Opinion

The Good, Bad and Ugly Fastlane 2019

On the way to WrestleMania, does Fastlane end up Good, Bad or Ugly?

Published

6 years ago

March 11, 2019

Bobby Fernandes

On the way to WrestleMania, does Fastlane end up Good, Bad or Ugly?

We are almost onto the Final push. Right now Fastlane is set up to be a Good night with a ton of action and possibly some major ramifications with a ton of Gold and Storylines at stake before WrestleMania is here.

Without question tonight will mean a lot; but will it be Good, Bad or Ugly?

GOOD

KickOff Show- Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev w/ Lana vs. New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods)

After Kofi Kingston got called in about the Championship Match later on, New Day faced off with Nakamura and Rusev. This is a decent Match with some really Good talent being put together. Rusev and Nakamura are two potentially top guys in the WWE and paired up hopefully will do something big. New Day Rocks, this is a fact and both Woods and Big E can do some Great things in the ring. This went as expected. Rusev and Nakamura beat down Woods and controlled the match early. It really is incredible how athletic Rusev is, he moves around like a much smaller guy but also is a pure powerhouse. Big E got that long awaited painstaking tag and didn’t waste a second wrecking everything in his path and oozing charisma. Big E went high impact and killed it but got cut off by Nakamura with a flurry of knees. Things got a little fishy but recovered. Again Nakamura and Rusev got control on Woods and almost had it won. However it was a huge “up up down down” for an impressive exciting New Day Victory!

Opening Match- WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship- The Uso’s (C) vs. McMiz

Miz is home and will turn it on. If he is going to have a successful night, this is the time. Opening Match and Hometown Pride filled the Cleveland Arena. Nothing quite feels as great as someone getting hometown love. Miz is not going to have to “heel” it up at home for a change also. The crowd was loud and appreciative and it felt Good. McMiz started off strong in full control everything looking clean and an extremely hot crowd. Jimmy Uso finally tagged in and took out Shane. The Heels spent a decent amount of time beating down the Shane O’ Mac. It was all to set up the big moment for the hero. The Miz gets the long awaited hot tag. Miz looked to take it away but with a miscue by the referee missed a huge opportunity. Again Uso’s looked to take control but The Miz would not quit. The “Coast to Coast” interception of the massive “Samoan Splash” was insane and blew the roof off. The Miz got his amazing “frog splash” blocked and rolled up. The Uso’s retain in a very Good, successful title defense. Then, it happened. Shane McMahon brutally attacked The Miz in a “shocking” heel turn. To do it in a place like Miz’s town that was a Good decision and genius way to get this popping off. Shane was straight stiff on the “A Lister.” Even assaulting Miz’s Father at Ringside. This got a little too much after a while but the overall effect was felt. Good job all around!

Elias/Elias Part II/Part III

Elias got to sing in the City that Rocks, and got to piss off the Cleveland crowd with insults making fun of Miz and his Dad. Cheap heat even bringing up Lebron James. That was that, nothing else even happened.

More cheap heat, more entertainment. It really works for him. He has this fantastic way of getting unreal heat for doing textbook gimmicks. Good again.

Breaking it all down and heeling it up again, even pulling Becky Lynch into his act. Again Elias has the heat and brings it at all times. Elias then shot himself in the leg because he strangely was uninterrupted. Elias went on a tirade about how bad OH is. Even more strange, the South Carolina precious flower, Lacey Evans didher sexy, sophisticated cat walk. No one complained. “RKO” outta no-where! Orton gets Elias, AJ Styles then flattens Orton. Whatever is to come of this, will be Good! Point taken.

WWE Raw Tag Team Championships Match- The Revival (C) vs. Aleister Black and Ricochet vs. Roode and Gable

So much potential here, this looks to be a damn Good match. As expected Black and Ricochet started off hot but Ricochet got isolated by the Champs. Even getting beat up, Ricochet puts up a fight and makes it look Good. Aleister Black shined and put in some amazing work with Roode and Gable. Ricochet almost stole it with a “shooting star press” after Wilder hit a sick splash on Gable. The action then went all over and ended with a disgusting “hurricanrana” by Ricochet to Dawson to the outside spilling everyone down on the outside. Again it was anyone’s game, until The Revival hit a “shatter machine” for the Victory, retaining the Tag Team Championships! Then all hell broke loose everyone beating the hell out of each other. Ricochet and Aleister Black are the last men standing, but it was Revival who wins this Good Match.

Fatal 4-Way- United States Championship Match- Samoa Joe (C) vs. R-Truth vs Andrade w/ Zelina Vega vs. Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio is a dynamo and a major part of some of the very best of Professional Wrestling history. Andrade has already made a huge name for himself and rightfully so, as he and his always fabulous Zelina Vega have become quite the treat for the audience. It comes as no surprise that this was an airshow. We saw precision and cut throat high flying insanity. Samoa Joe the Champ fit right in with the high flyers quite nicely. This was one crazy, action packed match. It took a certain amount of cooperation to take out Joe but it was always short lived as this was an every man for himself, non-stop battle. Samoa Joe took some hits but dominated a large part of the title defense. Although any of these guys would be an awesome U.S. Champ, it was Samoa Joe who locked a “Coquina Clutch” on Mysterio for the Win! Samoa Joe and the crew kicked major ass in this one dominating the show! Samoa Joe retains! Fantastic Match!

