Opinion

Chris’s Grades & Analysis For WWE Raw 7/28/19

RAW is WAR this week, or at least RAW is CHAOS! Chris King checks in with his look at WWE Raw and the craziness that ensued for a fast moving three hours.

Published

6 years ago

July 31, 2019

Chris King

RAW is WAR this week, or at least RAW is CHAOS! Chris King checks in with his look at WWE Raw and the craziness that ensued for a fast moving three hours.

Tonight Ricochet, Andrade, Rey Mysterio, Cesaro and Sami Zayn will go to war in a Five-Man Gauntlet Match to determine The Phenomenal AJ Styles’ challenger for SummerSlam. The Revival, The Uso’s and Gallows and Anderson will also face off in a Triple-Threat Match for the Raw Tag Team Championships and so much more. Let’s get this show on the road!

R-Truth & Carmella VS. Drake Maverick and Renee Michelle Mosh Pit Mixed Tag Team Match: 24/7 Championship

First things first, what a testament to the 24/7 Championship opening the flagship show of WWE! Last week when Legends and Hall of Famers became temporary champions, it once again proved that it was the hottest thing on WWE programming on a weekly basis.

The match itself was decent but I wasn’t expecting it to run long at all. The grade is not for the match-all, it’s for the absolute genius of this thrown together title that morphed into something Huge! Mike Kanellis winning the 24/7 title is amazing too if he can last the night and carry it over to 205 Live, to rub it in Drake’s face tomorrow night on 205 Live, that’s amazing storytelling right there.

Winners: R-Truth & Carmella–A

Ricochet Wins Five Superstar Gauntlet Match:

Cesaro and Mysterio were on their way of putting on a wrestling clinic if they were given a little more time. Sami’s shocking loss makes me believe that there’s something going on with him. Mysterio and Andrade revisit their ongoing rivalry and deliver a heck of a performance.

I would kill to see them battle over any championship one day. Lastly, Ricochet and Andrade faced for the first-time-ever, and it did not disappoint. If The One and Only reclaims the US title this is a feud WWE should begin.

The only real option was for Ricochet to win, he’s got unfinished business with The O.C and Styles. While this gauntlet match was really good, I’m predicting a stipulation added to the highly intense rematch at SummerSlam.

Winner: Ricochet, Grade–B+

A Moment of Bliss Segment:

Bliss and Cross show footage of Natalya training with Fit Finlay on how to reverse the Dis-Arm-Her, but The Man came around and left her mark! I know Bliss has a match with Lynch later tonight, but I’m not quite sure. why we needed this. It didn’t really accomplish anything other than The Man threatening Bliss from backstage.

Grade–C

24/7 Backstage Segment: Maria Kanellis becomes the first-ever Pregnant Champion:

I’m thrilled to see the 24/7 title gain so much exposure tonight, but I’m scratching my head about this decision. I still can’t figure what the payoff is for all this humiliation to Mike Kanellis, all I can say is Drake better be ready for a fight tomorrow night.

Grade–B

The Revival VS. The Usos VS. The O.C. Triple-Threat Tag Team Match for the Raw Tag Team Championships:

Wow, What a Match! It was extremely wise for both The Usos and The Revival to avoid getting close to Gallows and Anderson for the majority of the Contest. Both tag teams once again proved why they are two of the best teams in professional wrestling today. With that said, the angry Good Brothers unleashed pain and punishment to gain the victory and the tag team gold.

Where the hell was this strong booking in 2016? Gallows and Anderson were made into running jokes on a weekly basis, and I believe they won the tag team titles on the Royal Rumble kick-off show in 2017. This was as much of an exclamation point that, The O.C. is indeed getting a much-needed push as many have speculated since the reunion. Good Brothers are the new Raw Tag Team Champions!

Winners: The O.C., Grade–A+

The O.C. Backstage Segment:

Kayla Braxton wants to get Style’s reaction to Gallows and Anderson becoming Raw Tag Team Champions, all three members celebrate in the catering area. The segment was a throwaway but with The O.C. holding most of the gold on Raw, things about to get dangerous on Monday nights.

