Opinion

The Good, Bad and Ugly: WWE SmackDown (01/22/2019)

Published

6 years ago

January 23, 2019

Bobby Fernandes delivers his Good, Bad, and Ugly review for WWE Smackdown on January 22, 2019–the last Smackdown before the Royal Rumble!

SmackDown before the Royal Rumble is here and now. The better of the WWE weekly television is up to bat, and ready to take us home. The actual card looks decent for the PPV especially on the SmackDown side of things. Raw did a Good job packing in a ton of relevant content and building up the excitement. Can SmackDown deliver yet again?

THE GOOD

Opening Segment w/ The Man Becky Lynch

She is still on “fire” and the crowd cannot get enough of her. She looks fantastic, confident, and on top of her game. Lynch has done her job and took down the “Queen” and claims that she will do the same to the “Empress.” Even a badass like Lynch has an uphill battle against a foe like Asuka. Asuka is so impressive and this feud is just amazing. Charlotte Flair didn’t take a whole lot of time to get involved and was warmly “Woooed” by the crowd. Charlotte walks tall, talks the talk and is just overall unbelievable. Asuka and Lynch’s heat then boiled over at the joy of Charlotte. They got some Good shots in. This has been an enjoyable feud and it’s “finale” should deliver.

The Miz w/ Shane McMahon vs. Cesaro w/ Sheamus

So far the Miz/McMahon duo has had some subpar content, last week being the worst of it. Luckily this week, Miz and Cesaro can both do some great things in the ring, and could be Good for a decent match. Cesaro is freakishly Good and one of the most criminally underrated in the industry, even with the Tag Team Championship. Anyone watching has to love the chemistry that The Bar has weekly. They don’t always have the best matches but are a fantastic Tag Team overall. Miz was on point as well in this match. This was a Good set up for the Royal Rumble in which Cesaro gets the Win w/ a “Neutralizer” after a Sheamus interference. McMahon wasn’t having it and attacked The Bar only to be beaten the hell out of for his trouble. To add insult to injury, Shane O Mac was bombed onto the Miz, through a table. It looked fantastic, and hopefully this Tag Team Title Match Sunday will not disappoint.

Daniel Bryan/AJ Styles/Vince McMahon Promo

The fans are certainly “fickle” to the New Daniel Bryan. The crazy, nut-bag has done all he can to become a hated entity. Daniel Bryan has improved on the mic, and this heel gimmick is well suited. The less AJ talks the better. However he did well this time around, and just about when things were going overboard, the Chairman of the Board put a stop to it, and demanded Bryan get in the ring. Bryan went on to be disobedient and continue his banter, now attacking McMahon’s Generation. AJ Styles had enough and attacked Bryan until Bryan used McMahon as a shield taking out Styles and retreating. Overall, this wasn’t Bad and did its job hyping the WWE Championship Match Sunday at the Royal Rumble.

Samoa Joe vs. Mustafa Ali

Not that this is a new thing, but Samoa Joe has lost his mind. He is a savage in the ring now, and as stiff and brutal as his reputation is, he is exceeding expectations. Mustafa Ali is very impressive, his entrance, look, and of course in ring ability. Samoa Joe seems to have given himself the task of breaking in the young star. He is literally breaking him. Ali is getting viciously bounced around by the veteran. Samoa Joe controlled almost the entire match. Ali even looked shocked when hitting some solid offense. It was short lived, as Joe trapped Ali in the “Coquina Clutch” for the brutal victory.

(2 out of 3 Falls) Andrade vs Rey Mysterio

This rivalry is fantastic. It completely revived Rey Mysterio. Andrade can hang and with someone at the level of Mysterio it is Gold! No Zelina Vega is a little disappointing as she does her job very well, and is a great addition to any content. Highspots galore, the two showoffs did just that, they gave the fans their money’s worth, and put it all out there. Andrade is for sure a fan of Mysterio, probably watching all of his content as a before he was a huge success. His style is very similar, as most Lucha style is. Andrade lost his mind and hit a “sitdown powerbomb” off the top for the first fall. The timing, and landing was beautiful.

Andrade continued on hitting a few big moves but unable to get the finish. Mysterio hit the crazy “spike” type move out of nowhere and gets a counter pin fall. Andrade and Mysterio really do such unique things, always getting the correct pop at the right time. Masterfully showcasing the Lucha style, and impressing everyone during the Main Event. So much respect for the sport, and rare amounts of pride are shown in their work. Even a botched spot was forgiven by the hot crowd, because they just pressed on. Mysterio almost had Andrade beat, but Samoa Joe interferred and destroyed Mysterio and Andrade. Joe continued his vendetta to the Cruiserweights at the worst possible time. This was a Bad run in, on a Good Match. All aside the wrestling that was had between Mysterio and Andrade was quality. Then, just like that “RKO” out of nowhere. Randy Orton making his presence felt before he will appear in the Royal Rumble on Sunday.

THE BAD – N/A

THE UGLY

Naomi vs. Mandy Rose w/ Sonya Deville

This whole feud is a bit ridiculous. If these two talents would have just been paired up to a match it would have been better. No one seems to care at all about the story here, and the content so far has been poorly executed. Naomi and Mandy Rose are very talented but it is being paraded around on this horrendous platform for seemingly no reason.

The Sonya Deville/Carmella Match that was foolishly skipped last week would have been much better, and it was a ugly shame it was left out. Naomi controlled most of the action, literally bitch slapping the blonde bombshell Mandy Rose. Mandy had very little offense in this tough to watch match. The action was poorly executed, and awkward. Mandy got the upper hand when it counts, with the help of Deville, hits Naomi off the post, and gets the quick pin. This was a horrible match, so much to hate about it, just disappointing.

FINAL

GOOD – 5
BAD – 0
UGLY – 1

OVERALL

SmackDown, unlike Raw this week, was a little light on the content. NXT almost had as much content last week and they are only an hour. That being said, it was a successful week for the “blue” brand. Royal Rumble has the makings of a Good show. WWE overall has been pretty Good lately and are very protective of their brand.

WWE took it home in a major way, now onto NXT’s version of the story to finish out before the big Takeover and Royal Rumble weekend. We could see some serious changes so close to Wrestlemania, and as usual, all we have to do is sit back and watch. Please like, comment and share! Catch you tomorrow night post NXT.

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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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)

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

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