WWE Championship Match- Daniel Bryan (C) w/ Rowan vs. Kevin Owens vs. Kofi Kingston Mustafa Ali

Yes! Kofi gets his moment! This is what we all wanted! Only he isn’t. Mustafa Ali disappointingly made his way out to a stunned crowd. This is a joke really. However this match has some major talent and could be incredible. K.O. and Ali had some great chemistry and of course this was action packed. Unfortunately the shot in the gut regarding Kofi Kingston stung and took away from the match. It really does suck that he isn’t working this match too. This was high risk, Ali especially took some serious bumps. Like all of the matches this could have gone to any of the three competitors. So much back and forth and jocking for position. We saw a Spanish fly off the top and a sick number of other crazy spots. Ali missed his “054” K.O. had the match won but got broken up. K.O had a couple of close calls and could taste the Championship! Ali later hit a “450” on the Champ on the apron, but Rowan saved Bryan. Rowan then took advantage but was neutralized. Surprisingly in this no-DQ Rowan took an incredibly long time to get involved. It was between Bryan and Ali and Daniel Bryan out did him. Daniel Bryan retains! Good, solid match. Not perfect but Good.

Charlotte vs. Becky Lynch (Lynch Gets spot on WM 35 Match)

A hobbling Becky Lynch came out to an appreciative ravenous crowd. She is a one legged “Man” in a “Lass Kicking” contest. The constant loud trash talking was a bit much but very “Flair-like” of Charlotte. Flair looked Great in there just twisting and punishing Lynch. They have worked each other so many times and know each other so well. The trend continued with Flair pouncing and Lynch hitting little spurts of hope. Lynch got Flair in the Disarmer but was turned into a “figure 8.” Rousey ran in and attacked Beck Lynch, causing Charlotte to be disqualified. Becky Lynch Wins and will be at WrestleMania! Great writing!

Main Event- The Shield vs. Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre

Michael Cole mentioned it, Ambrose is leaving and this may be one of his final Shield moments in history. This should be a huge, physical, red hot match. The Heel crew beat down the Shield Brothers and The Shield gave it right back to them. It was back and forth lots of power moves and lots of action. Main Event, slower, bigger pace. Roman Reigns “The Big Dog” front and center. McIntyre and Reigns were especially entertaining as a precursor to bigger things to come down the road. Bobby Lashley also just demands attention as he is a beast with major authority. Even Corbin held his own. Ambrose desperately needed to make the tag. In came “The Big Dog!” Reigns cleaned house, the crowd was hot, and it all clicked. The action was all over the place, and the wooden basketball court made for a great landscape. The Shield would not be denied no matter how much punishment it takes. “Shield Bomb” for McIntyre through the announce table. The Shield savored the moment. Corbin was next, dismantled by the Hounds. Seth Rollins straight dropping F-Bombs that had to be blocked. Another “Shield Powerbomb” Shield Wins!

BAD

WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship- Asuka (C) vs. Mandy Rose

Most don’t think that Mandy has a shot here and they are probably correct. Asuka seemed to play around with Mandy early on like always with precise offense. Sonya Deville did her part trying to help her friend and gave her an advantage at the least. This was not a Good match however. Mandy was not at her best, or maybe unfortunately she was? This was not Good unless it was Asuka who is Great. BotchaMania filled the air with this one too many times. In the most anti-climatic of fashions, Mandy slipped on the apron due to Sonya Deville, Asuka capitalized and got the Win! Asuka retains with a brutal kick to the head. To add to the ugliness Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville now have obvious public heat. Gross!

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship- Bayley and Sasha Banks (C) vs. Tamina Snuka and Nia Jax

Nice to see Beth Phoenix getting some more time. Sasha Banks and Bayley are awesome, it is just a shame that they aren’t feuding with Kairi and Io instead of these two. Tamina and Nia are pretty Bad sometimes and are certainly hurting the show more than helping. Frequent tags, the Challengers kept everyone’s favorite “hugger” down. Jax and Snuka clicked and kept control. Of course we had a botch as they started doing too much. Nia Jax caught her and fell awkward but moving right on. Bayley and Banks looked outstanding at times especially Bayley. This wasn’t all Good though, it was rough as is the calling card of Tamina and Jax. Although nothing unforgivable this wasn’t Good, Bayley gets a sick pin. Boss N Hug Retain! Then get jumped and beat down by the Challengers. Sore losers and all the after action looked better than the match. A shame. This could and should have been better. Hopefully we can get someone going for the titles. Please Wrestling Gods! Yes we saw Beth Phoenix get involved and it was okay, but hopefully it will be against Jax and not Tamina. Natalya for the “save” but was also just smashed down by the large duo. No Good still, only Bad.

UGLY

Handicap Match- The Bar vs. Kofi Kingston

This was a shocking moment and Kofi Kingston is living in a Pro Wrestling nightmare. The Bar wrestling at the same time virtually ready to kill Kofi Kingston. This was of course a McMahon heel twist but still so weird. Kofi made it all come together and looked Good. No one could Win this match against The Bar, it isn’t possible, this was just a punishment. This mugging was over the top and senseless. Repetitive beating and Kofi was done. The Bar Wins! Woods and Big E just had enough and ran in but Rusev and Nakamura made short work of them also.

FINAL

Good- 8

Bad- 2

Ugly- 1

Overall

With little to no mud on their face, WWE had a GOOD show here. We saw a very talented roster shine and do what they do best. This wasn’t a perfect show but it was damn Good.

WrestleMania is the next Big One, well after NXT Takeover of course. Let us not forget that the best time of year to be a wrestling fan is right now! Get those shirts out, the parties planned and troll away! Tis the season! Catch you after Raw for more Good, Bad and Ugly only on thechairshot.com

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Top 5 Matches: Week Ending 3/10/2019

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(NOAH) WEEKLY NEWSLETTER VOL.26 ~ 10TH MARCH 2019

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

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Published

5 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