Opinion

Chris King’s WWE SmackDown Live Grades & Analysis For 7/9/19

Tonight is the Go-Home SmackDown Live for Extreme Rules this Sunday. We finally find out who knocked on Aleister Black’s door? Also what matches will be added from the Blue brand for this Sunday?

Published

6 years ago

July 10, 2019

Chris King

Tonight is the Go-Home SmackDown Live for Extreme Rules this Sunday. We finally find out who knocked on Aleister Black’s door? Also what matches will be added from the Blue brand for this Sunday?

Chris’s Grades For WWE SmackDown Live:

Finn Balor vs. Shinsuke Nakamura–A
Nikki Cross vs. Carmella
Daniel Bryan vs. Otis vs. Xavier Woods Triple-threat-Match–B+
Roman Reigns vs. Dolph Ziggler–B- Would have been an A without out all the outside interference and shenanigans.

The show opens with footage from earlier today in the parking lot, where Dolph Ziggler is being interviewed by Kayla Braxton. She asked about his tag team partner from last week; Kevin Owens he says “you mean the guy that I carried on my back, just like I have carried this company for ten years”, KO pulls up and honks his horn which aggravates Ziggler. After mince words, they begin brawling and are torn apart by some of the roster. “The Best in the World” and Commissioner of SmackDown Live Shane McMahon breaks it up and kicks KO out of the building.

We’re backstage as Sarah Schrieber is interviewing McMahon about his decision to kick Owens out, he claims he’s got some intriguing ideas for the main event that was going to be Ziggler vs. Owens. We’re finally going live with the theme music playing; Corey Graves and Tom Phillips welcome us, KO immediately shuts it down and he’s got something to get off his chest! “I’ve tried to be a good company guy, but it’s gotten me nowhere”; he brought up how the McMahon Family ushered in a new era where they would listen to the WWE Universe, instead all we’ve witnessed is Shane McMahon with more control and more authority and receiving way more TV time than anyone ever wanted!

Owens has had enough and McMahon cuts off his mic as he’s screaming names that haven’t seen tv time. The WWE Universe is chanting “Kevin Owens”. This is FREAKIN Gold, KO will make a fantastic rebel against the authority! Face turn back possibly?

We roll backstage to see the Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor making his way to the ring for his match with Shinsuke Nakamura for the first-time-ever on SmackDown Live. They faced each other once on NXT before Balor made the jump to the main roster and this was a passing of the torch.

Back live as Nakamura is making his entrance. Balor is out next…This is going to be electric. Bell rings and they tie up. Nakamura eats a stiff dropkick. Balor was getting stomped in the corner as we roll to commercial. Back live as Balor speeding things up with high-octane offense. Nakamura wants the Kinshasa but it’s countered into a Slingblade. Coup de Grace… nope. “The King of Strong Styles” hits a nasty knee strike on the ring apron, followed by a Kinshasa outside…countout nope…one more Kinshasa for good measure and the 1-2-3

The Best in the World Huddle: We see McMahon, Elias and “The Scottish Psychopath” Drew McIntyre discussing what happened last night with Cedric Alexander outsmarting them. McIntyre brings out that they still won and on Sunday they will have the physical and mental advantage. Ziggler interrupts and he’s pissed about his match with Owens off, McMahon books him against Roman Reigns instead. McIntyre is not sure about this partnership.

We see a replay of Kofi Kingston and Samoa Joe’s face-to-face explosive encounter. Joe gives one of his best promos in WWE to date. He offered Kofi compassion last week and clemency to his loved ones. He vows to expose him for the lie that he truly is and take his WWE Championship.

Back live as Kayla Braxton is introducing both opponents for the SmackDown Live Women’s Championship Match, Bayley and Nikki Cross (who is representing Alexa Bliss as well). We get a recap of last night’s Beat The Clock Challenge. Bayley starts things off by once again trying to be the voice of reason to Cross, but she’s not accepting it. Cross reveals that Bliss promised her that on Sunday they will become the first-ever SmackDown Live Women’s Co-Champions. She tells Bayley to stick around for her match with Carmella.

We return from commercial with WWE’s “Twisted Sister” taking out all her frustrations and aggression on Mella. Throughout every kick and headlock, Cross stares a hole through Bayley. Mella attempts a comeback but Cross drops her with the PURGE and the 1-2-3.

The Kabuki Warriors Are Coming: We see live footage from two weeks ago in Tokyo, Japan Asuka and Kairi Sane got a massive victory over The Iconics. Backstage Peyton Royce and Billy Kay are exiting the dressing room and Paige and the Kabuki Warriors are waiting. Peyton makes up an excuse that Billy is sick so they can’t defend their Women’s Tag Team Championships tonight. Paige calls them “shriveled runaway cowards” and slaps Billy.

Back to ringside as Tom Phillips and Corey Graves congratulate The Man Becky Lynch for being on the cover of ESPN magazine alongside “Glow” star Alison Brie. Plug for Sunday’s Winners-Take-All Mixed Tag Team Championship Match on Sunday.

Sarah Schrieber interviews The Big Dog Roman Reigns. He says that “These Crazy nights have created the big fight” and it’s because of that, he’s confident that Ziggler is not ready for him. “Me and The Deadman are going to do our thang, and this Sunday those boys are going to Rest In Peace”.

