Opinion

Week In Review: April 8-17, 2019

WrestleMania fallout! How did this WWE week set up the Superstar Shakeup and the beginnings of how we get to WrestleMania 36?

Published

6 years ago

April 15, 2019

TiffanyMC

WrestleMania fallout! How did this WWE week set up the Superstar Shakeup and the beginnings of how we get to WrestleMania 36?

RAW

Seth Rollins: The new Age of Rollins opened with a bang. It’s so great to have a full-time top champion to give RAW direction. I was actually intrigued by the idea of a Title for Title match, but I think most of us knew that the match was going to have to have a non-finish because the men’s division is too large to only one top champion.

The initial match was really good, but the transition to a tag match didn’t surprise me, but it was still good, but it wasn’t what I wanted the last minutes of RAW to be, which I’ll expand on later.

Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins vs Revival: I really hope the Revival are going to SmackDown in the Shakeup because I can’t think of a good reason for them losing to Ryder and Hawkins. Hawkins got his moment, time to let the real tag teams have a go.

Baron Corbin: I think the biggest disappointment of WrestleMania, or at least one of them, was the Corbin vs Angle match, mainly because it actually happened instead of us being saved by John Cena. At least Angle got the last laugh on Corbin, at least until Lars Sullivan finally debuted. I’ve watched Sullivan in NXT and I can’t say he’s been that impressive. We’ll have to see as time goes on.

Alexa Bliss vs Bayley: I have no idea what happened in this match. Bayley certainly deserved better than to be squashed that way because of Alexa, especially when they’ve had longer matches than that.

Becky Lynch: I was actually surprised that neither Ronda Rousey or Charlotte appeared on RAW to confront Becky, but the Man definitely got a conquering hero’s welcome. I’m not impressed with Lacey Evans seeming to get to be Becky’s first feud, but it’s another wait ad see moment, at least the fight was good.

Ricochet and Aleister Black vs Glorious: I really enjoyed this match and Glorious seems to have finally turned heel, but this potentially fabulous feud needs for both teams to be on the same brand to work, hopefully, we’ll get that during the Shakeup.

Dean Ambrose: I HATED this ‘match’! After everything Ambrose has given to RAW and WWE, he should’ve gotten more than that load of nonsense, but the way that went down leaves the door open for Ambrose to come back and take care of Lashley and Rush.

I really wish Ambrose’s farewell address had been aired live so the WWE Universe could say goodbye, but I loved that it was Seth and Roman who said ‘He deserves a proper send-off’. I do think Ambrose will be back in WWE, but he needs a break to recharge his batteries and see if things can be improved in a few months. See you soon, Dean.

The Box: What in the actual hell was that?!

Sami Zayn vs Finn Balor: I’m thrilled that Zayn is back from having both his shoulders worked on, but his promo sounds like what Ambrose would’ve cut if he’d stayed a heel. However, it was a good promo and I like the return of heel!Sami.

I loved the match between Zayn and Balor. If this is Balor’s first feud as Intercontinental Champion, it’ll be a great feud.

Dana Brooke: I’m glad Dana is finally getting some attention and hope she gets a title shot out of this, but I don’t think she’ll be champion.

Elias: I know the return of the Undertaker after missing WrestleMania was supposed to be a surprise, but Elias called his shot when talked about there being hell to pay if he got interrupted again. That said, it was nice to see Undertaker again, even if he couldn’t keep the Streak up, he can still at least help run the yard.

Thoughts: The RAW after WrestleMania is usually the biggest RAW of the year and tends to set the tone for the spring and early summer, and this one was lackluster. The matches were mostly good, except for the Ambrose/Lashley non-match, but there weren’t any really BIG moments to make it memorable, it was just another RAW, but I’m going to guess that after WrestleMania, they decided to give the talent a break.

The fact that there was no talk about Lesnar getting a rematch and Heyman didn’t show up, makes me wonder if the rumors about Lesnar being done with WWE while he prepares for UFC are true.

