Opinion

WWE Week In Review: February 18-24, 2019

With some surprising call ups and interesting happening on the Network TV; how did the week go for WWE? Tiffany gives us her take!

Published

6 years ago

February 25, 2019

TiffanyMC

With some surprising call ups and interesting happening on the Network TV; how did the week go for WWE? Tiffany gives us her take!

Elimination Chamber is in the rearview mirror and now the WWE Universe turns their attention to Fastlane and WrestleMania.

RAW

Triple H: I actually loved Triple H’s segment this week. He always seems like such a proud father when one of the NXT guys/girls gets called up. It’s no secret that NXT is his baby and he has worked incredibly hard to make it successful. He also has to be proud of the fact that he’s getting ready to go into the Hall of Fame as part of Degeneration X, along with HBK, X-Pac, Chyna, Road Dogg, and Billy Gunn.

NXT Guys: I’ll admit that I was very skeptical when Trips made the announcement about the call-ups since Ciampa and Gargano hold the top titles in NXT. It was very well done and it give a cold Main Roster audience a chance to meet some of the top guys in NXT outside of the fever pitch that is WrestleMania weekend.

Baron Corbin vs Braun Strowman: We went from a really great moment for Triple H to one of the crappiest matches I’ve ever seen. WHY is this feud continuing and when are people going to realize that Strowman stinks?! Best that can be said is that Strowman won, so they’re tied. The moment with Heyman was odd, considering that Strowman isn’t going to be involved with Lesnar for the foreseeable future, thank God.

Heyman: I love Heyman as a promo guy, he can really whip up a crowd, but his promos about Lesnar are as stale as they get.

Finn Balor/Ricochet/Lashley/Rush: I LOVED this match, at least the Balor/Ricochet end of it. Lashley is still boring and Rush is still annoying. The match was really great and Ricochet made a great impression on the fans, though you wouldn’t know it by the crowd noise.

Dean Ambrose: Since Dean had three segments, I’m going to put them all here. I’ve said before that I fully believe that the whole ‘He’s leaving after WrestleMania’ is a work and this week helped solidify that. You typically don’t give a departing superstar three segments one with the COO and another top star, a match, and then another segment with another top star. The match against McIntyre sucked because Dean barely got out of the box, but it’s clear that they’re building McIntyre for something big, so this Ambrose Girl isn’t panicking just yet.

As for the Ambrose/Rollins interaction, I have a few theories on what exactly is going on, but I’m going to wait and see how WWE plays it because they have to tread a lightly to keep from getting bashed.

Lucha House Party vs Hawkins and Ryder: I could NOT get into this match. I don’t care about Hawkins or his losing streak and Lucha House Party gets on my nerves. It was a good match, but it seems like WWE’s either building toward a Ryder/Hawkins feud or they’re going to give Hawkins a win on a big stage.

Heavy Machinery and Lacey Evans: I’m going to be blunt and say I can’t STAND Lacey Evans or her gimmick. However, her interaction with Heavy Machinery was fun and made for a funny dynamic.

DIY vs Revival: This was a match straight out of NXT and I loved it. Ciampa and Gargano are an amazing team and putting them with the Revival guaranteed a great match, which is exactly what happened. Too bad the crowd didn’t appreciate it.

Kevin Owens: I’m not a fan of Owens, so I really didn’t pay attention to what he was doing, but he was a great competitor and it’ll be nice to have him back on the roster.

Sasha and Bayley: I loved this segment with Boss-Hug over the Tag Championships. I still hope one set of tag champions will mean a separate show for the women in the near future. Samoan Dynasty’s appearance and promo weren’t a surprise, but Tamina speaking was. This will probably be the big tag feud for the women heading into WrestleMania and I’m fine with that.

Elias vs Aleister Black: Part of the reason I’m not terribly worried about Ambrose after he was squashed by McIntyre is because of this segment, which went very similarly to the Ambrose/McIntyre bout. I was extremely impressed with Black and his Undertaker-esque gimmick and I think he’ll do pretty well on the main roster.

Ronda Rousey vs Ruby Riott: After the BS squash match at Elimination Chamber, I was glad that WWE gave Ruby Riott a chance to have the match she’s capable of having against Ronda Rousey, but Rousey’s performance left a little to be desired, but it was a good match and Riott and her Squad got to show how good they were before the expected finish.

Thoughts: This was a good RAW, especially when compared to previous weeks. The NXT call ups were done really well, though I did notice that they weren’t put up against older, more established guys, they were put with other NXT call ups. Corbin vs Strowman was the only really crap match of the night and a lot of stories moved forward.

