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Bobby’s Good, Bad and Ugly Review: SummerSlam 2019 (8/11/19)

Bobby Fernandes presents his Good, Bad, and Ugly review of WWE SummerSlam 2019! What stood out on the card?

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WWE SummerSlam 2019 Bray Wyatt Finn Balor The Fiend

Bobby Fernandes presents his Good, Bad, and Ugly review of WWE SummerSlam 2019! What stood out on the card?

SummerSlam 2019 is here, and it is a jam packed, looking at a long 5 hours of Professional Wrestling action.  NXT Takeover was red hot, and as usual has the media buzzing with excitement.  WWE has a lot of wheels turning right now and this show is one of the biggies.  SummerSlam is a long tradition and means a lot to Vince and company.  My quick predictions are that we may see some struggling tonight but I love being wrong when it means we will have a great show!  I am a huge WWE fan personally and want it to shine.  Will we have a Good night?  Or are we going to feel the burn of a disappointing milestone?  Let’s get down to the action!

GOOD

205 Live Cruiserweight Championship  – Drew Gulak (c) vs. Oney Lorcan

On paper, we have two of the best talents not nearly seen enough.  This was what was expected, very technical and tight.  Both men with strikes and holds on point.  This was a pure wrestling clinic.  The audience can really see how much these guys care.  They really put themselves out there and want everything to be awesome.  Constantly trying to better the other, a true competition, literally slapping the hell out of each other.  Gulak while the Ref was distracted got in a punch to the throat then followed up with a devastating “Cyclone Crash” for the victory.  Gulak retains the 205 Live Cruiserweight Championship!  Good match. 

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships – Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross (c) vs. The IIconics

Alexa Bliss made an entrance indeed.  This could be a decent match especially for a KickOff Show match.  Cross and Royce looked sharp, and it was be interesting to see what Royce could do solo.  She is much better overall than Kay.  Alexa Bliss looked great as always.  She just is an amazing talent, and never gets old in my opinion.  The IIconics nearly took the titles back on the Goddess but Bliss hit a “twisted bliss” retaining the tag belts, in a well done defense.  Not the best thing ever by far but it gets a passing grade of Good. 

WWE Raw Women’s Championship – Submission Match – Becky Lynch (c) vs. Natalya

Hell of an opening.  The Man brings the noise and Nattie is a Canadian favorite.  Not expecting much here but there is potential.  Although Nattie was in Canada, Lynch got a lot of love from the audience.  As the match went on, Nattie got more and more physical and had some Good content.  It started getting nasty, even at one point Nattie lashing out at the crowd.  Lynch returned the favor after getting into a rare “sharpshooter” across the second turnbuckle.  Lynch started her offensive making it known she won’t back down for anyone.  Nattie though again would not be denied and pulled off a devastating Superplex amongst other damage.  The Man got Nattie in the “Sharpshooter” but was quickly escaped.  After a bunch of reversals and even using each others finishers, Lynch finally locked Natalya in the “disarmer” for the victory!  Lynch Retains!  The match got better as it went and scored 1 for the Good guys! 

Dolph Ziggler vs. Bill Goldberg

This really could be a nightmare if Goldberg is anything like he was versus The Undertaker.  The longer this goes the worse it may be.  It has been enjoyable watching Michaels and Ziggler though, there has been some great stuff there.  Apparently WWE thinks short and sweet was a Good idea also.  After getting rocked by two huge “superkicks” by Ziggler, Goldberg speared the hell out of Ziggler and sealed the deal with a “JackHammer.’’ Due to the short nature and the way it affected the mood, this was actually pretty Good.  The only downside is Ziggler getting jobbed out, but that is the norm.  Ziggler asked for more as Goldberg was heading out, and he obliged him with another “spear” for Good measure.  Ziggler again called for Goldberg to come back out, which he did again with another “spear.”  Enough was enough, and this was enough.    

United States Championship – AJ Styles (c) vs. Ricochet

This is the one we want so bad.  The predicted “Match of the Night” with two of the best there is, period.  Ricochet started off hot but was halted as AJ expertly worked his knee.  It was subdued but still looked Good as these are Masters in the ring.  Ricochet starting going again, hitting all of his high flying assaults with one leg.  He is so Good and with someone like Styles seems even more confident to pull off something special every move.  Styles continued to work the injured leg completely showing everyone that he is the heel vet in this fight.  These guys fought until the end, with nothing left in the tank.  Ricochet having to fight off the other members of “OC” was caught on a last ditch effort off the top, directly into a “Style’s Clash” for the victory, retaining the United States Championship!  AJ needed his boys to help and they took it further after the match beating down Ricochet even more with a “magic killer.”  Good match of course, even with the predictably ending. 

