Opinion

Chris’s Grades & Analysis For WWE Raw 7/22/19

Raw is Reunion: how did it grade?

Published

6 years ago

July 25, 2019

Chris King

Tonight on Monday Night Raw is dubbed the First-ever Raw Reunion of WWE, Legends such as: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, D-Generation X, Ric Flair and a plethora of others will make appearances. Which superstars are getting the burial treatment, my money’s on Nobody’s Favorite Son Baron Corbin!

Chris’s Grades For WWE Raw:

John Cena Returns-The Uso’s (w/Rikishi) vs. The Revival (w/Devon Dudley)

What a great opener for Raw Reunion with The Cenation Leader himself and the brief appearance of The Doctor of Thuganomics dropping bars with The Usos was amazing. A good back-and-forth match with The Revival cutting off the ring and keeping things old-school. The Usos have chemistry with just about any team they face. Can’t wait to see this match again at SummerSlam.

Winners: The Usos, Grade–B

The 24/7 Championship Becomes Legendary: Truth def. Maverick; Patterson def. Maverick; Brisco def. Patterson; Kelly def. Brisco; Michelle def. Kelly; Blayze def. Michelle; DiBiase def. Blayze; Maverick def. DiBiase; Truth def. Maverick to become a Ten-Time 24/7 champion!

It was awesome how WWE orchestrated all the legends winning the 24/7 Title to prove that it’s the highlight of WWE programming. Maverick making his wife an accomplice to win back the title was a fun developmental, last but certainly, not least Truth got his baby back…and Maverick’s wife!

Grade–A

Drew McIntyre vs. Cedric Alexander

This was a physical war that these two had. Its been brewing for weeks and McIntrye finally got his hands on Alexander and made an example out of him. I liked that WWE didn’t give Alexander his first loss on Raw, I’m seeing McyIntyre’s road to SummerSlam become more clear.

Winner: No Contest, Grade–B

The Viking Raiders vs. Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder

The grade is only because The Major Bros got some good offense in, outside of that it was yet another squash match for a monstrous tag team that should already be challenging for the tag team titles.

Winner: Viking Raiders, Grade–B

Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe, Segment and Match

Every time Joe and Roman fight its an all-out war, it’s physical and explosive. Two powerhouses tearing each other apart and a car crash of a match. This match was no different even before the match was made official. Somehow these two behemoths find a way back to each other, I would have preferred to see Joe get the victory but Reigns won here.

Winner: Roman Reigns, Grade–B+

The Beastslayer Proves That Brock Lesnar Is A Man Not A Beast on Miz TV

This really didn’t progress the ongoing storyline of the Universal Championship, all it accomplished was label The Beast Incarnate as a ‘Seth Rollins Wannabe’. Most-likely due to time constraints Miz didn’t ask any hard questions, that he always does so brilliantly.

Grade–C

Sami Zayn vs. Rey Mysterio

This culminated after Zayn interrupted the Raw Reunion Party, and called the fossils legends and the celebration was appalling

I want to see a real match between these two because I know it will be a five-star classic. With that being said you knew the babyface was going to shut the loudmouth heel up. This could have gotten an A if the focus wasn’t surrounding the legends of the past.

Winner: Rey Mysterio, Grade·B-

AJ Styles vs. Seth Rollins

Once again another great match was cut short for what? Another DX reunion that we’ve seen so many times. I’m not knocking DX alright I’m just saying that the focus needed to be on the current superstars of today, not the Legends of the past.

Winner: Seth Rollins by DQ, Grade–C

The Fiend Strikes Again, on Mick Foley

I was hoping and praying that Bray Wyatt wouldn’t get canned because of the nostalgia, thankfully it didn’t occur. The manner WWE is handling The Fiend is completely different from how they did The Eater of Worlds. Also, the fact that Foley was his victim speaks volumes, and The Mandible Claw could be his new finisher.

Grade-A

Natalya and The Man Becky Lynch Brawl on A Moment of Bliss

Before Lynch had a moment to speak Natty interrupted, and picking off right where last week ended a brawl ensues. Natty has never been terrific on the mic which is why she needs to do her convincing in brutality.

Grade–B+

Braun Strowman vs. Randy Rowe

I can’t believe that we even had to sit through that, I thought for sure Strowman would still be battling Bobby Lashley. Once again WWE gave the legends too much TV time, and Strowman wrestled a jobber! Strowman should have been the one to dethrone Samoa Joe for his United States title several months ago, this is atrocious.

Winner: Braun Strowman, Grade–F

Stone Cold Gives the Raw Reunion Toast

The Attitude Era fan in me loved this, Austin’s always been a master of the mic. When he talks people listen. This was a perfect way to cap off the night, With one of the hottest icons in WWE history! Now I get it We had to have the reunion but it took up a ton of time for full-time talent, Next week let’s get back to explosive matches!