Grade–C+

Street Profits & Seth Rollins Backstage Segment:

Each week Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins bring their unique intensity to Raw, with recaps of the biggest moments. They haven’t had a match yet but they’re still receiving tv time every week. After they drop the NXT Tag Team Championships to The Undisputed Era (Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly) at TakeOver Toronto, The Street Profits will be thrown into the mix. Seth Rollins joining them and bringing his electric energy just clicked well for me. He’s gotta do something right with no Universal Champion in sight!

Grade–B

Becky Lynch VS Alexa Bliss, Becky Lynch VS. Nikki Cross:

Bliss once again proves why size doesn’t matter, she is as dangerous as ever. She took control for the majority of their match, however, it seems WWE decided to hold off on the clean finish perhaps to save this highly intense rematch for a pay-per-view down the road. Cross didn’t get much offense in, but it wasn’t about showcasing her abilities this was about standing up for her “injured” friend.

The post-match attack was a pure genius for the Goddess of WWE, Natalya evening the score and locking in the Sharpshooter made her look strong here. Can The Queen of Harts shock us all in her hometown and become the new Raw Women’s Champion?

Winner: Becky Lynch, Grade–B+

Natalya Backstage Interview:

Short, sweet and to the point. This feud isn’t revolving around Natalya and Lynch’s past friendship, it’s about becoming Raw Women’s Champion! Nothing more and nothing less, keep the talking to a minimum and let Natty’s wrestling speak volumes.

Grade–B+

Seth Rollins VS. Dolph Ziggler/ The Return of The Beast Incarnate:

I was not looking forward to this match at all, I didn’t know how this could be different than their previous encounters last year. How wrong was I? This was awesome seeing an incensed Rollins beating the hell out of Ziggler. If Dolph can keep this new edge and attitude, maybe he might find life again for his deflated character.

Brock Lesnar shocking the WWE Universe was the right call, and destroying his SummerSlam opponent was brilliant! Attacking the ribs and the Thunderous F5’s leave an exclamation point, that things are going to be heating up on the road to The Biggest Party of the Summer!

Winner: No Contest, Grade B+

Backstage Brawl/ Beast Incarnate’s Continued Assault:

Tonight we were supposed to see the conclusion of Joe and Reigns’ bitter rivalry…Yeah Right! No Samoan Summit needed now as this feud is far from over! The Brand-new Raw Tag Team Champions attacking The Usos could either be the continuation of this tag team triple-threat-match from earlier or it could be a way to write them off the TV!

Grade–A

Eight-Man Pull-Apart Brawl Roman Reigns/The Uso’s/Cedric Alexander VS. Samoa Joe/Drew McIntyre/The O.C.:

Holy crap, that’s how Raw should end every week with a cliffhanger! This appears to set up a massive eight-man tag team match for either SmackDown Live or next week’s Raw. From Brock Lesnar’s vicious attack on Seth Rollins to this brawl it added a spark to an easily B-rating show which brings it to a solid A!

It leaves the WWE Universe and myself wondering how can they top it next week?

Grade–A+

Chris’s Show Grade–A

Analysis:

The shows opened up with a fantastic and hilarious video that recaps the brilliance and drama that surrounds the 24/7 Championship, all-the-while narrated in such a dramatic voice…This is Awesome! Now we go live as all 24- competitors are surrounding the ring, and Drake Maverick (in wrestling attire) along with his lovely wife Rene Michelle are making their way down for their Mixed Tag Team Match against current 10-Time champion R-Truth and Carmella. The rules are if Drake or Renee win Drake will become the new 24/7 Champion, and if Truth or Mella win then Truth retains.

The bell rings and Drake rolls Truth up for a near-fall, Drake runs right into a hard arm-drag takedown. Now, this match was not pretty, it didn’t need to be though the whole point is that the 24/7 Championship opened the damn show! It was also defended inside of the squared circle. Truth won the match after a pinfall was broken up by Renee and Mella came in to stop her. Drake ate a slap from Mella, and Truth hit an inverted Suplex for the 1-2-3. After the match, all of the competitors ran in and squished Truth, a pinfall was made and Mike Kanellis of all people escaped with it!

