Opinion

The Good, Bad and Ugly Royal Rumble 2019

Published

6 years ago

January 28, 2019

How did Royal Rumble stack up when it comes to the Good, Bad and Ugly classifications? Bobby gives us the breakdown.

With a brilliant NXT Takeover in the books, here we are, The Royal Rumble. The Final Chapter prior to the always over the top, illustrious WrestleMania. The card is set, the ring ready, the crowd and millions of fans buzzing. In fact right off the bat a fan behind Coach, was seen giving the double middle finger and being removed. A lot of passion, and potential here. All that is left is to tell the story.

Only question is, will it be Good, Bad or Ugly?

THE GOOD

Non-Title Match- Bobby Roode and Chad Gable (Raw Tag Team Champions) vs. Rezar of AOP and Scott Dawson of The Revival

Scott Dawson and Rezar are big, physical and the better halves of their teams. This is a Good unique set up. Another thing, any Bobby Roode is Good Bobby Roode. Roode would be an awesome win for the actual Royal Rumble as he is Main Event Caliber. Dawson and Gable did some decent work. Rezar is a big guy, with the proper direction he could be a major player but he is a long way away. It was unfortunate that the crowd was so quiet, the match was pretty Good. Bobby Roode came in on fire. So talented and the audience loves him. Dawson hit Rezar by accident leading to Gable and Roode to take advantage. Gable came in with a big “moonsault/neckbreaker combo” for the Win. Quick, solid, entertaining match.

United States Championship Match– Rusev (c) w/ Lana vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

This is a stellar feud. The US Title is relevant with this level representing it. It really is a shame it is on the Kickoff Show. Great to see The Stunning, Lana come out with the Champ. Rusev much like Roode is a top contender to push up to the Main Event, Heavyweight Championship level storyline. Rusev was very sharp, hitting picture perfect moves. Everything looked Good. Shinsuke is also just so Good. Everything clicked. The story was told well, it was physical and detailed. The “Super-athletes” make this look so easy. It looked like it could go either way, then Rusev was locked into a series of submissions. Lana stopped Nakamura from cheating, but got destroyed by Rusev off the apron. Nakamura took full advantage and hit a knee to the back of the head for the Win becoming the New United States Champion.

Fatal 4-Way Cruiserweight Championship Match– Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Kalisto vs. Akira Tozawa vs. Hideo Itami

Although the hopes aren’t high for this one, it will at the least be entertaining. Obvious to some, Hideo Itami is in another league in this match. It is surprising that he isn’t seen more, on either Raw or SmackDown. Buddy Murphy is a viable argument as well for that honor. He did absolutely amazing throwing around Kalisto and Tozawa. We saw Good stuff from everyone involved. Some really unique spots that stunned the crowd. Kalisto was a maniac tonight. The whole match was put together well, and greatly entertaining. The ending was just insane! Everyone hitting strikes, finishers, all hell broke loose, but it was The Champion, Buddy Murphy and his knee strikes from Down Under and a “Murphy’s Law” for the victory, retaining the Cruiserweight Championship. Awesome match and overall awesome Kickoff Show!

SmackDown Women’s Championship Match– Asuka (c) vs. Becky Lynch

Opening Match! Becky Lynch, The Superstar, The Man, the most popular figure in Professional Wrestling, looked ready! Asuka hasn’t stopped being ready and came out pumped. The crowd was so loud at times. Becky Lynch was a different bread in this match. She would not back down or back off, she just kept attacking. Asuka did what she knows how to do, and fought back! They were killing each other on the outside, jocking for position, and upping each other’s moves. Lynch did what she had to do to take down the “Empress.” Asuka did everything she could but just was overcome by “The Man” every time. This got extreme with a nasty “Fisherman neckbreaker” devasting Becky Lynch. Lynch came back with a “Super-expoder” which looked amazing. Asuka got the “Disarmer” on Lynch but was quickly revered into an “Asuka Lock” by Lynch. Lynch then got her into her own “Disarmer, but was rolled up for a 2-count. Asuka got Becky Lynch in a modified “Asuka Lock” she then modified into a “Chicken Wing” but then sprung forward into a bridge. Lynch tapped, in a fantastic Championship Match. This match was Great all around.

SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match– The Bar (c) vs. The Miz & Shane McMahon

The opening shot of Shamus in the spotlight is incredible. It really is a cool opening. Unexpectedly, Shane just attacked Shamus, shocking the big brute. Cesaro took over and was challenged by the Miz. Once The Bar got going though, they kept it up. This match was all about team work, each guy was there for their partner. Shamus was stiff on the Miz, he really laid into him, and Cesaro expertly took him apart. Shane was ready to pop n the corner. He came in hot, unstoppable, hitting The Bar with everything in his arsenal. Finally setting The Bar for a 2-1 “Coast to Coast,” but Cesaro cut it off taking him “Round the World.” Shane still managed a “triangle” which was successful until Shamus broke it up. Shane then kicked out of “White Noise” which is insane. Shamus then hit Cesaro with an accidental “borough kick” and got “Skull Crushing Finale, followed by a “Shooting Star press onto Cesaro by Shane to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. The sweet victory continued as Miz got to have a moment with his Father. That was a Good touch. Good match, good story, onto the next one!

Raw Women’s Championship Match– Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Sasha Banks

Sasha Banks oozes confidence. They both looked great! Awesome gear, and obviously confident. Rousey handled herself well, she literally held her own against Sasha Banks. They were stiff and personal with each other and it looked Good. Banks started getting momentum being in full control, wearing down on the Champion. Banks brutally tried to rip Rousey’s arm off, doing all she could. Rousey then got caught into a “Bank’s Statement.” Rousey could not get control even getting “superplexed.” Rousey again recovered and delivered a series of “judo throws” and took over. These two were tired, hurt and spent but still kept going. Sasha Banks got desperate during a “bank statement”, using her gear to pull and gag Rousey. However she again fought back hitting a “Piper’s Pit” for the victory. This was just another superior performance. Hell of a Match again! The mutual respect at the end was a Good touch as was the “4 Horsewomen” gesture of Sasha Banks.

WWE Heavyweight Championship Match (SmackDown)- Daniel Bryan (c) vs. AJ Styles

Everyone already knows of the talent here. Two of the very best. The Royal Rumble is not the place to see them fail. Expertly put together this went smoothly. They really went at it, stiff with authority. They pushed each other to the limits from start to finish. The two superstars kept trying to outdo each other. This was very violent. Styles and Bryan went all out leaving it all on the line. This New Daniel Bryan just tried to inflict as much punishment as he could while AJ Styles would constantly counter even worse. Daniel Bryan went in for the kill with tons of kicks and stomps. AJ gain would counter. Styles impressively flipped out of a back suplex off the top and did a great pinning combination into a “calf crusher.” Then Rowen came down seen for the first time in recent memory. The Ref got knocked out, AJ Styles had the match won, but Rowan attacked AJ Styles. The ref came to, Daniel Bryan covers for the win. Daniel Bryan Retains the WWE Championship. Rowen and Daniel Bryan then teamed up dismantling “The Phenomenal One.” So Fickle! But it was a sick match.

Universal Championship Match (Raw) Brock Lesnar (c) w/ Paul Heyman vs. Finn Balor

We needed the Demon, but we did Not get him. Lesnar looked extra mean and ready to take care of business. Balor without the never-ending power of the Demon makes you wonder how he could ever defeat the Beast. Well, he decided to come out full steam and attack. Lesnar took back control with a single “belly to belly.” Lesnar bullied Balor around but only momentarily as Finn came back. Lesnar got hurt on the announce table hitting the corner. Whenever Lesnar got close he would just hurl Balor around. Balor worked Lesnar’s inner leg where he seemed to be hurt. Lesnar again though would just devastate Balor every chance he got. Out of Nowhere Lesnar went for the “F5” but was countered into a huge DDT, then Balor went on the offense again, non-stop action. Balor would not stop, Lesnar was hurt. Balor went for a “coupe de grace” hit it but Lesnar kicked out and put Balor in the “kimura lock.” Lesnar retains the Universal Title. Lesnar then destroyed what was left of Balor with complete disrespect and finished with an “F5.”

