Opinion
WWE Week in Review: March 11-17, 2019
Tiffany let’s us know how the first week of WWE shows worked towards WrestleMania!

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 20th 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
Chairshot Staff Picks: WrestleMania 41 Las Vegas
Time for The Chairshot personalities to put their money where their mouths are! WreslteMania 41 predictions from the “expert” staff at TheChairshot.com and Chairshot Radio Network.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Chairshot Staff Picks. And what better setting than WrestleMania for this article to return! This 41st edition has one of the most stacked rosters in WWE history. So, without further ado, let us get to the predictions and prognostications…
- AJ – The New Day
- Andrew – The New Day – No one seems to hold tag titles long anymore.
- Dave – The New Day – They have earned it.
- DJ – The New Day – Feel tha Powah!
- DPP – War Raiders – Big E distraction.
- Jason – The New Day – We are not getting E in a working capacity though everyone wants it.
- Patrick – The New Day – WWE doesn’t care about this match, so why should I?
- Rey – The New Day – Its a New Day, bruh.
- Rob – The New Day – New Day rocks and wins!
- Greg – The New Day – New. Day wins. New. Day wins!
Tunney’s Take: War Machine – Yes, WAR MACHINE. I have personally had the pleasure of throwing back a few cold ones with these guys on more than one occasion. Not only being tag champs in WWE but defending the titles at Mania and against The New Day is really cool for me as a long-time fan. Would it be fun to see The New Day have another title run.. YES. I think it’s smarter to give the War Raiders a big Mania W.
Chairshot Pick: THE NEW DAY 9-2
- AJ – Jade Cargill
- Andrew – Jade Cargill – She needs to stay a dominant force.
- Dave – Jade Cargill – Gotta gear her up for the long term.
- DJ – No contest – Naomi puts another beat down on Jade.
- DPP – Jade Cargill – Nervous for how this match will go.
- Jason – Naomi – Way more runway with Naomi as a bad guy. Keep it going!
- Patrick – Jade Cargill – Jade gets her revenge.
- Rey – Jade Cargill – Best non-title feud going. Naomi should win but Jade sneaks by.
- Rob – Naomi – Naomi gets help to win.
- Greg – Jade Cargill – They ain’t beating Jade here.
Tunney’s Take: Jade Cargill – I imagine WWE sees Jade’s ceiling much higher than Naomi’s. What better way to keep Jade climbing the ladder towards a World Title than to pick up a decisive victory in Vegas!
Chairshot Pick: Jade Cargill 8-2-1
- AJ – Jacob Fatu – “AJ does a pretty good LA Knight impersonation” – PC Tunney
- Andrew – Jacob Fatu – I’m biased, Jacob for President.
- Dave – Jacob Fatu – Getting gold back in the Bloodline is smart.
- DJ – Jacob Fatu
- DPP – Jacob Fatu
- Jason – Jacob Fatu – Thanks for coming pal, YEAH!
- Patrick – Jacob Fatu
- Rey – Jacob Fatu – C’mon cuz! All gas no brakes with it. Yadadamean??
- Rob – LA Knight – Solo costs Jacob.
- Greg – LA Knight – Solo screws Jacob.
Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – It has been quite the journey for the Samoan Werewolf. I feel like that journey and the positive turn around it has taken deserves to be rewarded. Let’s see what Jacob can do on his own. Plus, LA Knight is ready to challenge for a World Title.
Chairshot Pick: Jacob Fatu 9-2
- AJ – Tiffany Straton
- Andrew – Tiffany Straton – I hate Charlotte Flair, no objectivity here.
- Dave – Charlotte Flair – Tiffy might be the future, but she kinda failed the litmus test.
- DJ – Charlotte Flair – The Queen crowns the freshman.
- DPP – Tiffany Stratton
- Jason – Charlotte Flair – Tiff wasn’t ready for this spot. Charnos is inevitable.
- Patrick – Charlotte Flair – Lol Charlotte wins.
- Rey – Charlotte Flair – Tiffany SHOULD win but, if Charlotte can squash, she will.
- Rob – Charlotte Flair – Charlotte gets number 15.
- Greg – Tiffany Stratton – Lol Charlotte wins. (Actually she doesn’t)
Tunney’s Take: Charlotte Flair – Charlotte needs the title for the first time in her career. Tiffy has had a nice run but now needs to take that all important step of not losing momentum after losing the title. Despite the drama and lackluster build here, I see a really good match coming this weekend from these two.
