Opinion
Chris’s WWE Raw Grades & Analysis For 7/15/19
Chris takes a look at Monday’s edition of WWE Raw

RAW is live 24 Hours after The Beast in the Bank made good on Heyman’s word, and cashed-in on an emotionally spent Seth Rollins. A four-year story came circle, with Brock Lesnar returning the favor from Rollins’s Heist of the Century at WrestleMania 31. What will the self-proclaimed Beastslayer have to say?
Chris’s WWE Raw Grades
- 2/3 Falls Six Man Tag: Ricochet & The Usos VS Robert Roode & The Revival–B
- The Viking Raiders VS Vinnie Rooner & Jackson James–D
- Drew McIntyre VS Cedric Alexander–B+
- Finn Balor VS Samoa Joe–C for the match, A for The Arrival of The Fiend
- Zack Ryder VS Mike Kanellis w/ Maria–D
- Six Man Tag: The Club VS Lucha House Party–A-
- Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender Elimination Fatal 4 Way: Natalya VS Naomi VS Carmella VS Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross; Natalya wins and will face Becky Lynch for the title at Summerslam–C+
- WWE 24/7 Championship: Drake Maverick w/ Renee Michelle VS R-Truth–B
- WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender “Cross-Brand 10-Man Over-The-Top-Rope Battle Royal–B+
WWE Raw Analysis
We go live as the new Universal Champion Brock Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman make their entrance. We see a recap of last night’s Winners-Take-All Match, and the inevitable cash-in by the Beast Incarnate. I TOLD YOU SO! Heyman gives a history lesson of how many times HE told us that Lesnar would cash-in, and HE told us that Rollins wouldn’t be defended his Universal title at SummerSlam.
Brock wants to do what Brock wants to do! Tonight there will be a 10-man cross-branded over-the-top-rope battle royal to determine Brock’s opponent for SummerSlam. Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, Big E, Cesaro, Braun Strowman, Rey Mysterio, Baron Corbin, Sami Zayn, Bobby Lashley, and, last but not least The Big Dog Roman Reigns! Apparently, we’re all Brock’s Bitches.
Here comes The One and Only Ricochet making his electric entrance as The Beast looks on from the apron… could Brock want to go one-on-one with the high-flyer? Ricochet is in action… Commercial.
It’s Six-man Tag Action as The Usos team up with Ricochet vs. Robert Roode and The Revival ⅔ Falls Match. Jey and Dawson start off… Superkick and Dawson is rocked, here comes Ricochet. Dawson eats a Recoil and a running Shooting Star Press for the 1-2-3. I am expecting The Club to cause a distraction and allow the heels to get the win. Recently, WWE has been giving six-man tag matches it’s like we’ve traveled back in time. Dawson gets the second fall with a Pancake Slam… Commercial.
We return to Dawson hitting multiple suplexes… two-count. Dawson and Wilder are absolutely brilliant with old-school wrestling 101, Wilder gets arm-dragged however he still makes the tag to Dawson to prevent Jey. Ricochet comes in and firing on all cylinders…Jimmy flies to the outside. The One and Only is hitting everything that’s moving…Recoil…The Dazzling 630 1-2-3! While The Usos and Ricochet celebrate guess who shows up…The Club.
Before they even make it to the ring, Ricochet hits a suicide dive on AJ Styles. A massive brawl ensues as all the tag teams fight all over the place. Usos are having a Superkick party! Ricochet hits a cross-body splash on Roode and The Revival! Ricochet you need to keep eyes in the back of your head… Phenomenal Forearm that turns him inside out! It’s not over yet… Magic Killer and Styles shoving HIS United States Championship in the face of the former champ, while screaming “NO ONE, NO ONE, I’M THE MAN!”
Its Raid Time as The Viking Raiders is shown in a red-lighted room preparing to obliterate when we return.
A commercial for Next Week’s Monumental Raw Reunion with all. the legends and greats are making an appearance! I got no problem with that, as long as they don’t steal the spotlight from the Full-Timers!
Which jobbers are Erik and Ivar going to destroy apparently, it’s Vinnie Rooner and Jackson James? No matter how many jobbers they annihilate; and no matter how much Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Renee Young sell The Viking Raiders as real threats, WWE isn’t doing these two badasses any favors with one-minute squashes. When the hell are these two going to get a real feud? At this point, they’re just another name on the long list of NXT teams that have been mistreated. Rant over… Viking Experience for the academic win.
Recap of the No Holds Barred Match last night, The Big Dog and The Deadman handled their business! Taker looked really good.
Earlier today, The Scottish Psychopath is ready to eviscerate Cedric Alexander for his masked trick on Shane and McIntyre last week. Alexander is not scared and stands up to him, ahead of their match tonight… Commercial.
