Opinion

RAW is DVR: Greg DeMarco’s 8/19/19 WWE Raw Review & Ratings

Welcome to another edition of WWE RAW is DVR, where I watch RAW on a delay! Let’s see how long it takes me to watch the 8/19/19 edition.

Published

6 years ago

August 20, 2019

Greg DeMarco

Welcome to another edition of WWE RAW is DVR, where I watch RAW on a delay! Let’s see how long it takes me to watch the 8/19/19 edition.

RAW is DVR is back, and I am excited to see how much time we can save! Before you go too far, give Steven Mitchell’s Raw Results and Report a read! If you’re not familiar with RAW is DVR, it’s perfect for me as living on the west coast i have no choice to watch RAW on a delay. I get to fast forward where I choose, and it really helps my viewing happiness.

Time Stamp: 00:00, Stopwatch: 00:00

Big Dog Opens Raw!

The crowd is booing and I am happy as shit about it.
FAST FORWARD the talking and the video recaps.
And here’s…Dolph? Okay, sounds good to me! I was expecting a promo.

Roman Reigns vs. Dolph Ziggler

Not gonna lie, this was a weird opening, but it’s a match so we’re happy, right?
Ziggler’s tweet was funny. #HumanRingPost
So we have a ref, and a promo? Rudy Charles FTW!
Dolph doesn’t get the credit he deserves for this run.
Ziggler’s promo here is fantastic. FANTASTIC. So underrated. And brilliant ending.
Reigns struggles early are…odd. The effects of the attacks?
FAST FORWARD the commercials!
Jerry Lawler calls back to Ziggler causing his heart attack!
Dolph Ziggler could pull off the late 80s Brutus Beefcake tights. I should tweet that.
Dolph Ziggler eats another spear, this time from Roman Reigns. Will he ask for more?
Match started slow, but picked up. Ziggler is a great storyteller, and Reigns is the man.

Roman Reigns pins Dolph Ziggler following a spear – ***

FAST FORWARD commercials, recaps, and more.

I tweeted it:

#RAWisDVR @HEELZiggler should get the late 80s Brutus Beefcake tights. I think it would work for him.

— Greg DeMarco (@ChairshotGreg) August 20, 2019

Time Stamp 28:39, Stopwatch 17:01

Becky Lynch Talks

Recorded earlier, and I am not sure why. At least they’re honest!
“Sasha Banks is the greatest woman on the roster, to never be great.”
This is a really good promo.

The King’s Court with Sasha Banks

FAST FORWARD to Sasha’s entrance.
Love Lawler bailing when The Fiend’s effects start.
The Fiend attacks Lawler and the crowd response is amazing. If they’re not careful, he will become the biggest babyface in the company.
Thank funny he still scares the kids.
DARIN CORBIN FTW!
The crowd is chanting “YOWIE WOWIE!” He’s a babyface!

FAST FORWARD the commercials and recap!

Time Stamp 20:48, Stopwatch 23:22

Oh hey, Vic Joseph. I like this.

Ricochet & The Miz vs. Drew McIntyre & Baron Corbin

I might be the only person who doesn’t hate the “Ricochet sound effect” at the start of Ricochet’s entrance.
I should tweet that.
Good ol’ WWE booking seeing next week’s King Of The Ring pairings fight in a tag team match. I don’t hate it.
FAST FORWARD the entrances.
BARON. CORBIN. SUCKS.
FAST FORWARD the commercials.
Two matches, two mid-match commercial breaks. Remember when we weren’t doing that?
If they play their cards right, Ricochet can be a modern day Rey Mysterio. That means a Royal Rumble win and multiple world championships. Be patient.
It also means getting tossed around by Drew McIntyre.
Does Corbin wear that terrible wife-beater (can we call it that in 2019) to cover up those terrible tattoos?
Undertaker tattooing “SARA” on his neck thinks those are bad.
It’s not like Ricochet tattooed “TESSA” on his neck, right?
Great tag team match. In-ring, this show is delivering tonight.

Ricochet & The Miz beat Baron Corbin & Drew McIntyre when Ricochet pins Corbin after The Recoil – ***1/2

I tweeted that:

I might be the only person who doesn't hate the "Ricochet sound effect" at the start of Ricochet's entrance. #RAWisDVR

— Greg DeMarco (@ChairshotGreg) August 20, 2019

FAST FORWARD the commercials

Timestamp 59:11, Stopwatch 34:37

FAST FORWARD most of the Booker T interview, and the entrances

United States Championship: AJ Styles (c) vs. Braun Strowman

So we’re going to commercial soon, right?
Knowing the spoilers for the end of Raw kinda ruins this match, not gonna lie. But let’s see how it goes!
SPRINGBOARD INTO A FLYSWATTER!
There’s the DQ. That’s why you have a crew, right?

