Opinion

Chris’s Grades & Analysis For WWE SmackDown Live 7/23/19

Kofi vs Orton at SummerSlam and more from Tuesday’s Smackdown live!

Published

6 years ago

July 25, 2019

Chris King

Randy Orton vs Kofi Kingston WWE SummerSlam 2019

Tonight’s episode Kofi Kingston will find out his SummerSlam opponent, my only question is when will The Viper Strike? Last week Randy Orton pinned the WWE Champion clean. Last but certainly not least, The Best in the World Shane McMahon will address the new thorn in the authority’s side Kevin Owens. Will Owens Stun the boss for a third week in a row? Let’s find out!

Chris’s Grades:

The New Day; Shane McMahon Accepts Kevin Owens’s Challenge:

After weeks of Kevin Owens defying authority and finding a way back into the building after being banned, Owens gets what he wants. It’s amazing to see how Owens has adapted to this role of antihero, and for some reason these two play off each other perfectly.

Grade: B+

Shinsuke Nakamura VS Apollo Crews

I can’t remember the last time Apollo looked this impressive, even in defeat he shined. He’s extremely talented and dazzling to watch. If WWE continues building him up, Apollo could be a worthy challenger for Nakamura’s Intercontinental Championship. For the first time in what seems like forever, Nakamura has found new life after capturing the gold. These two have impeccable chemistry, and I’m thrilled to see Apollo finally getting opportunities.

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, Grade B+

Special Edition of Miz TV With The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels:

It’s been great to see HBshizzle the last two nights, and he always impresses on the mic. Miz played the role he should have last night with Seth Rollins which helped move things along. Dolph Ziggler needs to go. As much as I appreciate everything he’s done in his career, there’s no real development into his character than his constant whining.

Since Miz doesn’t have a real feud for SummerSlam which is appauling, I guess Miz vs. Ziggler will work for now. I can’t believe how far Miz has fallen since turning babyface for his WrestleMania match against Shane. I thought for sure he would be moved into the Universal or WWE Championship title scene, sadly he’s not even on the pay-per-view card.

Grade: C+

Ember Moon VS Charlotte Flair

WWE was wise not to give us this first-ever match on free television, saving it for down the road for an Epic Match! Ember is starting to see Bayley’s tricks, and she’s not going to take it well. Unless Bayley is being positioned as the tweener, could this be a start to a long-awaited heel turn? She’s not acting like a true hugger would! Ember could become a great champion if she’s given the chance to shine.

Winner: Ember Moon, Grade–C+

Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton SummerSlam Segment:

And Just Like That, we have a WWE Championship match that is built perfectly! I love that WWE is using the kayfabe conflict between the two from 2010. I had been predicting this feud for months now, ever since their brief encounter in the Elimination Chamber gauntlet match in February. Orton and Kofi could easily steal the show at SummerSlam.

Grade–A

Bray Wyatt Accepts Finn Balor’s Challenge For SummerSlam:

I think I speak for many people when I say that the biggest concern for Bray Wyatt/The Fiend, was how creative was going to handle both unique characters when he made his return to TV. Thankfully they’ve booked him perfectly, from surprise attacking Finn to his attack on Mick Foley last night.

This was an excellent segment, and I love that Bray says “The Fiend Remembers!” Finn needs to lose to Bray in his first match and further start the descend for Finn’s inevitable heel turn, after years of mistreatment and his current state of mind.

Grade–A+

Charlotte Flair Backstage Interview:

I’ll admit last year during the rise of The Man I was perplexed why she turned heel, only because I felt that she was going to steal Becky Lynch’s thunder. The conceited and entitled Charlotte has always been, and will always fit her personality like a glove.

I thought for sure that her being included in the Bayley/Ember storyline guaranteed her being added to the match, that doesn’t appear to be the case here which is a welcome change. Now it begs the question who will Charlotte face at the biggest party of the summer?

Grade–B

Roman Reigns VS Kevin Owens W/Special Guest Referee Drew McIntyre:

I saw this coming a mile away, Shane was going to come up with a scheme to get his rivals tearing each other apart so he could come in and pick the bones. Too bad his masterplan backfired, and Owens and Reigns joined forces and whooped ass!

I hate to say this but Joe’s leaukamia flare-up was the best thing for his character. Had it not have happened the WWE Universe would not be cheering him to this day, and they would have preferred Owens Stun him also. Instead, Reigns and Owens are antihero badasses who are “Over” with the WWE Universe.