Apparently, their match is up next as McIntrye is out first, followed by Alexander. The Scottish Psychopath is in a foul mood tonight as he bulldozes through his opponent. Alexander springboards off the ropes and delivers a beautiful Neutralizer enzugiri that sends McIntrye outside. Alexander takes out his foe with a jaw-dropping overhead splash to the outside.
One of the highlights of the match is when The Scottish Psychopath hits a ferocious Belly-to-belly that sends Alexander into the turnbuckle. The Age of Alexander is showing why he was the soul of 205 live, long before Mustafa Ali was. McIntrye sets up for the Alabama Slam but Alexander counters into a rolling pin and hooks the leg for the shocking 1-2-3. RUN Alexander! Looks like another joke on McIntrye!
Recap of Shinsuke Nakamura defeating Finn Balor. Balor gives a Focus-driven promo about finding ways to move forward, but rest assured, he’s going to find a way back to HIS Intercontinental Championship! He says he’s going over, under or through Samoa Joe. Joe responds on the other side, “YOU’RE GOING TO DO WHAT?” The Samoan Specialist is not fazed! I am hoping these two get a good amount of time, going back to their exhilarating battles in NXT! The match is next… Commercial.
We come back as Charly Caruso is interviewing Reigns “Tonight is his week, from winning the Espy’s to Hobbs & Shaw Movie Premiere to Whooping ass with The Deadman last night…The only way to cap it off is to win the battle royal and taking back HIS Universal Championship!”
Back live as Balor is making his entrance. The Bell rings and both competitors tie-up…Break and Joe locks in an armlock, Balor attempts a Russian Leg Sweep… Nope. Wow, this one was quick…Quite disappointing as both rivals could tear the house down! Anyways, Joe rolls Balor and hooks the arms for the surprise pin. After though, Joe locks in the Coquina Clutch…Maybe not as Balor slips out, and hits the slingshot dropkick and the Coup de Grace!
All of a sudden the lights go out and shrieks echo…HOLY SHIT when they come back on The Fiend in mask and all is in Sister Abigail position! The Crowd is going nuts!!!! I predicted this about a month ago since we never got a truly good program with Balor and Wyatt. The dreaded Sister Abigail character was thwarted by The Flu or something. This is how you make an impact! While the lights go out again, sounds of Wyatt laughing echoes through the arena!
Mr. and Ms. 24/7 Champion are checking into a hotel to well you know…consumate the marriage. Drake Maverick is hilarious with his facial expressions like a teenager about to get lucky. Truth is hiding behind the wall with a referee. He asks the front desk if Hornswoggle is there? These vignettes are entertaining but what’s the end game here? I’ve been saying for a while now that Maverick vs. R-Truth in a real match at SummerSlam is the next step in the 24/7 process.
The Street Profits are backstage and give another 100% FULL OF ENERGY HYPE for the Fatal-4-Way Elimination Match tonight where Natalya, Naomi, Carmella, and Alexa Bliss Dawkins goes…”Is Nikki Cross going to be with Bliss?” The hilarious Montez Ford pulls down his shades with a hilarious sly grin and says “That’s what the graphic says”. Dawkins has Big E for the battle royal, while Ford has MONDAY NIGHT ROLLINS!
We head back to the ring as Zack Ryder is waiting for his opponent. Maria Kanellis is degrading Mike again… and apparently, she’s taking the match and pushes her loser husband out of the way. She comes down the ramp and the official stops her…Here comes Mike to save the day…Nope Ryder hits the Rough Ryder for the 1-2-3. What was the point of that? How is this verbal abuse going to even help Mike become a credible superstar?
We finally see that the Fatal-4-Way is to determine Becky Lynch’s opponent for SummerSlam. The Club is in six-man tag team action when we return.
We’re back as The Lucha House Party are their opponents. Styles blasts Gran Metalik to start the match. Hot tags and a brutal onslaught so far as its been all Club. Out of nowhere Ricochet snatches Styles from the apron and drives him into the barricade. Officials come out to break it up as we’re taking another commercial break? What the hell!
We return to see Kalisto taking it to Anderson…hits a hurricanrana and Anderson goes outside. Double suicide dives from Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado, followed by a stunning Corkscrew splash from Kalisto to wipe everyone out! I’m pleased to see for a moment the luchas got some form of offense. Kalisto and Anderson are back in…The boot of Doom. Styles gets the tag and locks in the calf-crusher. Styles keeps it locked in despite the tap-out!
How many recaps of The Winners-Take-All match are we going to get tonight?