Grade–B+

Show Grade–B

Chris’s Analysis:

Despite many rumors, we open the show with Mr. Hustle Loyalty and Respect John Cena to a ruckus reaction from the WWE Universe! He’s hyping all the Icons and Legends that will make appearances tonight. Cena says the WWE is his home, always has been and always will be (holding back tears). Cena introduces The Usos…They want to rap with The Doctor of Thuganomics!

Cena tries to leave but they announce Rikishi is in the building! Rikishi tells Cena to back dat ass up! Before they can dance Ala-Too Cool style, here come The Revival and Devon Dudley as some Backup (I was hoping Bubba Ray Dudley was coming out with him but sadly no). It’s Usos vs. The Revival after the commercial.

Backstage we see Jimmy Hart and Hulk Hogan is pumped up for tonight.

We return and The FIVE-TIME WCW Champion Booker T is making his way to the commentary table! The bell rings and Jimmy and Dawson start things off, Dawson locks in a headlock but Jimmy escapes and lands a hard back-body drop to both Dash and Dawson. After a few minutes of high-octane offense, Jimmy gets planted face-first on the ropes, and now Dawson is doing what they do best…Cutting off the ring and dominating. During the break, we see a Burger King Whopper commercial with ‘The Goddess of WWE’ and Ron Simmons!

We return and Dash has Jimmy in a deep headlock while taunting Rikishi. Jey gets the tag and is firing on all cylinders. Dawson gets the tag while Dash is about to get dropped and pulls him back. Which allows Dash to land a jaw-smashing elbow into a German Suplex, but Jimmy makes the save! The finish comes after Dash is clotheslined out of the ring-Jimmy as well and Devon and Rikishi get into a spat and Dawson off the distraction and gets blasted with a Superkick. Dash is back in and gets the same…Jimmy up and hits the Splash for the 1-2-3!

We are getting a special edition of two segments…First is A Moment of Bliss with The Man Becky Lynch, and Miz TV with The Beastslayer Seth Rollins-If that’s not enough we will also get Seth Rollins vs. AJ Styles!

Backstage we see Alicia Fox discussing her perfect hat for SummerSlam with Dana Brooke and… Kaitlyn…and WWE Hall of Famer Torrie Wilson. Alicia and Torrie embrace in an elated hug when…Santino Marella shows up in a blue suit! I wonder if he brought The Cobra with him? Torrie asks him about his sister and he says she’s great, but Alicia asks about ‘his other friend’ He pops out The Cobra…Phew, we can all relax now lol. Nobody asked for a ‘Scottish Psychopath though. McIntyre is on the hunt for Cedric Alexander.

A ploy by Drake Maverick: Charly Caruso is interviewing R-Truth and Carmella about his escape from SDCC this past week, where Hurricane Helms almost won the 24/7 Championship. Truth is on alert for challengers but he wasn’t prepared for Rene Michelle. She claims he ruined her wedding, her marriage, and her husband’s wife…in comes Maverick for a roll-up, New 24/7 Champion!!

Caruso looks on in bewilderment as The Godfather asks her “Do you know what time it is?” Time to ride the HO-TRAIN!

We’re back now as Drew McIntyre and Cedric Alexander are about to clash. Both competitors start brawling at the entrance ramp, McIntrye hits a big boot and Alexander is rammed into the steps. Alexander finally gets some offense and lands a moonsault to wipe McIntrye out! The Scottish Psychopath lands a sick Alabama Slam and slams Alexander face-first on the ring apron! All-the-while the official is begging to get the match started. McIntyre stands tall!

Wrong Move Maverick: While escaping with the 24/7 title, he goes into the locker room to flee the arena but he’s stopped dead in his tracks by…The Boogeyman as he feels him getting closer he falls down. Pat Patterson of all people calls for a referee and pins Maverick to become the first-ever Hall of Famer 24/7 Champion!

We return from commercial as ‘Captain Charisma’ is joining the commentary table for The Viking Raiders vs. Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder. Well at least it’s not local talent anymore, but jobbers still. The bell rings and the former tag team champions go right after Erik and Ivar, The Major Bros hit a double-dropkick to send Ivar out of the ring! Both Ryder and Hawkins are looking quite impressive, they manage to hit a double Sto Russian Leg Sweep for a Two! Of course, their momentum is short-lived as the monstrous Vikings take back control. The finish comes when Ivar flattens both their opponents with a massive dive and they hit The Viking Experience for the 1-2-3

Raw Reunion Party: We see a slew of legends and greats having a great time and for the first time in what seems like forever so is Mike Kanellis. That is until his wife shows up and humiliates him! She’s wearing the pants in the marriage, and Mike was supposed to rubbing belly lotion on her so she doesn’t get stretch marks. She storms off and the only word left to say is… DAMNNNN

We see ‘The Samoan Submission Machine’ in a foul mood heading towards the ring.

