Opinion

Cook: The #DIY Reunion Makes Sense If You’re Paying Attention

Some people clamored that the DIY reunion made no sense, Steve Cook says Nay Nay. Let’s take a look at his feelings on the DIY subject!

Published

6 years ago

February 22, 2019

Steve Cook

Some people clamored that the DIY reunion made no sense, Steve Cook says Nay Nay. Let’s take a look at his feelings on the DIY subject!

I see a lot of people out there confused by one aspect of the appearance of NXT’s top talent on Raw & SmackDown Live this week. No, I’m not talking about the people confused by their presence, we’ve already covered that. The people I’m talking about now are the folks that watch NXT. The ones that know who all these guys are. They’ve seen Aleister Black’s entrance a bunch of times. They’ve seen most of Ricochet’s flips. Probably not all, because that boy does a ton of different flips.

I saw a certain question pop up over & over again the last couple of days. The $64,000 Question: Why were Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa together as a tag team?

I mean, we’re talking about a Freebird & Von Erich teaming up here. It’s not talked about much now, but Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts were actually friendly with the Von Erich family when they first arrived in World Class. David even won the six-man title with Michael & Terry when Buddy couldn’t work, and let Buddy have his share. Things changed, and a feud erupted that lasted for years and powered World Class to heights nobody would have expected.

SmackDown Creative has heard of that rivalry.

I don’t think Ciampa’s betrayal had the same effect on NXT business (somebody can let me know if it has), but it’s certainly been a hit from a critical perspective. Gargano got the first win in their feud in New Orleans, but he’s had a tough time since then. Ciampa got the next two TakeOver victories, and eventually earned the NXT Championship with a win over Aleister Black…due to accidental help from Gargano.

Poor Johnny has been in a downward spiral since, at least emotionally. His former best friend turned evil, then found all the success! Johnny found himself in the spot where he was having great Takeover matches, but losing all the time. You know what happens when you keep doing that? You end up being Dolph Ziggler. Nobody wants to be Dolph Ziggler. Hell, Dolph Ziggler doesn’t want to be Dolph Ziggler.

Gargano turned to the dark side. He attacked Aleister Black in a parking lot & kept going after him. He got another Takeover loss on his record, but did win a re-match on NXT in a cage…thanks to Ciampa, who talked Black & Gargano into that cage match to begin with.

How bout that?

I don’t know if Gargano is like Randy Orton and hears voices in his head. If he does, I’d wager one of them sounds like Tommaso Ciampa. Ciampa’s played his part in urging Johnny down this path. Much like Sami Zayn believed that Becky Lynch needed to see the light & forsake the fans in order to achieve her full potential, Ciampa grew to believe that Gargano could benefit from leaving the NXT Universe behind and following his lead. So he’s been sowing the seeds for that, and it’s been working. Gargano insists that Ciampa doesn’t have an effect on what he’s doing. Obviously that isn’t the case. Ciampa’s success has motivated Gargano for months now. The question is if he’ll follow in Ciampa’s footsteps, or take the one thing that Ciampa loves most.

Even on their promo on SD Live, Gargano spent an inordinate amount of time looking at Goldie, Ciampa’s pet name for the NXT Championship. It sure seemed like he was pointing at Goldie when he said that “this – this is the future”.

It was pretty noticeable. It’s like I always say: if a man can take his eyes off of Kayla Braxton to look at anything else, he’s gotta be pretty serious about whatever it is.

Who’s zoomin’ who?

Wednesday’s NXT episode continued the story, with Ciampa hanging out while Gargano got ready for his North American Championship match. Gargano wound up losing the strap, which prompted this interesting reaction from Ciampa:

Thoughts on that NXT #NorthAmericanTitle Match, @ProjectCiampa? #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/DHQn1Ydsj9

— WWE NXT (@WWENXT) February 21, 2019

I’m not entirely sure where this is going, and that’s the way I like it. What I do know is that some of the reporting surrounding the NXT appearances on Raw & SD smell like BS. The assumption that creative ignored NXT storylines to put Gargano & Ciampa in matches against the Revival & the Bar is not something that passes the smell test with me. The team formerly known as #DIY’s appearance on Raw & SmackDown Live fits the story perfectly. Ciampa & Gargano both know how effective they are together. They know that together, they can make quite the impact on the main roster right away.

This isn’t Doug Basham shaving his head to look like his OVW rival, who changed his name to Danny Basham so he could be Doug’s brother.

As for the idea that they turned Ciampa face…well, they did wrestle against heels both nights, and you saw them standing next to Sheamus & Cesaro. Typically, casual fans will treat them as babyfaces in that type of situation unless they’re given reason not to. NXT fans are going to cheer them either way. So why swim against the current?

Besides, the WWE Universe will find a reason to hate them soon enough. They turn against everybody.

I understand the skepticism. I’m not even telling you that Ciampa & Gargano will be successful on the main roster together or separate. It’s too soon to tell. What I can tell you is that their story isn’t being sunk by their sudden ascension to fame & glory as a tag team on the main roster.

It’s just another chapter of what will probably be a never-ending story. Some people are destined to do this forever.

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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

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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)

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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

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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

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Classic POD is WAR

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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