Sarah Schrieber is interviewing a LASER-FOCUSED Seth Rollins, who says The Man will be fine after Baron Corbin dropped her with The End of Days last night. He’s pissed that Lesnar holds HIS Universal Championship that The Beast Incarnate doesn’t deserve. He is prepared to fight and destroy anyone who stands in his path to regaining the Universal title including…Roman Reigns.
We see a recap of The Fiend’s shocking return to attack Balor.
I apologize, folks, my power went out so I didn’t see much of the Fatal-4-Way Elimination Match. So here are a few highlights, before the bell rings the Courageous Lynch proudly walks out battered and bruised but still the Raw Women’s Champion! Bliss kicks Natalya and slaps Naomi, she gets chased out. Mella is tossed out as well, now the two friends go at it. Natalya and Naomi hit dueling dropkicks to each other, and clotheslines. Mella gets some good offense in now and she hits a Stunning Steiner for a two-count. This is the point where I can pick up as my cable is back on.
Mella-Go-Round to Natalya…Naomi with the Rearview… nope Superkicks to both her and Natalya and the crafty Bliss rolls Mella up for the first elimination. Noami drops Bliss with a dropkick. She drills Bliss with some high kicks in the corner, followed by one that has Bliss rocked and almost gets the elimination. Both Bliss and Naomi collide with clotheslines and we go to commercial.
We are back as all three women are ready to continue the fight. Again we see Bliss rolling outside and appears to be “hurt” leaving the two friends to battle. Natalya wants a Suplex on the outside, Naomi counters…she almost gets sent into the steel steps, blocked and hits a gorgeous Blockbuster! All three superstars get some offense in and several near falls. Bliss is extremely crafty and picking her spots. The crowd is chanting “This is awful!” Natalya stacks Naomi up from a roll-up pin for our second elimination… commercial.
We return as the wily Bliss is in control…Insult to Injury. Natalya wipes out Cross by accident. This is a distasteful crowd tonight as a “Let’s go, Cena, Cena Sucks” chant begins. Granted this isn’t the best fatal-four-way but still have some respect! Anyway Bliss drives Natalya into the steel steps and rolls her in the ring, she was playing possum and locks in the Sharpshooter and Bliss taps out. Natalya is the Number-One Contender for SummerSlam.
Post-Match Interview with Charly Caruso, she is proud of competing for the Raw Women’s Championship in her hometown of Canada! The Man has something to say! She and Natalya her “friend” share some mince words. The typical I’m going to kick your ass threats! I would be much more thrilled if WWE actually made Natalya seem like a real threat… instead, she’s just another victory for The Man.
Orton gives his hype for the battle royal… courtesy of R.K.O. The Miz is coming out now for his Miz TV as we go to commercial.
We return and The A-Lister welcomes his guest Dolph Ziggler. Right off the bat, Ziggler is passive-aggressively throwing jabs about Miz. He used to prove he was the best and now he’s just a Yes-man and has a show. Ziggler tries to fire back at Miz about not being on the card last night, Miz says well it’s better to not be on than to lose to Kevin Owens in seventeen seconds. Ziggler crosses the line as he claims that all Miz cares about is fame and fortune…just like his wife. The A-Lister pounces on him and unloads right hands. As much as I love both Miz and Ziggler, I would rather not see a recycled feud again.
It’s Maverick’s lucky night or so he thought! Room service arrives with their champagne that his wife ordered. Maverick is wearing nothing but the 24/7 title. The attendant doesn’t leave and, Maverick notices its an official. He frantically starts lifting up the bed and looking for someone. Truth crawls out from under the beverage cart. He rolls Maverick up for only a two. He hits a version of a cross-body splash and gets the three! Truth has his baby back all is right with the world!
We return from commercial as all 10 competitors in the Cross-brand Battle Royal are in the ring, and Heyman and The Beast are watching from the entrance ramp. To keep things not confusing I’ll just be naming superstars one-by-one who gets eliminated.
Cesaro eliminated by Bobby Lashley
Bobby Lashley eliminated by Braun Strowman
Big E eliminated by Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn eliminated by Randy Orton
Rey Mysterio eliminated by Baron Corbin
We’re down to four Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman and poor Baron Corbin!
6. Baron Corbin eliminated by Seth Rollins
Roman Reigns inadvertently speared Rollins as Strowman sidestepped.
7. Both Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns eliminated by Seth Rollins.
He starts to celebrate but The Viper strikes.
8. Randy Orton eliminated by Seth Rollins
Winner: Seth Rollins
Rollins says at SummerSlam it’s going to resemble WrestleMania. He will stomp The Beast and become THE REIGNING DEFENDING UNDISPUTED WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION! Brock marches down and throws a chair at Rollins and exits.
That’s the show folks!
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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!

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:
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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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About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY – Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY – The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network
Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts… Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Listen on your favorite platform!
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Listen, like, subscribe, and share!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!