We return from commercial and The Club is ready to celebrate, the OC, the Original, Official, Only Club that matters! Tonight Styles is going to take care of Rollins and if he gets up, he’s going to make an example out of him!

Jerry Briscoe has won the 24/7 Championship from Patterson. Oh hi, Kelly Kelly, it’s so good to see you…kick to the nuts and we have ourselves the First-ever Female 24/7 Champion!

Now we go to ringside as Samoa Joe is making his entrance, which poor soul is about to go Night, Night? Joe grabs a mic and calls the Raw Reunion a plague, it’s just another pathetic attempt to hold on to the nostalgia. The Big Dog has heard enough, as Joe is dissing on Rikishi and The Usos he makes his way for The Big Fight! Roman says talk your trash about my family to my face, Joe “I already said something about your family” well then you know what’s next!

The Brawl ensues as Joe is on the attack, ramming Roman from the barricade to barricade! Joe throws him back in the ring and Roman cleans his clock with a Ferocious Superman Punch that drops him face-first on the apron! Roman goads him into a match and it happens after the commercial. We return as the bell rings, both competitors started off with heavy-hitting. Joe gets some offense in and Roman is reeling. It’s a scary sight to see Joe a 282lb man fly with a suicide dive! The finish comes as Roman escapes a Coquina Clutch by throwing Joe outside, Joe comes back in…Spear 1-2-3!

The A-Lister is making his way to ring for a special edition of Miz TV after the commercial. We’re back as Miz plugs his Miz and Mrs. Show and welcomes The Beastslayer to the show. Before we get into his SummerSlam match against Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship, we get a recap of Extreme Rules. Rollins gave the most hilarious BRRROOOCCKK LESSNAR impression. Hold the phone…Paul Heyman is here, well of course he is. Rollins calls Lesnar a Seth Rollins wannabe because it took him Four Years to cash-in on him and return the favor from WrestleMania 31. Heyman gets threatened and flees.

The Party Pooper Arrives: As Charly Caruso is about to ask the legends who their pick is for SummerSlam, Sami Zayn spoils the fun. He basically calls the legends fossils and says this is pathetic, Rey Mysterio tells him to learn some respect. The Hall of Famer and Former Raw General Manager Kurt Angle tells them to settle it in the ring.

Another 24/7 Champion as Kelly Kelly is celebrating her win she runs and hugs Candace Michelle and then Melina and Naomi join the mix. Melina’s got a new license, a referee license…Candace rams Kelly Kelly into a steel rack for the pin. Not so fast as Alundra Blayze is choking out Candice and Melina call in after she taps. Another female champ!

We return back to ringside as “Hard Hittin Back Breakin” blares through the arena…It’s Coach and he is joining the commentary table for Mysterio vs. Zayn. This is gonna be good! The bell rings and Zayn goes on the attack. Mysterio fights back and rolls to the apron, enzugiri and climbs up top.

Zayn shoves him and The Master of the 619 is in a tree of woe. Zayn lands a dropkick in the corner and gets a two! Mysterio pops up on the shoulders for his usual hurricanrana but Zayn counters into a powerbomb. As Mysterio is about to dial it up for 619, Zayn bails…not so fast as Mr. Monday Night R-V-D is here followed by Sargeant Slaughter and Hurricane Helms… Don’t forget about Angle! Zayn with no choice but to get back in the ring, slingshot into the ropes 619 and a Five-Star Frog Splash for RVD 1-2-3

At least Zayn didn’t get buried by the legends, and so far no current superstars have been…but the night is still young.

The Nature Boy Ric Flair pulls up in a Limousine strutting his way into the arena.

Backstage we see Montez Ford searching Angelo Dawkins. Apparently, he was chilling with RVD, Kelly Kelly, Ric Flair, and Sexual Chocolate Mark Henry. Dawkins takes a call.

We return to ringside as the new 24/7 Champion Alundra Blayze has a mic and says she told you she wasn’t going to be champion for long. She grabs a trash can and before she can drop the title, The Million Dollar Man Ted Dibiase buys it from her! Classic EVERYBODY’S GOT A PRICE!

When we return from commercial it’s Styles vs. Rollins!

Back live as Jerry the King Lawler is joining the commentary table. Here comes The Club with a new entrance video to represent The OC. Rollins makes his entrance now, when these two faces off at Money in the Bank I wanted heel Styles vs. Rollins but at least we’re getting it tonight! The bell rings and both competitors are jockeying for position, Rollins locks in a headlock. Off the ropes and he bulldozes through Styles with a shoulder tackle. So far its been all Rollins and as I write this, Karl Anderson distracts him and gets sent to the outside.

The Club is about to gang up on Rollins when… D-Generation X The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels and The Game HHH come out to even the odds. What was that about being the only club that matters? Commercial. We return as Styles and Rollins are throwing bombs, Styles throws him face-first on the ropes. Rollins back up and nails the Slingblade, followed by the top-rope blockbuster and the flying knee! As Rollins runs off the ropes to hit the Stomp both Gallows and Anderson trip him up and cause the disqualification.

