Opinion

The Good, Bad and Ugly: SmackDown (01/15/2019)

Published

6 years ago

January 16, 2019

After a less than stellar Monday Night Raw, we are back to the boys in blue. The better show, that seems to disappoint a lot less than the other guys. Nothing is perfect, however SmackDown strives to be damn close. The question is when will SmackDown fall off? Or Can they continue the Good old ways and keep on killing it?

THE GOOD

Opening Segment w/ Becky Lynch

Opening with “The Man” Herself, is a Great way to go! She rolls in like a boss, has a powwow with Heavy Machinery and New Day before gracing the masses with her presence. Becky of course wanted to discuss the current situation with her title, her division, her reputation. She put it all out there, and she did it well. The “Empress” wasn’t going to just lay down for “The Man.” The Champ came out to defend her honor. She is getting better on the mic, and held her own to a tough crowd. Fortunately for everyone “The IIconics” gave us the pleasure of their company.

Samoa Joe vs. Mustafa Ali

Ali has been injected into our lives full steam. He is getting a lot of attention and using it well. He is exciting. Of course Samoa Joe is a nightmare and doesn’t seem to put up with such nonsense. He really beat the hell out of Ali before the bell. He just brutalized him. It was insane. Joe is crazy and he isn’t holding anything back. If these guys actually get the chance to put in work, based on what we saw this week, we could have some Good times ahead.

Andrade “Cien” Almas w/ Zelina Vega vs. Rey Mysterio

I don’t know what the wrestling world did to deserve this match, but it is spectacular. This could be the best lucha feud seen in a long time. Two absolutely pure talents with endless gifts in a highflying, edge of your seat battle. This really is set up to be fantastic, as Almas has proven his worth time and time again. We don’t even need to explain how Good Mysterio is. This match simply over delivered in every way it possibly could. We saw such unique exchanges, such energy, it was masterful. These guys put it all on the line and gave the fans their money’s worth for the year. Mysterio looked so Good out there, just a wise veteran doing what he knows best. Mysterio hit a freakishly awesome “headscissors” sending Almas flying and landing hard on the outside. The dropkicks, the spots, the energy, everything just clicked here as it should. It went back and forth, Mysterio hitting with everything he had, including a sick version of a crucifix. With a little help from Zelina Vega, Andrade hit a sick “Hammerlock DDT” for the victory.

“Bestie Birthday Bash” w/ Miz and Shane McMahon

This type of thing is almost always a failure. These segments are long, boring, and corny. Maybe something different here? Well yes we did, the back and forth banter was Good, short and sweet. The video montage as always was “money.” The crowd was involved and interested. During a horrendous Happy Birthday Song, The Bar interrupted. Talking trash as always, including even against the McMahon name, they brought a rare but Good promo here. It was really Good considering that it was set up to be hideous. Ultimately it set up a match between Shamus and The Miz. Good job all around.

Shamus vs. The Miz

This was quick as time was tight, but it looked Good. Definitely a fun, quick buildup for a huge Tag Match at the Royal Rumble. Miz really brought it here, looking sharp against the much larger Shamus. This was physical and entertaining. Cesaro went through the cake, imagine that, and Miz picked up the Win during all of the confusion. McMahon capped it off with a “coast to coast” through the Birthday Cake, to close the show.

THE BAD

Becky Lynch vs. Peyton Royce/Asuka vs. Billy Kay/AJ Styles (3 total)

Peyton Royce has some skills. She is the better of the two IIconics and has shown she can go. Lynch is red hot and seemingly can mess up. Well this match didn’t do so well. We had some poor wrestling, botches, and awkwardness galore. As a whole, even with everything working, it was a mess. If this wasn’t Becky Lynch the crowd would have eaten this match alive. This was just shockingly disappointing. The booking was great, it just didn’t deliver. Of course, Lynch traps Royce in the “Disarmer” for the Win.
Predictably, Asuka not to be outdone went on a Japanese tyrade apparently challenging Royce’s homegirl, Billy Kay, and just destroyed her. Although Kay almost reversed into a pin and escaped an Asuka “Disarmer,” Asuka got her into a “Asuka Lock” for the quick, and painful Win.
Just when we thought we were about to see Lynch and Asuka go at it, out pops AJ Styles who interrupted, circled the ring for no reason, and walked out into the crowd. What the hell happened? Your guess is as Good as mine. This was followed up after the break with AJ Styles in the concessions area talking trash before a low key “fickle” Daniel Bryan viciously attacked Styles.

THE UGLY

Mandy Rose/Jimmy Uso Vinette

This is total trash, and it’s burning hot. Mandy Rose is all fine and Good, but this whole story, and everything involved is really pointless. Naomi attacking Mandy was predictable but the whole thing was just such crap. This may be one of the worst segments on SmackDown in recent memory. It was quick, but not quick enough.

Carmella vs. Sonya Deville

Why this was skipped, is beyond anyone! This is just an ugly shame that we didn’t get this match. Wasted time and unnecessary jokes filled the space where a decent match could have took place. Really a huge disappointment.

FINAL

GOOD- 6

BAD- 3

UGLY- 2

OVERALL- This show was squeaked by in the Good column, but it was Good enough. Subpar to the standards of a typical SmackDown. Andrade Cien Almas and Rey Mysterio was a real treat and catapulted any tainted material prior to that match. SmackDown really is a Good show, tonight it reigned supreme once again, but Perfect, it was not. To skip the Deville/Carmella Match was a big mistake, and the Main Event was okay but disappointing!

So far WWE entertainment has been a bit off this week. They had so much momentum but just couldn’t keep it going. Fortunately we have NXT on a normal weekly broadcast that can most likely round out the week on a Good note. AEW is still building talking to CM Punk among others building what looks like a real threat to the Kings. WWE needs to continue at a high level, and it will be great to see if and how they keep the crown. Also, please let me take this moment to honor a man that was loved by many in the New England Wrestling scene, RIP Joe Pavao.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

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

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

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

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

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

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

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

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

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

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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

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

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

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

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

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

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

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

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

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

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

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

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

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

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1