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The Weekly Brainbuster: The Top 5 Wrestle Kingdom Matches (through WK13)

This week’s Brainbuster takes a look at Matt’s Top 5 Wrestle Kingdom matches headed into this weekend’s 14th edition of the event!

Published

5 years ago

on

Kazuchika Okada WrestleKingdom Kenny Omega

This week’s Brainbuster takes a look at Matt’s Top 5 Wrestle Kingdom matches headed into this weekend’s 14th edition of the event!

Welcome to a special edition of The Brainbuster! No power rankings article again this week, some technical difficulties in my laboratory of statistics, but we move on! As of the writing of this we are just 12 hours away from New Japan’s Wrestle Kingdom 14! My alarms are set, I’m ready. In anticipation of what many wrestling fans agree is the best night of professional wrestling bell to bell in the world, lets take a look at the Top 5 matches in Wrestle Kingdom history!

Honorable Mentions:

1- Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion Minoru Suzuki vs Yuji Nagata
Wrestle Kingdom 1 – January 4th, 2007 – NJPW 35th Anniversary

Many viewed this match as the main attraction on this card, even though Hiroshi Tanahashi would defend the IWGP Heavyweight Championship later. Suzuki came in as the reigning champion and faced off against arguably at the time, one of the top recognized names in Japanese professional wrestling in the world. Suzuki would unleash a vicious assault outside the ring, both men ended up broken and bloody by the end. It was not to be for Nagata on this night as a referee stoppage ended his title hopes, and cemented Suzuki his second title defense of his reign.

2- IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Shinsuke Nakamura
Wrestle Kingdom 2 – January 4th, 2008

In a match up between two men who would battle for the title of Ace for the next decade, the reigning G1 winner and IWGP Champion faced the leader of RISE Shinsuke Nakamura. Two years prior, Nakamura lost his championship match against Brock Lesnar, but here he defeated his rival with the Landslide, a second rope Samoan Driver, hooking the legs to claim his second IWGP Championship. There would be many more Tanahashi/Nakamura matches through the years, but this one is truly a memorable match. What I most enjoy about it is you can (and have to) watch it with Japanese commentary, but you understand the story being told and that is vital to wrestling. Both of them are masters of their crafts, and not the last time they will appear on this match

The Top 5 WrestleKingdom Matches Through WK13

#5 IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kazuchika Okada
Wrestle Kingdom 7 – January 4th, 2013

The match that started it all. The rejuvenation of New Japan Pro Wrestling. This match was made when Kazuchika Okada won the G1 in his first try in 2012. Tanahashi had been well established as the Ace of New Japan by this point, but remarkably, Okada was a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion already as well, besting Tanahashi at A New Beginning in 2012. They would clash again at Dominion with Tanahashi taking the title back. This match was epic in almost every way you could imagine. It told a great story with Okada trying to prove himself again and again, but Tanahashi tested Okada and the veteran had the answers to the test. Okada would continuously miss Rainmakers as Tanahashi had his rival scouted in their third match in a year. Okada kicked out of a High Fly Flow, avoided a submission loss by scratching and clawing to the ropes, but the second High Fly Flow ended the match after 33 minutes and the Ace retained.

#4 IWGP Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura vs AJ Styles
Wrestle Kingdom 10 – January 4th, 2016

I just watched this match again yesterday, and it was truly one of the most fun matches I’ve ever watched. That’s a lot of praise for the fourth match in a top 5 list, but that just tells you what you’re in for coming up. I had a tough time deciding between this or the next match for the third entry, but the aftermath of this match left a lot to be desired as both men would leave the company, sending shockwaves throughout the wrestling world, but, it did not allow either man to follow up this spectacle. The story here was that Styles regarded Nakamura as one of the best in the world, and he wanted to beat the best in the Toyko Dome. In November 2015, Styles aggravated a back injury in storyline as he was pulling double duty between ROH and NJPW, and that injury was mentioned several times here. Styles even went as far as to feign a pinched nerve after getting slammed into the turnbuckle, but attacked Nakamura from behind to a chorus of boos. Nakamura would lead a charge of his own, trying to Bome Ye multiple times, but Styles dodged them, before getting caught in the teeth off the middle turnbuckle. Nakamura couldn’t make the cover. Kevin Kelly reminded everyone that both men had failed to take advantage of several finishing moves throughout the match. Styles hit what we now recognize as the Phenomenal Forearm but couldn’t get three. Nakamura would end the match with a vicious Bome Ye and retain after 24 minutes. The atmosphere created by these two mega icons colliding in the Toyko Dome was truly the definition of dream match. They gave it their all, telling a great story, working over limbs and targeting injuries old and new.