Now we got The Club vs. Rollins and DX in a brawl before the babyfaces clean house. Styles slings his buddies some chairs and when they are about to bring the fight, Oh, You Didn’t Know Your Ass Better Call Somebody! Road Dogg flanked by NWO and X-Pac come down to school The Club. Here’s the Real OG The Klik and NWO! Rollins does the honors and OC If You’re Not With That We Got Two Words For Ya…Suck It!

Backstage Mark Henry and Mick Foley are talking and commercial.

We return to The Million Dollar Man getting into his limousine to leave with the 24/7 Championship but Maverick was waiting and he now has the gold! Come on honey now we can consummate the marriage…holy crap here comes the flood of superstars.

Back to ringside as The Hardcore Legend Mick Foley is coming out to the ring. The 24/7 Championship chase interrupts for a moment, then he shows a clip of the night he won the WWE Championship on Monday Night Raw in 1999. Is there a power outage again? Nope, It’s Bray Wyatt and The Fiend is here! He applies the Mandible Claw on its original owner and chokes Foley out! They are FREAKIN killing it with Wyatt, yes it’s only been two appearances but that’s more than you could say for The Eater of Worlds!

We return from commercial as Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross are here for A Moment of Bliss, with The Man Becky Lynch. Before Lynch can get one word out, Natalya comes out. Alexa rolls a recap of the war of words after Natalya became the #1 contender. Natalya was training her friend Ronda Rousey to beat Lynch at WrestleMania. And a brawl ensues as WWE officials break things up.

Charly Caruso is interviewing Natalya and she claims she’s going to give Lynch the ass-whooping of a lifetime in her hometown of Canada at SummerSlam, Man!

The Rightful Owner: Maverick is walking towards the limousine to leave with his wife when Truth comes from behind to roll him up, but he’s holding onto his wife for dear life. That is until Camellia kicks him and R-Truth gets his baby back!

We return from commercial as The Monster Among Men is making his entrance, and he’ll be taking on Randy Rowe who’s already in the ring. Really, Really, Really? We’re back to this, what the hell if this doesn’t get WWE to wake the hell up and build Strowman back up I don’t know if they ever will! Strowman with a massive Chokeslam for the easy 1-2-3

We return from commercial as the Legends are in the ramp for the Toast to Monday Night Raw, here comes Stone Cold Steve Austin and the roof has just come off the place! It’s amazing that the WWE Universe still responds so loudly for Austin! He grabs a mic and says it’s good to back in the squared circle, and everyone on the stage has busted their ass and driven all over the place for them. They’re all family, the ring crew is family and each and every one of you are all a part of the WWE family! All of the Legends join him in the ring for a toast to end the show!

Well, folks, we saw a ton of Legends tonight and it brought back a slew of great memories. It was great to see the greats come back, but it also shows a major problem. When has there been any current superstar that not just during their push, but every single damn time they enter an arena gets such a loud pop? We also only received six full matches tonight, and one of them was cut short for the DX reunion. Ok, we’ve all had a great time, next week let’s get back to having competitive matches!

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: WrestleMania 41 Las Vegas

Time for The Chairshot personalities to put their money where their mouths are! WreslteMania 41 predictions from the “expert” staff at TheChairshot.com and Chairshot Radio Network.

Published

2 days ago

April 18, 2025

PC Tunney

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Chairshot Staff Picks. And what better setting than WrestleMania for this article to return! This 41st edition has one of the most stacked rosters in WWE history. So, without further ado, let us get to the predictions and prognostications…

AJ – The New Day
Andrew – The New Day – No one seems to hold tag titles long anymore.
Dave – The New Day – They have earned it.
DJ – The New Day – Feel tha Powah!
DPP – War Raiders – Big E distraction.
Jason – The New Day – We are not getting E in a working capacity though everyone wants it.
Patrick – The New Day – WWE doesn’t care about this match, so why should I?
Rey – The New Day – Its a New Day, bruh.
Rob – The New Day – New Day rocks and wins!
Greg – The New Day – New. Day wins. New. Day wins!

Tunney’s Take: War Machine – Yes, WAR MACHINE. I have personally had the pleasure of throwing back a few cold ones with these guys on more than one occasion. Not only being tag champs in WWE but defending the titles at Mania and against The New Day is really cool for me as a long-time fan. Would it be fun to see The New Day have another title run.. YES. I think it’s smarter to give the War Raiders a big Mania W.

