Opinion

Writing The Book: The 2019 Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Published

6 years ago

January 26, 2019

Becky Lynch Charlotte Flair WWE Top 25 Matches 2018

Should Becky Lynch win the WWE Women’s Royal Rumble? Abe gives you his thoughts when he’s Writing The Book! What do you think?

Welcome to “Writing the Book.” This is where I attempt to book wrestling pay-per-views, storylines, and matches in an interesting yet logical matter. This week we have the Women’s Royal Rumble!

This was a tall task because people don’t normally book these kinds of matches alone. However, I decided to challenge myself with that headache. Turns out, it ended up being quite enjoyable. The Royal Rumble is the favorite event of the year for most fans so being able to write out the whole thing was just as fun. I’ll explain a few things before the first entrant walks out.

I’m having this match be the main event just like last year. I’ve written a couple backstage segments that will occur throughout the night. Ronda Rousey vs Sasha Banks will happen one or two matches before the Rumble. After Sasha loses, Triple H meets her backstage. He explains that Billie Kay and Peyton Royce insisted they enter as a single entrant. “That being said, a slot in the Rumble just opened up”, Trips says as he hands her a card with an unseen number. There will be an additional unrelated backstage segment after the opener but you’ll know more about that when you get to Entry #19.

There will be no Trish or Lita this time. They had their moments at the last Rumble and Evolution so I wanted to give the free spots to NXT talent and past superstars that haven’t gotten the chance to make that proper return.

Any number you see along the way in parentheses indicates the order at which someone was eliminated. That will help you keep track since you don’t have the visual of a ring in front of you. All surprise entrants will have a link to the wrestler’s entrance music attached so you can envision the moment.

#1 Alexa Bliss

Alexa enters first, grabs a microphone, and voices her displeasure over drawing the first entrant slot. She goes on to say her new talk show has brought in ratings and even managed the women’s division when called upon by Baron Corbin. Alexa demands better treatment. Then the music for Entrant #2 hits.

#2 Shayna Baszler

The total antithesis of the image of Alexa Bliss. Shayna doesn’t make excuses and demands fights rather than shying away from them. Michael Cole announces her as a 2-time NXT Women’s Champion and member of Ronda Rousey’s Horsewomen stable (pun intended). I wanted her to squash Alexa in seconds but realized she is a 5-time champion so she gets to stay a while longer.

#3-4 Alicia Fox, Ember Moon

Alicia Fox enters to help Alexa and helps for a little bit but is no match for Shayna. Baszler eliminates Fox (1) but only tosses Alexa aside. Ember Moon, Shayna’s former rival from NXT, then enters and begins to furiously brawl with Baszler.

#5 Billie Kay & Peyton Royce

They enter together as one entrant because why wouldn’t they. Holding hands while their free hands each wield a microphone. Their promo gets so obnoxious that it makes Moon and Baszler stop fighting. It’s like their entrance at Evolution except they don’t get eliminated right away.

#6-7 Liv Morgan, Toni Storm

Liv enters but doesn’t have her teammates with her so she can’t do much. Toni Storm then makes her entrance with her shiny new NXTUK Women’s Championship. Between her Mae Young Classic win and UK appearances, enough fans should be familiar enough to know she’s a credible threat. As the future of the company, we need as many eyes on her as possible.

#8-10 Sasha Banks, Sarah Logan, Bayley

Two things to notice when Sasha enters: her arm is wrapped from the Rousey match and she goes straight for Shayna. She knows the connection between Baszler and Rousey and wants to take her frustration out. Shayna attacks the arm and neutralizes her immediately. Sarah Logan joins the fray and helps Liv, followed by Bayley who helps Sasha.

There are now three separate tag teams in the ring. The Riott Squad, The IIconics, and Sasha & Bayley. They all circle the ring while the commentators remind us that women’s tag team champions will be crowned at the next pay-per-view. The ring is filling up so let’s clean it out. Sasha and Bayley toss the IIconics (2). Shayna then throws both Sasha and Bayley over simultaneously (3 & 4). Seeds of the MMA vs WWE Horsewomen continue to be planted. Sasha is incredibly frustrated and Bayley has to calm her down.

