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

7 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

DeMarco: Eric Bischoff, Vince Russo, or Jim Cornette?

Greg DeMarco evaluates a $10 million dollar question (literally) – who would you choose if you were starting a new wrestling company?

Published

2 weeks ago

November 21, 2025

Greg DeMarco

Greg DeMarco evaluates a $10 million dollar question (literally) – who would you choose if you were starting a new wrestling company?

Social media has flipped the script on pro wrestling. The fans have more power than ever before—booking is done in real time, buzz is built or buried in seconds, and no one waits until Monday to cut a promo anymore.

Social media is also a place where ideas are shared and discussion takes place. The basis for this article was a question posted on social media, using this image:

It’s the Ten Million Dollar Question: If you are handed $10 million to start a wrestling company, and you have to pick one of the following as your partner, who do you pick? Eric Bischoff, Vince Russo, or Jim Cornette.

Ten Million Dollars?

Ten million dollars sounds like a lot—until you start pricing out weekly production, talent contracts, live event logistics, licensing, digital, and TV. That money will go fast when you realize you’re competing with billion-dollar conglomerates that can lose money just to win the culture war. To truly break through in today’s wrestling economy, $10 million is your entry fee, not your war chest.

You do have options, such as Roku TV (similar to the NWA), YouTube, and more. This should ABSOLUTELY factor into your decision–distribution is key. And all three options do have some connection, and that needs to be considered.

You already know the options…

You’re reading this article, so you already know all about Eric Bischoff, Vince Russo, and Jim Cornette.

Eric Bischoff broke all the rules—and made it work. He launched Monday Nitro, flipped the industry upside down with the nWo, and forced Vince McMahon to innovate. Bischoff turned WCW into a legit number one brand and changed the entire TV presentation of wrestling forever. Without him, do we have the Attitude Era? There’s no way to be certain.

Vince Russo brought the chaos—and a whole lot of ratings. He gave us Crash TV, blurred the lines between fiction and reality, and wasn’t afraid to throw the whole format into a blender. While the long-term storytelling often suffered, the shock factor he brought drove eyeballs and made every segment feel like “can’t miss” television. But you can argue that, without Eric Bischoff, there’s no Vince Russo.

Jim Cornette is wrestling tradition personified. He’s protected the business with his life, shaped generations of talent behind the scenes, and built up territories when no one else could. Cornette’s strength lies in his psychology, heat-building, and his unapologetic belief in what wrestling should be—even when the industry moves past it. Does that play if you’re starting a brand new company in 2025? In my opinion, the jury is still out.

But who do you choose?

To be fair, you can’t just pick someone and go. You need to pick someone who aligns with your vision.

If you’re trying to focus on “old school” and nostalgia, Jim Cornette is your guy.
If you plan to build on shock value, your product going viral, and outlandish reactions, you pick Vince Russo.
If you think distribution is important, and need to get your product out there, you choose Eric Bischoff.

For me? I am a business guy. It’s called “the wrestling business,” and your $10 million investment needs to see a return.

I choose Eric Bischoff.

Many of you will scoff at this, thinking Jim Cornette was the right choice. He has a brilliant mind, and he has a following to help get you started. Hell, its enough for me to second-guess myself. Cornette is a close second. Vince Russo? Not a fan in this scenario.

But my perspective is different. I am a wresting promoter–I book and promote successful wrestling events. Our biggest weakness? Distribution. Among the three options, Eric Bischoff is far stronger.

How do you leverage Eric Bischoff?

Remember how the table was set – you’re given $10 million dollars to start a wrestling company. THAT is the hook. To me, that sounds like two things: a wrestling promotion AND a reality show. Even if the wrestling portion is on a streaming platform, or our own distribution like YouTube–the behind the scenes content is what Eric can start shopping. That can give us more resources in terms of budget and production. He also has the connection to Conrad Thompson, which helps with the online community.

If Bischoff gets us a distribution deal, even if it’s for the reality show portion, we have more budget for talent. Two people I can hire? Jim Cornette and Vince Russo. They are reality show GOLD.