Owens and Shane are set for SummerSlam and it appears that McIntrye and Cedric Alexander are on a collision course. The Big Dog reignited a bitter rivalry with The Samoan Submission Machine last night, does that mean Joe vs. Reigns is happening? We’ll have to wait and see what The Best in the World’s next evil plan is, nobody humiliates the boss and lives to tell about it…well maybe a certain Texas Rattlesnake!

Winner: No Contest,Grade–A

Chris’s Show Grade–B+

Analysis:

The show opens up with The New Day and they are in an exceptionally good mood, dancing on the announce table and throwing pancakes. That was until the egocentric boss The Best in the World Shane McMahon shuts it down. Shane reflects on the Raw Reunion and said he was thrilled to not see Kevin Owens. Apparently, Owens petitioned for a match at SummerSlam on social media. You can’t have the biggest party of the summer without The Best in the World! Shane accepts his challenge but of course, there’s a catch. If Kevin loses he must quit the WWE in writing!

Owens wastes no time and comes out, he knew Shane would accept the challenge because he wants him gone. Shane wants to hog all the spotlight, Owens isn’t going anywhere because he’s not a broken-down man like he was last year. Owens is ready to fight right now, but Shane says it’s not gonna happen instead he can face Roman Reigns.

Backstage Shane is plotting with Drew McIntyre and Elias, on how to screw both of their enemies. Ala The Corporation from the 1990s tonight’s match will have The Scottish Psychopath as the Special Guest Referee, Elias will be the Special Timekeeper and Shane himself will be the Special Ring Announcer! I smell a tag team forming with two bitter rivals with a common enemy.

Our first match of the evening is the Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura VS Apollo Crews. The bell rings and both competitors circle each other, Nakamura locks in a headlock and Apollo escapes into a shoulder tackle. Apollo lands a stunning hanging suplex and holds Nakamura up for twenty plus seconds. Nakamura gets clotheslined to the outside and Apollo hits a spectacular Moonsault! Back in the ring and Apollo climbs up top, Senton but nobody home. Nakamura goes on the attack with his deadly knee strikes, he blasts Apollo with a knee guillotine. The finish comes after Nakamura hits the Top Shelf Knee in the corner, Apollo lands a pop-up flapjack. He misses a standing shooting star press, Kinshasa 1-2-3

Backstage Mandy Rose has a surprise for Sonya DeVille, she spoke with Shane and now they have an opportunity to qualify for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Sonya is ecstatic!

We are blessed with another stellar vignette of The Heart and Soul of SmackDown Live Mustafa Ali. He gets to rewrite his story, and nobody else will. This is not a woe is me story about going from a cop to a wrestler having to scratch and claw for his title opportunity, and have his body fail him. He’s going to write Ali becomes champion!

Welcome to a Special Edition of Miz TV with none other than…The Heartbreak Kid Shawn Michaels! HBK and Miz talk about how much fun the Raw Reunion was. Michaels says he knows what it’s like to see the part-timers come out and wish they would just leave, but he just couldn’t pass up the chance to celebrate. The Show-off Dolph Ziggler is sick of this, Ziggler hopes that someone puts him out of misery before he overstays his welcome, Miz offers to help with that. Ziggler is actually excited to see HBK because he’s used to idolize him.

HBK broke his heart when he returned in November, and both Ziggler and Michaels agree it was embarrassing. You know what’s worse is working your whole career and giving it your all, and still be left with nothing but being known as “a second-rate, Shawn Michaels wannabe.” This goes on for a while and Miz finally is sick of Ziggler’s whining and crying about how “It should have been him” The WWE Universe wants him to do something, Miz offers Ziggler a free shot, and Ziggler teases leaving then delivered a sucker punch to HBK. It hits Miz and HBK fights him off now, the segment ends with Ziggler laying out Michaels with some “Sweet Chin Music!”

Ember Moon VS Charlotte Flair

This is their first-ever encounter. The bell rings and both women circle each other, Charlotte kicks Embers’s leg and whips her into the corner. Embers handsprings through a hip-toss into an arm-drag. Charlotte gets up and delivers a shoulder tackle and viciously kicks Ember. The SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley wants a front-row seat in the action, and Ember surprises The Queen with a roll-up 1-2-3

Post-Match Attack, Charlotte is pissed and delivers a Big Boot to Bayley, Ember takes Charlotte out with The Eclipse! Bayley’s smiling after her masterplan worked and gets Eclipsed too!

