Opinion

Top 5 Matches: Week Ending 1/27/2019

Published

6 years ago

January 28, 2019

It’s Royal Rumble Weekend! How many WWE/NXT matches take the Top 5 slots? Andrew gives us the breakdown.

Well it’s been one week since the last article, and just like Birchmount Stadium is still home of the Robbie, we keep the hits coming. Last week, we had another slam dunk runaway vote, SmackDown Live: Andrade vs Rey Mysterio, won with the greatest of ease.

So will we have another slam dunk to round out January, and bring us to our first Monthly vote of 2019…or will this one finally be hard? Let’s find out.

5. Royal Rumble: Women’s Royal Rumble

Snippet Mitchell’s Coverage:

28th out is Lana! The Ravishing Russian hurt her ankle at the start of the night because of what happened in the United States Championship match, but she’s going to tough it out. Charlotte fights off Natty and Alexa while Ember rocks Shirai. Lana limps but this match might be over before she arrives. Charlotte CHOPS Natty while Ember hauls Shirai. Referees check on Lana while Natty chops Charlotte back. Alexa goes after Bayley while Shirai holds on as Ember scrapes at her. Shirai manages to get a foot up and kick Ember away. Lana still hasn’t entered the ring and now 29th is on their way out. It’s Nia Jax!

The Irresistible Force also has a lot of luck on her side as she’s second-to-last. And she kicks Lana just for good measure! Nia stomps the bad leg then gives her a shin breaker! Nia leaves Lana behind to go after the women in the ring. Bayley bumps Charlotte on buckles again and again while Ember and Alexa fight in another corner. Nia kicks Natty then Shirai then clobbers Charlotte and headbutts Ember. Bayley hops on but is thrown out. Alexa runs but into a big clothesline! Shirai climbs up and moonsaults, but is caught and tossed! Nia ELIMINATESShirai! Fans boo but Nia just soaks it up.

Natty throws hands on Nia but Nia throws Natty to a corner. Nia runs but misses in the corner, and somehow Natty gets her up! But Nia slips out to throw Natty out and ELIMINATE her! Bayley tries again but it’s just her alone, Nia knocks her away. And finally, Carmella appears as Ms. 30! The FABULOUS Princess makes her way out while Nia and Ember fight. Carmella runs, dodges and manages to headscissor Nia! She kicks Nia again, but Ember whips. Carmella dropkicks Ember but gets run over by Nia! Nia has her pick and goes after Alexa.

But wait, since Lana never got to be Ms. 28, Becky Lynch comes out! Becky wants a spot, but Fit Finlay says she can’t. Becky says this was a 30 Woman Rumble, right? So she’ll be the new 28th! Finlay allows it, here comes The Man!! Nia can’t believe it, but the fans are loving this! Becky stares down the #Facebreaker and starts throwing hands!

Charlotte goes after Becky and throws her, but Becky stays in. Becky hits Charlotte away and now they brawl! Nia throws Becky but Becky survives again. Charlotte grabs Nia but gets elbowed away. Nia runs into Becky’s kick, then Becky climbs up. Nia hits Charlotte with a Samoan Drop but Becky hits Nia with a missile dropkick! Alexa rocks Ember with the right, but Ember hits her back with a strike fest! Alexa kicks then runs but into a flapjack! Ember drags Alexa up and throws her over. Alexa holds on and drags Ember over with her hair! Carmella goes after Charlotte while the goddesses brawl. Alexa has a guillotine on Ember but Ember holds on for dear life.

Ember and Alexa brawl more, Ember hits Alexa with a right. Alexa hits back, choke grip and a boot, but Ember still holds on. Becky and Bayley brawl in the background as Alexa STO’s and ELIMINATES Ember! Alexa mocks Ember before going after Carmella. Carmella feeds Alexa a boot then a fabulous mudhole. Carmella moonwalks to bronco buster! She drags Alexa up but Alexa gets her with the choke grip! Carmella SLAPS Alexa, then ducks. They each dodge a hit, but the FABULOUS Kick rocks Alexa. Bayley lifts Alexa, buckle bomb! Bayley has history with Alexa to settle and she scoops. Carmella helps Bayley to ELIMINATE Alexa! But then Nia runs them both over!

Becky goes after Nia again, but Nia wants to use that Face Breaker. But Charlotte boots Nia! Carmella adds a FABULOUS Kick, and then Bayley climbs for a Macho Elbow! Carmella gives Becky a complete shot while Charlotte throws Nia with an exploder. Charlotte scoops Carmella but Carmella slips out to throw her down by her hair. Carmella climbs up top and leaps onto Charlotte! But Charlotte rolls through for a backbreaker! Charlotte climbs up now, but Carmella goes after her. Charlotte kicks her away but Carmella comes back with a right hand. Carmella handsprings, but Charlotte blocks the steiner! Charlotte drags Carmella up and tosses her over, but Carmella kicks Charlotte back. Carmella is safe as she mocks the “WOO~”, but Charlotte still throws her over.

