Opinion

WWE Week in Review: March 11-17, 2019

Tiffany let’s us know how the first week of WWE shows worked towards WrestleMania!

Published

6 years ago

March 18, 2019

TiffanyMC

Tiffany let’s us know how the first week of WWE shows worked towards WrestleMania!

RAW

The Shield: I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one that found the ‘Farewell Address’ of the Shield underwhelming. After seven years and seven title reigns between them, I think we were all hoping for a little more. However, the fact that Seth was basically pushed out of the Shield so he could face Lesnar was interesting because of the parallel with how the Shield ended in 2014.

Shelton Benjamin vs Seth Rollins is a match a lot of us have wanted to see, but I don’t think any of us envisioned Benjamin becoming a Paul Heyman guy to help Brock Lesnar. The match was great though and Seth stood tall, but the whole thing was kind of random, in my opinion.

The whole thing with Ambrose and McIntyre pissed me off so bad, I nearly threw my remote control. Dean taking on a match to help Roman, who still might not be fully ready for a singles match yet, but Dean basically getting his head kicked off twice, probably writing him off TV to finish his contract is BS. That’s not how you ‘reward’ a loyal employee that’s put up with seven years of aborted pushes, badly booked title reigns, and BS feuds to build up other talent. At least let him leave with his head held high, not getting destroyed in front of his wife.

Finn Balor vs Bobby Lashley: I’m not sure what WWE is doing with Finn Balor and the Intercontinental Championship but having him lose to Lashley was just stupid and the justification didn’t add up. Lashely knew that if Rush got pinned, he’d lose the title and agreed to it. Hopefully, this leads to Balor getting the title back at WrestleMania, but it’s just a weird situation to put the workhorse title in.

Ronda Rousey: Let’s have a round of applause for Dana Brooke for interrupting another painful Rousey rant and calling the Baddest Woman on the Planet on her arrogant BS. Yes, Dana got the s**t kicked out of her for it, but what she did took guts and I applaud her for it.

Aleister Black and Ricochet vs Bobby Roode and Chad Gable: After last week and the end of the Triple Threat match at Fastlane, it’s safe to say Unexpected Duo and the Glorious Alpha do NOT like each other. The result was a fantastic clash between two great teams and Black and Ricochet would pull out the win, but their victory was short lived when the Revival jumped them from behind. This is going to WrestleMania.

Moment of Bliss: After a brief absence, the always cringe-inducing Moment of Bliss returned and there was something major on the card: Who would be the host of WrestleMania. Turns out that the host of WrestleMania was none other than Alexa Bliss herself. Bliss didn’t miss the chance to gloat over her big moment, but what will she be doing as host of WrestleMania?

Braun Strowman: After their hair-raising encounter last week, no one would’ve blamed Colin Jost for not wanting anything to do with Braun Strowman ever again. However, the SNL star tried to patch things up with the Monster Among Men by sending him a lovely new car. Strowman’s response was destroy said car, which makes him the biggest heel in the world in my eyes.

Elias: I’m super over Elias but watching him beat up No Way Jose was fun. I’m not sure why that needed to happen, but it was at least something new.

Nia Jax vs Natalya: I think it’s safe to say that the women of WWE are over Lacey Evans interrupting them and I don’t blame them. I did loved the match between Nia and Nattie if only because of Beth Phoenix being back in the ring and the prospect of the Samoan Dynasty having a rivalry with the Divas of Doom. I wasn’t thrilled about Boss-Hug being included because I want Boss-Hug to feud with Trish and Lita at WrestleMania for the titles, but we’ll see.

Triple H and Batista: I said last week that Triple H spilled some major tea on Batista in his promo about their upcoming WrestleMania bout, but this week, both men spilled the tea and threw the teacups. That promo was amazing! I actually thought Triple H was going to make the match Hell in a Cell, but on further thought, I’m glad he didn’t because I’m not sure either man will be able to perform to that level again, especially Batista.

Kurt Angle: I was very sad to hear that Angle was retiring, but I was also a little relieved. I love Kurt Angle, but it’s clear that the Olympic Hero isn’t able to perform at the level we’re used to and it’s time to hang up the boots. I’m glad he’s having his last match at WrestleMania, I would’ve preferred him to go to Survivor Series and retire on his 20^th anniversary, but WrestleMania is the best place to end his career.