*Every time Styles tried the Styles Clash he was booed out of the arena, due to the moves perceived danger in Japan after breaking the necks of several wrestlers months prior to this match. Eventually, Styles would connect on one, and eerily enough, Nakamura landed awkwardly on his neck and shoulder, but I believe it was a worked shoot for heat, as Nakamura appeared to attempt to protect himself. If it was a botch, its unfortunate, but I looked at it several times, and I do think it was an attempt to get sympathy for Nakamura and heat for Styles during the match.

#3 IWGP IC Champion Shinsuke Nakamura vs Kota Ibushi
Wrestle Kingdom 9 – January 4th, 2015

Happening a year before the previous match, it was also bred from a challenger wanting to beat Nakamura at Wrestle Kingdom for the coveted Intercontinental Championship. Kota Ibushi would humiliate Nakamura in November 2014 during a post-match speech with an amateur takedown suplex and challenging The King of Strong Styles for the Toyko Dome. It was billed as the student versus the teacher, as Ibushi idolized Nakamura and would even attempt the Bome Ye during the match. Nakamura had the entrance of a lifetime, coming to the ring in a red robe with a crown fit for a King, proclaiming himself Mr. Wrestle Kingdom in the process. This was a star making match for the young Golden Star Kota Ibushi, as he graduated from he junior division and delivered a once in a lifetime match here. Nakamura tried to ground the athletic high flyer with grapples and armbars, but Ibushi would take to the sky almost winning the championship with a Phoenix Splash- but he missed! Bome Ye connects! Kickout! Insane. The fans thought it was over. Near the end, both men exhausted, Ibushi lifts Nakamura off the mat with a dead lift german suplex which is burned into my memory and is the one thing I remember most about the match. Nakamura would finally strike his way to victory after multiple Bome Ye’s for the victory after 20 minutes. From the star making and career defining performance of Kota Ibushi, to the pageantry of Nakamura’s entrance, to the hard hitting strikes, the kickouts, and everything in between, this is a special match and one of my favorites, yet better is to come!

#2 IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kazuchika Okada
Wrestle Kingdom 9 – January 4th, 2015

A rematch from two years prior. Kazuchika Okada would again win G1, challenging Tanahashi for the championship again. This match was special because it was commentated by Jim Ross and Matt Stryker and was the first main event in Wrestle Kingdom history to have English commentary. Historical standards aside, the history of these two established in just three calendar years made this match truly important in prelude, and memorable in execution. They played a similar story from two years prior with Okada trying to outsmart Tanahashi and taunt the champion, but again Tanahashi used his years of in ring knowledge and his history with Okada against him. Knowing the eyes of the world were on him, Tanahashi gave us a “Wrestle Kingdom Moment” leaping from the top rope across the barricade into the fans connecting with a High Fly Flow onto Okada in the crowd. You really have to see that to believe it. From there they would exchange blows, multiple High Fly Flows were not enough to put away the Rainmaker. Tanahashi tried flash pins, but those were not enough either. Tanahashi reversed the Rainmaker lariat into a dragon suplex, gets two. Okada with a dropkick that shakes the arena and Jim Ross by gawds the hell out of it. His added commentary added so much magic to this match. Okada can not put away Tanahashi, with the lariat blocked again, Tanahashi unloads with patented dragon screws, multiple High Fly Flows again, and pins Okada once more after 31 minutes of five star wrestling. Many argue this is the greatest match they ever had, and the greatest match in Wrestle Kingdom history, but in the words of Yoda Return of the Jedi…there is another.

#1 IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada vs Kenny Omega
Wrestle Kingdom 11 – January 4th, 2017

This match is the definition of wrestling perfection. It is not only the best Wrestle Kingdom match of all time, it is in my top 10 matches ever. The story here was Omega challenging after winning the G1. Omega had taken over lead of The Bullet Club in January 2016, and won the IWGP IC Championship in February. He would go on to wrestle in the first ever Ladder match in New Japan, and would arguably be the most valuable wrestler in the company heading into this match. Omega would draw on his love of anime and video games (one of the reasons he moved to Japan in 2013), coming out with a large anime style gun attached to his arm, and a one winged angel crossed over his back.

