Opinion

DeMarco’s WWE SummerSlam 2019 Ratings & Analysis

My immediate reaction to WWE SummerSlam, complete with match ratings and his analysis. See if you agree! (You won’t.)

Published

6 years ago

August 12, 2019

Greg DeMarco

Greg DeMarco gives you his immediate reaction to WWE SummerSlam, complete with match ratings and his analysis. See if you agree! (You won’t.)

WWE rolls into Toronto for the Biggest Party Of The Summer, with over 6 hours of action for all to enjoy! I made my picks along with the rest of The Chairshot staff, and you can see those here. Did you enjoy it? Did I? Let’s take a look….

Check out Mitchell’s WWE SummerSlam 2o19 Results & Recap!

WWE Cruiserweight Championship – Drew Gulak (c) vs. Oney Lorcan (Kickoff)

Drew Gulak, complete with an awesome robe, kick starts the match (and SummerSlam) in a faster way than expected. The match itself was good, and Oney Lorcan did an amazing job getting the crowd invested–considering many were still filing in. Props to both men for tackling one of the toughest spots on the format.

Drew Gulak pinned Oney Lorcan to retain – ***

Buddy Murphy vs. Apollo Crews (Kickoff)

Two amazing talents getting a chance to shine is always a win in my book. Buddy started off hot with a great knee to the head of Apollo, getting the near fall and making me think he was getting the super push win. Apollo also got a chance to shine, but this was the Buddy show. That is, until Erick Rowan interjected himself! Rowan attacked Buddy Murphy and advised he keep his (Rowan) name out of his (Buddy) mouth moving forward. No indication if Buddy will comply. The match was crazy entertaining for what it was.

Buddy Murphy beat Apollo Crews by disqualification (possibly a no-contest–doesn’t matter) – ***1/2

Edge was given a great Toronto reception when he interrupted Elias, further driving the point home that the Kickoff does indeed matter. Edge takes Elias out with a surprising Spear–surprising to me since Edge reportedly could die with one bad bump. Props to Edge for the moment, he looked great.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship – Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross (c) vs. The IIconics (Kickoff)

Nikki Cross has basically the easiest character to play. She can do almost anything and it makes perfect sense within her character. Like touching belts with Alexa Bliss…while they were both wearing the championship belts. This match is a reminder that while The IIconics may not be around for their in-ring abilities, Nikki Cross also can’t hit an effective High Cross Body–despite it part of it being her name.

This match was the first of a whopping FOUR for the women’s division, each with increasing importance. I fully believe Charlotte Flair vs. Trish Stratus should be given serious consideration to go on last tonight. Thankfully this didn’t go on last, as Billie Kay couldn’t even get pulled off the apron in an impressive manner. Alexa and Nikki were the stars of this match, holding it together as best they could.

Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross beat The IIconics with Twisted Bliss to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships – **1/2

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

Much like the 2019 Royal Rumble, Becky Lynch kicks off a major WWE PPV. I don’t mind that decision at all–she’s not going on last against Natalya, might as well use a big star to pop the crowd (especially since nothing is announced for Roman Reigns).

Both women did a great job utilizing the stipulation but still working that “WWE Main Event Style,” including brawling around the ringside area. Becky sold the correct leg throughout the match, which was better than her entire run this past winter/spring. No one bought Natalya’s chances in this match, but she was both credible and believable from bell-to-bell. Huge pop for Natalya locking the Sharpshooter in late. The right person won–and my only complaint is Shayna Baszler didn’t attack Becky after. 🙂 Match did exactly what it needed to do, and then some.

Becky Lynch forced Natalya to tap to the Dis-Arm-Her to retain the Raw Women’s Championship – ****

Goldberg vs. Dolph Ziggler

This is the perfect way to use Goldberg–early attraction against someone who will bump his ass off to give the crowd exactly what they want. Sasha Banks could learn a lot from watching Dolph Ziggler’s entrance, even knowing he’d get crushed, he was all energy and really ramped it up. And good on Ziggler, he knew he was going to destroyed, so he dropped a “pro wrestling” on a live mic before it happened. Go Dolph go.

