Opinion

The Good, Bad and Ugly: WWE Elimination Chamber 2019

Bobby let’s us know how Elimination Chamber ranked with the Good, Bad and Ugly rankings!

Published

6 years ago

February 18, 2019

Bobby Fernandes

Bobby let’s us know how Elimination Chamber ranked with the Good, Bad and Ugly rankings!

Elimination Chamber’s time is now! So much can and will happen at an event like this. So much violence, carnage and potential for greatness. WWE the King of Professional Wrestling putting themselves out there and giving the fans a show. This show already has heat now with some backstage issues with Carmella and Corey Graves, even more interest will be in the event. All of that aside with a packed card of possibilities will the Elimination Chamber be Good, Bad or Ugly?

GOOD

Kickoff Show

WWE Cruiserweight Title Match– Buddy Murphy (C) vs. Akira Tozawa

This match will be lit up the whole time. We will see a little bit of everything here with these two talents. Buddy Murphy has the look, the Gold, the theme and of course the girl. He can work and with a lot less than Tozawa. In 205 Live World Murphy is a powerhouse and this was a speed vs power type of match. Tozawa had a lot of offense but was ineffective against the Champion. Murphy rallied and countered Tozawa’s every move. Each guy fighting for position and giving it all they had. Buddy Murphy held on after several close falls and attempts. This match was amazing. Tozawa wouldn’t quit either, it could have gone either way. Tozawa put it all out there, and clawed after the Cruiserweight Title. The Challenger had Murphy in an “Octopus” but was countered into a “Murphy’s Law.” Buddy Murphy retains on the road to the Big Show.

OPENING MATCH!

WWE Women’s Tag Team Elimination Chamber Match– Nia Jax & Tamina vs. Sasha Banks & Bayley vs. Carmella & Naomi vs. The Riott Squad vs. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville vs. The IIconics

Screw it! No pun intended. Open the show with Carmella. This is going to be a crazy match. Corey Graves is also broadcasting. Acting natural there was nothing out of the ordinary here on the show between them. Complete professionals. Fire and Desire vs. Boss n Hug to start off hot right off the bat.

A lot of action and back and forth. Both teams exhausted and beaten, in comes Riott Squad. Liv Morgan single handedly went at it with both Deville and Rose. Bayley then followed up and cleaned house. The IIconics scrambled in as quickly as possible and tried to pin the sea of humanity that was all laid out by a super bomb off the top earlier on. The IIconics further beat down their opponents but couldn’t finish anyone off. They brutally beat down Bayley and Banks. Naomi and Carmella are next. The Former Women’s World Champs really came in hot and got the edge. Mella was money and sharp in there. A series of finishers and huge moves and everyone was down. Tamina and Nia Jax still not even in there and already destruction. IIconics took advantage of a situation and double rolled up Naomi, eliminating Naomi and Carmella. The whole group on their feet and ready to go with Nia and Tamina. Nia Jax and Tamina dominated. No one could touch them. The IIconics shut themselves in a pod but were taken out and devastated. Jax and Tamina eliminate the IIconics with a double “Samoan Drop.” The Riott Squad attacked. Suddenly all of the steam lost. The Riott Squad woke everyone back up with a devastating dives onto the piles. Nia Jax and Tamina hit The Riott Squad with a super “Samoan Drop” and “Superfly Splash” eliminating the Riott Squad. Nia and Tamina took their time but knocked herself out into a pod missing Bayley. Tamina was left to the wolves and picked apart before being pinned and eliminated. Banks and Bayley had the titles won, but Deville took Bayley out. Mandy Rose had Banks, but Banks kicked out. Deville accidentally speared Mandy Rose. Banks trapped Deville in a sick submission for the victory. Sasha Banks and Bayley are the 1^st Ever Women’s Tag Team Champions!

WWE Intercontinental Title Handicap Match– Bobby Lashley (C) and Lio Rush vs. Finn Balor

The word “Demon” was used freely and frequently in the Kickoff Show, making it an official buzz word. If “The Demon” shows up expect Balor to leave with the Intercontinental Championship. However we did not have that here tonight. Much like with the Lesnar match, the Demon is sitting it out. Balor in a handicap match against someone twice his size who is also the Champ makes no sense but moving on. As expected Lashley was very physical and dominant. In true Finn Balor fashion he fought back and would not stay down. Lio Rush would interfere and get involved every time Balor would get space. Lashley would continue to wear down Balor but was unable to finish him. Lio Rush missed a “frog splash” Balor would bounce back. Balor would go completely off the rails destroying his opponents. Non-stop he hit a “Coupe de Grace” on Lio Rush and Wins the Intercontinental Championship for the 1^st Time of his career! WOW! Balor Wins a huge match! Lashley was irate grabbing up his hype man and crashing him to the ground with a vicious spike.

