Opinion

The King’s Takeaways From Friday Night SmackDown

Published

6 years ago

November 10, 2019

Chris King shares some of the biggest story developments that emerged from Manchester, England from this week's episode of Friday Night SmackDown.

Chris King shares some of the biggest story developments that emerged from Manchester, England from this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown.

There was a very different vibe on this week’s Friday Night SmackDown, there was a full roster, a raucous crowd, and a lot of uncertainty on whether or not NXT superstars would TakeOver again?

1. The TakeOver Continues!

During this week’s episode of SmackDown, ahead of a tag team match Heavy Machinery was viciously attacked by IMPERIUM. Marcel Barthel, Fabian Aichner, Alexander Wolfe, and the NXT UK Champion WALTER came out of nowhere and immediately drew the battle lines in their home country.

#Imperium JUST ATTACKED #HeavyMachinery! Welcome to the UK, #SmackDown. pic.twitter.com/dIha25HY82

— WWE (@WWE) November 9, 2019

The onslaught was short-lived as a flood of SmackDown superstars left the quartet scurrying into the WWE Universe.

During the “The Boss” Sasha Banks defeated Scotland’s Nikki Cross’s match, “WWE’s Twisted Sister” hit a suicide dive right into the SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley who was at the commentary table. After her best-friend Banks defeated her rival, Bayley blindsided Cross and proceeded to beat the crap out of her. Out of nowhere, the NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler attacked Bayley for the second time in a week.

Well-played… #SmackDown https://t.co/hgf5gI9ql0

— WWE (@WWE) November 9, 2019

2. The Boss May Outshine The Champ!

Everyone knows the story by now, that “The Boss” Sasha Banks and Bayley are inseparable they’ve main-evented TakeOvers together, they’ve had wars over the NXT Women’s Championship, and now they’re wreaking havoc all over the blue brand as heels.

Bayley has donned a new self-delusional personality with some badass new music, short hair, and a more aggressive attitude than we’ve seen before. On this week’s episode of SmackDown, Banks came out with a new entrance song as well it was still the same lyrics as before but with a brand-new bass tempo. Also, the lighting turned from purple to blue why, because Blue is her color!

Bayley watched from the announce table while her best-friend stole all the spotlight for herself. Some may say this is The Boss of old back in NXT, I say this is soooo much better! Banks had a hell of a match with Cross tonight and she quite frankly deserved the spotlight. She is killing it right now, yet her best friend is the SmackDown Women’s Champion not her.

I have a feeling that WWE is setting up where they should have taken their incredible storied rivalry after Banks kicked Bayley off one of the pods in the first-ever women’s Elimination Chamber Match.

One year on from what happened last year, I don't think Bayley has forgotten.
I don't think WWE are in any rush to do 4horsewomen match, so this could be their own Marvel pre Civil war story before the war. pic.twitter.com/Sqcq6zgP7Q

— Chillin (@aProWrestlinfan) February 15, 2019

The WWE Universe was fired up and had been clamoring for these two incredible women to reignite their feud from NXT. Unfortunately, things didn’t go that way. Could we possibly see Banks vs. Bayley for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 36?

3. Shorty G and Ali Make A Great Team!

It’s a shame that WWE booked to have The New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Big E to dethrone one of the greatest tag teams on this planet The Revival on this week’s episode of SmackDown. If they hadn’t have done that, Gable and Ali would be the perfect babyface tag team to challenge for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Both our incredible superstars that can produce a terrific match in their sleep.

Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder can always win the titles back before Survivor Series it’s not like there haven’t been any title changes on the Go-Home-Show for the pay-per-view before. With The Revival’s ground and pound technical wrestling skills and Gable and Ali’s high-octane offense, the match would be insane. I can picture it being reminiscent of The Revival vs. American Alpha or DIY.

Right now it feels like WWE is playing rinse and repeat with matches carrying over from the Team Hogan vs. Team Flair five-on-five match. There are not many good heels for both Gable and Ali to mix it up with currently at the moment. We’ve already seen Gable and King Corbin way more times than we needed. Ali vs. Corbin could be a viable option but he’s not Randy Orton. It appeared that Ali and Orton were about to start a program with each other until he was drafted to Raw. Since both Gable and Ali have no feuds having them becoming a tag team might be a great short term fix.

4. “The Fiend” vs. Daniel Bryan Is A Brilliant Solution

On this week’s episode of SmackDown, while Bryan was being coerced by Sami Zayn into joining him and the Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura the lights flickered for a moment. They carried on with their conversation until the lights turned red and The Fiend viciously attacked Bryan.

THE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION IS HERE.

What has #TheFiend @WWEBrayWyatt done to @WWEDanielBryan?! #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Qem2tnd6Pw

— WWE (@WWE) November 9, 2019

It’s sad to say this but The Fiend Bray Wyatt was on a sinking ship after his horrendous feud with the former Universal Champion Seth Rollins. WWE had swiftly and abruptly killed his momentum and even the aura around his character. Then Crown Jewel happened, and Wyatt rose from an explosion and stripped Rollins of the Universal Title.

I had been listening to several different podcasts talking who should The Fiend face next? Names like Roman Reigns, The Undertaker, and Gable were brought up as potential challengers for Wyatt. One final name was mentioned and it just stuck like glue: Daniel Bryan. Most of you may not remember, but Bryan and Wyatt have a brief past rivalry stemming from 2014. On the last episode of 2013 Raw, Bryan sacrificed himself and pledged allegiance to The Wyatt Family.

A few weeks later after a tag team match, Bryan was listening to the WWE Universe who was cheering for him while his so-called mentor and leader Wyatt was telling him to strike him. Bryan beat the holy hell out of Wyatt ripped off his Wyatt Family attire and chose to be “The Yes Man!” The two rivals then competed in a match at the 2014 Royal Rumble where Wyatt was victorious.

WWE may have found a brilliant solution to The Fiend’s unexpected current predicament in choosing Bryan as his next foe. Bryan has always portrayed the ultimate underdog and he will convince the WWE Universe that Wyatt is as dangerous as ever. Which is what The Fiend desperately needs at the moment.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

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!

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About Chairshot Radio Network

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month 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