Backstage Mike is running for dear life and finds an officials room to hide in, his pregnant wife Maria fainted some birth pains so all the superstars’ fleed. She demands her husband to let her inside, but Mike’s not sure this isn’t a ploy by Carmella. He asks how do I know it’s really you, Maria’s priceless response was “If you don’t open this door right now, I’m going to break down the door and kick you in your vagina!” Mike’s a smart man and lets her in LMAO.

We go back live as The Master of 619 is making his entrance, we’ll find out who he’s starting off with after a commercial. We return and The Swiss Cyborg Cesaro makes his entrance.

Rey Mysterio VS. Cesaro

The bell rings and Mysterio gets taken down and Cesaro gator rolls Mysterio and gets a few one-counts. The action picked up as Cesaro was delivering uppercuts to Mysterio. The Master of 619 attempted his signature pop-up twisting headscissors to the outside, but The Swiss Cyborg held on even after! Mysterio then sent him face-first onto the apron.

The finish comes as Mysterio is climbing up top for the frog splash, Cesaro lands an uppercut and Mysterio is rocked. He manages to recover and hits a Super Bulldog from the top-rope! That sends Cesaro in position and Mysterio dials up 619…Frog Splash 1-2-3. There’s no rest for him as Sami Zayn comes running in the ring and throwing punches and stomping Mysterio.

Sami Zayn VS. Rey Mysterio

The bell rings and Sami sets him for a Helluva Kick but Mysterio blocks it, roll-up for the surprise 1-2-3! Andrade is out next… commercial.

Rey Mysterio VS. Andrade

We return as Andrade and Mysterio tie-up and move into the corner. Andrade twists Mysterio’s arm up with a wristlock. Both competitors use waistlocks and break it up with hard elbow jabs. Andrade is in full control now as he blasts Mysterio with a hard lariat in the corner followed by a running kick. He is mocking the late great Eddie Guerrero with the three amigo suplexes. The finish comes when Andrade caught Mysterio’s 619 attempt, and landed a fall-away slam and then the hammerlock DDT for 1-2-3. After the match, Andrade tears Mysterio’s mask off as The One and Only makes the save!

Ricochet with a flying clothesline to send Andrade outside as we head to a commercial.

Ricochet VS. Andrade

We return and the bell rings as both competitors tie-up and they break in the corner, but Andrade slaps him. There were several occurrences of Vega grabbing Ricochet’s legs to prevent some high-flying maneuvers. Middle of the match Ricochet counters a hammerlock DDT attempt into a roll-up pin for a near-fall. Off the ropes and Ricochet runs up Andrade and hits the reverse Rana. The One and Only climbs up top and Andrade meets him but Ricochet knocks him down with a hard elbow…630 1-2-3!

Post-Match Interview with Kayla Braxton, Ricochet says it was a shock to everyone including himself when he won the United States Championship at Stomping Grounds. At SummerSlam, he’s going make the WWE Universe believe that he will be the new champion! AJ Styles is dying laughing backstage as he’s been scouting his opponents all night long.

Well, that didn’t last long…as we see Mike declaring he won the 24/7 title for his wife and his unborn child. Maria continues the demasculinization as he makes him lay down on the floor “like he always does” and she becomes the first-ever Pregnant 24/7 Champion. She is parading and rubbing it in all the superstars’ faces.

We see The Goddess of WWE and WWE’s Twisted Sister are making their way to the ring for a special edition of A Moment of Bliss after the commercial. We return as Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross come out, she starts off by congratulating Maria on her impressive win. Then both of them bring up how amazing it was last week at Raw Reunion. Followed by Dolph Ziggler superkicking Shawn Michaels which completely killed the spirit of “family”. Bliss has shocking video coverage of Natalya training with WWE veteran Fit Finlay on how to escape the Dis-Arm-Her. The Man Becky Lynch kicks him down under and then locks in the Dis-Arm-Her on Natalya.

