Opinion

WWE Week in Review: March 25-31, 2019

Next week is WrestleMania 35! Did the WWE shows help to excite, or further the IWC narrative of being disconnected? Let’s see what Tiffany says about it.

Published

6 years ago

April 1, 2019

TiffanyMC

Next week is WrestleMania 35! Did the WWE shows help to excite, or further the IWC narrative of being disconnected? Let’s see what Tiffany says about it.

RAW

Women’s Beat the Clock Match: Uh…Okay, that happened. Seriously, what was the point of doing a ‘Beat the Clock’ match with nothing at stake? And why was the Riott Squad sacrificed for that nonsense? These women are going to be MAIN EVENTING WrestleMania, and they do this two weeks out? Seriously?

Finn Balor vs Bobby Lashley and Jinder Mahal: I’m over this feud, seriously over it. It’s just become bunch of petty nonsense and I hope Balor wins at WrestleMania and WWE separates him and Lashley in the Shake-up. The inclusion of Mahal was just silly, especially since Balor ran circles around Lashley and Mahal.

Elias: I don’t like Elias, but him going around New York and playing guitar was funny.

Aleister Black and Ricochet vs Revival: Black and Ricochet have been making quite a splash as a team on the main roster and they’ve done a great job of helping revitalize the RAW Tag Team Division. I have a feeling that Black and Ricochet will be having a VERY busy WrestleMania weekend after that great match with the Revival.

Drew McIntyre vs Reigns and Ambrose: I’m going to be blunt: I think McIntyre is massively overrated. He has no personality and is an average worker and promo at best. The only difference between the McIntyre ten years ago and McIntyre now is that he put on muscle because he’s every bit as boring now as he was as Mr. McMahon’s hand-picked ‘Chosen One’. So I find him being put with Roman Reigns for WrestleMania a little baffling, however since this match will be Reigns’ first singles match since October, it should be a good one.

On the other hand, the treatment of Dean Ambrose is frustrating. We keep being told that Ambrose is leaving, yet WWE keeps bringing him out and putting him in this feud, fighting McIntyre for Roman and getting beat every time. Why are we building a story for Ambrose if he’s leaving in a couple of weeks? Make up your minds, WWE.

Women’s Tag Team Division: I think we all knew that the re-emergence of the Divas of Doom and the small number of actual women’s division tag teams meant we were headed for a Fatal Four Way match at WrestleMania, but I’m still concerned about how Beth Phoenix is going to do since it’s been seven years since she’s had an actual match. Hopefully, the other three teams will help cover any issues she might have.

Kurt Angle: The Angle retirement tour keeps on truckin’, but I’m still hoping that Baron Corbin will not be Angle’s final match. Kurt can’t go the way he used to, but I don’t think putting him with Corbin, who isn’t exactly a ring general, is the best way to send Angle into the sunset.

As someone who watched Angle and Samoa Joe in TNA, I had high expectations for this match, and it wasn’t the worst match I ever saw, but it was NOT like what they had in TNA, which was sad, though Joe’s face when Angle beat him on a roll up was very hilarious.

Moment of Bliss: Here we go again. As if Moment of Bliss isn’t cringey enough, we had to add Braun Strowman to the mix, just for added face-palming. I get that WWE is wanting to pull in mainstream people, but putting two SNL guys in the Andre is a dumb move. At least put in athletes that aren’t going to stink up the place.

Baron Corbin vs Apollo Crews: I really wasn’t into this match. The point was to build up Corbin to face Angle, but it just made it look like Crews should be facing Angle, not Corbin. Corbin just looked like a petty wannabe.

Seth Rollins: This was the highlight of the night, as far as I’m concerned. Seth more than held his own against Paul Heyman and watching him stalk down Heyman and vow to go to war for the WWE Universe was just fun. I’m not totally sold that Seth will beat Lesnar at WrestleMania, but he made a damn good argument for it on Monday.

Triple H: A lot has been said about Triple H’s influence on the business, not all of it good, but he was definitely a proud man on Monday when he talked about the RAW Women’s Championship main eventing WrestleMania. Turning his attention to his own WrestleMania match, Triple H did a great job of making Batista look like an entitled chump who didn’t have the guts to face him like a man, but sent a letter with more demands, like Triple H put his own career on the line. I’m not sure what the point was since the whole DX vs Brothers of Destruction storyline showed that career-ending matches aren’t binding in WWE, but it does make it feel like there’s more at stake for Triple H than just kicking Batista’s ass.

