Opinion

News From Cook’s Corner 7.20.20: They Will Come Back

With some interesting topics and free agent signings, Cook’s got a bunch of news this week! What stood out to you this week?

Published

6 years ago

July 20, 2020

Steve Cook

Hi, hello & welcome to News From Cook’s Corner! Last night saw a Horror Show at Extreme Rules. I didn’t watch it because I got home late from work and had to try and write this. I also didn’t watch it because I just didn’t care. Let’s be honest. I’m sure some of you probably cared and would love to hear my take on whatever Rey Mysterio was holding up near his eyeball. I got nothing.

I got plenty of other things to talk about though! So sit back, relax & enjoy the ride.

It’s been over 90 days since WWE fired a ton of people.

Right!!!! https://t.co/CN4kPFXE8G

— Miro (@ToBeMiro) July 19, 2020

You know what that means…people are popping up in other places now. Impact Wrestling had been hyping some new/old names appearing at Slammiversary. We had heard that Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson would be among them, and just after midnight on Saturday morning, the Good Brothers made the official announcement. Also released a podcast, which we may discuss something from a bit later. I think Gallows & Anderson are a better fit in Impact than AEW, mostly because AEW has like 25 tag teams already. It’s closer to Anderson’s home too as long as they’re running in Nashville.

Heath Slater made an appearance on Slammiversary as the hottest free agent in wrestling. Storywise, he remains a free agent, as Scott D’Amore told him to leave after catching up with his buddy Rhino. He’ll be back on Tuesday though. Heath seems like a guy that could really benefit from the change in scenery. He was stuck at a certain level at WWE, and no matter what he did there he was going to stay in that spot. No such restrictions in Impact. Can he take advantage?

Eric Young re-emerged as part of what ended up being a five-way main event for the Impact World Championship. He’s being billed as the World Class Maniac, and showed a dark side during & after his time in the match. Young found a lot of success during his first stint with Impact, and showed potential of doing the same in WWE during the early days of the Sanity group. Honestly, Eric Young & TNA/Impact Wrestling go together like peanut butter & jelly. I don’t blame him at all for trying something else for awhile, but now he’s home.

Slammiversary ended with the revelation that trouble is coming back to Impact Wrestling in the form of EC3. EC3’s second WWE stint, which came after his first Impact stint, was somehow worse than his first WWE stint. It remains to be seen whether the pattern will continue and EC3’s second Impact stint will be better than his first. Did I say that right? I don’t know, I’m writing this way too late at night.

Slammiversary also saw the return of other folks that had been absent from Impact for some time. Rich Swann was also part of the main event, and his previously injured knee was targeted by Eric Young. We’ll see if that leads to anything. In news that I wasn’t expecting but am pretty hyped about, the Motor City Machine Guns returned and are already set up for a title match this Tuesday. Chris Sabin had been out since January with a torn ACL, but is back & ready to go. Alex Shelley would never miss a chance to reunite with an old tag team partner, so that’s that.

Mike Bennett & Maria Kanellis appeared on the ROH Strong podcast over the weekend. This doesn’t mean they’re signed, but a return to the company would certainly make sense. From a storyline perspective, Matt Taven could use some help against VINCENT and his new group of misfits. They only got cheered in Japan before, now they could get cheered here too.

There are still plenty of names out there, and there are still wrestling shows taking place this week. Stay tuned!

Naomi Does Deserve Better

Wow! I know y’all got me you always have! I appreciate you all so so much! Thanks for the continuous support and believing in me 😘 #bestfans #glowmob #naomob #wweuninverse pic.twitter.com/nhMjD89XsM

— Trinity Fatu (@NaomiWWE) July 18, 2020

SmackDown was on Friday night, as it typically is these days. The main thing that garnered attention on the show was a match between Lacey Evans & Naomi.

Now, Lacey is somebody that WWE obviously cares about and wants to be a star. They haven’t figured it out with her yet. She’s been a heel that didn’t mind showing a little skin to try & get Seth Rollins away from Becky Lynch, even though she was supposedly the classiest woman in WWE. Then she was a babyface mom that we were supposed to get behind & support because the mean girls made fun of her. Now, she’s a mean girl that’s annoying everybody again. There hasn’t been any consistency to her character, which is one of the main reasons she hasn’t gotten over.