The WWE Universe is loving this but Bliss and Cross are appalled by their reaction. While Bliss is running down the Raw Women’s Champion, The Man appears in the Tron. She said she was making an example out of Natalya that there’s nowhere to run or hide, she remembers everything Bliss has done to her. As for you Nikki did you really come all the way from Scotland to be a coffee maker for this door… where’s your Celtic pride? Before we get a response The Uso’s are coming out for the triple-threat-match when we get back from commercial.

We’re back live and here comes as The O.C “The Original and Only Club that matters” make their entrance, followed by Dash and Dawson The Revival. The bell rings as Dawson and Jimmy start the match, Dawson uses a headlock to throw Jimmy to the mat. Jimmy now utilizes a headscissors to escape, off the ropes and Jimmy plows him over…goes for a second but Dawson with a hard elbow. Dawson lands a high angle back suplex, tag to Dash with a headbutt over the ropes Two! So far it’s been a wrestling clinic by The Usos and #Top Guys while The O.C anxiously wait for a tag. Dash sends Jey to the outside, Gallows cleans his clock with a Ferocious Lariat… commercial.

We return to see Anderson with a deep headlock locked in, Jey back up but Anderson drives him to the corner. He gets blasted with a rocket kick, Two! Tag here comes Gallows with massive right hands and a thunderous elbow drop, Two! Tag to Anderson and he shows us what he can do. Jimmy gets the tag and he’s firing on all cylinders, goes for Samoan drop Dash counters… enzugiri, hip attack in the corner. Jimmy goes for a cross-body but Dash catches him, Jimmy wiggles free and sends him into Gallows on the apron…Samoan drop, Two! Anderson and Dawson suplex each other outside, Dash hits a tornado DDT off the barricade to the floor!

Gallows gets the blind tag as Jimmy splashes off the top-rope, roll through and a Shatter Machine. Jey hits a cross-body to wipe out The Top Guys, Anderson with a spinebuster to Jey…Magic Killer to Jimmy 1-2-3! New Raw Tag Team Champions!!

We return live as Styles is approached by Kayla Braxton on his reaction to his brothers winning the tag team champions as Gallows and Anderson interrupt. Styles climbs on top of the catering table while shouting in celebration.

We get a recap of the magic of the Raw Reunion last week, and Dolph Ziggler superkicking Shawn Michaels in a huge show of disrespect. Ziggler vs. Rollins happens later tonight.

We roll backstage with The Viking Raiders getting ready for action in a red-lighted room as we head to commercial. Let’s find out who they are obliterating tonight when we come back. Back live as Erik and Ivar make their entrances, their opponents Johnny James and Cole Carter are already in the ring. Erik blasts Carter to start this squash match, but Erik and Ivar destroy their opponents in under two minutes.

We roll backstage as the always-entertaining newcomers The Street Profits gives us a break down of everything that’s happened tonight. Dawkins apparently has the hots for Maria Kanellis. The Beastslayer Seth Rollins comes into the picture as they try to use his line. Rollins puts some stink on it…BURRRRRN IT DOOOOWN! It’s Becky Lynch vs. Alexa Bliss after the commercial.

We’re back live as The Man comes around followed by The Goddess of WWE. The bell rings as Lynch puts her hands behind her back to give Bliss a free shot, Bliss gets suckered in and Lynch with a right hand. Waistlock takedowns from The Man, she goes for an early Dis-Arm-Her but Bliss escapes, pleading for a break and The Goddess drives Lynch face-first into the middle rope. Bliss has taken over after Lynch attempted a comeback, here comes The Man with another Dis-Arm-Her… countered into a roll-up Two! Bliss is now trash-talking Lynch driving her knees into the body, Insult to Injury and another near-fall!

