Opinion

The Good, Bad and Ugly: WWE Raw (01/21/2019)

Published

6 years ago

January 22, 2019

Was the Royal Rumble go-home edition of WWE Raw Good, Bad, or Ugly? Bobby Fernandes checks in with his review!

The Royal Rumble, one of the WWE’s premier Pay Per Views is upon us. The card is stacked. The rumors of major surprises and unexpected delights are swirling about. Like always it is a wonderful time to be a fan. This time of year also marks the start of WrestleMania season, which doesn’t get any bigger to the wrestling community. How can Raw’s go-home show give the fans one last big push for the Raw brand into the PPV? Will it build the momentum or leave us all flat?

THE GOOD

Opening Segment w/ Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman

No time better to have the rare Brock Lesnar open Monday Night Raw. Facing the people’s choice, Finn Balor, who rumor has it, Lesnar requested personally, should be a hell of a Universal Title Match at Royal Rumble. Very few in the history of professional wrestling can talk like Paul Heyman. Even when he sucks, which isn’t often, it is a real treat for the audience to hear the ECW Mastermind work. As no surprise to anyone, Heyman hyped Lesnar, but he also hyped Finn Balor. Lesnar stood there like the goon that he is snickering. Nothing special in the message, and a little longwinded.

The surprise however came when the Mr. McMahon came into the picture. He heeled it up big time, which is awesome. The crowd was hot. Another Big Surprise came when Braun Strowman crashed the party. Strowman is not great on the mic but held his own. Luckily the hero Finn Balor gave his input as well. Balor believes he will win, the Balor Club believes it. Finn Balor is red hot right now and this match at Royal Rumble has the makings of a classic. But first, it’s Strowman vs. Balor.

Finn Balor vs. Braun Strowman

This preview to Lesnar vs. Balor, made for an eye opening match. As expected, Balor came out hard, but was quickly stopped by the Monster Braun Strowman. Of course the #1 Contender didn’t just lie down. Balor hit Strowman with a series of strikes and a sleeper hold, before getting tossed into Lesnar, who destroyed Balor. Balor came back however taking out both Strowman and Lesnar with speed and precision. Balor had it won with a “Coupe De Grace” before Lesnar interfered ending the match with an F5. Balor wins by DQ.

Non-Title Match – Bobby Lashley vs. Apollo Crews

We have two strong, freakishly athletic guys with unlimited potential. Shockingly Crews “gorilla pressed” Lashley twice hurting his back. Lio Rush made his presence felt often, doing his job well. However it proved to be too much, as Lashley hit a spear ending this quick match with a victory. This was followed with Seth Rollins rolling out. Rollins has a match with McIntyre and decided to come to the ring a little early getting to have a bit of a stare down with Lashley before continuing to the ring.

Seth Rollins Promo

Rollins came from the heart, it was a great promo. He did some amazing work on the mic this week. Rollins has a fire within him. He is on his A Game and will shine this weekend at the Royal Rumble. This was a quality promo, and resonated well.

Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre

A showcase match. Rollins has a lot of weight on his shoulders as a trend setter for the rest of the roster, and McIntyre has been nothing but incredible week after week. Two top guys about to give the fans a fantastic show. McIntyre added his two cents and did well as always. This was extremely physical, Rollins and McIntyre laid it all on the line. Back and forth, this was a Good match. The energy was right, however was battered with long commercial breaks, which was unfortunate. The actual time spent on the match however was fantastic. McIntyre is such a dominating force, but Rollins just rolls on, no matter his opponents, size or strengths. It is just amazing how adaptable both of them are. This could have gone either way, Rollins hits a tight rollup and held on for the victory. Rollins winning this match was huge in the main scheme of things, as McIntyre is no pushover both in the ring and overall in the WWE storyline.

Dean Ambrose Vignette

Ambrose had a serious tone, it was a tight promo. He was pissed off, focused and concises, it shows the character in an edgier light. Good solid promo, and is at his best going into the Royal Rumble.

Elias vs. Baron Corbin

WWE definitely stands for “Walk With Elias.” Such a huge success and a fan favorite, brilliantly paired with Baron Corbin, one of if not the most hated personas in the WWE. He is purely cheap, old school, heel heat and it works. It was brilliant that Corbin’s mic was cut at the request of Elias to perform his song. Corbin stormed the stage after being provoked, but backed off almost getting leveled with Elias guitar. The match as it always is with these two, was physical, stiff, and looked painful. Baron Corbin looked Good this week. Maybe it is Elias who seems to be easy to work with. Either way Corbin showed up and won a huge win, with a cheap shot to the neck, which is a textbook, heel move and an “End of Days” for the pin.

The Ascension vs. Heavy Machinery

Where’s the beef? It’s here. This is a freak show of a match. The Ascension hasn’t worked a whole lot, hopefully they have been training. Heavy Machinery, is huge and bright. They stand out and there is something strangely fascinating about them. Otis really worked the hell out of the crowd and it finally paid off. They killed The Ascension, it was a squash match. Heavy Machinery Wins via “The Compactor.” Otis is just insane, and I want to see Heavy Machinery in a real match, against someone who could contrast them well. Either way, it looks like Vince is giving them a shot. Otis will be a star someday if this pays off.

Raw Tag Team Championship Match – Roode and Gable (c) vs. The Revival w/ Special Guest Referee Curt Hawkins

The Revival has been pissed off about life lately, and it has carried over to being a viral topic on social media amidst the new AEW signings and moves. Earlier there was an interesting promo with The Revival and Vince McMahon himself, giving The Revival a Title Match and giving Curtis Hawkins a spot as the referee. There is a lot of old school wrestling in this one. All competitors remind the audience of the past styles and characters. The Revival’s completely visible ties to the Brainbusters, and Roode resembling a number of characters, as well as Gable.