Naomi, on the other hand, has been a consistent character for most of the time since her arrival in 2012. With the exception of her run with Team B.A.D. during the early stages of the Women’s Revolution, Naomi’s been a honest, well-meaning character that likes to dance. People like her. Even when she disappears in catering for months because WWE doesn’t have any ideas for her, people are always happy when Naomi comes back for a brief period of time. She does a feud, gets good reactions, then goes away. I think this pattern has happened enough times that fans are no longer willing to give it a chance and assume that it’ll lead to bigger things to Naomi.

So, when Lacey got the win on SmackDown by playing with Naomi’s hair, fans finally had enough. The subject was trending on Twitter through Saturday, with many chiming in that indeed, Naomi deserves better. She absolutely does, there’s no questioning that unless you’re Vince McMahon apparently. I wouldn’t expect this online backlash to lead to anything substantial, heck, I wouldn’t be surprised if WWE brass took it to mean that Lacey’s really getting over as a heel.

There are certain people WWE just isn’t interested in pushing. Apparently Naomi is one of them. I can’t tell you why. I can make wild ass guesses, but all I can say for sure is that WWE has under-utilized Naomi for approximately eight of her nine years on the main roster.

Paul E is not a Good Brother

You would be correct in that assumption. https://t.co/AMLaxpyHQb

— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) July 18, 2020

As I mentioned earlier, Good Brothers Gallows & Anderson released a podcast shortly after their non-compete expired. One of the topics of discussion was an issue that came up some weeks ago, the speculation over Paul Heyman being behind Gallows & Anderson’s release, which led to heat between Heyman & AJ Styles. According to the men themselves, it’s all true. Some have brought up the obvious question: how could Paul Heyman be behind people getting released when he got demoted not long afterwards? It’s a fair question. I’m not going to act like I’d be surprised if Heyman was offered up as the scapegoat by Vince McMahon to AJ, because that sort of thing happens all the time in WWE.

I got a question for all these folks falling all over themselves to defend Paul E & brand Gallows & Anderson as not being the sharpest tools in the shed: Would you be saying the same thing if the name in the story was “Bruce Prichard” instead of “Paul Heyman”? Something tells me a lot of y’all wouldn’t be. Paul’s very popular with the Internet and we don’t like the idea that he might have gotten people fired. If it was Bruce, it’d be a different story.

Listen, I don’t know what went on leading to any of these firings. I only know what people tell me, and at this point in my life I know better than to cut free passes just because somebody’s entertaining on television.

Just because you spoke out doesn’t mean they’ll go away

3 minutes into joey ryan 58 minutes YouTube video pic.twitter.com/dEI7KBiHLI

— FAMOUS ARTIST 👨🏽‍🎨👨🏽‍🎨🎨🎨 (@ilyassWillDraw) July 20, 2020

It was only a matter of time.

I don’t think anybody really expected all of the folks outed by the Speaking Out movement to slink off into the darkness forever. They were going to bide their time, wait for the moment when it felt like the heat was off them a little bit, then make their case. Two of the more high profile folks that were accused by multiple individuals began their attempts to reclaim their former status in the past couple of days.

Mike Quackenbush did via the newspaper. Very on brand for him & Randy Orton to take it to the papers. The Philadelphia Inquirer ran a story on CHIKARA shutting down this past Saturday, with quotes from Quackenbush that indicate he’s going to try to run again as soon as possible. He took on that familiar talking point about how anybody speaking against oppression must be a mob, and how the group is not clearly good, not clearly bad. This is how people are trying to discredit Black Lives Matter, and this is how people will try to discredit Speaking Out.

Joey Ryan’s doing the same thing. He released a nearly hour-long video that was intended to discredit anybody that dared accuse him of sexual misconduct. I didn’t watch it because I have never had the urge to click on an hour-long video of Joey Ryan talking. From what the people that have watched it say, he pretty much ran down every single accuser and tried to paint everything in a positive light regarding his actions over the years.

This is an important thing to remember while taking stock of Quackenbush & Ryan’s recent actions and their respective attempts to clear their names: They don’t believe they did anything wrong.