WWE Raw Women’s Title Match– “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey (C) vs. Ruby Riott

As to no surprise Charlotte Flair had a ringside seat for this one. The Ultimate Heel will most likely play a role here and she had to be close by. Charlotte was long winded before this big title match. Ruby Riott is a decent talent and unquestionably will be able to tame Rousey and keep the match clean. She is a hell of a worker. They are lucky to have each other in this position as both will benefit. Rousey got the crowd hot dressed like Mortal Combat’s Sonya Blade which is kick ass. She looked like the missing member of The Shield. This was a classic Championship Match. It was paced well with big moves and a lot of emotion. Rousey quickly got Riott into an “armbar”, causing Riott to tap out. Rousey posed down with Charlotte at ringside. Disappointing showing for Riott, but Rousey looked fantastic. Rousey dominating is a story. Charlotte not long after the victory stomped into the ring herself. Lynch came hobbling out of the crowd on crutches getting everyone’s attention. She is nuts! By the way she is dressed like Kill Bill! “She’s the Man” rung through the audience. Becky Lynch then beat the hell out of Charlotte with a crutch. She hit her so many times and just wouldn’t stop. Rousey just watched in amazement. Charlotte screamed in pain and didn’t get any assistance. Rousey picked up a crutch and made it clear to Lynch that she would fight back. Rousey looked like she had Charlotte in her sights but Lynch attacked her and again hit Charlotte during the attack. Becky Lynch just “stomped a mud hole” in Rousey and Charlotte as only “The Man” can. Holy Cow! This was just shocking and fantastic! Becky Lynch is going to the Principal’s Office for this one. Maybe Stone Cold can come to her aid?

No Disqualification Match- Baron Corbin vs. Braun Strowman

Rousey and Charlotte were still in shock as to what happened when Baron Corbin made his way to the ring for his No DQ Match with “The Monster” Braun Strowman. The 385lbs Braun Strowman walked calmly to the ring for his fight. He never seems too worked up unless it’s Lesnar or Reigns. Corbin has his work cut out for him here in every way. Corbin beat on Strowman with a Kendo Stick and tried to slow down the big man. Strowman just devastated Corbin every chance he got crashing down hard on him in and out of the ring. Corbin used his speed and Strowman’s own momentum to counter the size and power of “the Monster.” Corbin has taken the fight to Braun and kept up with him even being on top numerous times in the match. When Strowman would make contact it was huge and debilitating. Out, comes a table. Braun Strowman had the match won driving Corbin hard through the table with a “powerslam.” Drew McIntyre’s music hit and he headed to the ring, but it was Bobby Lashley that did the most damage in a sneak attack with a chair on Strowman. In this No-DQ Match this is perfectly legal. Braun Strowman was rendered helpless. Corbin and McIntyre stacked a couple of tables and had Bobby Lashley w/ there help “Shield” style power slam Braun Strowman off the steps in the ring through 2 tables. Baron Corbin Wins! This was not a Bad match and it was won in true hated, pure heel fashion. Just wish we saw “The Wyatt’s” come the Big Man’s aid.

Lacey Evan Tease

Random but I like it! Maybe it’s the South Carolina pride. Moving on!

WWE Title Elimination Chamber Match– Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Randy Orton vs. Samoa Joe

