Opinion
DeMarco: Can The Former Zack Ryder Do It On His Own?
Now free to work anywhere he pleases, Matt Cardona seems to be staying independent. Greg DeMarco looks at the potential for the former Zack Ryder to excel on his own.
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Now free to work anywhere he pleases, Matt Cardona seems to be staying independent. Greg DeMarco looks at the potential for the former Zack Ryder to excel on his own.
April was a crazy month for WWE fans, and all wrestling fans around the globe. WrestleMania, the indisputable pinnacle for anyone in the business, took place from the WWE Performance Center. “The Granddaddy Of ‘Em All” was hosted at a warehouse, converted into a training facility with seven wrestling rings, meeting spaces, and a gym. The building was the polar opposite of an arena or stadium the company would usually run–so much so that Stephanie McMahon shared they are using “augmented reality” to cover-up two industrial fans adorning the ceiling.
April also saw the release of a multitude of WWE names–staff, producers, and most notably talent. While some have popped up in companies such as AEW, Impact Wrestling and Ring Of Honor, one most notable name is seemingly staying independent: Zack Ryder.
Zack Ryder’s Improbable 14-Year WWE Run
Matt Cardona, better known to WWE fans as Zack Ryder, started his time with the company in 2006. He hit television in 2007, teaming with longtime friend and partner Brian Myers as the Major Brothers (a name that lives on with their podcast today), they’d be repackaged and win the World Tag Team Championships in 2008 as Cur Hawkins and Zack Ryder.
From there Ryder would go on to have some singles success across all WWE brands, including a month-long run as United States Champion and a second Raw Tag Team Championship win at WrestleMania 35. But Ryder’s biggest moment in WWE came at WrestleMania 32, when he captured the Intercontinental Championship in front of over 101, 000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, winning a 7-person ladder match in a finish that almost no one predicted would happen. The “reign” would last only a day, as The Miz would capture the championship the next day and go on a run that many can credit with the championship’s return to prominence. While Ryder could have had a longer run, there was no way to avoid his reign peaking on day one with the magnitude of his win.
Even though he won a singles championship in front of the largest crowd in wrestling history, the likely proudest accomplishment of Ryder’s WWE career should be the development and leveraging of his internet following–before it was “cool” in the eyes of WWE. In 2011 he created “Z! True Long Island Story,” a web series that promoted his character while he was off of television. It was so successful that he sold out his t-shirts without appearing for the company, and had notable names like John Cena on his show. You think Being The Elite is a huge success? It’s nothing if not for Z! True Long Island Story.
Of course, he also developed his own Internet Championship, that the WWE never acknowledged as an actual championship.
Release In April 2020
Cardona was among the bevy of talent released this past April, and along with Rusev, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows, was among the most prominent names to go. Now, I humbly say that as a person who hasn’t been kind to Zack Ryder in the past. I haven’t always felt like he would be a huge loss for WWE, but he’s also a prime example of not knowing what you have until they’re gone.
And while some talents don’t bring anything to the table creatively and simply blame the company for not knowing how to use them (when they don’t know how to use themselves), Matt Cardona has proven himself to be creative many times over. But that creativity simply wasn’t harnessed by WWE in any effective fashion.
Even in a potential Internet Champion comeback, Zack Ryder was not able to catch-on.
The Next Evolution: Matt Cardona, Internet Champion
Matt Cardona is now looking to work again, and is bringing his Internet Championship with him. With several top names signing with Impact Wrestling (and elsewhere), Ryder is charting his own Cody Rhodes course, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Rhodes helping him. He has a new theme courtesy of Downstait, who also made Cody’s theme (to be fair, Ryder’s “Radio” theme was also Downstait). Cody has said before that if anyone could do what Cody did, it was Zack Ryder.
Who wants a shot? #AlwayzReady #StillHere pic.twitter.com/tmK0K5U5V5
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) July 21, 2020
But there is a larger question here…can this work? Matt Cardona find success on his own? I have my thoughts, but I also sought out some feedback from my trusted Chairshot colleagues: PC Tunney, Andrew Balaz, Miranda Morales, and Patrick O’Dowd.
Most seemed keen on the idea, including Tunney who said “I don’t see why wrestling fans that go to indie shows wouldn’t be interested in something as fun and recognizable as Ryder and the Internet Championship.” O’Dowd sees this gelling perfectly with the world outside of major promotions in saying “I think it’s built for independent wrestling.”
Miranda thought this can work, but does it have a shelf life? “It will get old after awhile, especially since he will win all his matches. He will need to keep each challenge fresh and interesting, and eventually I think should actually drop it to someone.” And Balaz can only see it working on the independent scene: “Indie scene would make enough sense, since indy fans really enjoy gimmicks and recognizing talent. But anywhere bigger than actual Indy would be seem a bit pathetic.”
I tend to agree, this can definitely work. Personally, here is what I would recommend Matt Cardona do:
- Film these, and put them on his YouTube channel, website, and all social media platforms. Use what got you to the dance in the first place.
- Take any sized booking possible by managing your rate, even taking a little less to own your footage and booking plans. It’s mutually beneficial.
- Make a long term plan so you can lose the title, and maybe have one or two people trade it before winning it back. Make this believable.
What’s The End Game?
I gotta be honest with you, I think Matt Cardona sees more Zack Ryder in his future. Sure, taking off could land him a great AEW deal after he has a load of fun on the independents, but at the end of the day I think this skyrocketing could land him back in WWE. Given WWE’s reliance on the 24/7 Championship, and their flexibility in NXT (where Cardona lives by the way, in Orlando), this could have legs on a certain level.
Also, in leaving Matt Cardona is more likely to go back to WWE and be happy with his role. It’s easy to complain when you’re there, but after you leave, and you’re having to hustle to replicate that $250k minimum, you suddenly hate creative a little bit less.
Personally, I think this can work out, and I want it to work out. Matt Cardona is a fan who made it, but he made it the right way. He’s a grown ass man who is taking matters into his own hands–betting on himself–and I have mad respect for that. Good for him, and good luck to him. Make this shit work, Ryder!
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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!
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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:
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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.
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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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
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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
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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
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!