#11 Lacey Evans

Shayna finally dispatches Alexa Bliss (5). Alexa is exiting up the ramp as Lacey Evans walks down. Lacey mocks and laughs at Bliss. Cole reminds us of their encounter from Monday. Frustrated, Alexa turns around and attacks Lacey from behind. Alexa throws her in the ring right into Ember Moon who is waiting to throw her out (6). Lacey Evans now has her first main roster feud against a babyface Alexa Bliss.

Currently in ring: Shayna Baszler, Ember Moon, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, Toni Storm

#12-13 Ruby Riott, Tamina

Ruby Riott completes the Riott Squad trio and Tamina adds some muscle.

#14 Bianca Belair

I want her in this match regardless if she wins the NXT Women’s Championship the night before. She’s too athletic and charismatic to not have multiple title reigns in her future so the casual fans need to be introduced to her.

#15-16 Mickie James, Dana Brooke

After these two make their entrances, Bianca eliminates both of them (7 & 8). It creates instant credibility.

The Riott Squad change their focus to Toni Storm. The three of them try to toss Toni over but Ember saves her by pulling Ruby off. Toni is then able to break free and eliminates Sarah and Liv in the process (9 & 10).

Currently in ring: Baszler, Moon, Storm, Riott, Belair, Tamina

#17 Rhea Ripley

Just when Toni Storm overcomes the Riott Squad and thinks she has a chance to breathe, Rhea Ripley’s music hits and Toni’s face turns pale. Rhea is not happy about losing that UK Title to Toni and it’s visibly apparent. She’s aiming to clean house.

#18 Zelina Vega

Zelina comes in like a spitfire with her aerial attacks and ranas. Her speed makes Rhea and Tamina flustered and knocks them off their balance. Ripley and Tamina eventually catch her and throw her over together (11). Bianca attempts to capitalize on them having their backs turned but numbers and size aren’t in her favor. She gets tossed after a brief but impressive showing (12).

#19 Nia Jax/Becky Lynch

Allow me a second to explain this one. Have Becky and Asuka open the show. Becky loses. Nia meets Becky backstage after her loss. Remember when Becky punched Nia as revenge after her match at TLC? Nia retaliates at the start of this show. Becky’s face is in serious pain and needs medical attention.

Fast forward to Nia making her entrance at the Rumble. Becky, wearing a face mask for her nose, ambushes her on the ramp while the doctors attempt to get her to stop. Lynch assaults her enough to make the doctors turn their attention to Nia. Becky starts to walk back up the ramp, pauses, looks back at the ring, waits for audience approval, then decides to enter the match as she shoves doctors off of her. She throws Nia’s partner, Tamina, over upon entry (13). Nia Jax never enters.

Currently in the ring: Baszler, Moon, Storm, Riott, Ripley, Lynch

#20 Victoria

This absolutely needs to happen. She wasn’t involved with the inaugural women’s rumble, Evolution, Raw 25, or Smackdown 1000. I don’t understand why. She’s a future Hall of Famer and helped shape this generation’s female superstars alongside Trish, Lita, and Molly Holly. Victoria is also in the final year of her career so she wont get an opportunity like this again. Getting a stare down with Becky Lynch once Victoria enters the ring would be a pretty great moment.

#21 Nikki Cross

One of the main roster’s newest and brightest stars needs to be among the final group of competitors. Cross indiscriminately begins to pick fights with the current field.

#22-24 Sonya Deville, Natalya, Mandy Rose

Sonya and Mandy are able to team up and Natalya enters as another viable candidate to go deep into the match.

The ring now has eleven entrants so it’s time to filter some out. Rhea completes her mini run by eliminating fan-favorites, Nikki Cross and Victoria (14, 15). Toni Storm takes advantage and gets rid of Ripley (16), thus setting up their inevitable championship rematch. Becky Lynch makes her first big elimination in Shayna Baszler (17), who has been the top performer thus far. This also furthers the horsewomen storyline. Remember, Baszler is the reason Sasha and Bayley got thrown out.

Currently in the ring: Moon, Storm, Riott, Lynch, Deville, Nattie, Rose

#25 Kaitlyn

A former Divas Champion that made her return in the last Mae Young Classic. She didn’t show much signs of ring rust and the fans love her so I’d be open to welcoming her back in the form of a main roster spot. Her experience, strength and championship history make her an immediate problem to the women in the ring.