It is pretty epic that Kofi Kingston is in this match and had that tremendous showing this week on SmackDown Live. The talent in this match all together makes this an epic super-card. Some of the best talents in history grouped together for one big match. In a “Fickle” move, Rowan was asked to leave by the officials. Daniel Bryan played cat and mouse with Samoa Joe. But Joe attacked hard at the champ and showed no mercy but Daniel Bryan fought back like a champion. Kofi Kingston came right in and continued his amazing performance from SD Live. The Champ Daniel Bryan though proved to be too much, taking control of the match again, until Samoa Joe chased him away. Kofi greeted him on his perch above a pod and fought him on the cage. Kofi also kicked down Joe then dove on both of them from high above. AJ Styles then brought the heat and him and Bryan went at it. Styles is so freaking Good all the time and with Kofi and these other guys is just shining out there. They shared the spotlight out there. Joe is out first combo from a jawbreaker from Kingston and a Styles hitting him with a forearm with a pin. Jeff Hardy enters the war. Again Styles is center stage and rightfully so. Everyone again mixing it up. Randy Orton the last man to enter. The most dangerous man in Professional Wrestling today. This match was intense and looked painful. Bryan hits Hardy with a running knee after a high risk payoff on AJ Styles eliminating Jeff Hardy and immediately attacking Styles and Kingston. Styles then countered right before Orton came in. Again everyone got in their shots. The action went back and forth with all competitors. “RKO” on AJ Styles. Eliminated. “Trouble in Paradise” Orton Eliminated. Kofi and Bryan went full steam and gave it all they had left. Daniel Bryan kicked out of the “SOS.” Again back and forth, what a match! Kofi would not give up. Kofi missed a huge splash, and got destroyed by a flying knee. Bryan retains the title in this incredible match! New Day came out and walked their best friend and fellow New Day Member Kofi Kingston to the back after an heroic performance.

BAD

WWE Smackdown Tag Team Title Match– The Miz & Shane McMahon (C) vs. The Usos

We know we will see high spots and close calls. A ton of experience and talent in here, in a huge match. The Miz’s opening with Maryse coming out, the Hollywood Couple announced, they are having another baby! Congrats, that’s Awesome!

As for the match though, there were some Bad moments at times. For the caliber of talent sometimes this was purely disappointing. Uso’s were the better team in this match but Miz finally got a second to strike and tagged in a fresh Shane O’ Mac. McMahon went bananas putting on his usual show for the fans. Went for a second “coast to coast” but was “superkicked” for a two count broken up by The Miz. Again Miz had some sloppy action. It was more the Uso’s timing than how the Miz did but it looked Bad. Shane went to the well again to the outside smashing through Jey Uso and the Announce Table. Jimmy Uso hits a “superkick” and a “splash” but only gets two. Miz comes back but gets countered into a rollup. The Uso’s Win the SmackDown Tag Team Championships!

UGLY- Not on this TV!

FINAL

GOOD- 7
BAD- 1
UGLY- 0

OVERALL

Good job WWE! This was a quality Pay Per View! Awesome energy and a ton of content that will make the remainder of the Road to WrestleMania even more entertaining. This show was Awesome and had everyone pumped. Fantastic job all around!

Now we are even closer to the biggest night in sports entertainment. Fastlane on the way and continuing on in Wrestlemania Season, with some new stories and a clearer picture. The energy coming to Raw and SmackDown is heavy and should fuel the respective rosters to the huge night. Hope everyone enjoyed the show, please don’t forget to like, comment, share and continue to read the Good, Bad and Ugly!

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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

3 weeks ago

February 2, 2025

Greg DeMarco

We are firmly on the Road to WrestleMania, starting with the Royal Rumble! Greg has his initial thoughts and reactions for everyone’s favorite event!

It’s the first Royal Rumble in an NFL stadium (thanks to the WWE calendar change), and both Rumble matches feature a star-studded line-up that makes it much harder than you’d think to pick a winner. I was lucky enough to attend one Royal Rumble live, 2019, and it’s always the best way to set the stage for WrestleMania.

If @whoislaniee‘s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner is any indication, we are in for one hell of a night with one hell of a crowd!

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

Always great to see Stephanie McMahon kicking off a show–the more Stephanie, the better. Apparently we’ve managed to pack 70,000 fans into Lucas Oil Stadium, and if you didn’t know, Pat McAfee loves him some Indianapolis.

With each match you’ll see my picks, in my traditional “Who Should Win?/Will Will Win?” format. I made them in this week’s solo edition of The Greg DeMarco Show, which you can listen to here:

Women’s WWE Royal Rumble Match

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: Bianca Belair
Who Will Win: Bianca Belair

Last year’s winner was Bayley, entering at #3, and she went on to defeat Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 40.

Iyo Sky enters #1, and I do love the elevated platform–it’s not really a stage, but it does enhance the overall feel of the show. Old school fans will remember the entrance from Montreal watching Prime Time Wrestling.
I feel like Liv Morgan always enters these matches early. I also didn’t realize she’s been in all 8 Women’s Royal Rumble matches.
I do love the “ticker” across the bottom of the screen with stats and info during the entrances. Very ESPN, very “Wrestling As A Sport” to me.
Gotta say I was hoping for the black canvas (I’m biased), but I’ll always take grey over light blue.