Omega knew that the Rainmaker could end the match at any point, so he targeted Okada’s legs and arms throughout the opening and middle of the match. To me, that was amazing to see unfold. You don’t see that in major American promotions, few and very far between anyway. Omega worked on Okada’s arms and legs, kicking, twisting, and bruising them on the outside, everything he could think of to sap the power of Okada making the Rainmaker as useless as possible. Omega would also work the neck, softening the champion for his One Winged Angel, a direct elevated driver on the back of the neck. Omega was masterful here, working a story and a style reminiscent of a Ric Flair or Bryan Danielson, using his opponents strengths against him. The spectacle and historical importance of the two previous matches on this list were paled in comparison to the psychology of this one. Like I said, it compares to any of the best stuff Flair or Danielson ever did in any match. There were multiple crashes through tables, and hard assaults on the outside enough to end any match, but not this one. Omega sustained not one nor two but five Rainmakers and kicked out. Okada countered the One Wing Angel in one of the most athletic ways that even a contortionist should ask him how he did it. The escalation of this match was magical, with both men giving everything they had. I had several thoughts they were going the distance and time limit drawing, but it was Okada who survived an Omega Bome Ye knee strike and delivered a devastating Rainmaker that ended the match after 47 minutes. Omega was never able to hit the One Winged Angel. We were left to wonder if Okada could have survived if he hit it after the methodical breakdown that Omega delivered in this match. It is absolutely one of the greatest matches ever wrestled. Arigato! Arigato! Arigato!

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Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s 2025 WWE Royal Rumble Results, Review & Reaction

We are firmly on the Road to WrestleMania, starting with the Royal Rumble! Greg has his initial thoughts and reactions for everyone’s favorite event!

Published

3 weeks ago

on

February 2, 2025

By

2025 WWE Royal Rumble stadium

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.

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:

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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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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?

  • 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.

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.

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

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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • We lost Michael for a minute there.

  • 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.

  • 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.)

  • I’d be okay if Braun shaved his head again.
  • Jacob Fatu can literally do ANYTHING and it makes sense.

  • 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.

  • 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!

Winner of the 2025 Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Match: Jey Uso

Just like the sign said: EAT. SLEEP. YEET. MANIA. I am so damn happy for Jey Uso. You can tell John Cena was as well, along with Michael Cole. And probably everyone in the entire company. Jey Uso is the success story.

As for the match? Well obviously this is a knee jerk reaction, but eff it–this is the best Royal Rumble Match they have ever put on. The early action was fun and exciting. But from the time Joe Hendry’s music hit to the moment Jey Uso pushed John Cena off of the apron, this match was insane. I think Roman Reigns coming in at 16 was a huge part of that. Once Roman is in the match, you are watching to see a) what he does, and b) if he’ll get eliminated. CM Punk eliminating Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns was beautiful, and then Logan Paul tossing CM Punk was even better. If that leads to Rollins vs. Reigns and Logan vs. Punk at WrestleMania, you can take my money.

My money is a Peacock membership, which is automatically charged. But still. Take it.

If John Cena wins it’s still probably the best Royal Rumble Match of all time. But Jey Uso winning makes that an undisputable fact.

Overall Thoughts on the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble

  • The Women’s Royal Rumble was decent to good. Loved Roxanne getting the Iron Woman treatment, but in the end it’s another chapter of LOL Charlotte Wins.
  • I need to rewatch DIY vs MCMG because I was on the phone when my son called. Maybe I will enjoy it more on a second viewing.
  • The ladder match was brutal but the end result was expected. Cody is still missing something, and I think that something will continue to be missing until he turns heel. He’s just overshadowed by too many of the other babyfaces.
  • The Men’s Royal Rumble Match was the best Royal Rumble match they have ever put on. Great action in the early half, and from 15 (Joe Hendry) on, it was amazing. The storyline movement with CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins was (here’s that word) cinema, and having the most over wrestler in the company not named Roman Reigns win, and doing so by eliminating the odds-on favorite, was perfect. I’m biased because Jey Uso was my pick, but it was the perfect ending to what was probably as close to perfect as a Rumble match has been since 1992.

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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS: WWE Crown Jewel Immediate Reactions

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

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

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prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – TONS of Great designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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

 

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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


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