Chairshot Pick: Charlotte Flair 7-4
- AJ – El Grande Americano
- Andrew – El Grande Americano – I’d like to see Gable gain some momentum. Rey is Teflon.
- Dave – El Grand Americano – He needs a marque win much more than Rey.
- DJ – Rey Mysterio
- DPP – El Grande Americano – Grande wins with the switcheroo to prove he is not Gable.
- Jason – Rey Mysterio – Unmask Grande at the end. It is fun but has a shelf life.
- Patrick – El Grande Americano – TOTALLY NOT CHAD GABLE
- Rey – Rey Mysterio – Someone’s mask is coming off and it ain’t Rey.
- Rob – El Grande Americano
- Greg – Rey Mysterio – Hall of Famer wins but doesn’t take the mask.
Tunney’s Take: Rey Mysterio – Go listen to DWI 471. DP, Greg and I lay out exactly what this match should be, FUN! Multiple Americanos!!!
Chairshot Pick: El Grande Americano 6-5
- AJ – Jey Uso
- Andrew – Jey Uso – Kinda booked themselves into a corner here.
- Dave – Jey Uso – It just makes sense.
- DJ – Jey Uso – Jey YEETS all over The Ring Genreal.
- DPP – Jey Uso – Jey wins after normal Gunther beating.
- Jason – Jey Uso – Land the plane man. YEET
- Patrick – Jey Uso – Jey has earned this one.
- Rey – Jey Uso – YEEEEEEEEEEEET!
- Rob – Jey Uso – YEET
- Greg – Jey Uso – If Jey loses we riot. We don’t cause he wins.
Tunney’s Take: Jey Uso – ‘Til sweat drop down my balls, ‘Til all these bitches crawl, ‘Til all… YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chairshot Pick: Jey Uso 11-0
- AJ – Roman Reigns
- Andrew – Seth Rollins – I can see Rollins being the last piece of Team Rock.
- Dave – Roman Reigns – I can’t see Roman losing two years in a row.
- DJ – Seth Rollins – Paul Heyman is a Seth Freakin Rollins guy.
- DPP – Seth Rollins – The Rock helps Rollins.
- Jason – Roman Reigns – Seth’s favor is a red herring. Make-A-Wish Brooks got his main, now look at the lights.
- Patrick – Seth Rollins – Seth Rollins… Paul Heyman guy.
- Rey – Seth Rollins – I smeeeeellllllll a new soul to sell.
- Rob – Roman Reigns – Paul Heyman helps Roman win.
- Greg – Seth Rollins – Brock Lesnar returns to help Seth win.
Tunney’s Take: CM Punk – I really have no idea here. I picked Punk because nobody else did. This is going to be professional wrestling cinema at its finest. The story is thick and neatly woven. All the participants are legends and so are the potential party crashers. Will The Rock stick his nose in here? Will Brock Lesnar return to play a factor? Obviously, Paul Heyman has a Plan A… but what is it? All these questions and more will be answered Saturday as night 1 will definitely go out with a bang!
Chairshot Pick: Seth Rollins 6-4-1
- AJ – Iyo Sky
- Andrew – Iyo Sky – Rhea vs Bianca doesn’t need a belt to be compelling.
- Dave – Rhea Ripley – Going with Rhea barely, hoping Iyo wins.
- DJ – Iyo Sky – Unfinished business.
- DPP – Iyo Sky – Rhea and Bianca are too consumed with each other.
- Jason – Iyo Sky – More layers to Rhea/Bianca. Iyo rules.
- Patrick – Iyo Sky – Iyo stole the build and gets the win.
- Rey – Iyo Sky – Smart money is on the underdog champ.
- Rob – Iyo Sky – Iyo survives.
- Greg – Bianca Belair – Naomi helps Bianca win and turn heel.
Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – Rhea is the best women’s wrestler in the world. Give her the biggest win on the grandest stage of them all!!! Bianca needs to go full heel. Iyo has been amazing in this build.
Chairshot Pick: Iyo Sky 8-2-1
- AJ – Dominik Mysterio
- Andrew – Finn Balor – I can see a Judgement Day meltdown incoming.
- Dave – Bron Breakker – Bron is about to become a MegaStar.
- DJ – Bron Breakker – Judgement Day implodes.
- DPP – Dominik Mysterio – Finn take the pin.
- Jason – Penta – I literally do not care because the winner is us, the fans.