Chairshot Pick: THE NEW DAY 9-2

AJ – Jade Cargill
Andrew – Jade Cargill – She needs to stay a dominant force.
Dave – Jade Cargill – Gotta gear her up for the long term.
DJ – No contest – Naomi puts another beat down on Jade.
DPP – Jade Cargill – Nervous for how this match will go.
Jason – Naomi – Way more runway with Naomi as a bad guy. Keep it going!
Patrick – Jade Cargill – Jade gets her revenge.
Rey – Jade Cargill – Best non-title feud going. Naomi should win but Jade sneaks by.
Rob – Naomi – Naomi gets help to win.
Greg – Jade Cargill – They ain’t beating Jade here.

Tunney’s Take: Jade Cargill – I imagine WWE sees Jade’s ceiling much higher than Naomi’s. What better way to keep Jade climbing the ladder towards a World Title than to pick up a decisive victory in Vegas!

Chairshot Pick: Jade Cargill 8-2-1

AJ – Jacob Fatu – “AJ does a pretty good LA Knight impersonation” – PC Tunney
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – I’m biased, Jacob for President.
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Getting gold back in the Bloodline is smart.
DJ – Jacob Fatu
DPP – Jacob Fatu
Jason – Jacob Fatu – Thanks for coming pal, YEAH!
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – C’mon cuz! All gas no brakes with it. Yadadamean??
Rob – LA Knight – Solo costs Jacob.
Greg – LA Knight – Solo screws Jacob.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – It has been quite the journey for the Samoan Werewolf. I feel like that journey and the positive turn around it has taken deserves to be rewarded. Let’s see what Jacob can do on his own. Plus, LA Knight is ready to challenge for a World Title.

Chairshot Pick: Jacob Fatu 9-2

AJ – Tiffany Straton
Andrew – Tiffany Straton – I hate Charlotte Flair, no objectivity here.
Dave – Charlotte Flair – Tiffy might be the future, but she kinda failed the litmus test.
DJ – Charlotte Flair – The Queen crowns the freshman.
DPP – Tiffany Stratton
Jason – Charlotte Flair – Tiff wasn’t ready for this spot. Charnos is inevitable.
Patrick – Charlotte Flair – Lol Charlotte wins.
Rey – Charlotte Flair – Tiffany SHOULD win but, if Charlotte can squash, she will.
Rob – Charlotte Flair – Charlotte gets number 15.
Greg – Tiffany Stratton – Lol Charlotte wins. (Actually she doesn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Charlotte Flair – Charlotte needs the title for the first time in her career. Tiffy has had a nice run but now needs to take that all important step of not losing momentum after losing the title. Despite the drama and lackluster build here, I see a really good match coming this weekend from these two.

Chairshot Pick: Charlotte Flair 7-4

AJ – El Grande Americano
Andrew – El Grande Americano – I’d like to see Gable gain some momentum. Rey is Teflon.
Dave – El Grand Americano – He needs a marque win much more than Rey.
DJ – Rey Mysterio
DPP – El Grande Americano – Grande wins with the switcheroo to prove he is not Gable.
Jason – Rey Mysterio – Unmask Grande at the end. It is fun but has a shelf life.
Patrick – El Grande Americano – TOTALLY NOT CHAD GABLE
Rey – Rey Mysterio – Someone’s mask is coming off and it ain’t Rey.
Rob – El Grande Americano
Greg – Rey Mysterio – Hall of Famer wins but doesn’t take the mask.

Tunney’s Take: Rey Mysterio – Go listen to DWI 471. DP, Greg and I lay out exactly what this match should be, FUN! Multiple Americanos!!!

Chairshot Pick: El Grande Americano 6-5

AJ – Jey Uso
Andrew – Jey Uso – Kinda booked themselves into a corner here.
Dave – Jey Uso – It just makes sense.
DJ – Jey Uso – Jey YEETS all over The Ring Genreal.
DPP – Jey Uso – Jey wins after normal Gunther beating.
Jason – Jey Uso – Land the plane man. YEET
Patrick – Jey Uso – Jey has earned this one.
Rey – Jey Uso – YEEEEEEEEEEEET!
Rob – Jey Uso – YEET
Greg – Jey Uso – If Jey loses we riot. We don’t cause he wins.

Tunney’s Take: Jey Uso – ‘Til sweat drop down my balls, ‘Til all these bitches crawl, ‘Til all… YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chairshot Pick: Jey Uso 11-0

AJ – Roman Reigns
Andrew – Seth Rollins – I can see Rollins being the last piece of Team Rock.
Dave – Roman Reigns – I can’t see Roman losing two years in a row.
DJ – Seth Rollins – Paul Heyman is a Seth Freakin Rollins guy.
DPP – Seth Rollins – The Rock helps Rollins.
Jason – Roman Reigns – Seth’s favor is a red herring. Make-A-Wish Brooks got his main, now look at the lights.
Patrick – Seth Rollins – Seth Rollins… Paul Heyman guy.
Rey – Seth Rollins – I smeeeeellllllll a new soul to sell.
Rob – Roman Reigns – Paul Heyman helps Roman win.
Greg – Seth Rollins – Brock Lesnar returns to help Seth win.