This match was a surprise given recent events. Michael Cole even took a little shot at The Revival while they were coming out. The Revival were stiff and controlled a lot of the time until Bobby Roode just went insane and destroyed everyone. Move after move Roode just dominated. Dawson and Wilder got back control but constantly got caught cheating by Curt Hawkins and eventually led to a rollup by Chad Gable for the Win! Roode and Gable Retain! In a very Good turn of events, The Revival obviously upset, attacked Hawkins who was saved by his “Bro” Zach Ryder. This is a very interesting way to excite the Tag Team Division. This could be Good for everyone.

Ronda Rousey and Natalya vs. Sasha Banks and Bayley

Seeing “The Boss” back on a mainstream title feud has been refreshing. It is also fantastic to have more Bayley. Bayley is my pick, however a long shot, to win the Royal Rumble, however it would lead to some strong content and a fan favorite that hasn’t been the frontrunner in a long time back on the show more often. In my opinion, Rousey is losing the belt sooner or later, most likely at Wrestlemania unless WWE is crazy enough to have Banks win at Royal Rumble setting up a possible Natalya heel turn. Follow that up with a Bayley Royal Rumble victory to ultimately having a Banks (c) vs. Bayley at Wrestlemania would satisfy a lot of the fanbase and be a total shock. However that isn’t the case and a huge longshot that.

Sasha Banks promo was money, and resonated on many levels. It is satisfying watching Banks play with Rousey. When Rousey did get a hold of both Bayley and Sasha Banks she exploded on them, making them retreat to the outside. There was some decent action here, Banks and Bayley worked well and Natalya and Rousey were sharp. When it was time for Rousey and Banks to finally go at it, Rousey got destroyed ending up in a “Bank Statement.” Rousey regained composer and got the upper hand on Bayley. After a Bad botched spot, with Bayley and Rousey, they had a little trouble, but Natalya and Sasha Banks rebounded for a strong finish, Sasha Banks makes Natalya tap, in a “Banks Statement” for the victory. There is a lot of heat going into this one, which may see some surprises on Sunday.

THE BAD

Promo – Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley/Lio Rush

This impressive duo has some gold and clout. We have a winner here. Lio Rush has taken the awkwardness away from Lashley, who now only has to focus on kicking ass. It seems to have worked. As Lio said, “Lashley is a fighter,” he is. He beat two of the top dogs for the IC Title. This was also a huge deal due to the fact that someone new would possibly get a shot at the gold. That man is Apollo Crews. Crews is extremely impressive. Much like Lashley, underrated and a superior athletic. This could be a sick feud but unfortunately a “pose off” was the plan.

Apollo Crews after this, is officially the Master of making something good out of nothing. He got the crowd into it when it was failing miserably. This was pretty corny overall, and of course Lashley attacked Crews but was chased out of the ring. This feud will be a welcomed one, however this was crap. Keep them off the mic and keep them wrestling. If they work and wrestle, we have gold. The Match itself right after was Good though.

Moment of Bliss w/ Nia Jax

Alexa Bliss cannot return to the ring fast enough. We need to get rid of the promos, although Bliss is fantastic otherwise. Listing all of the people in the Rumble so far was so long and awkward. Nia Jax is also awkward on the microphone. Luckily before anything was said by Jax, Ember Moon interrupted. Moon did well as she is a natural out there. But then Alicia Fox came out, followed by Mickie James. We are seeing a trend here folks. The Women’s Division on all WWE/NXT television is rock solid and part of the best we have currently. These promos are horrible though. Rene Young had a great idea though, having “Steve Wilkos” come referee. Solid move if that could ever happen. This promo needs therapy. But, Alexa Bliss will be in the Royal Rumble match as she announced her return. Should have just had her come out as a “surprise.” A real surprise however was South Carolina’s Finest, Lacey Evans. Who stole the spotlight on “Little Miss Bliss.” I expect a decent match out of this interaction.

THE UGLY

Jinder Mahal and The Singh Brothers vs. Lucha House Party

My God, these are two groups that could be utilized better elsewhere. This was just a what-ever match. It seems like the WWE writers just don’t know what to do with both of these groups so they just roll the dice and shove them down our throat. This was a very weird match, nothing special, the same old, which is not very Good. Lucha House Party picks up the win, but no one cared very much about it.

Ronda Rousey Promo

It seems as though Ronda Rousey has been going to the Natalya School of Promos. This is not a Good thing at all. Tough promo to get though, and a strong candidate to becoming a “Heyman Girl.”

FINAL

Good- 10
Bad- 2
Ugly- 2

Overall

Good! This Raw was packed full of content. It had a lot of high points and was entertaining. WWE is putting forth the effort at a crucial time. It was a great set up showcasing the stories and having some compelling action that sucked the fans in. Solid take home show.

Royal Rumble is now written on the Raw side of town, next is the SmackDown version of the story, which is already incredible. Not to forget the NXT Takeover as well. This is going to be a huge weekend coming up.

Lastly, let us not forget the importance of today. Happy Martin Luther King Day. He was a man, whose bravery is near unmatched. A man I deeply respect, and admire. No one is perfect, but as courageous he and his cause was for mankind overall, that is something we need to respect and remember.

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(NOAH) WEEKLY NEWSLETTER VOL.19 ~ 19TH JANUARY 2019

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

2 months 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.

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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS: WWE Crown Jewel Immediate Reactions

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Published

5 months ago

November 2, 2024

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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