Quackenbush released a heartfelt apology video where he was on the verge of tears on a couple of occasions, but after taking some time to think about it, he’s realized that he did nothing wrong. He may have created an environment that fostered bad behavior, but that wasn’t his fault. I call it the Rick Pitino Defense. Pitino created a culture in the Louisville men’s basketball program that led to bad behavior on multiple fronts. According to him, none of it was his fault and he shouldn’t have been punished for it. Same deal with Quack & CHIKARA. Maybe some bad things happened, but, in his eyes, the past is the past and he should be allowed to continue doing what he does.

Ryan’s case is more of a typical male thing. A lot of men have the ability to frame every interaction they have with the opposite sex in a way that makes them look like nice guys. From what I surmise, Joey has put a lot of thought into each of these situations. He has managed to spin each one into a way where he thinks he comes off as the good guy. Even if he doesn’t come off as a good guy to anybody that’s listening, in his mind, he’s a decent fella.

I think most men have this problem. I know I have in the past. It was only later on after some reflection where I’d realize “ok, that’s why she probably thinks I’m a creep.” Humans make mistakes. Some of us learn from them. Some of us never even realize we make them.

Another important thing to remember: Quackenbush is 44 years old. Ryan is 40.

These guys have spent their entire adult lives in the pro wrestling business. Quackenbush was able to make his own playground. Ryan was able to make his own schedule. They made themselves successful without having to work for WWE, which up until the past year or two wasn’t an easy thing to do during the twenty-first century. Very few people were able to accomplish what these men did. In a previous time, we would have admired them for it. Now that we know some of the people they stepped on along the way, it’s not as admirable.

Here’s the thing: These two men have dedicated their lives to pro wrestling. They haven’t pursued any other means of making a living in a very long time. I imagine if somebody was doing what they loved and it was taken away from them, they’d feel pretty desperate to get it back. Especially, as we established earlier, if they believe they did nothing wrong. Sure, people will tell you that 40 is the new 30, but surely Quackenbush & Ryan see the sand flowing through the hour glass.

You can understand why they’re doing what they’re doing. Also, you can probably see the next step coming. As long as Quack & Ryan aren’t in jail or otherwise occupied, they’re going to continue to pursue a career in wrestling. They may run shows. Somebody might book them to wrestle. Some indy promoter will see some money in that.

When that happens, it’s up to the fans to decide how to take it. It’s capitalism at it’s finest. We can’t stop Mike Quackenbush from running a show if he can get talent and a venue. We also don’t have to support it. The same goes for Joey Ryan. And if promoters want to book them, that doesn’t mean we have to watch their shows.

These guys aren’t going away. And I’d wager that some of those other names that got outed will be popping up on the scene once things get more active. If you really want to support the people that spoke out, you’ll not support the people they accused. It’s really that simple.

Change really happens when the money stops coming in. If you’ve been paying attention to sports news lately, or just the news in general, you know that’s true.

That’s all I got for this week! Thanks for reading, and keep your stick on the ice.

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Opinion

DeMarco: Eric Bischoff, Vince Russo, or Jim Cornette?

Greg DeMarco evaluates a $10 million dollar question (literally) – who would you choose if you were starting a new wrestling company?

Published

4 months ago

November 21, 2025

Greg DeMarco

Greg DeMarco evaluates a $10 million dollar question (literally) – who would you choose if you were starting a new wrestling company?

Social media has flipped the script on pro wrestling. The fans have more power than ever before—booking is done in real time, buzz is built or buried in seconds, and no one waits until Monday to cut a promo anymore.

Social media is also a place where ideas are shared and discussion takes place. The basis for this article was a question posted on social media, using this image:

It’s the Ten Million Dollar Question: If you are handed $10 million to start a wrestling company, and you have to pick one of the following as your partner, who do you pick? Eric Bischoff, Vince Russo, or Jim Cornette.

Ten Million Dollars?

Ten million dollars sounds like a lot—until you start pricing out weekly production, talent contracts, live event logistics, licensing, digital, and TV. That money will go fast when you realize you’re competing with billion-dollar conglomerates that can lose money just to win the culture war. To truly break through in today’s wrestling economy, $10 million is your entry fee, not your war chest.

You do have options, such as Roku TV (similar to the NWA), YouTube, and more. This should ABSOLUTELY factor into your decision–distribution is key. And all three options do have some connection, and that needs to be considered.

You already know the options…

You’re reading this article, so you already know all about Eric Bischoff, Vince Russo, and Jim Cornette.

