jr & Fenix (c) vs LA Park & Hijo de LA Park

So this continues the Salina de la Renta vs Konnan story, where they just keep having different luchadors from each stable going after one another. Nothing more, nothing less, Salina is trying to take the Tag Titles out of Konnan’s camp, so she got LA Park and his son.

It’s always hard to describe the early bit of lucha matches. Everyone is in the ring, tags are optional and it’s just time to beat the hell out of each other. LA Park focused on Pentagon, so Hijo went after Fenix, and the pairings stayed pretty consistent. A big take away from this match was just that tables wouldn’t break.

Aside from that, we saw a lot of fun moments. LA Park (who is the original WCW La Parka) did his old air guitar with the chair, and his little La Parka strut at different points. Hell he even pulled off a Suicide Dive, and if you haven’t seen him since WCW, he’s at least 60 pounds heavier.

It was a fun match, lots of spots that played to the crowd, or allowed the combatants to pair off and not run everybody ragged at the same time. A goofy spot was when everyone missed Sentons. One would try, the other would move, but it was a solid spot to slow things down and reset for the finish. Hijo hit a nice Asai Moonsault on Fenix on the outside, while LA Park and Pentagon slugged it out in the middle of the ring.

When Hijo gets back in LA Park gets kicked out of the ring, they hit their tandem spike Fear Factor on Hijo and then Fenix dives outside to stop LA Park from breaking up the pinfall.

So this match was one for Konnan’s squad, but the rivalry is far from over.

Winner: Lucha Bros via Fear Factor/Double Stomp combo

Rating: **** 1/2

Thoughts:

Well you know, since this is the last official ‘week’ Top 5 of 2018, I’m going to vote for, MLW: Lucha Bros vs LA Park & Hijo. I’d like to see MLW have a couple shots at winning a month since they’ve been putting on a great product. Also it’s a small nod to our podcast personality Christopher Platt, who called months ago on POD is WAR that MLW was going to be a player for a number 2 in the United States.

Well enjoy voting on this one, and wait to see what we have for the second chance vote next week!

Did your favorite match make the Top 5 this week? Let us know on social media @theCHAIRSHOTcom and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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

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

Related Topics:AJPW Featured Featured Big Fenix Jake Lee Jun Akiyama Konnan LA Park Mark Haskins MLW NXT NXT UK Pentagon Jr Pete Dunne Salina de la Renta Walter

Up Next

(NOAH) WEEKLY NEWSLETTER VOL.12 ~ 30 NOVEMBER 2018

Don't Miss

Does Asuka Need To Win At WWE TLC?

Opinion

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

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

Published

3 weeks ago

February 2, 2025

Greg DeMarco

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women’s WWE Royal Rumble Match

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Honestly, did we need Trish Stratus? #RoyalRumble

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This company obviously believes in Roxanne Perez. #RoyalRumble

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

LOLCHARLOTTEWINS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners AND STILL WWE Tag Team Champions: DIY

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

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

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

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

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

That little ladder is HILARIOUS. #RoyalRumble

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

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

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

Winner, AND STILL WWE Champion: Cody Rhodes

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

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

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

Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Match

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trick Williams’ #RoyalRumble entrance is gonna be ICONIC.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We lost Michael for a minute there.

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

Great pop for him, too.

And Michael Cole references Nic Nemeth! #RoyalRumble

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

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

☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️ #RoyalRumble

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

IT’S JUST YOU, UCE! #RoyalRumble

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Thoughts on the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble

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

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

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

Opinion

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS: WWE Crown Jewel Immediate Reactions

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

Published

4 months ago

November 2, 2024

PC Tunney

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