- Patrick – Bron Breakker – The WWE doesn’t care about this matchup, so why should I?
- Rey – Dominik Mysterio – Only match without a clear winner. I choose chaos.
- Rob – Bron Breakker – Finn and Dom cancel each other out.
- Greg – Dominik Mysterio – Dom steals the pin from Bron, on Finn.
Tunney’s Take: Bron Breakker – The case can be made for any of these four to walk away with the most prestigious non-World title in pro wrestling history. The short of it is though that the Main Event picture isn’t really readily accessible for Breakker right now. Let this IC reign go through the summer, to SummerSlam.
Chairshot Pick: Bron Breakker 5-4-1-1
- AJ – Damian Priest – “AJ does a pretty good Drew impersonation” – PC Tunney
- Andrew – Drew McIntyre – Priest has not been interesting in this face incarnation.
- Dave – Drew McIntyre – Time for Drew to get that win back.
- DJ – Fuck finish – To be continued at Backlash.
- DPP – Drew McIntyre – Physical matchup!
- Jason – Drew McIntyre – Either one is fine here.
- Patrick – Drew McIntyre – With two eyes, Drew turns the tide.
- Rey – Drew McIntyre – Low key match of the weekend.
- Rob – Damien Priest
- Greg – Damien Priest – Priest wins, Drew tweets about it half hour later.
Tunney’s Take: Drew McIntyre – With the addition of the Street fight rules, these two behemoths have a really good chance to have one of the best matches of the entire weekend (winks at Rey Ca$h-A-Mania)! I do wonder what is next for both of these talents moving forward. Priest has staled since leaving the Judgement Day and Drew seems stuck in the same cycle for a while now. Very interested to see what the summer holds for this pair.
Chairshot Pick: Drew McIntyre 7-3-1
WHO WILL BE RANDY’S OPPONENT?!?
- AJ – Nick Aldis – Orton wins
- Andrew – Orton and Aldis vs Solo and Tama – Orton and Aldis win
- Dave – Someone is getting an RKO!
- DJ – A segment w/ the Wyatt s6cks.
- DPP – Rusev – Aldis introduces Rusev who defeats Orton.
- Jason – Nick Aldis – You got one more in ya, bubba. Aldis wins!
- Patrick – Nick Aldis
- Rey – Solo then Rusev – Solo in a squash and Rusev MATCHKA(wins)
- Rob – Nick Aldis – Aldis proves himself, Orton wins.
- Greg – Nick Aldis – Orton beats Aldis, they shake after.
Tunney’s Take: I would really love to see a singles match between Orton and Aldis. More likely this is some type of involvement with Solo and Tama. Rusev as a surprise challenger would be cool but, I feel that would be better left for RAW. An impromptu Goldberg retirement match would be crazy and fun, yet highly unlikely and illogical. Whatever happens, best believe exactly what Dave Ungar said, “Someone is getting an RKO!”.
- AJ – Logan Paul
- Andrew – AJ Styles – Logan doesn’t need the rub and should stay upper mid card.
- Dave – Logan Paul – It’s the smart move and would be a statement win for Paul.
- DJ – Logan Paul – Kross gets involved somewhere.
- DPP – AJ Styles – AJ wins a great high-flying match.
- Jason – AJ Styles – Just enjoy it or get a beer, nerds.
- Patrick – Logan Paul – Logan Paul will main-event Mania sooner than later…
- Rey – Logan Paul – Pass the torch, my wily vet.
- Rob – Logan Paul – Kross helps Paul win.
- Greg – AJ Styles – Styles wins after Paul’s cheating backfires.
Tunney’s Take: Logan Paul – Logan seems to really have dedicated himself to becoming great in this business. Anyone with that type of goal must have a World title on their mind. Beating AJ at Mania will be a great springboard for Logan into the Main Event sooner than later (winks at Patrick O’Dowd).
Chairshot Pick: Logan Paul 7-4
- AJ – Liv & Raquel
- Andrew – Liv & Raquel – Not really a fan of Lyra, she needs more work.
- Dave – Liv & Raquel – This Bayley and Lyra team makes no damn sense.
- DJ – Liv & Raquel – Bayley crashes out.
- DPP – Liv & Raquel – Bayley continues a potential heel turn tease.
- Jason – Bayley & Lyra – Finish the story!
- Patrick – Bayley & Lyra – The WWE doesn’t care about this matchup, so why should I?
