Opinion

DeMarco: Predicting The Top WWE WrestleMania 36 Matches

WrestleMania season is right around the corner, and Greg DeMarco reads the tea leaves to see what is on the horizon for WrestleMania 36 in Tampa!

Published

5 years ago

December 21, 2019

Greg DeMarco

WrestleMania season is right around the corner, and Greg DeMarco reads the tea leaves to see what is on the horizon for WrestleMania 36 in Tampa!

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” No, I’m not talking about Christmas, although the Thanksgiving to Christmas run is my favorite season, I am talking about The Road To WrestleMania! WWE is headed towards that now, as we will come back from the holidays with the build to the Royal Rumble in Houston, and then we’re off to the races with en route to the Granddaddy Of ‘Em All, WrestleMania 36!

While we may not get Kairi Sane on the Pirate Ship at Raymond James Stadium, we are sure to get the typical WWE spectacle that we know and love. (Well, I know and love it. Many of you probably hate it!)

WrestleMania 35, from Met Life Stadium outside of New York, featured the first ever women’s main event when Becky Lynch pinned Ronda Rousey to win both the Raw and Smackdown Women’s Championships (change those names, WWE!) in a triple threat “Winner Take All” match that also included Charlotte Flair.

How will WWE follow-up last year’s event when they make their way to Tampa to fill a stadium that will likely be set to hold 70,000 people? I have some ideas! These aren’t shots in the dark (most of them, anyway), as this is more about reading the ol’ tea leaves and seeing the directions already put into place. Let’s have a look!

Royal Rumble Winner Shayna Baszler vs. Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch

I was 100% on this match happening after the finish to Survivor Series 2019, when Shayna Baszler won the main event triple threat match by making Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley tap out, but Becky Lynch “got her heat back” with an attach on the Queen Of Spades at the end of the show.

Recent events have made this path more clear, as Rhea Ripley beat Shayna Baszler clean for the second time this year, and this time she won the NXT Women’s Championship in the process, all during this week’s edition of WWE NXT. The black and yellow brand has it’s new dominant female force, and Shayna is clear to do what I’ve believed would happen for a while now: win the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble Match.

On the Becky side, she is rumored (and you can already see it playing out on TV) to have a showdown with Asuka in Houston, to beat the women she hasn’t been able to beat and avenge her loss at the 2019 Royal Rumble.

This all sets the table for Shayna Baszler to win the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble Match and challenge Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 36. The path is clear, and it all makes perfect sense. Book it Vince!

Royal Rumble Winner Roman Reigns vs. Universal Champion Bray Wyatt/The Fiend

That’s right, when it’s main event time at WrestleMania 36, I firmly believe you’ll hear Michael Cole proclaim “Here Comes The Big Dog!” Reigns was cleared to compete after the WrestleMania 35 plans were made, meaning he would take Dean Ambrose’s place in a singles match and defeat Drew McIntyre at the biggest show of the year. Since that time, Roman has carried the Blue Brand by doing things like making Baron Corbin look slightly less sucky (he still sucks), and wrestling for Steve Harvey on New Years Eve.

On the flip side, you have Bray Wyatt and The Fiend, who basically combine to form the hottest act in all of WWE. Wyatt became Universal Champion at Crown Jewel, moving that championship to Smackdown and the FOX network. Wyatt/Fiend are currently embroiled in a program with Daniel Bryan, but that should wrap up around the Royal Rumble (or Fastlane, I guess), freeing The Fiend (and Bray Wyatt) up for Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns.

WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Tyson Fury

I know this isn’t the match most everyone wants to see–at least most everyone reading this on the internet. But this is a MONEY match for the company, and one that I’d bet both men want to deliver. I know JBL already termed John Cena “Big Match John,” and it’s truly applicable, but Brock Lesnar really has become “Big Match Brock.” He had 48,000+ people on their feet believing Finn Balor had a shot at unseating him at the 2019 Royal Rumble, and everything he does is a must-see attraction.

As for Tyson Fury, he won his match against Braun Strowman (by countout) at Crown Jewel, and has been vocal about a desire to return to the company for at least one more appearance. A match with Brock Lesnar makes the most sense for the show, as it draws in eyeballs that wouldn’t normally be on the show, and from the world of boxing that is already used to the pay-per-view and subscription model.

There’s money to be made with Brock Lesnar vs. Tyson Fury, and WWE is gonna make it at WrestleMania 36!

John Cena vs. Braun Strowman

We’ve had recent indications that John Cena wants to have a big role at WrestleMania 36. His past two WrestleManias have featured a match with The Undertaker that can best be described as “weird,” and at run-in with Elias that no one really remembers. The year before those he proposed to Nikki Bella, and helped The Rock fend off The Wyatt Family. And before that he had matches with Rusev and Bray Wyatt. It’s been quite the drop off for the former “Juan Cena” since his two match WrestleMania main event series with The Rock.

So if Cena wants to have a big role, who better to serve as his opponent than Braun Strowman? Braun is a tremendous larger-than-life character that WWE obviously sees money in. Braun has really been used in the Andre The Giant (or Big Show) role, moving up and down the card as needed and being a strong novelty act. A match with John Cena can cement the legacy of Braun Strowman, and set him up for future big money matches in the company.

And that makes sense since he himself revealed the he signed a new 4-year deal back in July. I can’t think of a better foundation for the rest of that contract than a match with John Cena at WrestleMania 36.

Charlotte Flair & Natalya vs. WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors (Kairi Sane & Asuka)

This one is a big of a shot in the dark, but I think it makes sense. Becky Lynch will vanquish Asuka at the Royal Rumble, opening the door for her showdown with Shayna Baszler. But what about Charlotte Flair? I don’t see Charlotte in the women’s battle royal, and they just played the “legends opponent” card at SummerSlam. And given recent events, I don’t see why she’d be done with the Kabuki Warriors, either.

But why Natalya? Well for starters, Natalya is on Raw. And as we discussed in this week’s Greg DeMarco Show, Natalya can be inserted into almost anything and be a credible part of it. This match would somewhat serve as a longevity award for her contributions to WWE, being given a spotlight–and likely a big victory–on the WrestleMania stage. The year 2020 will mark her 20th year in the wrestling business, which is an easy element to weave into this story.

That’s not even the half of it! I haven’t addressed NXT (who will be involved in this year’s WrestleMania event), The Undertaker, Randy Orton, Seth Rollins, AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, and other major stars who will obviously be a part of the card. What do you see happeninig?

Pro wrestling, along with sports entertainment, is a fun ride. Enjoy it! Follow me on social media @ChairshotGreg and drop me a line at gregdemarco@thechairshot.com.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

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

Published

5 days 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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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

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Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

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: 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