I loved the match with Apollo Crews and loved the respect between the two. Kurt got to have a victory in his hometown and Apollo got to wrestle one of his heroes. Not a bad way to spend the evening.

SmackDown

Shane McMahon: Let’s admit it, the McMahons are much better at being heels than they are at being faces, but Shane did a good job for the last three years. That said, him returning to being a heel was very satisfying and a little creepy. Also, I’m waiting for the day when the ring announcers, commentators, and backstage interviewers get sick of being pushed around and just slug one of the wrestlers. I’m not surprised that Miz/Shane will happen at WrestleMania, but it doesn’t really feel like a can’t miss match.

Aleister Black, Ricochet, and the Hardyz vs The Bar, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Rusev: This match was fantastic. I’m glad the Hardy Boyz are back, but the real story about this match was New Day. I’m not a New Day fan, mostly because I find their antics annoying, but if they showed their serious sides more often and did stuff like they did to the four teams in this match, I’d like them a whole lot more.

Usos: I have only one thing to say about this promo: GIVE ME USOS VS HARDYZ AT WRESTLEMANIA!!!!!!

Randy Orton and AJ Styles: This was a good promo, but I’m not super feeling this feud. Styles was a champion and top guy in his company when Randy Orton was barely getting started in wrestling. I’m also not feeling Orton looking down on indy wrestlers when he’s spent his whole career in WWE. Also, after losing to Jinder Mahal, Orton has no business mocking anyone’s career, but this is going to WrestleMania, so there’s that.

Asuka vs Sonya Deville: Asuka still doesn’t have an opponent for WrestleMania, but it looks like Fire and Desire are seriously on the outs with each other. Mandy basically left Sonya to her fate, then walked away without apologizing, so this might be a Mania match, but it’s hard to say at this point.

IIconics: I’m going to be honest, I find the IIconics annoying, but they have a solid case to complain about Boss-Hug Connection. WWE said that the Women’s Tag Titles would be defended on all of the brands with a Women’s Division, but so far, Sasha and Bayley have only showed up in NXT and have only defended the titles once. Hopefully, WWE will fix that soon.

Becky Lynch: WWE finally as their RAW Women’s Championship Match settled, now they have to keep the momentum up. Charlotte and Becky did a great job on Tuesday, but I still think Charlotte would be better used against Asuka than in the RAW Women’s Championship Match.

R-Truth and Rey Mysterio vs Samoa Joe and Andrade Almas: I’m getting tired of this match. Let R-Truth have his one-on-one rematch and get it over with. Mysterio pinning Joe, thus putting him in line for the one title he never had was nice, but I’m over this rivalry.

Kevin Owens and Mustafa Ali vs Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan: This was a good match to bookend Sunday’s Triple Threat while leaving room, but ROWAN pinning means that the door is still open for Owens and Ali to stay in the title picture.

Vince McMahon and the New Day: I was honestly hoping that New Day would beat the living hell out of Vince, but that wasn’t to be. However, that promo was AMAZING on both sides. I’m not sure if Kofi will win the gauntlet match next week, but it promises to be amazing.

205 Live

Number 1 Contender Tournament Promos: The promos were good, but pretty standard fare. Everyone hit their talking points, while actually acknowledging each other as good athletes, except for Gulak who sees everyone as inferior to himself.

Lorcan’s promo was interesting because he doesn’t have a history with anyone in the tournament, but he still managed to seem like a viable contender for the title.

Buddy Murphy: Murphy was supposed to be smug in this promo, but he also seemed a little bored, but that may have just been part of the gimmick since he put down everyone in the tournament as not really worthy of his time.

Cedric Alexander vs Oney Lorcan: I like Cedric Alexander, I really do, but I was disappointed that he won. For a show that’s supposedly all about everyone getting opportunities, Alexander seems to be the only one getting most of the shots at the title. It was a great match and Lorcan seems to be finding his feet in the Cruiserweight Division, but I wish the outcome had been different.