It’s a New Day…Wait where’s the Intro lol technical error. Here comes Xavier Woods and Big E for the SmackDown Live Tag Team Summit. Woods has a Triple Threat Match tonight with Otis and Daniel Bryan. E says this Sunday they have a Triple Threat Tag Team Match for the SmackDown Live Championships. E claims “he thought he was involved in another type of three-way” –Rated R style. Sunday they will become your SIX-TIME Champs, The Planet’s Champions quickly interrupt;

Bryan says he’s figured it out that every time, The New Day wins the gold nobody takes them seriously. Woods cuts him off and wants to hear from Rowan…First, he was taking orders from Bray Wyatt, then it was Luke Harper, and now it’s Bryan. They need some clarification on who his daddy is, Rowan is pissed as a “Who’s your daddy” chant breaks out. Bryan is actually complimenting New Day as terrific wrestlers and having some of the best tag team title matches in WWE history. Of course, it’s quickly negated with some mince words about how if they or Heavy Machinery won the titles it would be a travesty. Here come Otis and Tucker.

Tucker says they proved themselves as worthy contenders at Stomping Grounds; they didn’t sit and mope after they lost, they went back to work. Last week Otis and Tucker earned their way into the triple-threat-match on Sunday. They respect the longest-reigning tag team champions New Day, but the sixth will have to wait. We finally get to the triple-threat-match…It was solid work from all three but, they should have been given more time to do the talking with their fists.

Bell rings with all three competitors but Bryan scurries outside so Otis and Woods can tear each other apart. Classic methodical heel work from Bryan. He tries to help Woods hit a double-suplex to Otis however, he suplexes both of them! All hell breaks loose as Rowan drills Otis with a ferocious clothesline and bulldozes through Tucker. Tucker and E drive Rowan over the announce table, but now the two powerhouses are broken up by the official. E, Tucker, and Rowan get sent to the back as we head to commercial.

Back live with a fired up Woods driving Bryan headfirst into the barricade. Back in up top, Bryan eats a missile dropkick…nope. Woods goes for The Honor Roll…countered into the Lebell Lock. Otis breaks it up. Otis executes a spinning slam to Bryan and a fisher-bone Suplex to Woods. It’s Worm Time! Woods goes for another aerial maneuver, but it gets countered into a massive Compactor for the 1-2-3

Recap from the Kevin Owens Show last week with McMahon and McIntyre; which where this boiled frustration in KO originated from when he started asking highly-personal questions and was shut down. Followed by Ziggler and him vying for another title shot where McMahon denied both of them and placed them in a tag team match against Heavy Machinery. Of course, it ended with miscommunication and an inadvertent Superkick by Ziggler. Then we get to the parking lot brawl earlier today and KO’s justified rant about The Best in the World crap!

Backstage in catering R-Truth is hiding under a table; Ember Moon is confronted by Sonya DeVille and Mandy Rose, this culminates into a tag team challenge for next week.

“The Dutch Destroyer” Aleister Black is getting wired up for THE BIG REVEAL…NEXT.

We’re back live as this interview will be conducted by Tom Phillips; his opponent wants to remain anonymous, Black “Applauds them, for doing what he would do”. He’s past the point of caring now…A man in a suit circles the chair before it’s revealed as “The Swiss Cyborg” Cesaro. The two will FIGHT Sunday!!! About Freaking Time that WWE does something interesting; with one of the most skilled and entertaining and competitive superstars, that has been under the damn noses for years now. Rant over!

Silent Shelton Benjamin: Sarah Schrieber asks Benjamin if he thinks Ziggler will finally do what it takes in his main event match, which is next…Silence and a sly grin.

Main Event is next as both “The Show-off” and “The Big Dog” make their way to the ring… commercial.

Kayla Braxton is about to interview the WWE Champion Kofi Kingston…Paul Heyman appears. Kofi says he knows Joe’s mind games and he knows how dangerous of a threat he is. Last week though; he accomplished something nobody else has and that is getting inside his head too, Kofi welcomes the massive challenge to edge his name as one of the best WWE Champs of all time…BABY!

Back live as Reigns makes a slow and confident entrance, followed by Ziggler. I give this match five minutes before McMahon and his cronies interfere. Before the bell rings The Corporation 2.0 come out. I’m starting to wonder how much of what KO unloaded on earlier was scripted…this is the fourth or fifth sighting of McMahon.

Bell rings as Ziggler tries to go for Reigns’ legs but to no avail. A shove to Reigns in the corner and a right hand all it takes is one headbutt for Ziggler to go down. The Big Dog is taking Ziggler to school, overpowering him. Ziggler goes on offense…flying clothesline…nope stiff uppercut. Drive-by on the apron…business as usual for Reigns. McIntyre and Reigns have a stare-off as Elias distracts him so Reigns can get his head slammed into the ring post. Ziggler takes advantage… two-count.

The Show-off takes over with his technical maneuvers that keep The Big Dog down…Comeback engaged, Elias on the apron and eats a Superman Punch, Ziggler hits the Zig-Zag…long two-count. McMahon is so giddy, he’s acting like a kid on Christmas morning. Sweet Chin Music…nope Ferocious Superman Punch… kick-out. Sets up for the spear, McIntyre pulls Ziggler outside. The Big Dog is going flying, Ziggler nails him with a Superkick off a distraction by McMahon. From out of nowhere KO stuns him and hightails it through the crowd. Zig-Zag…nope Night Night Ziggler HUGE Spear 1-2-3. Good match but disappointed no Taker at either show.

That’s it, folks! Extreme Rules begins this Sunday night at 7 p.m. ET on the WWE Network, with the kickoff show getting things started at 6 p.m.

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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

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Published

5 months ago

November 2, 2024

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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