Opinion

Knee Jerk Reaction: WrestleMania 36 (Night 2)

WWE WrestleMania 36 is in the history books, and Greg DeMarco has Knee Jerk Reactions for Night 2, compiled in real time!

Published

5 years ago

April 6, 2020

Greg DeMarco

WWE WrestleMania 36 Charlotte Flair Rhea Ripley

WWE WrestleMania 36 is in the history books, and Greg DeMarco has Knee Jerk Reactions for Night 2, compiled in real time!

It’s WrestleMania, BAY BAY! I am watching (not) live on the WWE Network. These thoughts are in bullet-point form, and were compiled live as I watched. I’m on the west coast and usually watch on a delay, and managed to do so tonight with minimal spoilers.

Kickoff: Natalya vs. Liv Morgan

My love for Liv Morgan notwithstanding, I couldn’t really get into this match. It’s not what many would call a “WrestleMania worthy” match, at least not in 2020. WrestleMania 6? Yeah, this is totally added to the card in a random control center segment.
However, there are no battle royals this year, for obvious reasons. So good for Liv Morgan to get onto the WrestleMania card in a singles match.
Even better for Liv Morgan? A WrestleMania win!

WrestleMania 36, Night 2

Same opening and promo package, which I get. These things are made in advance.
Gronk as host has been meh, in all honesty.

NXT Women’s Championship – Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley (c)

Charlotte vs. Rhea would have been a great opener for this event in general. Women have opened each night of WrestleMania 36.
Charlotte turning her back on Rhea’s entrance is one of those “little things” that often goes overlooked.
Rhea Ripley going with very different gear tonight–in both design and color scheme. I’ll defer to Miranda Morales on that one.
The big fight title match introductions really don’t work as well with no crowd.
Ok let’s see if LOLCHARLOTTEWINS holds true tonight.
Both women are really delivering an empty arena experience, which is appreciated.
Charlotte has the Flair Chop mastered.
This match has the perfect balance of storytelling and in-ring action. If you don’t recognize Charlotte Flair as a ring general, you don’t know what you’re watching. And Rhea Ripley is going to follow in her footsteps.
You know, everyone says Edge vs. Randy Orton has the best build–and it might–but Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley gave it a run for its money. And now it’s delivering in the ring.
This is the best example of a hard hitting heavyweight fight I’ve seen out of the women in WWE so far.
I love that Standing Cloverleaf.
(A standard Cloverleaf is also done from a standing position, btw.)
LOLCHARLOTTEWINS
Charlotte winning was the right call, honestly. From a storyline perspective she felt disrespected by the manner in which Rhea went about getting this match. Charlotte wasn’t going to allow herself to be anyone’s stepping stone. Great job, hell of a match.

Aleister Black vs. Bobby Lashley

One hell of an entrance for Aleister Black. He’s got future WrestleMania main eventer written all over him.
Much like Liv Morgan vs. Natalya, this match screams “WrestleMania Control Center Announcement.”
Long Tights Lashley (trademarking that) is the best look for Lashley.
For a match with no build, a stadium full of people would be eating this up right now.
I honestly went into this match being all about Aleister Black, but Bobby Lashley has impressed me in the early goings of the night.
Here’s a match we need to see: Aleister Black vs. Shinsuke Nakamura.
And that’s how we break up Lashley and Lana. Why stop him from hitting the Dominator?
Once Lana made the call you saw the finish coming, but up to that last spot, this was a fantastic match.

Dolph Ziggler vs. Otis

I really hope we get a good payoff to whoever is behind GTV2020.
Dolph Ziggler is now accompanied by Sonya Deville. Otis comes out without Marty Jannetty–err… I mean Tucker.
Let’s hope this is short.
That was one hell of a dropkick from Dolph Ziggler right there, maybe the best dropkick in WrestleMania history. (I’m not going back to check.)
I do love Otis’ Stan Lane Midnight Express inspired trunks.
Remember when I wanted this to be short? There’s a reason for that wish…
I get the storyline, but why is Sonya Deville out there with Dolph?
Kinda shocked Otis picked up the win and got the girl so fast. But this is wrestling, it won’t last.
Imagine if the kiss happened in front of 70k fans?