Charlotte Flair vs. Trish Stratus

The past vs present.  Flair and Stratus compete at another level.  This hopefully will showcase their strengths rather than their weaknesses.  Charlotte was using her size and strength advantage to the fullest while Trish was flying around, hitting hip-throws and head-scissors galore.  Charlotte kept taunting, continuously counting out her Hall of Famer Canadian Opponent.  Charlotte is a true heel legend, but Trish had enough and came out swinging, but once again was dominated by Flair.  Trish hit a huge “hurricanrana” off the top but only for 2.  This surprisingly got brutal, as both chopped the hell out of each other multiple times.  They were tired but kept on fighting hard.  This was a Good match.  Charlotte finally got an edge and hit locked in the “figure 8” which proved too much for Trish Stratus.  Charlotte is your Winner!     

“The Fiend” Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor

Here we go!  High hopes here as all of us hope for this to save the day!  Balor and Wyatt are what is Good about WWE and we need this here, now.  Holy Shit Bray Wyatt!  Way to make an entrance.  The Fiend is here and we need a lot more of whatever the hell that was.  Crushing a guy like Balor is just incredible, the WWE really has something here.  Balor was done, but reached deep hitting some big offense, putting up a fight, going for the “coup de grace” but got caught in the “mandible claw” losing to this new freak.  Good, very Good!  I need The Fiend to be around for a little while.  Who is next, Demon, Aleister Black?  The possibilities are endless.  Wyatt is a beautiful nightmare!  Great job WWE creative!

WWE Universal Championship – Brock Lesnar(c) vs. Seth Rollins

All we have to look forward to is a beating to Rollins and a quick match, either or both will do.  I don’t think anyone except Rollins and maybe his girl Becky Lynch will mind.  It looked like Lesnar was going to deliver too, killing his opponent until a small opening lead to a “stomp” by Rollins, and continued on the attack on the Beast.  Lesnar then hit a devastating “F5” giving Lesnar time to regroup.  Lesnar ripped Rollins apart getting his fill and some.  Rollins made the most of his opening, using the post multiple times to his advantage on the Champ.  Rollins rallied again with diving at a staggered Lesnar only to be crushed into the post by the larger foe.  Rollins will not quit and again got Brock stunned on the Spanish Announce Table hitting a “frog splash” off the top.  Say whatever you want, these guys are representing WWE strongly.  This is flexing here.  Rollins then hits a “frog splash” in the middle of the ring followed by a “stomp” but only for two!  Rollins had a slight misstep but then took out the Champ with a well placed “cresent kick” and another “stomp”  this time for the 3 count!  Seth Rollins is our New Universal Champion, the Beast Slayer! 

BAD

Buddy Murphy vs. Apollo Crews

I am not really sure where this match came from but I’m glad to see it.  Both guys are almost never seen.  Murphy is phenomenal and Crews has proven every time he wrestles that he belongs in a much higher spot than he has achieved.  Both guys are strong, athletic and capable.  There were some very Good things here.  For a kickoff, we have a lot of really solid matches.  It was great to see a clean match until Rowan attacked Buddy Murphy on the outside, due to Murphy ratting him out about the attack on Roman Reigns backstage.  The ending was crap and deserved much better.  This was a Bad twist and took the wind out of the momentum. 

WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship – Bayley(c) vs. Ember Moon

It’s great to see Ember Moon get a shot, she is a fantastic talent.  Bayley is a joy always and could make for a big match here.  This was very physical and stiff.  Bayley looked like a Champion and aggressively pursued Ember Moon.  Ember had some little bouts of offense but spent a lot of time taking punishment.  The match was sloppy, and slow at times.  It was almost like half speed and it showed.  The crowd was getting restless.  Moon woke up the crowd nearly putting Bayley away but only for a 2 count.  Bayley recovered and finally hit a “Bayley to Belly” off the top for the win.  This really was physical but it got boring at times and a few miscues secured it a spot in the Bad column. 

Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon – If KO Loses, He Leaves WWE

Kevin Owens got a Canadian Hero’s Welcome and looked ready to fight for this one.  Shane then announced that Elias is going to be a Special Guest Enforcer followed by Shane heeling it up around the ring using Elias to his advantage trying to score a count-out.  Owens took some very hard bumps, getting destroyed by Shane.  Strike for strike, Owens looked sharp while Shane threw a ton of horrible weak strikes and combos.  Owens hit a “popup powerbomb” after a horrible attempt to mock the audience with a half ass “sharpshooter” attempt by Shane.  Elias interfered with the count.  Shane hits Elias accidentally, KO hits a “swanton” and a “frog splash” but Elias pulled the Ref out again.  KO hit a “cannonball” on both the Ref and Elias on the outside.  Left with a chair in the ring, KO got pulled out and fought off Elias again, this time kicking his ass with a steel chair.  KO then got a low blow in on Shane and ended it with a “Stunner” for the win.  The end was hot, the rest was not.  I would score this one a Bad match, even with an on fire ending.  KO wins, hopefully this is over, but from the way things ended, it is far from it unfortunately.    