- Rey – Liv and Raquel – Bayley want a title but it ain’t the ones in this match.
- Rob – Liv & Raquel – Champs retain.
- Greg – Liv & Raquel – Liv and Raquel retain thanks to Carlito and maybe JD.
Tunney’s Take: Liv & Raquel – Liv and Raquel need to be kept as the cornerstone of the women’s tag division for a lengthier period of time. Building tag teams in this division is difficult enough, let alone without a North Star.
Chairshot Pick: Liv & Raquel 9-2
- AJ – Cody Rhodes
- Andrew – Cody Rhodes – They are mentioning it so much, I don’t think 17 happens.
- Dave – Joh Cena – Record falls and we head to summer with a built-in storyline.
- DJ – John Cena – Some kind of Final Boss involvement.
- DPP – John Cena – Cena wins and retires on RAW.
- Jason – John Cena – Story’s over, “Captain” BIG MATCH JOHN.
- Patrick – John Cena – A record breaking night for Cena.
- Rey – John Cena – They’d be really stupid to turn John just to lose. (Post-Mania: Rock, Cena, T Scott, Seth & Drew, TEAM Corporate)
- Rob – Cody Rhodes – Cody surprises us with the W.
- Greg – Cody Rhodes – Cody wins to piss off Rock and set the table for Cena to turn back face. Crowd is behind Cena all the way through.
Tunney’s Take: Cody Rhodes – They had me until the threat of retirement. Been there. Done that. Didn’t fall in love with it back then. I love John Cena. I love this final run. John will get his 17th just not here. I expect nothing less than an absolute GEM of a match here to close WrestleMania 41. This has all been, is, and will continue to be about Cody Rhodes. WM40 defeats Roman Reigns. WM41 defeats John Cena. WM42 defeats The Rock (The Final Boss).
Chairshot Pick: John Cena 6-5
In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We wait all year for this so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!
- AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
- Andrew – @IWCWarChief
- Dave – @AttitudeAgg
- DJ – @TheMindlessPod
- DPP – @itsmeDPP
- Jason – @JediFett
- Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
- Rey – @itsreycash
- Rob – @rbonne1
- Greg – @gregdemarco44
- PC – @PCTunney
- TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia
For the latest, greatest and up to datest in coverage, opinions, and podcasts ALWAYS #UseYourHead and visit TheCharishot.com
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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY – Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY – POD is WAR
FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY – The Front and Center Sports Podcast / The Oddity… Keeping the news ridiculous!
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5
Chairshot Radio Network
Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts… Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Listen on your favorite platform!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Blog
DeMarco: Top 5 Non-Title WrestleMania Matches In WWE History
Not all WrestleMania classics had titles on the line. Dive into the top 5 non-title matches that stole the show & defined legacies. #WrestleMania #WWEHistory

Not all WrestleMania classics had titles on the line. Dive into the top 5 non-title matches that stole the show and defined legacies.
WrestleMania is the Showcase Of The Immortals, but it’s not always the championship matches that steal the show—or define careers. In fact, some of the most iconic, business-defining, and emotionally resonant contests at the Grandest Stage of Them All didn’t feature a title at all. These matches succeeded because of character work, in-ring execution, and the kind of storytelling that sells tickets and moves merch.
Here are the five best non-title matches in WrestleMania history—at least, according to me!
5. The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan – WrestleMania X8 (2002)
This was never going to be a five-star technical clinic—but it was always going to be the moment. “Icon vs. Icon” was a tagline, sure, but it was also the reality: the biggest star of the ‘80s vs. the biggest star of the Attitude Era. And Toronto turned it into magic. Hogan walked in a heel but walked out immortal (again), with the SkyDome shaking on every punch, every look, every gesture.
What made this work was its self-awareness. Rock and Hogan read the crowd and flipped roles mid-match—Rock became the arrogant aggressor while Hogan Hulked Up to thunderous applause. It’s not often a non-title match headlines a card emotionally the way this one did, but it dominated every headline and highlight reel.
4. Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart – WrestleMania X (1994)
Sibling rivalries don’t usually lead to technical masterpieces, but then again, this wasn’t your average family drama. Owen and Bret opened WrestleMania X with a wrestling clinic that stood tall over a night packed with title changes. Owen needed to prove he was more than Bret’s little brother, and he did it by out-wrestling the best wrestler in the company. Clean. One-two-three.