Nia is out there so Carmella FABULOUS kicks her. Charlotte boots and ELIMINATES Carmella! But Bayley goes after Charlotte! Charlotte shoulders back, slingshot roll up, but Bayley rolls through to knee Charlotte! Bayley throws forearms and whips Charlotte, but Charlotte reverses, Bayuley uses that to dropkick Nia! Bayley gives Charlotte a neckbreaker! Nia scoops Bayley but Bayley fights back. Charlotte boots Nia but ELIMINATES Bayley!

The final three are Charlotte, Becky and Nia! Fans give a standing ovation but are strongly behind Becky. The three circle, but Charlotte goes after Becky! Nia gets them both with a corner splash! Nia focuses on Charlotte but Charlotte tells her to stay out of her fight. Charlotte boots but Nia headbutts. Nia scoops Charlotte but Charlotte holds ropes. Charlotte fights back and boots Nia again. Nia staggers but Charlotte boots her more. Charlotte tries to fireman carry Nia, but can’t keep her as she has to dump Nia down. Both Charlotte and Nia slowly stir while Becky is safe on the floor. Charlotte tries again and gets Nia up. She puts Nia on the apron but Nia headbutts Charlotte. Becky yanks Nia off to ELIMINATE her! The final two are the Queen and the Man!

Charlotte allows Becky to return, but then Nia blasts Becky down! Becky’s still in the match but she clutches her leg now. Charlotte grins, because this makes it that much easier for her. Becky forces herself to stand and fans cheer her on. Charlotte almost laughs, because this match might as well be hers. Phoenix still rallies for Becky as she hobbles and rushes in. Becky doesn’t care about the bad leg, she insists she can go. She dares Charlotte to bring the fight, and Charlotte grimaces. Charlotte goes right at the leg! She drives knees into Becky’s knees over and over! And then twists it with a toehold! Becky fights with her other leg but Charlotte kicks the bad one and sends Becky rolling. Charlotte scoops Becky into a Tree of Woe to kick the knee more.

Becky hobbles up but Charlotte goes to throw her out. The two fight, Becky enziguris! Charlotte wobbles, Becky throws her! Charlotte stays on the apron but Becky throws hands! Becky almost has Charlotte but Charlotte kicks out the bad leg! Charlotte throws Becky with an exploder! Becky manages to stand but Charlotte runs in, only for Becky to dump her back out! Clothesline ELIMINATES Charlotte!! Becky wins!!

Winner: Becky Lynch

Rating: ****

4. SmackDown Women’s Championship: Asuka (c) vs Becky Lynch

From Mitchell’s Coverage:
Introductions are made, the belt is raised, and fans are thunderous as we begin! Becky and Asuka stare down before circling. They tie up and go around the rings. Asuka shoves Becky away and the two go again. Fans duel as Becky gets a headlock. Asuka fights out but Becky bumps shoulders. Auska comes back with a dropkick and Becky’s reeling! Becky steadies herself as Asuka talks trash in Japanese. Becky shoves Asuka but dodges a back hand! She rocks Asuka with a right then trash talks in English. Becky runs but Asuka follows. Asuka’s dropkick misses but Becky knocks her down. Becky dares Asuka to fight her! Asuka swings but Becky gets the arm. Asuka rolls and Becky throws European Uppercuts. Becky tries again but Asuka blocks and counters with kicks. Asuka trips Becky to kick her down. Cover, TWO!

Asuka toys with Becky but both women grin. Even as Asuka kicks Becky in the mouth! Becky gets mad now, and grabs that leg to throw forearms! Becky mule kicks then runs, but Asuka follows. They speed up and Becky hits Asuka down with forearms! Fans fire up while Asuka bails out of the ring. Becky dares her to return, but Asuka takes her time. Becky decides to slide out but Asuka slides in. Asuka hip attacks Becky down! Becky rolls around the corner but Asuka goes to the apron. Asuka kicks but Becky dodges. Becky’s up and boots Asuka off the apron! Becky fetches Asuka up and into the apron, and bumps her off. The ref counts but Becky refreshes at 5. Asuka drags Becky back out to throw forearms of her own! Asuka bumps Becky off the apron, then kicks her around.

The ref counts again but Asuka throws Becky into the LED apron board! Asuka refreshes the count at 6, but it’s Becky who throws her with a becksploder! Both women are down and the count rises again. Becky drags up and in at 7, covers, TWO! Becky keeps her cool while fans continue to duel. She drags Asuka up and into a corner to stomp a mudhole! Fans like the fire even as Becky backs off at 4. Becky drags Asuka up to club her down. She bumps Asuka in a corner then snap suplexes her out. Cover, TWO! Becky keeps on Asuka with an armbar, but Asuka endures. Fans rally up as Becky wrenches back hard. Asuka stands but Becky wrangles her back down. Becky wants her signature but Asuka slips out. Asuka fights Becky off with fast feet, then blocks a kick to give a kick!