Drake Maverick’s Office: I love the new attitude of Mike Kanellis. I’m not crazy about Maverick threatening to fire Kanellis if he keeps losing, when he’s barely been booked on 205 to start with and there are other superstars with a worse win/loss record. Very intrigued by who Kanellis will face next week.

Ariya Daivari: I actually think Maverick might put Kanellis with Daivari next week, if the goal is turning Kanellis face. Daivari also has reasons to gripe about his treatment, so we’ll see what happens.

Tony Nese vs Drew Gulak: This match is where the tournament got interesting because Nese and Murphy are supposed to be BFFs, but Nese is one match away from going to WrestleMania. It was a good match, but I’m genuinely surprised that Gulak lost.

NXT UK

Flash Morgan Webster vs Wolfgang: There was nothing really surprising about this match, except that Webster managed to get in some offense before being crushed by Wolfgang. It makes you wonder if Wolfie is getting tired of Gallus.

Kassius Ohno: Well, I guess we know where Ohno landed after leaving NXT. I’m not really sure if he’s going to fare any better in NXT UK, but it’ll be an interesting ride.

Kenny Williams and Amir Jordan vs Tyson T-Bone and Saxton Huxley: Williams and Jordan are back and even more exciting is that they won a tough match against Tyson T-Bone and Saxton Huxley, two very tough customers. Looks like the Lucky Bad Boys have finally managed to sync up with each other.

Jinny: I’ve repeatedly expressed my view on Jinny and this interview didn’t do anything to change that. Her being mad that Toni wasn’t available was just…ugh. I hope they hurry up with this feud so we can move on.

Eddie Dennis: The Headmaster from Hell is returning next week and his first…student is going to be Ligero. I was surprised that Dennis respects Ligero, especially since he doesn’t seem respect anyone. I can’t wait to see that match.

Noam Dar: It looks like Dar is going to be hanging his hat in NXT UK now. I like that he’s going to be heel and I like the idea of him and Mark Andrews feuding. Very happy with this all around.

Xia Brookside: I love Xia Brookside and I love that she and Ripley are going to be feuding, though how well it’ll go for her is another matter.

Kay Lee Ray vs Candy Floss: I loved this match! Poor Candy Floss got her clock cleaned, but it was still a great match! Can’t wait to see what KLR does in NXT.

Moustache Mountain: Bad dust puns aside, this was a really great promo from Moustache Mountain and I love how the ongoing story with GYV isn’t forgotten. I’m interested to see the Bate/Gibson match, if it happens.

Coffey Brothers vs Pete Dunne and WALTER: *Sigh* I’m over this. Just get on with the Dunne/Walter feud and get it over with because this build is boring me to death. The match was good, but I’m just bored with this feud and it hasn’t started yet.

NXT

Moustache Mountain vs Forgotten Sons: This was a classic match that was perfect for the Dusty Rhodes Classic! It was such a good match, that I even forgot to be disappointed that Moustache Mountain lost. It seems kind of silly to have this show and limit it to only NXT US.

Women’s #1 Contendership Match: I’ve made it clear how I feel about Bianca Belair, but this was a masterful way to make the Women’s Title a Fatal Four Way and possibly take the belt off Baszler without pinning her. I still wish Shirai had gotten the one on one she earned before this though instead of getting robbed of it because of Belair.

DIY vs Aleister Black and Ricochet: We all knew that the DIY reunion was likely to be a short one, but I don’t think we thought it would be that short or that the turn would go THAT way. Still seeing Gargano get the last laugh on Ciampa was great, even though this storyline has been put on hold…AGAIN…because Ciampa is injured. If there was ever a snakebit feud, it’s been Gargano vs Ciampa, but we’ll get there soon.

Overall Thought: The ramp up to WrestleMania begins! WWE is taking the brakes off and going full blast to get everything in place for the biggest show of the year. Every show was full of build for WrestleMania and it’s clear that everyone’s trying to make a case for being included in the Show of Shows.

My big gripe is with the handling of Ambrose’s possible departure, which seems more and more likely as the days go by. A man that has worked and carried a company on his back like Ambrose has should be given more of a send off than what he’s gotten. Hopefully, WWE will at least give him a WrestleMania moment before he leaves.

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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