Roxanne Perez has “Iron Woman” written all over her entering at #3. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

We even get “Active” and “Eliminated” in the ticket? I am REALLY digging this.
Lyra Valkyria enters to very little reaction–she’s a fantastic talent but has not connected on the main roster.
Lyra with the early wardrobe malfunction and we are already slightly derailed, kudos to everyone for getting it together.
Interesting to have the secondary champions enter back-to-back, and Indianapolis doesn’t seem to care much about her, either. Maybe I was wrong about this crowd, and maybe my criticism of Lyra was premature.
Chelsea thinking she’s dumped everyone and pointing to the sign is a great piece of business.
B-Fab enters at #6, and I would assume she has the lowest chance of winning of anyone in the field.
Man, B-Fab is still very NOT good.
Ivy Nile enters #7, the 5th straight entrant who has zero chance of winning this thing.
Also, we are still without an elimination, but probably 10 “hanging on the rope” spots already.
Ivy Nile is already more over in Indy than the Intercontinental and United States Champions.
Zoey Stark, complete with Barry Windham’s “Stalker” facepaint, enters eighth to continue our run of women with zero chance of winning.
Lash Legend enters at #9, and I have a feeling she’s about to win this crowd over.
LASH POINTED TO THE SIGN.
“Get her on the Fever” – Pat McAfee.
Chelsea Green gives us our first elimination, of B-Fab.
Bianca Belair enters at #10, really hurting my chances of being right.

And here’s my pick to win the Women’s #RoyalRumble, Bianca Belair. At #10? Doesn’t look good for me!

(Seth Rollins won his from #10, I believe.)

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

The crowd definitely picked up with Bianca being in the match.
BIANCA IS A MACHINE.
Shayna Baszler enters #11, reminding me she works for WWE. Which is sad, I really thought she’d have a hell of a run in WWE.
Bayley is #12, and we still have quite the group in this match. Personally I don’t see Bayley being a back-to-back winner.
Sonya Deville is in at #13 to complete the PFC trio in this match. I’m sure that’ll work out well for them!
Iyo Sky is so good, she saved Sonya’s knee spot and I am sure no one noticed.
Maxxine Dupri in at #14, another non-winner, but to her credit she only keeps getting better.
With 12 women thill in this match, I have a feeling we’re getting Nia Jax or Charlotte Flair soon to give us a bunch of eliminations.
Ivy Nile out, followed by Maxxine Dupri, and the countdown is on!
Naomi brings the halfway point with her, entering at #15.

Naomi is a former women’s champion and had an amazing WrestleMania moment back in Orlando–why does Michael Cole keep saying 2024 was her breakout year? #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

All of PFC is gone, and nothing of value is lost (from this match–they are valuable as people).
Jaida Parker, entering at #16, comes in to a better reaction than half of the field. Miss Parker has a hell of a WWE career ahead of her.
Chelsea Green is so damn good at what she does.
And here comes Piper Niven at #17.
Will Piper somehow eliminate Piper?
Yes – the answer to that question is yes.
Naalya enters at #18, her eighth Royal Rumble. She’s a little over 20 minutes away from 3 cumulative hours in Rumble matches.

If anyone “deserves” a Royal Rumble win, it’s Natalya. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

FANTASTIC reaction for Jordynne Grace–that has to raise some eyebrows among leadership.
JORDYNNE GRACE IS A STAR.
Michin in at #20, as we are up to 10 eliminations.

BUT THE INTERNET TOLD ME ALEXA BLISS WASN’T GONNA COME BACK DUE TO A CONTRACT DISPUTE. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

Wade Barrett, Michael Cole, and Pat McAfee crapping all over the wrestling newz sites is amazing.
And you can tell Alexa Bliss is THRILLED to be back.
Zelina Vega in at #22 to not win the Royal Rumble.
HUGE SPOT for Zelina Vega and Jordynne Grace.
If you happen to rewatch this match, watch Bayley very closely. It’s a look inside the business–she’s basically an agent in the ring.
Candice LeRae enters at #23, and I am reminded that she’s the WWE Women’s Speed Champion. I also wonder if they’ve started piping in crowd noise for these entrances.
Of note, we haven’t closed a Royal Rumble PLE with the Women’s Royal Rumble Match since the first one in 2018.
Of the 10 women eliminated so far, 6 of them entered #4-5-6-7-8-9.