Braun Strowman beats AJ Styles via disqualification after The OC interferes – **1/2

And here’s the babyface Universal Champion, complete with backwards hat!
Can we do something with Strowman’s beard? The length is good, but it can use some work on the sides.

FAST FORWARD Samoa Joe walking, commercials, talking, etc.

Timestamp 1:14:11, Stopwatch 41:38

King Of The Ring First Round Match: Samoa Joe vs. Cesaro

Samoa Joe would be the closest thing to King Harley Race we’ve ever had.
Can we get suit wearing Cesaro back?
I should tweet that.

I tweeted that:

Can we get suit wearing Cesaro back? #RAWisDVR

— Greg DeMarco (@ChairshotGreg) August 20, 2019

Cesaro jump starting the match is brilliant. If you know why, you know.
Okay, I’ll tell you: Samoa Joe is susceptible to flash pins.
FAST FORWARD the mid-match commercials. That’s 3 out of 4.
Samoa Joe needs a haircut, but I don’t have the guts to tell him,

I shouldn’t tweet that, but I did:

@SamoaJoe needs a haircut, but I don't have the guts to tell him. #RAWisDVR

— Greg DeMarco (@ChairshotGreg) August 20, 2019

That kick was BRUTAL.
Cesaro not getting Samoa Joe over the first time, but getting it the second, is a nice accidental bit of realism. I dug it.
HASHIMOTO!
By the way, here’s my brakcet: https://thechairshot.com/2019/08/demarco-cracking-the-code-on-the-2019-wwe-king-of-the-ring/
Nice sequences at the end, and Joe ruins my aforementioned bracket.
One hell of a match.

Samoa Joe advances to the quarterfinals with a submission win over Cesaro – ****

Timestamp: 1:34:33, Stopwatch: 52:01

Hello, I Am Eliath

Are these fans chanting “BULL!” Like for Bull Dempsey?
Somewhere, a chaise lounge is missing it’s throw blanket.

See, I wasn’t kidding:

While I was getting a pic, R-Truth showed up.
El Kabong doesn’t happen, and Elias escapes with the WWE 24/7 Championship

FAST FORWARD the commercials

Time stamp: 1:43:15, Stopwatch: 56:28

Rey Mysterio Doesn’t Retire

I’d thank Charly for her time, too. “Money’s on the dresser, Charly!”
Charly is better than that, by the way. It was a joke.
Charly is taller than Rey. The dresser might be taller than Rey, too.
Rey about to unmask. and Dominic Mysterio is here to stop him.
Dominic has a Rey Mysterio tattoo.
What worries me about this Dominic promo is that it was the best take they got.
Dominic is gonna turn on Rey and have a career that will make David Flair proud.

Yep, tweeted it:

Dominic is gonna turn on Rey Mysterio and have a career that will make David Flair proud. #RAWisDVR (I hope I'm wrong.)

— Greg DeMarco (@ChairshotGreg) August 20, 2019

You do not FAST FORWARD The New Day’s entrance

Did Michael Cole mention the WILDCARD RULE???
WILDCARD BITCHES!

You also do not FAST FORWARD The Revival’s entrance.

SAY YEAH!
WE GO HARD!
Best tag team in the world.
Snakeskin boots? Fucking awesome.
By the way, it looks like a good crowd at Raw tonight.

The New Day (Xavier Woods & Big E) vs. The Revival (Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson)

Seriously, we are watching two of the best tag teams in the world. They ain’t scared, Nick.
Xavier Woods’ Iron Sheik boots will never get old.
FAST FORWARD the commercials.
That’s 4 for 5 on the mid-match commercials tonight.
RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!
RKO OUTTA NOWHERE TO KOFI!
Randy Orton is your next WWE Champion, and The Revival and Orton are a thing? God damn, man. The World Wrestling Federation is back!
SHATTER MACHINE RKO OUTTA NOWHERE! Shit, man. This is awesome.
See you guys on Smackdown tomorrow night!
It was great while it lasted, and the post-match shenanigans were better. They’re part of the segment, and they’re part of the rating.

The New Day beats The Revival by disqualification – ***

I tweeted it:

Xavier Woods' @XavierWoodsPhD Iron Sheik @the_ironsheik boots will never get old. #RAWisDVR

— Greg DeMarco (@ChairshotGreg) August 20, 2019

Michael Cole Interviews Sasha Banks

This is our second Michael Cole split screen interview.
Sasha is the second person to thank the interviewer for their time.
Sasha is the second person to fake cry.
Guy in the crowd is wearing a “Rats Get Bats” shirt……
The part of Damien Sandow will be played by Sasha Banks.
#YoureWelcome

Yep:

The part of Damien Sandow will be played by Sasha Banks.#YoureWelcome #RAWisDVR

— Greg DeMarco (@ChairshotGreg) August 20, 2019

You do not FAST FORWARD Alexa Bliss coming to the ring.

But you do FAST FORWARD the commercials.

