Opinion

Chris King: Massive Implications For Samoa Joe On WWE Raw

Published

6 years ago

June 17, 2019

Samoa Joe is a champion without a challenger, but that is destined to change on WWE Raw. Who will emerge to challenge the Samoan Submission Machine?

On last week’s Monday Night Raw, The Miz hosted another entertaining edition of Miz TV, with guests “The Best in the World” Shane McMahon and “The Scottish Psychopath” Drew McIntyre. Things took an intriguing twist as The Miz commented on the heinous Samoa Joe assault on Rey Mysterio, the former United States Champion who had to relinquish the title due to injury one week prior.

As The Miz rolled the footage of his attack; Joe marched down to the ring quite amused, he couldn’t care less about the past he was only concerned about his future challenges. Outcomes Braun Strowman to shut the US champ up, followed by Bobby Lashley, then Ricochet, and finally Cesaro who sucker-punched him.

Chaos engaged and all hell broke loose, which carried over into a predictable six-man tag-team match. All six competitors battled it out with the babyfaces getting the upper hand, leaving Cesaro to eat a Skull- Crushing Finale into a magnificent 630 splash to give Ricochet a big win!

Earlier today WWE made a Huge announcement that on this week’s Raw there will a Fatal-5-Way Match where The Miz, Bobby Lashley, Braun Strowman, Cesaro, and Ricochet will battle it out to who will be Joe’s next challenger for the United States Championship at Stomping Grounds. Below I will be Ranking who I believe is the best challenger.

Ranking The Best-Suited Challenger For WWE United States Champion Samoa Joe

5. Bobby Lashley

Let me start by saying that Bobby Lashley left WWE in 2008 due to injury, he went to TNA and became a four-time Heavyweight Champion. He also competed in MMA and gain victories in 15 out of 17 contests. Lashley made his shocking return to WWE on the Post-Mania-Raw in 2018, he interrupted Elias and decimated him with ease. Prior to his return and even afterward; Lashley made his intentions crystal clear that he wanted to fight the current Universal Champion Brock Lesnar, with both men sharing similar paths in MMA, however that did not happen.

Instead, Lashley made a heel-turn after an exhausting run as a smiling babyface and has only held the Intercontinental Championship twice. Typically this would be the opportunity for me to present evidence in why he should be the United States champion, on the contrary, let’s face facts folks Corbin ain’t winning the Universal Championship next Sunday, that means Seth Rollins will need a new challenger…enter Lashley. He should at least be given the chance to mix it up with Rollins and prove he’s worthy of being a dominant champion. That takes him out of contention–at least for now–for Samoa Joe.

4. The Miz

The self-proclaimed A-Lister cannot catch a break…At WrestleMania, he lost to “The Best in the World” Shane McMahon…excuse me while I hurl. Miz went against everything his fifteen-year career as an antagonizing heel has exemplified when he turned into a sympathetic babyface who finally found some morality.

After losing to Shane again at Money in the Bank; it’s fair to say that WWE has no clue what to do with him…Typically the heel picks up the first victory, followed by the babyface overcoming the odds and securing the second. The only logical explanation would be, there’s a Miz/Shane III happening at SummerSlam, otherwise what the hell was all of this for? I predict Miz will get the win at SummerSlam and then revert back to his conniving heel antics shortly after to make his way to the Universal Championship scene.

3. Cesaro

“The Swiss Superman” Cesaro has been with WWE since 2011 under Florida Championship Wrestling, which morphed into the juggernaut known as NXT. He’s a former United States Champion, the inaugural Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner, and a multiple-time Raw and SmackDown Live Tag-team Champion, alongside his partner Sheamus in “The Bar”. Cesaro creates magic with any opponent he shares the ring with; which is why I’m perplexed on how Vince McMahon has repeatedly said: “he misses the brass ring”.

I don’t think Cesaro needs another run with the United States Championship; however, he would make an incredible challenger for the Universal Championship, with both competitors former Indy darlings they would steal any show they are showcased on. For the time being though I do see Cesaro feuding with the next United States Champion, I’ll get to that in a minute!

2. Braun Strowman

Several months ago I would have chosen Braun Strowman in a heartbeat, on the Post-Mania SmackDown Live Strowman confronted Samoa Joe and left him scurrying out of the ring. I was so confident this was the direction they were going that I had an article of mine published on the topic.

If there is any superstar on the current roster that has been criminally misused its Strowman. He’s has several opportunities to win the Universal Championship and all of them have squandered, thanks to absurd creative decisions. In my opinion; Strowman is way past the time where winning the United States Championship would gain him credibility and will catapult him back to “The Monster Among Men” he was back in 2017. I said this in the article and I’ll keep saying it until WWE listens…STROWMAN DESERVES THE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP….For turning him into Big Show 2.0.

This year was Rollins’ to “Slay The Beast” and bring the Universal title back to Monday nights; and with McIntyre playing corporate stooge for Shane, that leaves Strowman’s chances wide open after a heel defeats “The Kingslayer.”

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1. Ricochet is the top choice for Samoa Joe

“The One and Only” Ricochet is fascinating to watch; he is so precise in his execution of maneuvers, and that’s the reason him and Cesaro have been putting on wrestling clinics the past few weeks. He was rushed to the main-roster earlier this year alongside his former tag-team partner Aleister Black, in hopes of increasing weekly ratings. It didn’t matter though; Ricochet made the most of his opportunity, and under the bright lights of WrestleMania he dazzled in front of 80,000+ WWE fans.

As I mentioned earlier Cesaro will be challenging for the United States Championship–just not Samoa Joe; as soon as Mysterio was sidelined with an injury and had to relinquish the title, I said to myself who’s the best babyface that Joe can bully? Ricochet not only will he benefit from just being in the same ring with Joe; he exemplifies the perfect sympathetic babyface that will defeat the “Submission Specialist”, and he can have “Epic” contests with Cesaro.

Now I want to add one more thing; I don’t see Ricochet claiming the US title until SummerSlam which means I expect his match with Joe ending in submission by way of passing out, not tapping. Then at Extreme Rules has a much more impressive showing; but coming up a little short, followed by getting granted one final shot not by Joe but by the “McMahon’s”. At SummerSlam, he will dethrone Joe and start his first singles championship title reign, in one of the biggest platforms aside from WrestleMania!

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

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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

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

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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

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All Shows On Demand

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

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1