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

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