Great reaction for Stephanie Vaquer–Indianapolis seems to be an NXT crowd. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

LET STEPHANIE VAQUER HER WIN YOU COWARDS. (Personal opinion, she’s the best women’s wrestler in the world.)
#25 already–we are trying to make up some time.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand it’s Trish Stratus.

Honestly, did we need Trish Stratus? #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Kinda wanted Jordynne Grace to toss Trish Stratus right there.
Piper Niven just kncoked the SH*T outta Trish!
Raquel Rodriguez in at #26, and we have 4 more entrants left.
Nia, Charlotte, and…..Becky? Nikki? (Bella, that is.)
The crowd is NOT HAPPY about Alexa Bliss’ elimination.
#1-3 all still in the match.
Charlotte Flair and her new face at in at #27.

Listen, I’m going to hell, but Charlotte Flair’s entrance reminds me of when JR returned from his stroke. Lay off the plastic surgery. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Love Wade Barrett pointing out that Charlotte got pyro. I hope Roman gets his, too.
Took Charlotte forever to get her robe off, apparently.
Like I’m supposed to believe Jordynne Grace can’t suplex Charlotte Flair?
Charlotte definitely brought some fire to this match.
Giulia getting almost no reaction is surprising given the reaction of some other NXT talents.
Iyo and Liv approaching an hour in the match, along with Roxanne Perez.

Giulia eliminated Jordynne Grace, which makes me think Jordynne might be spending some time in NXT. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Nia Jax enters at #29, leaving a surprise for #30? Becky Lynch?
Good for Nikki Bella! And she gave someone in the crowd one hall of a souvenir.
And now it’s time for the “World vs Nia” spot.
Forget Superkick It’s an APRON PARTY.
Roxanne Perez just snuck back in without being eliminated.
Given who is left, it does seem like this is Charlotte’s match to win.
ROXANNE PEREZ IN THE FINAL THREE?

This company obviously believes in Roxanne Perez. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

LOLCHARLOTTEWINS

Winner of the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Charlotte Flair

I don’t love the decision to have Charlotte Flair win the Women’s Royal Rumble Match after being gone for over a year, but she IS Charlotte Flair. This should shock nobody. I know Charlotte Flair is a dream match opponent for Tiffany Stratton in the eyes of many, and if she were to put Tiffany Stratton over at WrestleMania, then I will eat my words and say it was worth it.

Hell of a performance for Roxanne Perez, I haven’t seen the tally yet but I do wonder if she broke the record for longest time in one Rumble.

I could go for a Slim Jim meat stick right about now.

Why was Mickie James in the crowd, and not IN THE MATCH??? #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

2 Out of 3 Falls Match for the WWE Tag Team Championships
The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs. #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano, champions)

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: DIY (but it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things)
Who Will Win: DIY (but it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things)

(I won’t be live tweeting or doing a bulleted list for these two matches, likely just the two Rumbles.)

Had to laugh seeing the drone in front of Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin during their entrance.

DIY wins 2 falls to 1, making my prediction accurate. That is small change, though. I liked the match for what it was, but it’s a reminder of Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey from WrestleMania 38–great match, wrong setting. This was an arena match, not a football stadium match. Yes, that DOES matter. Setting is a huge part of pro wrestling.

NXT Black and Gold will always hold a place in my heart, but part of what made that what it was was the crowd. This wasn’t the crowd for this match. Plus it got around 15 minutes, which is about right for a 1-fall match featuring these four. On TV, counting commercial breaks, these guys get 25-30 minutes.

The Street Profits got involved, eventually attacking everyone. I fully expect a WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match at WrestleMania, with DIY, MCMG, the Street Profits, and possibly Pretty Deadly and Angel/Humberto. This was really just the beginning–it was just misplaced on this card.

Winners AND STILL WWE Tag Team Champions: DIY

Michael Cole did also inform us that Roxanne Perez is the new record-holder for longest Royal Rumble performance. Score one for the good guy (me, from my tweet above).

Ladder Match for the WWE Championship
Kevin Owens vs. Cody Rhodes (champion)

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: Kevin Owens
Who Will Win: Cody Rhodes

Love that Kevin Owens took down the Winged Eagle Championship during SmackDown last night, and entered with it. Granted, Cody Rhodes has his, too. But KO has a certain edge to him when carrying that title.