Last Man Standing – Edge vs. Randy Orton

Loved the opening with Randy Orton hitting the RKO while Edge was waiting for him, followed by the reveal that he posed as a camera man.
Interesting that Edge rolling out of the ring stopped the 10-count, but then could get counted out on the outside.
I thought this match would have been great in an “off-site location,” but the Performance Center offered them plenty of options. And the views through the windows really added to the atmosphere.
“I’m always gonna love you Edge, I’m always gonna love you.”
Orton plotting his next move as the ref counted Edge was perfect, as was Edge’s follow-up hanging dropkick through the equipment.
That hanging Thesz Press was all kinds of awesome.
Commentary on this match has been minimal, and it’s working for me.
In a nice nod to Triple H’s treatment of Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano, they haven’t caused any damage to the facility yet.
It looks like Bray Wyatt set up the lighting in the production area.
Watching this match, after watching last night’s Boneyard Match, has me suddenly wanting to see Randy Orton vs. The Undertaker again at WrestleMania 37.
Unless I missed it, I don’t think the ref has counted Randy down yet.
An eerie COVID-19 point: When talents fight backstage or in any production areas, people are everywhere–this time it’s completely deserted.
Edge just dropped an elbow on Randy Orton, on a steel conference room table, dropping from the chain link fence on the ceiling.
Think about what I just wrote right there.
First weird editing moment of the match, after Edge takes out the camera man.
Any else hoping Orton would push Edge (on the storage cart) into a rig, and the storage cart explodes to reveal LJN figures?
Just me?
Oh, that’s where I left my aluminum steel steps!
WATER BREAK!
When you climb from a pick-up truck to a semi-trailer, you kinda start to think the end is hear, eh?
That’s not quite the catering they’re used to. Also, who put that huge ladder there?
Things you never expect to say: “And then I got hit in the back with a chair while laying on top of a semi trailer.”
TV-14 means we still bleep out the F-Word!
And now Edge is crying. You did this to yourself, man. You asked for this match.
Edge winning was the right call, and I love him checking on Randy after. Sells the fact that he didn’t want to do what he had to do.

WWE 24/7 Championship – Rob Gronkowski vs. Mojo Rawley (and everyone else)

Did we really need to have a mini battle royal on the floor, now?
If Gronk is going to jump off of the perch, let’s at least get the camera shot. This thing is pre-recorded.
A better option? Just don’t do it.

Raw Tag Team Championshp – Austin Theory & Angel Garza (w/Zelina Vega) vs. The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford (c))

No way Theory and Garza should be winning this match (even if Austin Theory is a guaranteed WrestleMania main eventer… in like 7 years).
Montez Ford is a national treasure and should be in WWE until the day he dies. Which is hopefully a long ways away.
What in the actual hell is Zelina Vega wearing? Triple H thinks it’s too much.
Love commentary’s focus on Zelina Vega as a business manager. It really drives home her value, and gives credibility to a team who has one week of experience together.
I know it’s because of the camera angle, but Zelina Vega should really be in her team’s corner.
Good match that wasn’t hurt by not having a crowd, but had there been a crowd they would have really won them over. Well done.
Bianca Belair gets a spot! Good shit right there.

Titus O’Neill is the New Host?

Despite being blocked on Twitter, I love me some Titus. I hope he does more than this one little comment.

5-Way Elimination Match for the Smackdown Women’s Championship – Sasha Banks vs. Lacey Evans vs. Tamina vs. Naomi vs. Bayley (c)

I’m glad we still got some semblance of an entrance for Naomi.
Seth Rollins can learn a thing or two from Karen–new persona, new music.
I’m glad Sasha and Bayley are working together, and I hope they don’t use this match to break them up. It’s too soon.
Team BAD UNITY! For a second, anyway.
Stars of this match are Naomi and Sasha Banks, at least for me.
I like Lacey eliminating Sasha after Sasha saves her–keeps the story going without blowing it up.
I also love how you can hear Michael Cole yelling, in the replay.
I also also love Sasha helping Bayley win–the right call.

Firefly Funhouse Match – John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt/The Fiend

Didn’t expect to see John Cena’s entrance take place in the Performance Center.
Vince McMahon Puppet is easily the star of this WrestleMania.
The Smackdown Fist?!?!
Saturday Night’s Main Event? This is already the best thing ever. You can’t do this in any other environment, and I am so glad it’s happened here.
SO. MANY. INSIDER. TERMS.
Okay, Eric Bischoff? Love the Hogan connection.
SUCH GOOD SHIT!
I just now realized there’s no referee.
There are also no words. I was just watching, in awe and amazement. I might have to do a separate article on this match. It was absolute brilliance.

Money In The Bank hits WWE Network on May 10th

May 10? Yeah, okay.

WWE Championship – Royal Rumble Winner Drew McIntyre vs. Brock Lesnar (c)

Fans or no fans, Brock Lesnar IMMEDIATELY gives any match a big fight feel.
No Paul Heyman introduction? Nice rub for Mike Rome.
Nearly every Brock Lesnar match starts with his opponent hitting his finisher early, and it doesn’t get old.
Drew kicking out of the F5 at 1 is beautiful.
This was a fight, short and sweet just like it needed to be. Drew McIntyre is set up to be one hell of a WWE Champion.

WrestleMania 36 Night 2 Overall Thoughts

Another good show, where the important matches held my attention.
It wasn’t perfect, but I really enjoyed it. So many highlights, and ground laid for the future (whenever that is).
This will be it’s own article, but I can honestly say that if wrestling needs to go away temporarily, I’ll be okay with it.

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Knee Jerk Reaction: WrestleMania 36 (Night 1)

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.

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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS: WWE Crown Jewel Immediate Reactions

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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