Do I have to pay Eric Bischoff? Sure, but he’s not a “salary guy.” You want to motivate Eric Bischoff to perform, appeal to his competitive side. Give him a piece of the business–when the business grows, so does his piece. That’s one of the biggest advantages to having the former head of WCW.

Welcome to the team, Eric! Now let’s to get ourselves a deal!

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

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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!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s WWE SummerSlam 2025 Preview, Betting Odds, & Predictions

Are you ready for WWE SummerSlam? Greg DeMarco makes sure are with his official preview & predictions!

Published

4 months ago

August 2, 2025

Greg DeMarco

Are you ready for WWE SummerSlam? Greg DeMarco makes sure are with his official preview & predictions!

August 2–3, 2025 • MetLife Stadium

WWE is turning SummerSlam into the biggest blockbuster of the summer with a two‑night extravaganza, packing in title bouts, and celebrity surprise appearances. Let’s dive into the matches, the action that led us here, and the betting lines that tell us who the bookies think bets on.

And of course, the pièce de résistance, my predictions done in true form: Who Should Win? Who Will Win?

And as an added bonus, PC Tunney has sent along his picks, which will be included with each match!

WWE SummerSlam 2025 – Night 1 – Saturday, August 2

World Heavyweight Championship – CM Punk vs. Gunther (c)

Odds: CM Punk (−180), Gunther (+140)
Punk is favored at about a 64% win probability

Punk earned his shot in a gauntlet match, but remember that he came in last to beat a man in Bron Breakker who came in first. Regardless, the tension has been simmering ever since. Gunther’s technical dominance will test Punk’s recklessness, making this a high-stakes and high strikes match. Expect close calls, but if Punk pulls this off, he reestablishes himself at the very top of WWE’s hierarchy (although he doesn’t need it).

Who Should Win: Gunther
Who Will Win: Gunther

Look, I know CM Punk is the sentimental pick to win, but Gunther NEEDS to win here. Otherwise, what is he? Gunther is the type of wrestler whose character thrives on wins and losses, whereas CM Punk is a made guy.

PC Tunney’s pick: “CM Punk – If Seth isn’t hurt we likely see a cash in. I’ll stick with he’s hurt and Punk captures gold.”

Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed

Odds: Reigns & Uso (−1500), Breakker & Reed (+600)
Roman & Jey are favored at about a 94% win probability

The Bloodline team is an iron-clad force, backed by legacy and brutal efficiency. Breakker and Reed bring raw power and youthful fury, aiming to shock the world. This will hinge on teamwork vs. dominance—do the underdogs coordinate enough to upset the odds? The wildcard in all of this is the WWE’s efforts to build Heyman’s duo, and establish Bron Breakker as a leader, and a star for the new generation. Does that swing the booking? I think it might.

Who Should Win: Roman Reigns & Jey Uso
Who Will Win: Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed

Given the betting odds, it might actually be worth dropping a few bucks on this one (I won’t). I don’t think Seth Rollins appears here, but might we see a new member? I think we could. As far as my pick of Breakker & Reed, I’ll go a step further: Bron Breakker pins Roman Reigns. It won’t be clean, but it’ll be forever etched in history.

PC Tunney’s pick: “Roman & Jey – I don’t see Roman losing much.”

Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul

Odds: Orton & Jelly Roll (−500), McIntyre & Paul (+300)
Randy Orton & Jelly Roll are favored at about an 83% win probability

Jelly Roll’s wrestling debut has added real unpredictability, while Orton’s veteran savvy balances McIntyre’s muscle and Paul’s sheen. Expect social‑media chaos with a strong element of violencem This match plays to spectacle far more than to wrestling acumen.

Who Should Win: Randy Orton & Jelly Roll
Who Will Win: Randy Orton & Jelly Roll

Don’t overthink this one. Play it safe, go with the babyface celebrity.

PC Tunney’s pick: Orton & Jelly Roll – RK… Roll

WWE Women’s Championship – Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill

Odds: Jade Cargill (−600), Tiffany Stratton (+350)
Jade is favored at about an 86% win probability

Cargill has steamrolled challengers on her way to this pinnacle moment, while Stratton has proven she can hang with the elite (get it?). Will Stratton’s athleticism and swagger crack Cargill’s aura—or will Jade’s debutante dominance silence the critics?