That little ladder is HILARIOUS. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

This match was brutal, and whatever they are paying Kevin Owens isn’t enough. Cody Rhodes was beating on KO as a heel would, but he’s a babyface? I know everyone wants “Homelander” Cody, but really he might be more like “Patrick Bateman” Cody. Either way, as great as Cody is (and he is great), there is one missing element. At this point, it’s obvious to me that Cody is the worst babyface in the company. Look at him: THE MAN IS A HEEL.

While I’m glad Cody is fully out of The Bloodline’s shadow, he just needs to beat John Cena at WrestleMania, turn heel, and truly hit his stride. And I want true heel Cody. Chicken sh*t, goons, the whole thing.

Winner, AND STILL WWE Champion: Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes is gonna buy Kevin Owens a lot of cigars, booze, or meat. Whatever that man wants. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

You gotta think Sami Zayn not stopping Cody Rhodes from winning will be a major sticking point for Kevin Owens. Seems like we’ll get Sami vs Kevin at WM41.

Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Match

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: Jey Uso
Who Will Win: John Cena

Last year’s winner was Cody Rhodes, entering at #15, and he went on to defeat Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 40.

Rey Mysterio (Jr) enters at #2, and it’s obvious that gone are the days where randoms would enter at #1 and #2.
I believe I said on my podcast (if not, I meant to) that Penta would need to enter #1 or #2 so he can have his pyro.

I am so happy for Penta in the WWE. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

I really hope we get a Lucha Underground reference on commentary.
LET PENTA WIN YOU COWARDS! (I know, it didn’t work for Stephanie Vaquer.)
PENTA IS A STAR.
I do appreciate how they didn’t fight on the apron, instead just got right back into the ring.
Chad Gable in at #3, and all we need is for Dominik Mysterio to be #4.
That spot looked NASTY, I hope Chad Gable’s knee is okay.
Carmelo Hayes in at #4, and I am reminded that we likely get Trick in this match.

Trick Williams’ #RoyalRumble entrance is gonna be ICONIC.

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

I know they have a temporary alliance at the moment, but Chad Gable vs. Carmelo Hayes would be an absolute BANGER.
KING CUERNO vs PENTAGON JR! #IYKYK
That spot was far too similar to what we saw in the Women’s Rumble.
Otis in and had some fun.
BRON BREAKKER IS A MACHINE.
The crowd reaction to Bron Breakker tells me the WWE might make even MORE money in the future.
What if Breakker won this match? He won’t, but What If?
If not for WWE, I wouldn’t know who IShowSpeed was.
Honestly, nothing wrong with what they did with IShowSpeed there.
Sheamus enters at #9, and I assume we will see some Beats Of The Bowery.

Gotta play the hits, pal. (Sheamus.) #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

This is the most normal Sheamus’ hair has ever looked.
Crazy that this is only Jimmy Uso’s 3rd Royal Rumble.
Big Jim definitely got a bulk discount on his new gear. I wonder how many color combos he got???
Andrade in at #11, and Wade Barrett points out what I’ve been thinking–why run to the ring?
Jacob Fatu enters at #12 and gets his pyro. The rocket ship has been strapped, pal.
Ludwig Kaiser enters at #13 and no one not named (Greg DeMarco Show co-host) Patrick O’Dowd cares.
Kaiser immediately dumped by Penta, and he’ll probably lose to him on Monday’s Raw, too.

Here comes the most underappreciated wrestler in WWE history, @mikethemiz. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

We lost Michael for a minute there.

The fact that Joe Hendry’s fact on the ticket is “Say His Name And He Appears” is amazing.

Great pop for him, too.

And Michael Cole references Nic Nemeth! #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

I’d actually forgotten that we’d likely get a Joe Hendry appearance, so they got a little pop out of me.
I acknowledge you, my Tribal Chief.

☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️ #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk would be one hell of a match at WrestleMania, just sayin’.
Showdowns like Roman Reigns and Bron Breakker is what the Royal Rumble is all about.
SPEAR TO ROMAN.
That might have been the greatest spear ever.
After Joe Gendry and Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre gets very little reaction entering at #17.
Drew McIntyre with the very silky smooth hair tonight.
Finn Balor in at #18 and we have our second drone sighting of the night.
Something is wrong with Pat McAfee’s headset. Hell of a showing by Penta, by the way.
Jey Uso in at #20 to a HUGE pop.
LET JE YWIN YOU COWARDS.
Poison Rana by Jey???
Let’s hope AJ Styles can stick around for a bit this time. (Not necessarily in the Rumble, but in general.)