The pop for Goldberg’s super-sparklers and pyrotechnics should answer any questions as to why he belongs on this card. Nostalgia sells, and this is the second match on the card. Ziggler sold the entire situation like he was a true champion and ready to end Goldberg’s legend. The match was actually better than I expected–with double the moves I expected!

Superkick. Superkick. Spear. Jackhammer. Ziggler masterfully gives the fans the encore they didn’t know they wanted by calling Goldberg back out. Well done, Dolph. And even after the encore, Dolph didn’t stop entertaining.

Goldberg pinned Dolph Ziggler following a Spear and a Jackhammer – *** (purely for entertainment value)

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

The lower third graphic for The OC is amazing–such a great touch. Also shows that they’re at least a little bit behind this crew. Ricochet doing his best Rey Mysterio with the gear this time out, and I wonder if he’ll make it a tradition.

The early story of the match saw Ricochet neutralizing The OC, until his leg was injured. At that point, Ric put on a selling clinic that would make Mr. Perfect and Dolph Ziggler proud. This included a one-legged Springboard Clothesline and Shooting Star Press. Props to Corey Graves for explaining how he could hit the move and it would still hurt Ricochet to do it–it’s the little things.

The injury of course comes into play when AJ locks in Calf Crusher, but Ricochet counters with an ANACONDA VICE??? Brilliant, even if it spawned some CM Punk chants. I know some don’t like it when Ricochet is booked like an underdog fighting from underneath, but this is WWE and he can make a lot of money that way. AJ wins, and this was a brilliantly planned–and executed–match. Don’t sleep on that finish, it wasn’t just a Styles Clash, but a powerbomb right before. I also loved the post-match attack, as it really helps establish The OC as a top heel faction.

AJ Styles pinned Ricochet following the Styles Clash to retain the United States Championship – ****

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

Am I the only one who sees Ember Moon and sees a heel? I can’t be the only one. Bayley was Bayley, and I really thought her title reign was heating up with this. However, it seems like I am wrong, because this match fell really flat. It was a game of connect-the-spots, and the Top Rope Bayley-To-Bayley mercifully ended a match that was even clunky at points. Hindsight is 20/20, but this was better served on the Kickoff. Given it’s placement on the card, people were also starting to hit the restrooms and concession stands. Largely forgettable match.

Bayley pinned Ember Moon with a Top Rope Bayley-To-Belly to retain the Smackdown Women’s Championship – **3/4

Kevin Owens vs. Shane McMahon (Owens will quit if he loses)

So I had to step aside to fix a beeping smoke detector upstairs in my daughter’s room. However, when I came back I saw a crowd that was crazy into the action, hinging on everything Owens did. I am giving it a rating for what I saw, and I will go back and watch it and edit things here after I do, later tonight.

As for the result, I picked Shane to win and I was wrong. Hearing the crowd pop for everything Owens was doing showed me that Owens had to win. This was a spot where you give the fans what they want.

Kevin Owens pinned Shane McMahon after a KO Stunner – ***1/2

Charlotte Flair vs. Trish Stratus

Interesting that we didn’t get the video package for this match, instead focusing on the Roman Reigns saga. This match placement also means we are done with the women halfway through the show. For this one, we have a 7-time champion (and Hall Of Famer) against a 9-time champion. For the record, I picked Trish to win, with the idea that Charlotte wins the rematch at WrestleMania 36.

Trish Stratus showed some serious rust in this match, more than she showed at Evolution. Thankfully Charlotte Flair did her best Io Shirai impersonation and carried her to a good match. Charlotte helped Trish go from spot-to-spot early, but once Charlotte went on the offensive I felt like we got more of a story. I also want my prediction to be wrong, because I already don’t want to see a rematch.

Things did pick up, but Stratus seemed outmatched the entire time. Charlotte did a great job making her look good, although most of Trish’s spots seemed contrived while Charlotte’s offense felt natural. Trish Stratus applying the Figure Four backwards is the equivalent of folding your arms the other way. Charlotte carried the match, and rightfully won. The crowd’s investment helped my entertainment value, and thus my rating.