The one really bad thing about RAW was the audience. A lot of people have made excuses about the lousy crowd in Lafayette, but to sit there and basically give the wrestlers nothing is just ridiculous, especially when there were a lot of great matches.

SmackDown

Shane and Miz: This was a really great segment, I was honestly surprised that they didn’t have Miz somehow blame Shane for them losing, Miz owned up to the loss like a man. I’m not surprised that there will be a rematch with the Usos, I’d actually been wondering how long the ‘No Rematch’ thing would last, so that will be a fun match for FastLane.

Aleister Black vs Andrade Almas: This was the first of the NXT call up matches and it was a great starting point. Black and Almas had a wonderful rivalry in NXT and it was fun to have it showcased on the Main Roster.

Jeff Hardy and AJ Styles: This was an interesting segment and seems to be sowing the seeds for a potential feud for these two down the road.

The Bar vs DIY: This was a little bit of an aberration from the NXT Calls Ups vs NXT Call Ups that WWE did on RAW…a little. Sheamus was not part of NXT, but Cesaro was in the very beginning.

This was a FANTASTIC match between these two teams! They really tore the place down and DIY got to show what a great team they were. The scary spot with Ciampa’s knee was definitely justified, but there’s been no word that he or Sheamus was seriously hurt outside of giving everyone a scare.

Asuka vs Mandy Rose: I don’t have much to say about this whole segment except: WTF?! I’m not an Asuka fan, but WWE’s booked her championship run terribly and then having her lose in a stupid way to Mandy Rose was just ridiculous.

Charlotte Flair: I know a lot of people have been making a big deal over the injuries Charlotte and Ronda suffered from Becky, but I’ve had to use crutches a few times in my life and Charlotte’s arm didn’t look all that different from how the underside of my arms looked after using the crutches.

That said, I’m glad to see even a little storyline movement since we didn’t get any on Monday.

Ricochet vs Eric Young: This was another NXT vs NXT match up and it was a great one. SaNity has barely been used since their call up, so seeing them get some air time was a lot of fun. WWE seems to really be invested in putting the new guys over because all of them were 2-0 for their Raw/SmackDown appearances.

Six Man Tag Match: This was such a good match, which I fully expected it to be given the people involved. Bryan’s assertion that he wasn’t going to face anyone he’d beaten in Elimination Chamber was interesting and kind of spoiled what was probably going to happen.

Much like last week and Sunday, Kofi was the star and him getting the pin on Bryan was nice, but a little frustrating when you remembered that Mustafa Ali never got his one-on-one with Bryan after pinning him. I honestly don’t think Kofi’s going to beat Bryan at Fastlane, but it was exciting to see him finally get his chance to shine and he’ll have a great match with Bryan.

Thoughts: This was a really good episode of SmackDown, all the stories were moved forward. Mandy Rose vs Asuka was the big clunker of the show because it was so stupid. I’m really excited for Kofi, but I’m not optimistic enough to believe he’ll win.

205 Live

TJP vs Humberto Carillo: This was a really good match. Carillow has got tons of potential, but I hate him being with Gulak and Gallagher. It’s just very cringe-inducing to have white guys trying to ‘teach’ a POC how to do their job the ‘right’ way. I realize that that’s the point, but this gets a little too close to RL politics for my comfort. Still, it was a good match and Carrillo’s definitely making an impression on people.

Tony Nese proved why he’s a good heel with his promo on Dar and him planting his flag as possible challenger to his good ‘friend’, Buddy Murphy. I almost want Nese to win just to see who will be the face and who will be the heel in this.

Mike and Maria Kanellis: This was another really good interview. Kanellis finally seems to be finding his footing in 205, but he definitely suffers from a lack of attention. Hopefully, that’ll change over this year.

Ariya Daivari vs Johnny Lyons: This was a really good match. Daivari is getting a chance to shine out of the shadows of Itami and the other people he’s been a sidekick to. I’m not familiar with Lyons, but he did a really good job selling. It wasn’t a long match, but it’s clear that Daivari is trying to make a name on his own and I hope it works out.

Buddy Murphy: This was a really good promo for Murphy. Murphy tooting his own horn while massaging the facts is classic heel stuff. It’ll be interesting to see who faces him at Wrestlemania.

Mike Kanellis vs Cedric Alexander: This was an AMAZING match! Kenellis proved that he was more than capable of hanging with the top tier talent of 205. My one gripe was the screwjob-ish finish. I love Cedric Alexander, but I don’t want another round of him vs Murphy. Kanellis won the match and should be moving on. I have a feeling that Maria’s going to raise hell about this next week because it was so close.