Eric Bischoff broke all the rules—and made it work. He launched Monday Nitro, flipped the industry upside down with the nWo, and forced Vince McMahon to innovate. Bischoff turned WCW into a legit number one brand and changed the entire TV presentation of wrestling forever. Without him, do we have the Attitude Era? There’s no way to be certain.

Vince Russo brought the chaos—and a whole lot of ratings. He gave us Crash TV, blurred the lines between fiction and reality, and wasn’t afraid to throw the whole format into a blender. While the long-term storytelling often suffered, the shock factor he brought drove eyeballs and made every segment feel like “can’t miss” television. But you can argue that, without Eric Bischoff, there’s no Vince Russo.

Jim Cornette is wrestling tradition personified. He’s protected the business with his life, shaped generations of talent behind the scenes, and built up territories when no one else could. Cornette’s strength lies in his psychology, heat-building, and his unapologetic belief in what wrestling should be—even when the industry moves past it. Does that play if you’re starting a brand new company in 2025? In my opinion, the jury is still out.

But who do you choose?

To be fair, you can’t just pick someone and go. You need to pick someone who aligns with your vision.

If you’re trying to focus on “old school” and nostalgia, Jim Cornette is your guy.
If you plan to build on shock value, your product going viral, and outlandish reactions, you pick Vince Russo.
If you think distribution is important, and need to get your product out there, you choose Eric Bischoff.

For me? I am a business guy. It’s called “the wrestling business,” and your $10 million investment needs to see a return.

I choose Eric Bischoff.

Many of you will scoff at this, thinking Jim Cornette was the right choice. He has a brilliant mind, and he has a following to help get you started. Hell, its enough for me to second-guess myself. Cornette is a close second. Vince Russo? Not a fan in this scenario.

But my perspective is different. I am a wresting promoter–I book and promote successful wrestling events. Our biggest weakness? Distribution. Among the three options, Eric Bischoff is far stronger.

How do you leverage Eric Bischoff?

Remember how the table was set – you’re given $10 million dollars to start a wrestling company. THAT is the hook. To me, that sounds like two things: a wrestling promotion AND a reality show. Even if the wrestling portion is on a streaming platform, or our own distribution like YouTube–the behind the scenes content is what Eric can start shopping. That can give us more resources in terms of budget and production. He also has the connection to Conrad Thompson, which helps with the online community.

If Bischoff gets us a distribution deal, even if it’s for the reality show portion, we have more budget for talent. Two people I can hire? Jim Cornette and Vince Russo. They are reality show GOLD.

Do I have to pay Eric Bischoff? Sure, but he’s not a “salary guy.” You want to motivate Eric Bischoff to perform, appeal to his competitive side. Give him a piece of the business–when the business grows, so does his piece. That’s one of the biggest advantages to having the former head of WCW.

Welcome to the team, Eric! Now let’s to get ourselves a deal!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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All Shows On Demand

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

Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s WWE SummerSlam 2025 Preview, Betting Odds, & Predictions

Are you ready for WWE SummerSlam? Greg DeMarco makes sure are with his official preview & predictions!

Published

8 months ago

August 2, 2025

Greg DeMarco

Are you ready for WWE SummerSlam? Greg DeMarco makes sure are with his official preview & predictions!

August 2–3, 2025 • MetLife Stadium

WWE is turning SummerSlam into the biggest blockbuster of the summer with a two‑night extravaganza, packing in title bouts, and celebrity surprise appearances. Let’s dive into the matches, the action that led us here, and the betting lines that tell us who the bookies think bets on.

And of course, the pièce de résistance, my predictions done in true form: Who Should Win? Who Will Win?

And as an added bonus, PC Tunney has sent along his picks, which will be included with each match!

WWE SummerSlam 2025 – Night 1 – Saturday, August 2

World Heavyweight Championship – CM Punk vs. Gunther (c)

Odds: CM Punk (−180), Gunther (+140)
Punk is favored at about a 64% win probability

Punk earned his shot in a gauntlet match, but remember that he came in last to beat a man in Bron Breakker who came in first. Regardless, the tension has been simmering ever since. Gunther’s technical dominance will test Punk’s recklessness, making this a high-stakes and high strikes match. Expect close calls, but if Punk pulls this off, he reestablishes himself at the very top of WWE’s hierarchy (although he doesn’t need it).