It wasn’t just a great match—it was perfect storytelling. Owen’s victory, contrasted with Bret’s later world title win, set the tone for an entire year of brother-vs-brother tension. Bret became champion, but Owen had the moral victory—and all the bragging rights. This is proof that opening matches can steal the show.
3. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 25 (2009)
If WrestleMania moments could be trademarked, this match would be the reason why. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels wasn’t about championships—it was about legacy. Michaels wanted to be the man who ended The Streak. The build was steeped in biblical imagery: light vs. dark, heaven vs. hell. And the match? Pure perfection. Each man brought everything they had—near-falls, psychology, reversals that had 70,000+ people gasping in unison.
It was 30 minutes of generational storytelling that transcended pro wrestling. And here’s the kicker—it wasn’t even the main event. Yet it dwarfed everything that followed. Meltzer gave it 4.75 stars, fans gave it their hearts, and WWE gave it a sequel the next year. A match so good it forced the company to run it back—because lightning actually struck.
Now, if THIS MATCH is #3, what could possible be #2 and #1…
2. Bret Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin – WrestleMania 13 (1997)
This wasn’t just a match—it was the turning point of an era. The Submission Match between Bret Hart and Steve Austin was as violent as it was poetic, with Ken Shamrock enforcing the rules and the Chicago crowd growing more frenzied by the second. The brilliance? The shift. Bret Hart, the traditionalist hero, grew darker and more self-righteous by the second, while the disrespectful anti-hero Austin refused to quit, even when drowning in his own blood. There was no title on the line, but the stakes felt bigger than gold.
The infamous double turn changed the business. Austin’s defiance turned him into the voice of a new generation of fans—blue collar, anti-authority, Attitude Era. Meanwhile, Bret would go on to lead the heel Hart Foundation. WWE didn’t need a championship to create a moment that catapulted Austin into superstardom and ignited the company’s hottest era. This match is business-first booking at its absolute best.
1. Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 21 (2005)
Dream matches often disappoint. This one didn’t. At WrestleMania 21, Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle went hold-for-hold and spot-for-spot with Mr. WrestleMania himself, and together they delivered a masterclass in in-ring psychology. Every sequence had stakes, every near-fall had meaning. It was a stylistic war: Michaels’ heart vs. Angle’s intensity.
Angle forcing Michaels to tap was a statement—it told fans that pure wrestling, not just spectacle, could still main-event caliber storytelling without any need for a title. Michaels sold the ankle lock like death, and Angle’s post-match collapse sold the moment as a hard-fought war. This is the kind of match that keeps purists up at night, smiling, and leaves the storytelling fans like myself as happy as can be!
10 Honorable Mentions (Not Honorable, Just For The Heck Of It)
-
Edge vs. Mick Foley – WrestleMania 22 (2006)
A hardcore war that solidified Edge as a top-tier main eventer. That flaming table spear is still played in every Edge highlight reel. -
AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon – WrestleMania 33 (2017)
Everyone expected smoke and mirrors—what they got was a surprisingly technical, high-energy opener that kicked off the show right. -
The Undertaker vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 28 (2012)
“End of an Era” wasn’t just a tagline. The Hell in a Cell match, with HBK as referee, was a brutal epilogue to a generation’s legacy. -
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho – WrestleMania XIX (2003)
A student-teacher battle of wills. Jericho’s low blow post-match was the perfect heel punctuation to a career-defining contest. -
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins – WrestleMania 31 (2015)
The greatest RKO of all time. That curb stomp reversal belongs in a museum. -
Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show – WrestleMania XXIV (2008)
More sports-entertainment than wrestling, but a crossover moment that made mainstream headlines and paid off with a great finish. -
Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis – WrestleMania III (1987)
A retirement match with big heat, a hot crowd, and Piper walking off into the sunset (for a minute). -
The Firefly Funhouse Match – John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt – WrestleMania 36 (2020)
Cinematic weirdness at its best. A meta masterstroke that broke Cena down in layers. -
Bad Bunny & Damian Priest vs. The Miz & John Morrison – WrestleMania 37 (2021)
Bad Bunny stunned everyone. He didn’t just belong—he elevated the show. -
Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio – WrestleMania 39 (2023)
Father vs. son in a grudge match that played perfectly off real-life drama and Hall of Fame weekend emotions.
Some of these matches shaped legacies. Others shifted eras. But all of them proved that the most memorable moments at WrestleMania don’t need a title—they just need truth in the storytelling and fire in the execution.
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!