The time has come to find out Kofi Kingston’s challenger for the WWE Championship. A pumped-up Kofi comes out throwing pancakes per usual. The champ is looking past his Smackville title defense this Saturday. He wants The Viper Randy Orton as his SummerSlam opponent, why? Because they have a history that spans ten years. Kofi reminds the WWE Universe about what happened on November 16, 2009, when Orton was about to punt kick Hall of Famer Rowdy Roddy Piper, Kofi made the save. They brawled all over the MSG Arena and Kofi hit a Massive Boom Drop from the rafters through a production table!

Kofi brings up their “kayfabe” beef that Orton halted his main-event push in 2010. If you’re not familiar with that on May 13, 2010, it was Kofi vs. Orton vs. John Cena to become Sheamus’s number-one contender for the WWE Championship. Kofi was supposed to stay down so Orton could punt him and instead got up too early, and Orton hit him with a vicious RKO! After the match, he’s shouting “Stupid, Stupid!” If that’s what Kofi wants for SummerSlam he accepts. He says Kofi wasn’t ready for the spotlight then and even now, he brings up how Kofi only got his opportunity because Ali got injured.

Samoa Joe comes out, he’s not concerned with this conversation he wants to prove he can beat Kofi tonight. Orton is gonna watch as the match starts after the commercial. The bell rings as both competitors tie-up into arm wrenches into counters and more of the same. Kofi’s fired up and tells Joe to bring it! Joe is back on offense and delivers nasty-looking headbutts to slow the champ down. Kofi back up and here’s the comeback, chops and a dropkick sends Joe to the outside. Kofi with a Trust Fall and wipes out Joe! The end of the match occurs as Kofi and Joe are fighting in the corner, and Kofi lands a cross-body and Orton decides to strike! An RKO attempt is avoided by Kofi, but Joe gets in The Viper’s face and gets an RKO! Kofi blasts Orton with a Trouble in Paradise to stand tall!

Next up is Balor Club! Finn Balor returns after The Fiend shockingly attacked two weeks ago. Kayla Braxton is interviewing him, Finn is asked why does he believe he was targeted? He says they have a history but it’s unclear if this settling an old score, or this is something different altogether. Bray Wyatt the man is on the Tron for a new Firefly Funhouse and he says that his friends and he are big fans of his and Bray’s got some good news! He accepts Finn’s challenge for SummerSlam on The Fiend’s behalf. The segment ends with The Fiend looking creepy as hell saying “LET ME IN!”

The Queen has something to say, peasants! Charlotte is disgusted that she had to ask for an interview. She says Bayley’s ploy earlier was a slap in the face, actually being off the SummerSlam card is but she’ll find a way to right that wrong. Charlotte says she was the WOOOMAN behind the Women’s Revolution, and she’ll have a better opponent than Ember Moon and prove that she’s the greatest woman superstar of all time!

It’s main-event time as Kevin Owens will face an old rival Roman Reigns, with McIntrye as the special guest referee, Elias as the timekeeper and Shane as the ring announcer. Shane gives his cronies proper introductions but shafts Owens and Reigns. Before the match starts Owens grabs a mic and tells his SummerSlam opponent, I know what game you’re playing and it doesn’t matter I’ll fight anyone to take you down! Reigns says that’s not gonna happen and he’ll whoop anyone’s ass tonight!

The bell rings as Owens and Reigns tie-up and back up into the corner multiple times and McIntrye makes them break at the five-count. The Scottish Psychopath shoves both competitors, The Big Dog blasts him with an uppercut and Owens takes out Elias. Now the self-proclaimed Best in the World is being chased and halted by the new common enemies. McIntyre saves Shane from Reigns, but Owens assists him. Elias is back in and hits the running knee, to give them the upper hand. McIntyre and Elias hold up Reigns for Shane’s rendition of the Spear. Not so fast Shane as Owen’s trips him and drives him into the barricade.

The Big Dog breaks free, Superkicks to Elias and McIntyre…Spear to McIntrye and the crowd is going nuts! Stunner to Elias as Shane tries to flee, nope SUPERMAN PUNCH INTO A STUNNER! The WWE Universe chants “One More Time!” And so does The Big Dog, Owens brings Shane up…STUNNER! The Big Dog and The Prizefighter stand tall 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

4 weeks 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

4 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