WWE Championship – Kofi Kingston (c) vs. Randy Orton

Orton is a Professional Wrestling Freak of Nature.  He is a purist.  Kofi Kingston stands for just the opposite.  He is against the grain, smashing through walls in his path.  Walls built by the perfection that is guys like Orton.  The perfect vision of what the sport’s entertainer is.  Again a pure Professional Wrestler prodigy, legacy and legend.  Orton picked the Champ apart as he usually does his many victims.  Kofi started getting things going but again cut short by Orton.  Orton no matter how much Kofi fought back would cut him off again.  Kofi off the top, RKO outta nowhere!  Orton stood over Kofi and stared off at Kofi’s family putting Kofi in a fit of rage and causing a count-out.  This was an absolutely crap ending to a great Championship Match.  Kofi beat Orton all around the ring with a Kendo stick and the crowd as well as most watching are disappointed.  Kofi keeps his title, cheaply like this was a lame ending of Raw.  Bad form.      

UGLY- strongly considered a few times. 

FINALS

  • Good- 8
  • Bad- 4
  • Ugly- 0

Overall – Good.  It had it’s flaws, some very Bad in fact, but it deep in the numbers where it counts, we had some memorable moments and some interesting stories ahead with some kick ass people guiding the way.  Not Bad in my book. 

Okay show, better Good than Bad and Ugly.  We have some decent stories and intrigue in the weeks to come.  Raw, SmackDown, NXT all continue now with AEW coming up to go toe to toe with HHH’s NXT in what will be someday known as the “Wednesday Night Wars.”  Professional Wrestling is on fire right now, and I am enjoying the heat.  Catch you on the flipside.  Thank you Chairshot fans and staff on another fantastic show and coverage.  #UseYourHead.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: WrestleMania 41 Las Vegas

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

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

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

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

Chairshot Pick: THE NEW DAY 9-2

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Jade Cargill 8-2-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Jacob Fatu 9-2

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Charlotte Flair 7-4

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

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

Chairshot Pick: El Grande Americano 6-5

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Jey Uso 11-0

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Seth Rollins 6-4-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Iyo Sky 8-2-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Bron Breakker 5-4-1-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Drew McIntyre 7-3-1

WHO WILL BE RANDY’S OPPONENT?!?

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

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

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Logan Paul 7-4

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

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

Chairshot Pick: Liv & Raquel 9-2

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

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

Chairshot Pick: John Cena 6-5

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We wait all year for this so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

  • AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
  • Andrew – @IWCWarChief
  • Dave – @AttitudeAgg
  • DJ – @TheMindlessPod
  • DPP – @itsmeDPP
  • Jason – @JediFett
  • Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
  • Rey – @itsreycash
  • Rob – @rbonne1
  • Greg – @gregdemarco44
  • PC – @PCTunney
  • TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

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

Prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot plenty of GREAT t-shirt designs! Makes an awesome gift!!

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)

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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

 


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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)

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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


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

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

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Shawn Michaels Kurt Angle WrestleMania 21

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

  • Edge vs. Mick Foley – WrestleMania 22 (2006)
    A hardcore war that solidified Edge as a top-tier main eventer. That flaming table spear is still played in every Edge highlight reel.

  • AJ Styles vs. Shane McMahon – WrestleMania 33 (2017)
    Everyone expected smoke and mirrors—what they got was a surprisingly technical, high-energy opener that kicked off the show right.

  • The Undertaker vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 28 (2012)
    “End of an Era” wasn’t just a tagline. The Hell in a Cell match, with HBK as referee, was a brutal epilogue to a generation’s legacy.

  • Shawn Michaels vs. Chris Jericho – WrestleMania XIX (2003)
    A student-teacher battle of wills. Jericho’s low blow post-match was the perfect heel punctuation to a career-defining contest.

  • Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins – WrestleMania 31 (2015)
    The greatest RKO of all time. That curb stomp reversal belongs in a museum.

  • Floyd Mayweather vs. Big Show – WrestleMania XXIV (2008)
    More sports-entertainment than wrestling, but a crossover moment that made mainstream headlines and paid off with a great finish.

  • Roddy Piper vs. Adrian Adonis – WrestleMania III (1987)
    A retirement match with big heat, a hot crowd, and Piper walking off into the sunset (for a minute).

  • The Firefly Funhouse Match – John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt – WrestleMania 36 (2020)
    Cinematic weirdness at its best. A meta masterstroke that broke Cena down in layers.

  • Bad Bunny & Damian Priest vs. The Miz & John Morrison – WrestleMania 37 (2021)
    Bad Bunny stunned everyone. He didn’t just belong—he elevated the show.

  • Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio – WrestleMania 39 (2023)
    Father vs. son in a grudge match that played perfectly off real-life drama and Hall of Fame weekend emotions.


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

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!

All Shows On Demand


Powered by RedCircle


Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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