Woman’s Royal Rumble

Lacey Evans and Natalya opened the Rumble, decent choices, surprising. It was also surprising they would give Lacey Evans or anyone the mic before the actual Match in this spot. That aside, Good stuff. Mandy Rose entered 3 with authority but got into a “double sharpshooter” for her trouble. Liv Morgan came and within a blink of an eye was thrown out by Nattie. The Veteran Mickie James followed then by the highly anticipated Ember Moon. Billie Kay came out next but wouldn’t enter the ring. Nikki Cross took Billie Kay down on the outside then crashed onto the whole group in the ring. The very talented Peyton Royce came out hot and immediately helped her bestie. Tamina Snuka strutted her way down next and made a huge impact taking out everyone one by one. Mickie James was then eliminated just as Xia Li made her entrance. The first Chinese Woman to compete in the WWE. She led with powerful and dominant kicks. Sarah Logan then came next. Nikki Cross was then violently thrown out by the IIconics. The next one was a big one, The Queen Charlotte Flair. Everyone swarmed her as she is a major threat, and rightfully so as she took charge once she got up. The IIconics were both thrown out then by Lacey Evans which was impressive. Xia Li then followed via Charlotte. Then a favorite, Kairi Sane entered to a very happy ovation. As if a blessing Tamina then was eliminated. Sane came in hard gong hard diving in then going after Charlotte who welcomed the challenge. Sane and Natalya then throw out Logan before Natalya attacked Sane. Maria then entered, and did some work on the group of competitors. Naomi then got a good spot at 16^th and got to throw out Mandy Rose, got pulled out by Rose then managed to not touch the floor. She put on a show but was then drilled down by Mandy Rose. Another surprise Candace Larae entered followed by Alicia Fox. Maria was then eliminated by Fox but newbie Casey Capisaro entered. Zelina Vega was next, followed by Ruby Riott who came with her girls, (Morgan and Logan). They destroyed Charlotte on the outside, followed by Fox. Zelina Vega then hid under the ring. Alicia Fox then eliminated by Riott, then Candace Larae. Dana Brooke came out very hot, ready to go fighting everyone until the Riott Squad again attacked. Io Shirai then came to her friends’ aid fighting off the Riott Squad, and took revenge. The very impressive Rhea Ripley then came out and everyone went crazy. Casey Capisaro then got thrown out but fought back in only to be overpowered and eliminated by Rhea Ripley. Sonya Deville was next. Dana Brooke was sent out by Rhea Ripley and Zelina Vega was then chased by Hornswoggle before getting tossed by Rhea Ripley. Next up “The Goddess” and my God it is about damn time. Unfortunately Sonya Deville was then eliminated. But was followed up by fan favorite Bayley. She quickly got rid of Ruby Riott, Rhea Ripley and continued her assault. Number 28 was Lana who was injured earlier in the night by Rusev, she just couldn’t continue to the ring. She is a no-go. 29, Nia Jax who then beat the hell out of Lana, brutally attacking her before going to the ring. Jax was just a force in there. Io Shirai and Natalya, and was thrown out by Jax. #30 of course is Carmella. Becky Lynch then came out demanding be put in for Lana with the whole world yelling behind her. Fit Finley then obliged. The Man was greeted by Nia Jax and the whole crew but was on fire. Alexa Bliss devastated Ember Moon on the apron eliminating her. Carmella and Bayley threw out Alexa Bliss. Nia Jax was about to break Lynch’s face again but was saved by Charlotte. Carmella was then eliminated by Charlotte. Unfortunately Bailey was then eliminated by Charlotte/Nia Jax. Jax took out Charlotte and Lynch and Becky rolled out via bottom rope. Jax and Charlotte then went on to fight it out. Charlotte even got Nia Jax up but couldn’t hold. Jax went over and was pulled down by Lynch leaving the final two. Flair vs Lynch. However Nia Jax then attacked Lynch hurting her knee. Lynch bravely went back in, denying Flair satisfaction. Flair just destroyed Lynch, but Lynch fought back and ultimately won the Royal Rumble. The Man will be going to Wrestlemania. Wow! Well Done!