Thoughts: Really good episode of 205, as usual. Lots of great matches and promos. It’s nice to see them gearing up for WrestleMania instead of Fastlane.

NXT UK

Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster vs Coffey Brothers: This was SUCH a good match, it easily could’ve been the main event of the show. Andrews and Webster should be considered contenders for the Tag Team Titles. That said, I wasn’t surprised by the Coffey’s winning, they needed a win a lot more than Andrews and Webster did.

Nina Samuels: This was a ‘huh?’ promo, especially since it wasn’t followed by a match.

Jordan Devlin: I was happy to see Devlin bounce back from When Worlds Collide because he was a star in that tournament. I’m also glad that the feud with Banks will continue, I just hope it gets re-started soon.

Kay Lee Ray: This was an interesting vignette for her. I’m not familiar with Ray, but her vignette was very impressive.

Trent Seven: I loved this match. Seven was another one that needed a victory after losing in the tag title tournament. Thorne is definitely a talent to watch, but he was there to put a notch in the win column for Seven, but Seven made him look good in defeat.

Jack Gallagher: There’s been rumors of some of the guys on the Main Roster who are from the UK wanting to go to NXT UK because it’s closer to home and it seems Gallagher might be one of those people. He’d be an interesting addition to NXT UK.

Joseph Conners: I’m going to be honest, Conners gives me the weirds, that might be the point, but I just want to put that out there. I am intrigued by the feud between him and Ligero and Conners claiming that the win was a fluke.

Grizzled Young Veterans: I really liked this segment. GYV have fully embraced being ‘No F**ks Given’ heels and that makes it fun to watch. The potential feud with Lorcan and Burch promises to be a brutal one but hopefully it’ll be more than just a slugfest because both teams are capable of doing it.

Toni Storm vs Rhea Ripley: This was my favorite match this week! Storm and Ripley tell such an amazing story in the ring and this was definitely that. Storm still has trouble making her opponent look like a threat without making herself look stupid, but that’s improving, thank God. I’m thankful that Storm retained, but there really isn’t anyone to step up right now except Ripley.

NXT

Aleister Black vs Roderick Strong: If his dominant performances on RAW and SmackDown weren’t a sign that WWE is high on Aleister Black, his amazing match against Undisputed Era’s Roderick Strong solidified it. Black and Strong had a great match but it’s clear that Black is being groomed for big things after he managed to get a win over Strong. I also appreciate the ongoing storyline of Black and Ricochet being aligned against the Undisupted Era.

Four Horsewomen: I honestly didn’t get this segment. Did Baszler and company honestly think a room full of professional wrestlers and/or athletes were really going to be intimidated by her and her friends? It just made her look insecure and petty.

Bianca Belair: I believe I’ve said before that I’m not a fan of Belair, so I just rolled my eyes through her whiny, sore loser, promo. She’s no longer undefeated and Io Shirai won her opportunity to face Baszler fair and square.

Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic: I’m SUPER excited that they’re bringing this back, I don’t remember if they did one last year or who won, but this is always an enjoyable tournament and the names picked are really good.

Mia Yim vs Xia-Li: This was SUCH a good match. Xia Li has improved since her first appearance in the first Mae Young Classic. I’m a huge fan of Mia Yim and I was glad to FINALLY see her get a win since WWE’s booking of her has been questionable, in my opinion. I hated the Four Horsewomen running into another match that didn’t concern them, but I love Yim basically telling Baszler to f**k off, can’t wait for that match.

Candice LeRae, Johnny Gargano, and Tommaso Ciampa: This was a fun little segment that seemed to build on Gargano and Ciampa being friends again, whether Candice likes it or not. I wish they’d find something for Candice to do other than playing the concerned wife.

Matt Riddle: I’m not going to lie, I can’t stand Matt Riddle, so I barely paid attention to what he had to say. I don’t think Ohno’s gone, or done with NXT, but we’ll have to see.

Johnny Gargano vs Velveteen Dream: This was a very good main event for NXT. Gargano and Dream are really good together in the ring. That said, I’m very disappointed that Gargano’s first singles title run was so short, I don’t think Ricochet even got a rematch. Also, Ciampa’s involvement was interesting. It’s looking more and more like the DIY reunion is just another mind game by Ciampa, but we’ll see.

Overall Thoughts: This was a really good week for WWE, all the shows put together solid matches and moved the stories along, and RAW and SmackDown only had one clunker a piece, which wasn’t bad. It’s clear that WWE is really playing it safe until after Fastlane when the WrestleMania build will really start, but this was a fun week.

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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