All these megastars, and Jacob Fatu might be the most over guy in the match right now. #ROYALRUMBLE

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

I’d be okay if Braun shaved his head again.
Jacob Fatu can literally do ANYTHING and it makes sense.

JOHN CENA’S SOCKS!
JOHN CENA’S SOCKS!
JOHN CENA’S SOCKS!#RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

CM Punk, John Cena, and Roman Reigns all in the ring all at the same time? YES PLEASE.
Now add in Seth Rollins? This is the greatest Royal Rumble of all time.
The current field: Seth Rollins, CM Punk, John Cena, AJ Styles, Jey Uso, Drew McIntyre, and Roman Reigns. That is ABSURD.
The only man who can follow all that talent is indeed Dominik Mysterio. This is about to be amazing.
Imagine if Dom wins. I mean, just imagine it.
With the addition of Sami Zayn, the storylines in this Rumble right now are insane.
Damian Priest, who is probably challenging Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania, enters at #28.
Two more to go. Any surprises?
LA Knight, who I forgot was in this match, enters next.
I kinda expect him to move to Raw in this transfer window.
Ah yes, Logan Paul. I also forgot he was on this.
We’ve had a Nic Nemeth and now a Ricochet reference tonight. I love when you’re WWE, and you are comfortable talking about (almost) ANYBODY.

If I’m WWE, I have Logan Paul wait until the final two before jumping back into the ring. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

He didn’t, by the way. Opportunity missed.
Final 6: Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, John Cena, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Logan Paul… STAR. STUDDED.
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins – the WrestleMania Main Event we never got.
YESSS!
Brilliant spot to have Logan Paul eliminate CM Punk.
Final 3: John Cena, Jey Uso, and Logan Paul. Two of my picks are left.
The action on the outside between Rollins, Roman, and Punk drives home how important the Rumble is to the competitors.
And then there were 2: my Who Should Win vs. my Who Will Win.
Please God let Jey Uso win this thing.
(And that’s not a slight against John Cena.)
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

IT’S JUST YOU, UCE! #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Winner of the 2025 Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Match: Jey Uso

Just like the sign said: EAT. SLEEP. YEET. MANIA. I am so damn happy for Jey Uso. You can tell John Cena was as well, along with Michael Cole. And probably everyone in the entire company. Jey Uso is the success story.

As for the match? Well obviously this is a knee jerk reaction, but eff it–this is the best Royal Rumble Match they have ever put on. The early action was fun and exciting. But from the time Joe Hendry’s music hit to the moment Jey Uso pushed John Cena off of the apron, this match was insane. I think Roman Reigns coming in at 16 was a huge part of that. Once Roman is in the match, you are watching to see a) what he does, and b) if he’ll get eliminated. CM Punk eliminating Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns was beautiful, and then Logan Paul tossing CM Punk was even better. If that leads to Rollins vs. Reigns and Logan vs. Punk at WrestleMania, you can take my money.

My money is a Peacock membership, which is automatically charged. But still. Take it.

If John Cena wins it’s still probably the best Royal Rumble Match of all time. But Jey Uso winning makes that an undisputable fact.

Overall Thoughts on the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble

The Women’s Royal Rumble was decent to good. Loved Roxanne getting the Iron Woman treatment, but in the end it’s another chapter of LOL Charlotte Wins.
I need to rewatch DIY vs MCMG because I was on the phone when my son called. Maybe I will enjoy it more on a second viewing.
The ladder match was brutal but the end result was expected. Cody is still missing something, and I think that something will continue to be missing until he turns heel. He’s just overshadowed by too many of the other babyfaces.
The Men’s Royal Rumble Match was the best Royal Rumble match they have ever put on. Great action in the early half, and from 15 (Joe Hendry) on, it was amazing. The storyline movement with CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins was (here’s that word) cinema, and having the most over wrestler in the company not named Roman Reigns win, and doing so by eliminating the odds-on favorite, was perfect. I’m biased because Jey Uso was my pick, but it was the perfect ending to what was probably as close to perfect as a Rumble match has been since 1992.

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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS: WWE Crown Jewel Immediate Reactions

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Published

4 months ago

November 2, 2024

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