Men’s Royal Rumble

Elias, who better for #1. #2 Jeff Jarrett which is just genius. It seemed a concert was about to take place but Elias had other plans. Jarrett looked Good in there but didn’t last long getting eliminated, right before Shinsuke Nakamura entered. Then Kurt Angle the 2^nd HOF’er then entered followed by Big E. Angle got thrown out but Johnny Gargano aka Johnny Rumble made an impact. Jinder Mahal was next and brought some heat. Johnny Wrestling then kicked Mahal out of the Rumble. The Singh Brothers were then punished for their actions by Big E and Elias. Samoa Joe one of the most dangerous men in a match like this came next eliminating Big E. Curt Hawkins came out and kept running out of the ring but got caught up in the “coquina clutch but got out and hid under the ring. Then Seth Rollins, “the King Slayer” the heavy favorite drew #10 and got out the #1 man Elias. Titus O’Neil came down and the whole world was watching. He did not trip this time but decided to hide under the ring apparently to fish out Hawkins, who then eliminated Titus right away but then was eliminated by Samoa Joe. Kofi Kingston who is a Royal Rumble veteran with 12 of them, came next. He is always exciting in the Royal Rumble. Someone equally exciting, next is Mustafa Ali, in his first Royal Rumble, he made a big move knocking out Shinsuke Nakamura. Another big one, Dean Ambrose was next. Kofi Kingston as always put on a show keeping his feet off the ground at all cost. Gargano was then eliminated by Ambrose. 15 goes to No Way Jose with his whole crew but was immediately eliminated and not a second too soon by Samoa Joe. The dance continued of course as always. Back to business, Drew McIntyre finally arrives at 16, he beat the hell out of the “conga line” and rolled to the ring. McIntyre is a sick force in there. Xavier Woods is next saving Kofi Kingston once again, however McIntyre then quickly eliminated both Woods and Kingston. NXT UK’s Champion Pete Dunn is next and he beat down the big boys, well everyone. Dunn took out the whole ring before Andrade came out at 19. Apollo Crews then came out at #20. As said he could be interesting, but not as much so as Aleister Black who drew 21. He is a serious person to be coming in so late. He eliminated Ambrose. Shelton Benjamin then entered. Samoa Joe finally got taken out by Ali. Baron Corbin was next, eliminating Crews. Jeff Hardy drew 24. Corbin then threw out Aleister Black, Drew McIntyre then got Pete Dunne. Rey Mysterio got a decent #25. Bobby Lashley the Intercontinental Champion another big guy so late, unfortunately he went right out, but he pulled Rollins out and threw him through a table. Not be ever be taken lightly, Braun Strowman is #27, taking out Baron Corbin right away, followed by Shelton Benjamin. #28 Dolph Ziggler a big surprise, while Jeff Hardy is eliminated. Ziggler eliminated McIntyre. Randy Orton was #29 but was cut off by Strowman. We saw a huge 4 person suplex off of Strowman which was outstanding. And of course R-Truth 30, but Nia Jax beat the hell out of R-Truth and took his spot. Nia Jax staked her claim. Jax threw out Ali then countered an “RKO.” She then took it to Rey Mysterio but was “superkicked” by Ziggler and got a “619” and an “RKO.” She was then eliminated by Mysterio and Orton. Orton then hit an “RKO” on Mysterio and eliminated him but was also thrown out by Andrade. Ziggler and Andrade remain, and Strowman and Rollins on the outside. Strowman then took control momentarily, before getting hit from all directions but Strowman got Andrade eliminated, then Ziggler. Rollins almost got Strowman. The last two, Rollins and Strowman. Rollins wins via stomp on the apron. Seth Rollins is going to Wrestlemania.

