Opinion

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?

Published

6 years ago

August 12, 2019

Bobby Fernandes

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

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

3 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

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Published

4 months ago

November 2, 2024

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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