Who Should Win: Tiffany Stratton
Who Will Win: Tiffany Stratton

I’m probably stupid, but I don’t think we’re done with Tiffany Stratton as WWE Women’s Champion just yet. Maybe Bianca Belair costs Jade, maybe it’s someone else.

Actually, I’m positive I’m wrong.

PC Tunney’s pick: Jade Cargill – Time to see what Jade’s got!

See, even Tunney knows that I’m wrong!

The Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez) (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss – WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship

Odds: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss (–400), Judgment Day (+400)

Charlotte & Alexa are an 88% favorite to win here

Rodriguez and Perez have held the titles well through their title defenses, but Charlotte and Alexa bring star power, chemistry and a storyline deeply rooted in reluctant alliances. If Flair & Bliss click at the right moment, they could steamroll Judgment Day’s dominance. But if the champions have hidden synergy? This could be their breakout moment.

Who Should Win: Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez
Who Will Win: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss

It makes WAY more sense for Roxanne & Raquel to retain, but the star power and fan-pleasing title change has to be hard for WWE to pass up. That’s okay, The Judgment Day duo can regain the titles in a TV match that leads to the inevitable split for Flair and Bliss.

PC Tunney’s pick: Charlotte & Alexa – I want to see this happen, I really want to lol

I have no clue why!

Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross – Singles Match

Odds: Sami Zayn (–250), Karrion Kross (+180)
Zayn is favored with a 71% win percentage.

Zayn’s momentum has been on a roller coaster ride for, well basically his entire WWE career. Fueled by emotional storytelling and that Helluva Kick finishing move he’s perfected over years. Kross is the physical menace—the kind of throwback monster heel who wants to bury Zayn’s momentum once and for all.

Who Should Win: Sami Zayn
Who Will Win: Sami Zayn

Based on everything I say, you’d think I wasn’t a Karrion Kross fan…when in actuality I’m a huge fan of the performer. But the character stinks, in my opinion, anyway. He’s a legitimate bad ass, and should be featured as one. Sami Zayn, on the other hand, is beloved by many, and should be headed to a mega push on The Road To WrestleMania 42. And a win here only makes sense.

PC Tunney’s pick: Karrion Kross – “Kross was right.”

WWE SummerSlam 2025 – Night 2 – Sunday, August 3

Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship – John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes

Odds: Cody Rhodes (−300), John Cena (+200)
Cody expected to regain the WWE’s top title at a win probability of 75%

This is the culmination of years: WrestleMania rematch, street fight rules, and Cena’s impending WWE retirement looming. Cody is favored to reclaim the title, but Cena’s legacy and weaponized veteran instincts make this a volatile rematch. But it IS A rematch. Does Cody’s movie role have any impact on the booking? Recent WWE direction tells me no.

Who Should Win: John Cena
Who Will Win: Cody Rhodes

Seth Rollins cashing in on John Cena (after he wins) here would be golden, but I’m not betting on it. Instead, go with what we know: LOLCODYWINS.

PC Tunney’s pick: Seth Rollins – Another heist of epic proportions!!!

Hell yeah, Tunney. Hell yeah.

Intercontinental Championship – AJ Styles vs. Dominik Mysterio (c)

Odds: Dominik (−200), Styles (+150)
Mysterio expected to retain at 67%

Styles brings experience, speed and flash, but Dominik has equally mastered psychological warfare and home‑field advantage. Expect a tactical back‑and‑forth, with Dominik banking on interference and lineage to stay gold.

Who Should Win: AJ Styles
Who Will Win: Dominik Mysterio

I love the idea of Dominik Mysterio winning the AAA Mega Championship at TripleMania, and carrying that belt both in Mexico and on WWE Monday Night Raw. And I think that does happen. So why does he need the Intercontinental Championship if that’s the direction?