The Champ mounts a comeback with clotheslines and some hard kicks, Lynch hits the Bexploder and Bliss lands right on her leg, she’s crying in pain as WWE’s medical team evaluation is she can no longer continue…No contest. Cross gets up on the apron and both her and The Man are in each other’s face, Cross wants to fight Lynch as we head to commercial. Back live as this match is now official, the bell rings and Cross is still trash-talking The Man. Lynch explodes now with a shoulder tackle as Bliss is seen with her injured leg elevated on a chair at ringside. The finish comes when Cross is on the top-rope and Lynch knocks her down shoulder-first, followed a Manhandle Slam for the 1-2-3! It’s a miracle as Bliss is fully recovered, cough…both Cross and Bliss delivering a two-on-one post-match attack to the champ. Natalya comes down and locks in the Sharpshooter, as payback for earlier.

Natalya is storming backstage as Kayla Braxton asks her if the pursuit of the championship has broken up their friendship. Natty says this isn’t about making friends, it’s about winning titles. She indirectly challenged The Man to a submission match at SummerSlam, or did she?

We return as the first-ever Pregnant 24/7 Champion Maria is taking a photoshoot when she backs up to a snarling Monster Among Men. Now we go to ringside as The Beastslayer is making his entrance, followed by The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels? Nope, Dolph Ziggler comes out mocking HBK with all of his mannerisms. The Show-off grabs a mic and says whether it’s HBK or Goldberg stealing the spotlight from the full-time talent it’s PATHETIC! The bell rings and Rollins is beating the holy hell out of Ziggler, inside the ring to the outside. Both Rollins and Ziggler are on the apron, The Show-off kicks the rope and lands a DEVASTATING DDT on the apron as we head to commercial. Back live and Rollins is exploding like a rocket, he blasts Ziggler with a rolling elbow Two! Ziggler goes for the DDT again except Rollins counters into the falcon arrow and another near-fall!

Ziggler sends Rollins into the ring post twice and hits the Zig-Zag Two! The Show-off is tuning up the band for a Sweet Chin Music but Rollins answers back with a Superkick! He’s setting up for the Stomp when…Brock Lesnar’s music hits HE’S HERE! The Universal Champions just blasts his SummerSlam opponent with a lariat! Rollins is taking a trip to Suplex City inside and outside of the ring. F5 to the ring post sternum first. He grabs a chair and Lesnar is laughing while Rollins tries to make it to his feet. Lesnar hits THREE THUNDEROUS F5’s onto the steel chair, and Rollins is coughing up blood!

We go backstage and The Big Dog Roman Reigns is watching his former Shield-mate getting into an ambulance, when out of nowhere The O.C. and Samoa Joe brutally attack Reigns and The Usos. We then turn our attention back to the ambulance who’s stopped by The Beast Incarnate. Lesnar drags Rollins’s stretcher, he kicks him and hits one more FEROCIOUS F5 ON THE STRETCHER!

We return from commercial and The Samoan Submission Machine makes his entrance, grabs a mic and says The Samoan Summit is canceled and here’s here for a Fight! Here comes The Big Dog and the brawl ensues, The Scottish Psychopath blindsides Reigns and now it’s a two-on-one attack until Cedric Alexander evens the score! The Age of Alexander is upon us as he levels McIntyre with a kick, but The Scottish Psychopath isn’t fazed. He just hurls Cedric up the which leaves The Big Dog and The Samoan Submission Machine to continue the brawl. On the ramp Reigns and Joe have made it to the announce table, when The O.C. come out of nowhere, followed by The Usos.

There’s a melee happening between all the competitors, wait where’s Cedric? Holy Shit, he’s on top of the Tron and delivers a HUGE CROSS-BODY OFF THE TRON ONTO THE SEA OF SUPERSTARS! McIntyre and Cedric make it back to the ring, set up for a Claymore… Dropkick from Cedric! Here comes Gallows and Anderson but they are blasted with SUPERMAN PUNCHES, Usos Double-Superkicks to even the odds! Reigns is in the corner it’s SPEAR TIME for Joe, Cedric hits a jaw-dropping Senton to the outside…The Big Dog, The Usos, and Cedric stand tall!

What a HUGE way to end the show!

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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