#26 Naomi

As expected, she makes a b-line toward Mandy Rose. Sonya tries to pull her off and is rewarded with a flurry of forearms. Naomi throws Sonya over, then Mandy (18,19).

#27 Kairi Sane

She replaced an injured Alicia Fox in last year’s rumble and returns once again as a surprise entrant. This time, she enters as a former NXT Champion and is even closer to making the main roster. She needs to be showcased.

After Kairi enters and gets some offense in, Ruby Riott eliminates recent foe, Natalya (20).

Currently in the ring: Moon, Storm, Riott, Lynch, Kaitlyn, Naomi, Sane

#28-30 Lana, Charlotte Flair, Carmella

Lana enters, and doesn’t do much, so Becky gets rid of her (21). Charlotte enters at 29, making her already great chances even better. As the winner of Mixed Match Challenge, Carmella is awarded with being #30. Thankfully, that’s one less slot I had to worry about. Now we can begin the final sequence.

Final Nine: Moon, Storm, Riott, Lynch, Kaitlyn, Naomi, Sane, Flair, Carmella

Ruby Riott starts a hot streak by removing Kaitlyn and Kairi Sane from the match (22, 23). Toni Storm finally meets her match in Charlotte (24). Storm was in the match for about 45 minutes. Ember is still climbing in the 50s.

Spots and sequences occur for another couple minutes then Charlotte claims another with Carmella (25). Ruby nabs a fourth elimination by overcoming Naomi (26).

FINAL FOUR: Ember Moon, Ruby Riott, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair

Two from Raw and two from Smackdown. Unfortunately, the two Raw ladies have to exit the match. Charlotte gets Ruby (27) and Becky gets Ember (28). Ruby lasted for 45 minutes and Ember hit the hour mark.

Down to Charlotte and Becky. It essentially turns into a mini match. Five minutes of chops, suplexes and trading submissions. The kendo stick Charlotte likes to use also gets involved. Becky locks Charlotte in the Disarm Her. Charlotte tries reaching for the bottom rope so she can escape to the outside. Becky then releases and locks the submission on the arm Charlotte reached with. Becky now attempts to throw Charlotte over.

Charlotte grabs the top rope with one arm and it hurts. She then grabs the rope with the other arm but the pain from the submissions is unbearable. Becky had them locked in for a long time. Because Charlotte cannot use her arms to stop the momentum, she is thrown over (29). Becky Lynch wins the Royal Rumble.

*****

I know to many this is an uninspiring decision. The most pushed star in the company isn’t even in the match but I put her in it and allowed her to win the whole thing. I think the Royal Rumble should be won by the biggest star, though. When Becky Lynch tagged with John Cena a couple weeks ago, the crowd started chanting “We want Becky” when John Cena was in the ring. John Cena is considered by many as the greatest ever yet the fans preferred Becky Lynch. If this was Money in the Bank, Ruby or Ember would have been my winner.

It works as a story too. Nia Jax took away Becky Lynch’s opportunity to face Ronda Rousey, but Becky took it back. Michael Cole and Corey Graves will surely be losing their mind at ringside. Someone not entered in the match just won the Royal Rumble. We’ve seen people get ambushed prior to entering before but we’ve never seen the attacker actually go on to win the whole thing. That will make fans tune in to Raw.

Management will decide that Becky was justified. However, once Nia Jax heals from her “injuries”, Becky Lynch will defend her Wrestlemania spot against her at either Elimination Chamber or Fastlane. Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan did something similar in 2015.

Many are speculating Ronda Rousey to face Charlotte at Mania but that’s not THE match. We’ve seen that already. It was great but now we have the chance to see another dream match for the first time on the grandest stage. Ronda Rousey vs Becky Lynch is the best chance there is to having women headline Wrestlemania for the first time ever. The only other matchup on par with that one would be if Seth Rollins challenged Brock Lesnar. The story is already there. Their first match got cancelled, they started an online feud, then Ronda cost Becky her women’s championship at TLC. I ingrained the WWE vs MMA Horsewomen feud in the Rumble match for that reason. Now that Asuka is champion, I would have no problem with her gaining heel tendencies as Charlotte steps up for a Mania rematch.

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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

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

5 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