He doesn’t. But WWE likely wants to see him draped in gold, and having him hold both accomplishes just that.

PC Tunney’s pick: Dominik Mysterio – Looking forward to this match most. These two should steal night two.

Triple Threat Match for the Women’s World Championship – Naomi (c) vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky

Odds: Naomi (−1500), Rhea Ripley (+400), Iyo Sky (+750)
Naomi is a ….94% favorite to win? Seems crazy!

Naomi’s cash‑in and reign have been meteoric, but Sky and Ripley are hungry competitors who revitalized the division. This triple threat has finishers flying every which way—can Naomi dodge chaos and retain against the charging challengers? Or Ripley simply too popular to keep the title off of?

Who Should Win: Naomi
Who Will Win: Rhea Ripley

In an ideal world, this match closes Night 1. Of course, that ain’t happening, as it sits on the card for Night 2. It makes ZERO sense to take the belt off of Naomi so fast, but I think we are going to start seeing LOLRHEAWINS become a thing very soon.

PC Tunney’s pick: Naomi – Why cash in just to lose so soon?

Steel Cage Match for the United States Championship – Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu

Odds: Solo Sikoa (−140), Jacob Fatu (+100)
Solo Sikoa sits as a 58.3% favorite to retain, the closest match odds of the weekend.

This grudge match in a cage is about revenge, incarceration-style brutality, and salvaging legacy. Fatu’s unpredictability (and recent arrest angle) ups the danger—so does Solo’s Bloodline backing and cunning brutality. The steel cage isn’t only meant to keep people out, it’s meant to be a weapon.

Which is good, because you know it ain’t keeping people out.

Who Should Win: Soli Sikoa
Who Will Win: Solo Sikoa

Jakob Fatu is meant for more than this program, and as we march into 2026, he will likely be headed down that road. But first, we need to see Solo and his MFTs victorious in a steel cage? Why? So they can ready San Diego, and the world, for the next chapter if Bloodline War Games!

PC Tunney’s pick: Solo Sikoa – Jacob should be moving on to bigger title scenes sooner than later.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship – Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria

Odds: Lyra Valkyria (−200), Becky Lynch (+150)
Valkyria favored to regain the title with a 66.7% edge

Becky is the veteran queen, Valkyria is the rising star hungry to dethrone her. Their recent matches have been technical showcases—this time divisional prestige, animosity and payback are dialing things even higher.

Who Should Win: Becky Lynch
Who Will Win: Lyra Valkyria

I am really torn on this one–at least on the “Who Will Win?” side. Personally, I don’t see the star power in Lyra that others do. Her promos still aren’t there, and let’s be honest. Is she all that much better than released stars like Dakota Kai and Shayna Baszler?

PC Tunney’s pick: Lyra Valkyria – Because Bayley.

TLC (Tables, Ladders, & Chairs) for the WWE Tag Team Championships – Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix vs. Fraxiom vs. DIY vs. Street Profits vs. Motor City Machine Guns

Odds: Andrade & Rey Fenix (+130 favorite, ~43.5%), Wyatt Sicks (+150), Fraxiom (+250), DIY (+500), Street Profits (+700), MCMG (+1000)
Andrade & Fenix are (surprisingly) at 43% favorite to win here.

This six‑team TLC match is WWE admitting a mistake by spotlighting its tag division now. Expect insanity—and the champions have to survive a flurry of stunts if they want to protect the belts at the elite level.

Who Should Win: The Wyatt Sicks
Who Will Win: The Wyatt Sicks

There really is no reason to move the tag titles here… instead this is all about spectacle. This match likely opens up Night 2, and it will deliver. But I see no reason why Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis won’t retain.

PC Tunney’s pick: Street Profits – This match should be a highlight of the weekend.

Final Thoughts for WWE SummerSlam 2025

SummerSlam 2025 is shaping up as a historic two-night WWE spectacle where legacy meets fresh blood, celebrity meets spectacle, and titles are on the line in every direction. The odds give us a blueprint of what the bookies believe—but wrestling is scripted to take us on a roller coaster ride of surprises. Let’s sit back and enjoy the ride!