Tunney’s Take: CM Punk – I really have no idea here. I picked Punk because nobody else did. This is going to be professional wrestling cinema at its finest. The story is thick and neatly woven. All the participants are legends and so are the potential party crashers. Will The Rock stick his nose in here? Will Brock Lesnar return to play a factor? Obviously, Paul Heyman has a Plan A… but what is it? All these questions and more will be answered Saturday as night 1 will definitely go out with a bang!

Chairshot Pick: Seth Rollins 6-4-1

AJ – Iyo Sky
Andrew – Iyo Sky – Rhea vs Bianca doesn’t need a belt to be compelling.
Dave – Rhea Ripley – Going with Rhea barely, hoping Iyo wins.
DJ – Iyo Sky – Unfinished business.
DPP – Iyo Sky – Rhea and Bianca are too consumed with each other.
Jason – Iyo Sky – More layers to Rhea/Bianca. Iyo rules.
Patrick – Iyo Sky – Iyo stole the build and gets the win.
Rey – Iyo Sky – Smart money is on the underdog champ.
Rob – Iyo Sky – Iyo survives.
Greg – Bianca Belair – Naomi helps Bianca win and turn heel.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – Rhea is the best women’s wrestler in the world. Give her the biggest win on the grandest stage of them all!!! Bianca needs to go full heel. Iyo has been amazing in this build.

Chairshot Pick: Iyo Sky 8-2-1

AJ – Dominik Mysterio
Andrew – Finn Balor – I can see a Judgement Day meltdown incoming.
Dave – Bron Breakker – Bron is about to become a MegaStar.
DJ – Bron Breakker – Judgement Day implodes.
DPP – Dominik Mysterio – Finn take the pin.
Jason – Penta – I literally do not care because the winner is us, the fans.
Patrick – Bron Breakker – The WWE doesn’t care about this matchup, so why should I?
Rey – Dominik Mysterio – Only match without a clear winner. I choose chaos.
Rob – Bron Breakker – Finn and Dom cancel each other out.
Greg – Dominik Mysterio – Dom steals the pin from Bron, on Finn.

Tunney’s Take: Bron Breakker – The case can be made for any of these four to walk away with the most prestigious non-World title in pro wrestling history. The short of it is though that the Main Event picture isn’t really readily accessible for Breakker right now. Let this IC reign go through the summer, to SummerSlam.

Chairshot Pick: Bron Breakker 5-4-1-1

AJ – Damian Priest – “AJ does a pretty good Drew impersonation” – PC Tunney
Andrew – Drew McIntyre – Priest has not been interesting in this face incarnation.
Dave – Drew McIntyre – Time for Drew to get that win back.
DJ – Fuck finish – To be continued at Backlash.
DPP – Drew McIntyre – Physical matchup!
Jason – Drew McIntyre – Either one is fine here.
Patrick – Drew McIntyre – With two eyes, Drew turns the tide.
Rey – Drew McIntyre – Low key match of the weekend.
Rob – Damien Priest
Greg – Damien Priest – Priest wins, Drew tweets about it half hour later.

Tunney’s Take: Drew McIntyre – With the addition of the Street fight rules, these two behemoths have a really good chance to have one of the best matches of the entire weekend (winks at Rey Ca$h-A-Mania)! I do wonder what is next for both of these talents moving forward. Priest has staled since leaving the Judgement Day and Drew seems stuck in the same cycle for a while now. Very interested to see what the summer holds for this pair.

Chairshot Pick: Drew McIntyre 7-3-1

WHO WILL BE RANDY’S OPPONENT?!?

AJ – Nick Aldis – Orton wins
Andrew – Orton and Aldis vs Solo and Tama – Orton and Aldis win
Dave – Someone is getting an RKO!
DJ – A segment w/ the Wyatt s6cks.
DPP – Rusev – Aldis introduces Rusev who defeats Orton.
Jason – Nick Aldis – You got one more in ya, bubba. Aldis wins!
Patrick – Nick Aldis
Rey – Solo then Rusev – Solo in a squash and Rusev MATCHKA(wins)
Rob – Nick Aldis – Aldis proves himself, Orton wins.
Greg – Nick Aldis – Orton beats Aldis, they shake after.

Tunney’s Take: I would really love to see a singles match between Orton and Aldis. More likely this is some type of involvement with Solo and Tama. Rusev as a surprise challenger would be cool but, I feel that would be better left for RAW. An impromptu Goldberg retirement match would be crazy and fun, yet highly unlikely and illogical. Whatever happens, best believe exactly what Dave Ungar said, “Someone is getting an RKO!”.