Charlotte Flair made Trish Stratus tap out to the Figure Eight Leg Lock – ***

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

Really surprised by the crowd chanting “Kofi’s Stupid!/Randy Sucks!” during this match. I didn’t expect that much support for Orton. I also didn’t expect Randy Orton to look like a giant compared to Kofi Kingston. But here we are. Kofi and Randy delivered a strong match, but one thing I realized is that we had too many methodical matches in a row here. This would have been a good spot to insert a fast paced tag team match to heat the crowd back up.

And for the second straight year, the WWE Championship match at SummerSlam was made to be about the wife of the champion. And it ended in a disqualification. That’s a disappointment. I know they will stretch this out to Hell In A Cell, but there are better ways to do it (in my opinion). Great match up to that point.

Kofi Kingston fought Randy Orton to a double countout and retained the WWE Championship – ***3/4

Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor

Everything about Bray Wyatt’s entrance was bad ass. The music, the effects, and the way it was filmed. He’s automatically like nothing else on the roster. Let’s keep it that way. That said, he’s going to give kids nightmares–make sure he always goes on late! The match? It was exactly what it needed to be. Bray went on an offense tear early, Finn finally fought back like a former Universal and Intercontinental Champion should, but Bray caught him with the Mandible Claw and it was over. The whole thing was beautifully executed.

Bray Wyatt pinned an unconscious Finn Balor after a Mandible Claw – ****

Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Seth Rollins

Interesting note: when introducing the video package for this match, the announce team never referred to this as the main event. I’ve noticed more, lately, that they are really selective with that term. Honestly, I’ve noticed it going back to Extreme Rules 2018, when they were really particular about not calling the Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler Iron Man Match the main event. Love the all black look for Seth here, but then again I want to see him get his ass kicked and have it lead to a heel turn. Side note: Michael Cole reminded us that Rollins earned this title shot by winning a Battle Royal, meaning both of his title shots this year came by winning a battle royal.

The little things always go a long way. Seth clobbering Brock’s back when Brock was driving shoulders into his midsection is a great example of this. Quickly getting The Stomp was a lot of fun as well. Add on to that Brock swinging Seth around by the rib tape! Classic stuff.

Once Brock went on the offensive, it was Big Boss Brock taking out Seth piece-by-piece. This is what Brock does, and this is why he’s so valuable. He’s the big baddie at the end, the big boss that most can’t beat. Win or lose, it’s the perfect story to tell and it works every time. Also noteworthy was Brock Lesnar hitting a normal suplex, but doing it in a way that tossed Seth Rollins across the ring. Another example of why Brock Lesnar is so valuable.

Seth wouldn’t go down without a fight, and the crowd was into all the near falls. Seth isn’t the best at selling an injury, seemingly forgetting that his ribs were injured at times. Sure, “fighting spirit” and all. But injured ribs means no suicide dives. Surprisingly, Rollins got the win after that ass kicking! Didn’t expect it to go that way, but it’s an intriguing development and I am interested to see where it goes.

That was one hell of a match with an unexpected ending. Well done.

Seth Rollins pinned Brock Lesnar after The Stomp to capture the Universal Championship – ****1/2

WWE has been putting on great PPV events all year, and this was no different. The main event was great, and the surprising ending really drove things home. The card itself was good to great, even the worst parts (looking at you Bayley vs Ember Moon) weren’t atrocious. In a rarity, the final match of the night was my favorite, and you can’t help but feel satisfied.

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

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

Up Next

Tiffany’s NXT Takeover Toronto Takes: The Women Takeover

Don't Miss

Andrew’s G1 Climax 29 Ratings & Analysis: Night 19 FINALS

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

3 weeks ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1

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 all enjoy Pro Wrestling 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

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY – 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY – POD is WAR (Los Tres Friends)

FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / 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

Listen on your favorite platform!

iTunes | iHeart Radio | Google Play | Spotify
Listen, like, subscribe, and share!

About Chairshot Radio Network

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

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

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.

Published

1 month ago

April 18, 2025

PC Tunney

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!