Who Should Win: Gunther
Who Will Win: Gunther

Look, I know CM Punk is the sentimental pick to win, but Gunther NEEDS to win here. Otherwise, what is he? Gunther is the type of wrestler whose character thrives on wins and losses, whereas CM Punk is a made guy.

PC Tunney’s pick: “CM Punk – If Seth isn’t hurt we likely see a cash in. I’ll stick with he’s hurt and Punk captures gold.”

Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed

Odds: Reigns & Uso (−1500), Breakker & Reed (+600)
Roman & Jey are favored at about a 94% win probability

The Bloodline team is an iron-clad force, backed by legacy and brutal efficiency. Breakker and Reed bring raw power and youthful fury, aiming to shock the world. This will hinge on teamwork vs. dominance—do the underdogs coordinate enough to upset the odds? The wildcard in all of this is the WWE’s efforts to build Heyman’s duo, and establish Bron Breakker as a leader, and a star for the new generation. Does that swing the booking? I think it might.

Who Should Win: Roman Reigns & Jey Uso
Who Will Win: Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed

Given the betting odds, it might actually be worth dropping a few bucks on this one (I won’t). I don’t think Seth Rollins appears here, but might we see a new member? I think we could. As far as my pick of Breakker & Reed, I’ll go a step further: Bron Breakker pins Roman Reigns. It won’t be clean, but it’ll be forever etched in history.

PC Tunney’s pick: “Roman & Jey – I don’t see Roman losing much.”

Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Drew McIntyre & Logan Paul

Odds: Orton & Jelly Roll (−500), McIntyre & Paul (+300)
Randy Orton & Jelly Roll are favored at about an 83% win probability

Jelly Roll’s wrestling debut has added real unpredictability, while Orton’s veteran savvy balances McIntyre’s muscle and Paul’s sheen. Expect social‑media chaos with a strong element of violencem This match plays to spectacle far more than to wrestling acumen.

Who Should Win: Randy Orton & Jelly Roll
Who Will Win: Randy Orton & Jelly Roll

Don’t overthink this one. Play it safe, go with the babyface celebrity.

PC Tunney’s pick: Orton & Jelly Roll – RK… Roll

WWE Women’s Championship – Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Jade Cargill

Odds: Jade Cargill (−600), Tiffany Stratton (+350)
Jade is favored at about an 86% win probability

Cargill has steamrolled challengers on her way to this pinnacle moment, while Stratton has proven she can hang with the elite (get it?). Will Stratton’s athleticism and swagger crack Cargill’s aura—or will Jade’s debutante dominance silence the critics?

Who Should Win: Tiffany Stratton
Who Will Win: Tiffany Stratton

I’m probably stupid, but I don’t think we’re done with Tiffany Stratton as WWE Women’s Champion just yet. Maybe Bianca Belair costs Jade, maybe it’s someone else.

Actually, I’m positive I’m wrong.

PC Tunney’s pick: Jade Cargill – Time to see what Jade’s got!

See, even Tunney knows that I’m wrong!

The Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez) (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss – WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship

Odds: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss (–400), Judgment Day (+400)

Charlotte & Alexa are an 88% favorite to win here

Rodriguez and Perez have held the titles well through their title defenses, but Charlotte and Alexa bring star power, chemistry and a storyline deeply rooted in reluctant alliances. If Flair & Bliss click at the right moment, they could steamroll Judgment Day’s dominance. But if the champions have hidden synergy? This could be their breakout moment.

Who Should Win: Roxanne Perez & Raquel Rodriguez
Who Will Win: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss

It makes WAY more sense for Roxanne & Raquel to retain, but the star power and fan-pleasing title change has to be hard for WWE to pass up. That’s okay, The Judgment Day duo can regain the titles in a TV match that leads to the inevitable split for Flair and Bliss.

PC Tunney’s pick: Charlotte & Alexa – I want to see this happen, I really want to lol

I have no clue why!

Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross – Singles Match

Odds: Sami Zayn (–250), Karrion Kross (+180)
Zayn is favored with a 71% win percentage.

Zayn’s momentum has been on a roller coaster ride for, well basically his entire WWE career. Fueled by emotional storytelling and that Helluva Kick finishing move he’s perfected over years. Kross is the physical menace—the kind of throwback monster heel who wants to bury Zayn’s momentum once and for all.