AJ – Logan Paul
Andrew – AJ Styles – Logan doesn’t need the rub and should stay upper mid card.
Dave – Logan Paul – It’s the smart move and would be a statement win for Paul.
DJ – Logan Paul – Kross gets involved somewhere.
DPP – AJ Styles – AJ wins a great high-flying match.
Jason – AJ Styles – Just enjoy it or get a beer, nerds.
Patrick – Logan Paul – Logan Paul will main-event Mania sooner than later…
Rey – Logan Paul – Pass the torch, my wily vet.
Rob – Logan Paul – Kross helps Paul win.
Greg – AJ Styles – Styles wins after Paul’s cheating backfires.

Tunney’s Take: Logan Paul – Logan seems to really have dedicated himself to becoming great in this business. Anyone with that type of goal must have a World title on their mind. Beating AJ at Mania will be a great springboard for Logan into the Main Event sooner than later (winks at Patrick O’Dowd).

Chairshot Pick: Logan Paul 7-4

AJ – Liv & Raquel
Andrew – Liv & Raquel – Not really a fan of Lyra, she needs more work.
Dave – Liv & Raquel – This Bayley and Lyra team makes no damn sense.
DJ – Liv & Raquel – Bayley crashes out.
DPP – Liv & Raquel – Bayley continues a potential heel turn tease.
Jason – Bayley & Lyra – Finish the story!
Patrick – Bayley & Lyra – The WWE doesn’t care about this matchup, so why should I?
Rey – Liv and Raquel – Bayley want a title but it ain’t the ones in this match.
Rob – Liv & Raquel – Champs retain.
Greg – Liv & Raquel – Liv and Raquel retain thanks to Carlito and maybe JD.

Tunney’s Take: Liv & Raquel – Liv and Raquel need to be kept as the cornerstone of the women’s tag division for a lengthier period of time. Building tag teams in this division is difficult enough, let alone without a North Star.

Chairshot Pick: Liv & Raquel 9-2

AJ – Cody Rhodes
Andrew – Cody Rhodes – They are mentioning it so much, I don’t think 17 happens.
Dave – Joh Cena – Record falls and we head to summer with a built-in storyline.
DJ – John Cena – Some kind of Final Boss involvement.
DPP – John Cena – Cena wins and retires on RAW.
Jason – John Cena – Story’s over, “Captain” BIG MATCH JOHN.
Patrick – John Cena – A record breaking night for Cena.
Rey – John Cena – They’d be really stupid to turn John just to lose. (Post-Mania: Rock, Cena, T Scott, Seth & Drew, TEAM Corporate)
Rob – Cody Rhodes – Cody surprises us with the W.
Greg – Cody Rhodes – Cody wins to piss off Rock and set the table for Cena to turn back face. Crowd is behind Cena all the way through.

Tunney’s Take: Cody Rhodes – They had me until the threat of retirement. Been there. Done that. Didn’t fall in love with it back then. I love John Cena. I love this final run. John will get his 17th just not here. I expect nothing less than an absolute GEM of a match here to close WrestleMania 41. This has all been, is, and will continue to be about Cody Rhodes. WM40 defeats Roman Reigns. WM41 defeats John Cena. WM42 defeats The Rock (The Final Boss).

Chairshot Pick: John Cena 6-5

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 wait all year for this 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

For the latest, greatest and up to datest in coverage, opinions, and podcasts ALWAYS #UseYourHead and visit TheCharishot.com

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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DeMarco: Top 5 Non-Title WrestleMania Matches In WWE History

Not all WrestleMania classics had titles on the line. Dive into the top 5 non-title matches that stole the show & defined legacies. #WrestleMania #WWEHistory

Published

4 days ago

April 16, 2025

Greg DeMarco

Shawn Michaels Kurt Angle WrestleMania 21

Not all WrestleMania classics had titles on the line. Dive into the top 5 non-title matches that stole the show and defined legacies.

WrestleMania is the Showcase Of The Immortals, but it’s not always the championship matches that steal the show—or define careers. In fact, some of the most iconic, business-defining, and emotionally resonant contests at the Grandest Stage of Them All didn’t feature a title at all. These matches succeeded because of character work, in-ring execution, and the kind of storytelling that sells tickets and moves merch.

Here are the five best non-title matches in WrestleMania history—at least, according to me!

5. The Rock vs. Hulk Hogan – WrestleMania X8 (2002)

This was never going to be a five-star technical clinic—but it was always going to be the moment. “Icon vs. Icon” was a tagline, sure, but it was also the reality: the biggest star of the ‘80s vs. the biggest star of the Attitude Era. And Toronto turned it into magic. Hogan walked in a heel but walked out immortal (again), with the SkyDome shaking on every punch, every look, every gesture.

What made this work was its self-awareness. Rock and Hogan read the crowd and flipped roles mid-match—Rock became the arrogant aggressor while Hogan Hulked Up to thunderous applause. It’s not often a non-title match headlines a card emotionally the way this one did, but it dominated every headline and highlight reel.