THE BAD and THE UGLY: Didn’t see anything close.

FINAL

GOOD- Perfect 10

BAD- 0

UGLY- 0 NO WAY!

OVERALL- Fantastic, perfect 10 matches. This was more than a Good show, it was Great. That is the way PPV’s are supposed to go. Some we knew, some we didn’t know. There was a lot of excitement and it met expectations if not exceeded them.

Wow! This one is in the books! A lot of moves, surprises, and overall usual WWE flavor. If this is how the rest of the Road to Wrestelmania will go, we will all be in for a Blockbuster. This was a very enjoyable night as part of a great time to be a fan. Hope you enjoyed! See you this week with more Good, Bad and Ugly.

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!

Up Next

(NOAH) WEEKLY NEWSLETTER VOL.20 ~ 27TH JANUARY 2019

Don't Miss

Top 5 Matches: Week Ending 1/27/2019

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: WrestleMania 41 Las Vegas

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

Published

4 days ago

April 18, 2025

PC Tunney

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

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

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

Chairshot Pick: THE NEW DAY 9-2

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Jade Cargill 8-2-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Jacob Fatu 9-2

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Charlotte Flair 7-4

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

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

Chairshot Pick: El Grande Americano 6-5

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Jey Uso 11-0

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Seth Rollins 6-4-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Iyo Sky 8-2-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Bron Breakker 5-4-1-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Drew McIntyre 7-3-1

WHO WILL BE RANDY’S OPPONENT?!?

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

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

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Logan Paul 7-4

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Liv & Raquel 9-2

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

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

Chairshot Pick: John Cena 6-5

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

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

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

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

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY – POD is WAR

FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

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

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

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

All Shows On Demand

Listen on your favorite platform!

About Chairshot Radio Network

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!

Blog

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

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

Published

6 days ago

April 16, 2025

Greg DeMarco

Shawn Michaels Kurt Angle WrestleMania 21

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Edge vs. Mick Foley – WrestleMania 22 (2006)
A hardcore war that solidified Edge as a top-tier main eventer. That flaming table spear is still played in every Edge highlight reel.
AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon – WrestleMania 33 (2017)
Everyone expected smoke and mirrors—what they got was a surprisingly technical, high-energy opener that kicked off the show right.
The Undertaker vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 28 (2012)
“End of an Era” wasn’t just a tagline. The Hell in a Cell match, with HBK as referee, was a brutal epilogue to a generation’s legacy.
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho – WrestleMania XIX (2003)
A student-teacher battle of wills. Jericho’s low blow post-match was the perfect heel punctuation to a career-defining contest.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins – WrestleMania 31 (2015)
The greatest RKO of all time. That curb stomp reversal belongs in a museum.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show – WrestleMania XXIV (2008)
More sports-entertainment than wrestling, but a crossover moment that made mainstream headlines and paid off with a great finish.
Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis – WrestleMania III (1987)
A retirement match with big heat, a hot crowd, and Piper walking off into the sunset (for a minute).
The Firefly Funhouse Match – John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt – WrestleMania 36 (2020)
Cinematic weirdness at its best. A meta masterstroke that broke Cena down in layers.
Bad Bunny & Damian Priest vs. The Miz & John Morrison – WrestleMania 37 (2021)
Bad Bunny stunned everyone. He didn’t just belong—he elevated the show.
Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio – WrestleMania 39 (2023)
Father vs. son in a grudge match that played perfectly off real-life drama and Hall of Fame weekend emotions.

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