SmackDown

Kofi Kingston vs Daniel Bryan: Well, it seems as if this convoluted storyline finally seemed to be getting somewhere. Kofi Kingston seems to finally be getting his title shot, thanks to the New Day’s determination…or is he?

Yes, Vince said that Kofi was going to WrestleMania, but nothing was said about the title shot and Vince is not someone to capitulate as easily as he seemed to have at the end of SmackDown.

The Gauntlet Match Woods and E went through was amazing. The best part was the Usos forfeiting rather than try to cost Kofi his chance at the title shot he’d earned. It was a sign of respect between two teams that have had a lot of wars.

I loved that the babyface locker room came out to celebrate with Kofi, which shows how much genuine respect he has from the locker room.

Charlotte vs Asuka: If there was one major flaw WWE has, it’s the inability to leave things alone and the Charlotte/Asuka SmackDown Women’s Championship Match was one of those instances. I get that they wanted to build Charlotte up since she’s become a third wheel in a feud that doesn’t need her, but screwing over the SmackDown Women’s Division to do it was a stupid move. The match was big enough without throwing the SmackDown Women’s Championship into the mix.

Kurt Angle vs AJ Styles: This was the match I was really looking forward to. Angle and Styles had a great rivalry in TNA and if anyone could coax a good match out of Angle at this stage, it would’ve been Styles, so I was furious that Orton ruined it by interfering, but at least Angle got him back, but it still sucks.

Rey Mysterio: I’m still trying to figure out why Dominic is involved in this feud or how Mysterio got a US Title shot in the first place, but the match should be a good one.

Miz vs Shane McMahon: I honestly wasn’t onboard with Miz vs Shane McMahon at WrestleMania. I just didn’t think it was a big enough match to warrant going to WrestleMania, but they’ve definitely done a good job of building this feud quickly, even if some of the promo was a little ‘uh’. I’m not sure how to feel about Shane in a Falls Count Anywhere match, but he and Miz should have a great match.

205 Live

Lucha House Party vs Party of Gulak and Humberto Carrillo: This was SUCH a great match and continued the storyline of Carrillo not wanting to give up his high-flying style just because Gulak and Gallagher don’t like it. Making the loss Gulak’s fault is interesting.

I’ve said before that a lot about this storyline makes me very uncomfortable, but I can see where this is heading: Gulak and Gallagher keep pushing Carrillo to do things the ‘correct’ way until Carrillo snaps and becomes a huge babyface.

Drake Maverick and the Kanellises: I’m a little disappointed that Mike Kanellis is going to stay a heel since his ‘Better than the Best’ thing seems tailor made for a babyface/tweener run, but we’ll see. I am excited to see what will happen next week when Tozawa has Kendrick in his corner.

Buddy Murphy: I’ve said before that few things will wreck a friendship in professional wrestling than going for the gold and that’s proving true with Buddy Murphy and Tony Nese. I loved Murphy playing the arrogant heel that’s forgotten what his former friend did for him. I also loved Nese beating the tar out of Murphy and saying that he’s the reason Murphy was on 205 and not still in NXT.

Cedric Alexander vs Ariya Daivari: This was a really great match, but I’m a little confused as to why Oney Lorcan attacked Alexander. Lorcan is a great addition to 205, but I’m a little confused as to why he attacked Alexander when the only time they’ve been the ring together was in the Cruiserweight Tournament. It just seems nonsensical to me, but it’s another ‘wait and see’ thing, but I’m already skeptical of this storyline.

NXT UK

Jordan Devlin vs Dan Moloney: I don’t have much to say about this match. Jordan Devlin was involved, so it was a show stealer and it was only the opening match. I feel for Moloney, but it’s clear that Devlin’s being groomed for big things down the line, and I hope it’ll include a title run.

Kassius Ohno: Since the debut of the Shield, there’s been a rumor that Kassius Ohno had been slated to be a Hound of Justice, but that was change, though whether he was supposed to be in Dean’s spot or Roman Reigns’ is up for dispute. His promo on Wednesday proved why he would’ve been a disaster in whatever role he was supposed to play. It was just flat and made no sense.