Asuka runs but Becky dodges the hip attack! Becky fires off EuroUppers against the ropes! The ref backs Becky off, but Asuka comes back with an ASUKA LOCK in the ropes!! Asuka lets go at 4 but fans are dueling again. Asuka runs in at Becky, but hits the post! Becky hops up to get around, for a DISARM-HER in the ropes! Becky lets go at 4 but the damage is done. Asuka is down, Becky takes aim, leaping ax handle into Asuka’s knee strike! Both women are down but stirring. Fans cheer as the two start brawling. Becky hits but Asuka fires up. Becky whips but Asuka goes up and hits back with a dropkick! Asuka runs in at Becky for a BIG hip attack! Asuka wants a German but Becky elbows. But Asuka hits a back hand, and the German Suplex! Asuka runs, another hip attack! Cover, TWO!!

Asuka keeps her focus while fans rally up. Becky stands while Asuka climbs. Asuka aims and leaps, but Becky dodges the dropkick! Becky pumphandles for a body slam! Cover, TWO!! Asuka escapes and Becky is shocked! Becky goes after Asuka but gets caught to an armbar! She makes it a cover, TWO and ASUKA LOCK returns! Asuka and Becky roll, ropebreak! Becky and Asuka end up on the apron, and Asuka headbutts. Becky forearms and now they brawl again! Asuka blocks a kick to fire off on Becky’s back! Asuka wants a German but Becky holds on for deal life! Becky elbows free of Asuka, and wants another Becksploder! Now Asuka holds on for dear life, and turns things into a Fisherman Neckbreaker to the floor! Both women crash and burn but are somehow okay to continue.

Asuka returns at the count of 7, but Becky’s in at 9! Only for Asuka to hit the sliding kick! Cover, TWO!? Becky survives and Asuka can’t believe it. Asuka grits her teeth as she and Becky go back to each other. Fans duel as the two start brawling again. Becky and Asuka throw big palm strikes, and start hitting harder as they stand. Asuka hits from both sides! Becky blocks the backhand and wants the arm! Asuka whips but Becky reverses, only for Asuka to come back with a heel kick! Cover, TWO! Both women go back to each other, but Asuka gets the facelock. Becky slips out and gets to a corner. Becky dodges Asuka to then jump kick her! She throws forearms and climbs up to join Asuka, but Asuka hits back.

Asuka adjusts but Becky comes back for more. Becky grabs Asuka, SUPER BECKSPLODER! Cover, TWO!! Asuka lives and Becky is again in shock. Becky drags Asuka to a drop zone as fans declare “This is Awesome!” Becky climbs up but Asuka dodges the leg drop! ASUKA LOCK AGAIN!! Becky flails and reaches but Asuka STEALS the Disarm-her! Becky rolls and STEALS the Asuka Lock! Asuka endures her own hold and rolls around, to make it a cover! TWO, roundhouse! Asuka drags Becky up but Becky drags Asuka down! She gets the DISARM-HER!! Asuka crawls, claws, but Becky drags her away. Asuka rolls to a cover, TWO! Becky rolls Asuka, TWO! Takedown into the Asuka Lock! Becky resists but Asuka has her! They roll but Asuka makes it Cattle Mutilation! Becky taps, Asuka wins!!

Winner: Asuka via Bridging Inverted Guillotine

Rating: ****

3. NXT Takeover Phoenix: NXT Championship: Aleister Black vs Tommaso Ciampa (c)

From My Review:
This was a damn good match. Ciampa worked over the plant leg heavily to try and take away the Black Mass. Seth Rollins could learn some things from Aleister Black, since he actually sold a busted up leg well and for the entire match. Two nice wrinkles I picked up were Mauro’s commentary about Tommaso calling himself Tommy Sports Entertainment, and asking if Aleister will end…Tommy, yes Tommy End, we get it. The second wrinkle was hearing Nigel call his own move when Ciampa hit a Rope Hung Cutter onto the apron, but Nigel called it Tower of London. Also, Ciampa had a beautiful transition from a roll up, into a Draping DDT and then a Fairy Tale Ending, but that wasn’t the finish. So what hurt this match to me were two things, another ‘exposing the concrete’ spot shortly after Gargano did the same thing and too damn many false finishes. When Black hit Black Mass, it made sense for Ciampa to be able to roll to his side, since it took time for Black to crawl over to Ciampa. But 4 Fairy Tale Endings? Really? And the fourth one coming after Aleister almost pulled off a miracle Black Mass, but his leg gave out and it just looked awkward. The finish to this match really took it down a peg, but it’s still damn good.