You do not FAST FORWARD Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville making an entrance.

I need to check out that new Steve Austin show.

Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs. Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville

That hug….
Fitness Model Mandy Rose is on her way to being a modern day Trish Stratus. You doubt me, but she’s ahead of where Trish was at this point in her career.

You guessed it!

Fitness Model @WWE_MandyRose is on her way to being a modern day Trish Stratus. You doubt me, but she's ahead of where Trish was at this point in her career. #RAWisDVR

— Greg DeMarco (@ChairshotGreg) August 20, 2019

Sonya Deville is a star in waiting.
That finish was outta nowhere, I wonder if time got cut.

Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross beat Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville when Cross pinned Deville – **3/4

Timestamp: 2:20:21, Stopwatch: 1:22:27

King Of The Ring First Round Match: Cedric Alexander vs. Sami Zayn

Cedric is a man of few words–and he proved why with that promo.
Sami loves the throne.
For the record, I picked Cedric Alexander to beat Sami Zayn here.
Hot start to the match, and I’ll be honest with you: I’ve never seen a Cedric Alexander match I didn’t enjoy.
Just a quick reminder that ROH had Cedric Alexander and no one told him to lose 20 pounds. WWE did, and look at him now! WWE – 1, ROH – 0.
Zayn fell over during the reverse head-scissors, and I can’s sell that as realism.
Lumbar Check gets it done, and this match was rushed. Something else ran long.

Cedric Alexander pinned Sami Zayn with the Lumbar Check to advance – **3/4

Not gonna FAST FORWARD the Street Profits.

The Profits being very sneaky and not wearing their NXT Tag Team Championships.
But they did get the lower third.
Braullins?
Tag Team King Of The Ring, Tag Team Royal Rumble, Tag Team Money In The Bank — we need it all! #SaveTagTeamWrestling

Tweeted it!

Tag Team King Of The Ring, Tag Team Royal Rumble, Tag Team Money In The Bank — we need it all! #SaveTagTeamWrestling #RAWisDVR

— Greg DeMarco (@ChairshotGreg) August 20, 2019

FAST FORWARD the commercials and highlights.

Almost fast forwarded Natalya’s promo, but Twitter told me I shouldn’t. Sasha attacks again!

“Sasha is my friend. Sasha was my friend.”
Natalya is a terrible promo. She needs a character to play.
Sasha’s attack was great.
“Go to hell Nattie, and tell your daddy I said hi” is a brilliant line from Sasha Banks. Don’t @ me.

You didn’t have to ask:

"Go to hell Nattie, and tell your daddy I said hi" is a brilliant line from Sasha Banks. Don't @ me. #RAWisDVR

— Greg DeMarco (@ChairshotGreg) August 20, 2019

FAST FOWARD the entrances, commercials, and entrances.

Raw Tag Team Championship: Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman

#SaveTagTeamWrestling is in trouble here, as the Vicious Cycle of WWE Tag Team Booking seems to be in effect.
They love to have Seth Rollins “work injured.”
Michael Cole just said “floundering for a piece.” I can’t even right now.
FAST FORWARD the mid-match commercials. 5 for 8 now.
FAST FORWARD a slow period.
This match has become The Seth Rollins Show.
FREIGHT TRAIN BRAUN ON THE OUTSIDE!
Mowing people over isn’t “waiting patiently,” Vic.
Powerslam and it’s over.
Love that Vic Joseph called the finish. Great job by Michael Cole to step aside.

Braun Strowman & Seth Rollins beat Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson to win the Raw Tag Team Championships – ***1/2

On the reply I realized how brilliant it was to have Seth hit the Stomp on AJ to keep him from causing the DQ, which Rollins eluded to earlier. Great foreshadowing.
Braun staring at the Universal Championship to close. Great work there, too.

Timestamp: 3:00:12, Stopwatch: 1:46:30

Summary

Best match of the night: Samoa Joe vs. Cesaro (****)
Time saved: 1:13:42

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

I can’t complain about tonight’s Raw. It was entertaining, it advanced storylines (Becky-Sasha, Braun-Seth, King Of The Ring) while reminding us of others. Dolph Ziggler, Samoa Joe, Cesaro, and Sasha Banks all delivered great performances. Good shit, pal.

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

King: A World Without The Prizefighter

Don't Miss

Rob: WWE NXT to TV? What It Means And Why You Do It

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

2 months 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.

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

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS: WWE Crown Jewel Immediate Reactions

Join DJ and Tunney for their immediate reactions to WWE Crown Jewel. For the latest, greatest and up to datest, ALWAYS #UseYourHead and visit THECHAIRSHOT.COM

Published

5 months ago

November 2, 2024

PC Tunney

Join DJ and Tunney for their immediate reactions to WWE Crown Jewel. For the latest, greatest and up to datest, ALWAYS #UseYourHead and visit THECHAIRSHOT.COM