SmackDown

Kofi Kingston and New Day: I’m so happy for Kofi! After eleven years, he’s finally WWE Champion and I loved how genuinely happy for him New Day was, possibly putting pay to the rumors of a split.

I’m not surprised that the Bar is being inserted here as the strongarms of Vince against Kofi and New Day. I am a little surprised that McIntyre might be going to SmackDown, but if it keeps him out of the title picture, fine.

The six man tag was REALLY good, again putting pay to rumors of a split. I did love that Zayn came out, as if to join the match and decided not to. New Day winning sent the, presumably exhausted, crowd home happy, but you have to wonder what the Shakeup will bring.

Aleister Black, Ricochet, and Mustafa Ali vs Nakamura, Rusev, and Almas: First of all, I LOVED the synchronized sit that Black, Ricochet, and Ali did, that was cool!

The match was really good and everybody look great, I hated Orton ruining things just because he could, but Owens hitting the stunner was even more surprising. I’m still not sure what to make of Owens being a face, but it’s not been awful.

Usos vs The Hardy Boyz: One of the biggest problems with dream matches is that they so very rarely live up to the hype, but the Usos vs the Hardys was a dream match that lived up to the hype. I was a little disappointed that the Usos lost, but that might be paving the way for them to go to RAW.

Lars Sullivan’s appearance was dumb. They’re trying to recreate Lesnar’s initial introduction from 2002, but Sullivan isn’t anywhere near as impressive as Lesnar was.

Samoa Joe and R-Truth: I was actually intrigued by this match up, but less impressed with Strowman showing up, but maybe Joe can get more out of Strowman in a title situation, but I’m not going to hold my breath.

IIconics vs Brooklyn Bellas: So, the IIconics had their first title defense against some local team, and I can’t say it was stellar. The Brooklyn Bellas were apparently undefeated in the local wrestling scene, so they definitely weren’t something to sneeze at, but I feel a little sad that their first loss was to a team that really didn’t need it.

Paige’s comments on the match were definitely interesting. It sounds like she’s bringing in a brand new tag team to face the IIconics and I’m interested to see who it is because Sky Pirates are the only thing close to an actual tag team in NXT, and if it is them, I’ll be super happy for them.

Shane McMahon: This segment was weird. It was almost like Shane and Miz switched personalities with Shane becoming the douchebag. I felt back for Greg Hamilton and I keep waiting for the interviewers to finally snap and turn on the wrestlers that give them so much grief.

Becky Lynch: Well, it seems that Becky’s official first feud will be Lacey Evans. I can’t say I’ve been impressed with Evans after I watched several of her matches in NXT, but this is Lynch’s first big feud away from Charlotte and I hope she really gets the chance to shine in this.

205 Live

Humberto Carrillo vs Jack Gallagher: Well, that got ugly in a hurry. I knew where this storyline was going, but I wasn’t expecting it to break down that quickly. Gallagher and Carrillo had a fantastic match, and it had the expected outcome that Carrillo sticking to the style he’s comfortable with and that works for him won out over Gallagher. Gulak’s reaction wasn’t a shock, but Gallagher’s reaction was. It looks like the Party of Gulak is about to become a party of one, but we’ll see next week.

Tony Nese and Buddy Murphy: Those promos were better than I’d expected. Murphy didn’t try to discredit Nese’s win, or make excuses, so that was nice to hear. Nese didn’t try to demur from giving Murphy his rematch, which is definitely different from most champions.

I was actually surprised that Maverick allowed the rematch to happen that week, since the usual MO is to wait a few weeks, but since Nese and Murphy are both heels, I guess there was no need to wait. The match was every bit as fantastic as the one at WrestleMania, and Nese retained, which was a serious surprise to me. I have no idea what will happen with this feud but I have a feeling Murphy’s not going to give up that quickly.

Drake Maverick and Oney Lorcan: This segment killed two birds with one stone: We got a great promo segment between Alexander and Lorcan, and we found out that Alexander will get his rematch next week. We also got a hint about Alexander possibly being called up, which should be interesting, depending on where he goes.