Winner: Ciampa via Fairy Tale Ending

Rating: **** 1/4

Honorable Mentions:

WWE SmackDown Live: 2 out of 3 Falls: Rey Mysterio vs Andrade Almas
Rating: *** 3/4
Royal Rumble: WWE Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs Finn Balor
Rating: *** 3/4
NJPW Fantastica Mania: Volador Jr vs Caristico
Rating: *** 1/2
ROH TV 383: NO DQ Match Beer City Bruiser vs Silas Young
Rating: *** 1/2
Impact: Rich Swann vs Hijo del Vikingo
Rating: *** 1/2
Royal Rumble: Raw Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks vs Ronda Rousey (c)
Rating: *** 1/2
NJPW Fantastica Mania: Ginbae Mask & Gokiburi Mask vs Dragon George & Sweet Gorilla Maruyama
Rating: *** 1/2
Royal Rumble: Cruiserweight Championship 4-Way: Hideo Itami vs Buddy Murphy vs Kalisto vs Akira Tozawa
Rating: *** 1/4
Royal Rumble: SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Bar (c) vs Shane McMahon & The Miz
Rating: *** 1/4
WWE Raw: Bayley & Sasha Banks vs Natalya & Ronda Rousey
Rating: ***
WWE SmackDown Live: Miz w/Shane vs Cesaro w/Sheamus
Rating: ***
Royal Rumble: WWE Championship: AJ Styles vs Daniel Bryan (c)
Rating: ***
Impact: Dez & Wentz vs Desi Hit Squad
Rating: ***
WWE Raw: Raw Tag Team Titles: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable vs The Revival
Rating: ***
Royal Rumble: Men’s Royal Rumble
Rating: ***

2. NXT Takeover Phoenix: NXT North American Championship: Johnny Gargano vs Ricochet (c)

From My Review:

Well now, great match. A few awkward moments here and there, but all in all, both Gargano and Ricochet put on a hell of a show. Ricochet’s movie stunt Wall Run Backflip off the post onto Gargano was impressive. The way he just shrugged off distance or difficulty of jumping over the turnbuckles and post to dive onto Gargano, just all great. Gargano exposes the cement as a callback to his Ciampa feud, but doesn’t go through with it right away. Then, he’s pushed to the brink, shoved Ricochet into the post whilst on the apron, as a callback to his match against Andrade, and eventually hits a Brainbuster on the exposed floor. Impressive match, but one big takeaway is that Ricochet really needs to tone down the excessive flips, especially since that’s mostly why he lost and when he got caught by Johnny, plus the misses felt obvious, so they didn’t add anything to the match.

Winner: Gargano via Slingshot DDT

Rating: **** 1/2

1. NXT Takeover Phoenix: NXT Tag Team Championship: Undisputed Era (c) vs War Raiders

From My Review:
War Raiders come out with Viking war horns, dark lightning and soldiers as the crowd starts to bustle before eventually appearing and going into their normal theme. With such a big entrance, I’m not surprised they won, hell I picked them in the staff picks. But this match was tremendous. Era started off quick and basically had this match feeling like a Tornado/Lucha match with the amount of times all four men were involved in the action. Hansen kicked out of the High/Low tandem finish, Raiders pulled out most of their moves though. Thor’s Hammer, Rowe’s Powerbomb/Bodyslam combo, Hansen’s Back Handspring Double Elbow, just a lot of good stuff. The matched flowed well, Raiders showed resiliency and Undisputed Era stuck to the gameplan of trying to just use speed and double team maneuvers to get an upper-hand. Just damn damn good.

Winner: War Raiders via Fallout

Rating: **** 3/4

Thoughts:

Well given that Royal Rumble basically turned into another chapter of Becky Lynch’s ascent to being the best character in WWE, I can’t purely judge things off of “best match”. Yes I stand by my ranking, and I loved the War Raiders/Undisputed Era match, but my vote is going to, SmackDown Women’s Championsho: Asuka (c) vs Becky Lynch.

Asuka has proven to be able to put on great matches when given time, be it in NXT with Ember Moon, Bayley, Nikki Cross, etc. On top of her Mania match last year with Charlotte. So not only for this being an impressive match technically, Asuka looked great, Becky wasn’t hurt much by the loss since she bounced back in fabulous fashion. Rumble was great, and I’ll have a review up later tomorrow, since it’s late in the AM after the show and I need sleep since I was out with people watching the show.

Anyway, we really got some great stuff to pick from this week, Use Your Head, and let me sleep.

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The Good, Bad and Ugly Royal Rumble 2019

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Greg DeMarco’s BOLD WWE Royal Rumble 2019 Predictions

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

1 day 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

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

Published

3 months ago

November 2, 2024

PC Tunney

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