4. Owen Hart vs. Bret Hart – WrestleMania X (1994)

Sibling rivalries don’t usually lead to technical masterpieces, but then again, this wasn’t your average family drama. Owen and Bret opened WrestleMania X with a wrestling clinic that stood tall over a night packed with title changes. Owen needed to prove he was more than Bret’s little brother, and he did it by out-wrestling the best wrestler in the company. Clean. One-two-three.

It wasn’t just a great match—it was perfect storytelling. Owen’s victory, contrasted with Bret’s later world title win, set the tone for an entire year of brother-vs-brother tension. Bret became champion, but Owen had the moral victory—and all the bragging rights. This is proof that opening matches can steal the show.

3. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 25 (2009)

If WrestleMania moments could be trademarked, this match would be the reason why. The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels wasn’t about championships—it was about legacy. Michaels wanted to be the man who ended The Streak. The build was steeped in biblical imagery: light vs. dark, heaven vs. hell. And the match? Pure perfection. Each man brought everything they had—near-falls, psychology, reversals that had 70,000+ people gasping in unison.

It was 30 minutes of generational storytelling that transcended pro wrestling. And here’s the kicker—it wasn’t even the main event. Yet it dwarfed everything that followed. Meltzer gave it 4.75 stars, fans gave it their hearts, and WWE gave it a sequel the next year. A match so good it forced the company to run it back—because lightning actually struck.

Now, if THIS MATCH is #3, what could possible be #2 and #1…

2. Bret Hart vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin – WrestleMania 13 (1997)

This wasn’t just a match—it was the turning point of an era. The Submission Match between Bret Hart and Steve Austin was as violent as it was poetic, with Ken Shamrock enforcing the rules and the Chicago crowd growing more frenzied by the second. The brilliance? The shift. Bret Hart, the traditionalist hero, grew darker and more self-righteous by the second, while the disrespectful anti-hero Austin refused to quit, even when drowning in his own blood. There was no title on the line, but the stakes felt bigger than gold.

The infamous double turn changed the business. Austin’s defiance turned him into the voice of a new generation of fans—blue collar, anti-authority, Attitude Era. Meanwhile, Bret would go on to lead the heel Hart Foundation. WWE didn’t need a championship to create a moment that catapulted Austin into superstardom and ignited the company’s hottest era. This match is business-first booking at its absolute best.

1. Kurt Angle vs. Shawn Michaels – WrestleMania 21 (2005)

Dream matches often disappoint. This one didn’t. At WrestleMania 21, Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle went hold-for-hold and spot-for-spot with Mr. WrestleMania himself, and together they delivered a masterclass in in-ring psychology. Every sequence had stakes, every near-fall had meaning. It was a stylistic war: Michaels’ heart vs. Angle’s intensity.

Angle forcing Michaels to tap was a statement—it told fans that pure wrestling, not just spectacle, could still main-event caliber storytelling without any need for a title. Michaels sold the ankle lock like death, and Angle’s post-match collapse sold the moment as a hard-fought war. This is the kind of match that keeps purists up at night, smiling, and leaves the storytelling fans like myself as happy as can be!

10 Honorable Mentions (Not Honorable, Just For The Heck Of It)

Edge vs. Mick Foley – WrestleMania 22 (2006)
A hardcore war that solidified Edge as a top-tier main eventer. That flaming table spear is still played in every Edge highlight reel.
AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon – WrestleMania 33 (2017)
Everyone expected smoke and mirrors—what they got was a surprisingly technical, high-energy opener that kicked off the show right.
The Undertaker vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 28 (2012)
“End of an Era” wasn’t just a tagline. The Hell in a Cell match, with HBK as referee, was a brutal epilogue to a generation’s legacy.
Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho – WrestleMania XIX (2003)
A student-teacher battle of wills. Jericho’s low blow post-match was the perfect heel punctuation to a career-defining contest.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins – WrestleMania 31 (2015)
The greatest RKO of all time. That curb stomp reversal belongs in a museum.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show – WrestleMania XXIV (2008)
More sports-entertainment than wrestling, but a crossover moment that made mainstream headlines and paid off with a great finish.
Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis – WrestleMania III (1987)
A retirement match with big heat, a hot crowd, and Piper walking off into the sunset (for a minute).
The Firefly Funhouse Match – John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt – WrestleMania 36 (2020)
Cinematic weirdness at its best. A meta masterstroke that broke Cena down in layers.
Bad Bunny & Damian Priest vs. The Miz & John Morrison – WrestleMania 37 (2021)
Bad Bunny stunned everyone. He didn’t just belong—he elevated the show.
Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio – WrestleMania 39 (2023)
Father vs. son in a grudge match that played perfectly off real-life drama and Hall of Fame weekend emotions.

Some of these matches shaped legacies. Others shifted eras. But all of them proved that the most memorable moments at WrestleMania don’t need a title—they just need truth in the storytelling and fire in the execution.