Jinny vs Toni Storm: For whatever reason, and not doing anything to earn it, Jinny is the new #1 Contender for the NXT UK Women’s Championship. Her promo over this was just plain dumb, especially since she hasn’t proven to be anything but an average wrestler.

Xia Brookside vs Rhea Ripley: I think we all knew what was going to happen when Xia Brookside challenged Rhea Ripley to a match, and we weren’t disappointed. It was a great match, but Xia had really no chance against Ripley. The really interesting thing was the debut of Piper Niven, who is EXTREMELY talented. The fact that she’s bad enough to scare off Ripley says something and I’m interested to see where this goes.

Isla Dawn vs Kay Lee Ray: Okay, this isn’t an official thing, but I was very intrigued by this exchange. Even though Ray claims to not be interested in being friends, the fact that there are three Scottish women on the roster is just BEGGING to become a stable like Gallus or be part of Gallus.

Trent Seven Interview: I don’t have much to say about this other than it looks like they’re going to break up Moustache Mountain, which is a dumb thing to do, in my opinion.

European Alliance vs Williams and Jordan: I’m actually kind of excited about this match. Both teams are great mid-card teams and could have a great feud before it’s all said and done.

Mark Andrews vs Noam Dar: This was another fantastic match for NXT UK this week. I love both guys involved in this match and they didn’t disappoint. The only disappointment was the No Contest ending. It’s hard to see who this was covering for, but they full deserved the standing ovation they got when they were carried out on stretchers.

Pete Dunne vs WALTER: Thank god we’re finally getting this match because the build was boring me stupid. I hope Dunne retains but I have a feeling WALTER is going to win it at TakeOver. At least this contract signing didn’t end in a fight.

NXT

Johnny Gargano vs Adam Cole: I’m really excited about this match. Yes, I would have rather seen Gargano finally get one over on Ciampa, but Adam Cole will work. Triple H making it 2-out-of-3 Falls guarantees a barnburner, but Gargano should insist that Undisputed Era be banned from ringside so there’s no question about who the real winner is.

Kacy Catanzaro and Lacey Lane vs Aliyah and Vanessa Borne: This was another good match that got ruined by Shayna Baszler and her goons. I’m not sure what the point of making Shayna look like a punk who has to pick fights with people who aren’t a threat to her is, but I hope it costs her the title because the women of NXT should be doing more than just being her punching bag. Also, where are Belair, Shirai, and Sane, the women who are ACTUALLY feuding with Baszler?

Matt Riddle vs Kona Reeves: This was a giant snoozer, as far as I was concerned. I don’t care about Reeves and Riddle sets my teeth on edge. Velveteen Dream being involved didn’t make me anymore interested in this match or the feud. Dream vs Riddle is already looking like a skipper.

Forgotten Sons vs Aleister Black and Ricochet: It’s the final of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and the most unlikely tag team in the bracket has been on a major role on three of the five WWE brands. This match was fantastic, as expected from both teams. The biggest surprise of this whole thing was that Black and Ricochet won. I honestly thought, given that they’re likely going to be on the WrestleMania card against the Revival, that they’d have the Forgotten Sons win it, but it looks like the Unlikely Duo is going to have a very full weekend and I’m excited for both of them.

Overall Thoughts: How was the penultimate week before WrestleMania? Not great. At least on the Big Two. RAW and SmackDown were full of misses, in my opinion because WWE/Vince can’t leave well enough alone, especially where it concerns the RAW Women’s Championship Match. I get that this is a historic moment, but I can’t think of a match that’s gotten more overdone and tinkered with than this and I’m almost afraid that WWE’s going to fix it until they break it, and this turns into a flop.

I’m glad that Kofi vs Bryan is finally finalized, but I keep feeling like Vince is going to pull some trick to drag this out to WrestleMania.

The network shows weren’t nearly as convoluted in their builds, thank God, and it made them much easier to watch, even if I didn’t enjoy very much of NXT.

We’re heading into the go-home week for WrestleMania and I’m PRAYING that Vince stops tinkering with things because it’s making too many messes that I don’t think are going to be fixed at WrestleMania.

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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