NXT UK

Travis Banks vs Kassius Ohno: The Kiwi Buzzsaw and the Knockout Artist finally met up and it was a really great match. Even though Ohno’s hanging his hat in NXT UK, but that doesn’t mean the neighbors are going to make things easy. Guess the Wrestling Genius needs to go back to the drawing board.

Jordan Devlin: I’m a big Jordan Devlin fan and I’m really hopeful that he’ll get the match against WALTER, but I think he’s going to have to wait until after Dunne gets his rematch.

Piper Niven vs Killer Kelly: Piper Niven certainly made an impact in her debut, scaring Rhea Ripley out of the ring, though Ripley denied it. Niven had a chance to back up her debut against the scrappy Killer Kelly and she took it. It was a great match and Niven really showed why she has been such a dominate force in the British indie scene. Kelly showed a lot of fight, but ultimately, Niven was too powerful and picked up her first win.

Ripley, still embarrassed that she let herself be scared out of the ring, tried to re-establish herself as the alpha female, but Niven wasn’t backing down. I can’t wait to see this match when it happens.

Mustache Mountain: In an interview from last week, Mustache Mountain announced that they’ll be facing off against Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster in a friendly match, but I have a feeling that the ‘friendly match’ isn’t going to be all that friendly in the end.

Grizzled Young Veterans: I’m glad GYV is finally going to be getting some screen time as champs, even if their proposed match isn’t for the titles and they don’t want Yanks involved, which will be quite a challenge at Axxess in New York City.

Jack Starz vs Joseph Conners: Jack Starz is one of those people that never gives up, even when he should, and this week was a prime example of it. Starz got his clock cleaned, but Starz didn’t give up, but the real story is Conners acting goofy as a pet coon, as JR would say. This story should be…interesting.

Dave Mastiff: I’m not sure what to make of this promo other than Mastiff has some Daddy issues, but I can’t wait to see what’s next for him.

Toni Storm vs Jinny: For weeks, Jinny has been running her mouth about how she deserved to be Women’s Champion, not Toni Storm, and Toni Storm shut her this week. The match was pretty good, but the spoiled brat learned that it’s not easy to take the crown and her temper is what cost her the title. Storm stands tall, next contestant.

NXT

Post TakeOver Footage: These were pretty standard promos, but there were several interesting things going on. One is the return of Buddy Murphy to NXT in a potential feud with Velveteen Dream for the North American title, which looks really fun.

Shayna Baszler looked supremely confident after she managed to keep her NXT Women’s Championship, but who will be the woman to beat her once and for all.

Pete Dunne was not happy about the end of his historic UK Championship reign, but he’s already promising a rematch. Guess Devlin will just have to wait his turn.

There is definitely trouble in the Undisputed Era camp after Cole lost to Johnny Gargano at TakeOver and it seems that Cole is wanting to blame Strong for ‘going off script’, whatever that means. Guess the thought that Gargano was just…better isn’t a thought right now.

Candice LeRae vs Aliyah: I was really excited for this match, I love Aliyah and think she really should be featured more often, and this match shows why. Both ladies really shined in this match I wasn’t surprised that Candice won, but I was disappointed Aliyah lost since it looked like they were building her up for something, maybe she and Borne will be the new tag team Paige is bringing in.

Danny Burch vs Jaxson Ryker: The Forgotten Sons have been on quite a tear lately, lead by Ryker, but he faced quite a battle with Burch, who is quite a tough customer. It was a really good match, but, to my surprise, Ryker managed to pull out the win, but Lorcan beating the snot out of them, even temporarily, was fun, but with Lorcan in 205 Live, it’s not clear how much longer Burch and Lorcan will be around.

Street Profits vs European Alliance: This was a really great match that let both teams show off their skills. Aichner and Barthel have really improved since their initial team up, but the Street Profits had the advantage of experience and it showed in their win.

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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