Who Should Win: Sami Zayn
Who Will Win: Sami Zayn

Based on everything I say, you’d think I wasn’t a Karrion Kross fan…when in actuality I’m a huge fan of the performer. But the character stinks, in my opinion, anyway. He’s a legitimate bad ass, and should be featured as one. Sami Zayn, on the other hand, is beloved by many, and should be headed to a mega push on The Road To WrestleMania 42. And a win here only makes sense.

PC Tunney’s pick: Karrion Kross – “Kross was right.”

WWE SummerSlam 2025 – Night 2 – Sunday, August 3

Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Championship – John Cena (c) vs. Cody Rhodes

Odds: Cody Rhodes (−300), John Cena (+200)
Cody expected to regain the WWE’s top title at a win probability of 75%

This is the culmination of years: WrestleMania rematch, street fight rules, and Cena’s impending WWE retirement looming. Cody is favored to reclaim the title, but Cena’s legacy and weaponized veteran instincts make this a volatile rematch. But it IS A rematch. Does Cody’s movie role have any impact on the booking? Recent WWE direction tells me no.

Who Should Win: John Cena
Who Will Win: Cody Rhodes

Seth Rollins cashing in on John Cena (after he wins) here would be golden, but I’m not betting on it. Instead, go with what we know: LOLCODYWINS.

PC Tunney’s pick: Seth Rollins – Another heist of epic proportions!!!

Hell yeah, Tunney. Hell yeah.

Intercontinental Championship – AJ Styles vs. Dominik Mysterio (c)

Odds: Dominik (−200), Styles (+150)
Mysterio expected to retain at 67%

Styles brings experience, speed and flash, but Dominik has equally mastered psychological warfare and home‑field advantage. Expect a tactical back‑and‑forth, with Dominik banking on interference and lineage to stay gold.

Who Should Win: AJ Styles
Who Will Win: Dominik Mysterio

I love the idea of Dominik Mysterio winning the AAA Mega Championship at TripleMania, and carrying that belt both in Mexico and on WWE Monday Night Raw. And I think that does happen. So why does he need the Intercontinental Championship if that’s the direction?

He doesn’t. But WWE likely wants to see him draped in gold, and having him hold both accomplishes just that.

PC Tunney’s pick: Dominik Mysterio – Looking forward to this match most. These two should steal night two.

Triple Threat Match for the Women’s World Championship – Naomi (c) vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Iyo Sky

Odds: Naomi (−1500), Rhea Ripley (+400), Iyo Sky (+750)
Naomi is a ….94% favorite to win? Seems crazy!

Naomi’s cash‑in and reign have been meteoric, but Sky and Ripley are hungry competitors who revitalized the division. This triple threat has finishers flying every which way—can Naomi dodge chaos and retain against the charging challengers? Or Ripley simply too popular to keep the title off of?

Who Should Win: Naomi
Who Will Win: Rhea Ripley

In an ideal world, this match closes Night 1. Of course, that ain’t happening, as it sits on the card for Night 2. It makes ZERO sense to take the belt off of Naomi so fast, but I think we are going to start seeing LOLRHEAWINS become a thing very soon.

PC Tunney’s pick: Naomi – Why cash in just to lose so soon?

Steel Cage Match for the United States Championship – Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jacob Fatu

Odds: Solo Sikoa (−140), Jacob Fatu (+100)
Solo Sikoa sits as a 58.3% favorite to retain, the closest match odds of the weekend.

This grudge match in a cage is about revenge, incarceration-style brutality, and salvaging legacy. Fatu’s unpredictability (and recent arrest angle) ups the danger—so does Solo’s Bloodline backing and cunning brutality. The steel cage isn’t only meant to keep people out, it’s meant to be a weapon.

Which is good, because you know it ain’t keeping people out.

Who Should Win: Soli Sikoa
Who Will Win: Solo Sikoa

Jakob Fatu is meant for more than this program, and as we march into 2026, he will likely be headed down that road. But first, we need to see Solo and his MFTs victorious in a steel cage? Why? So they can ready San Diego, and the world, for the next chapter if Bloodline War Games!

PC Tunney’s pick: Solo Sikoa – Jacob should be moving on to bigger title scenes sooner than later.

Women’s Intercontinental Championship – Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria

Odds: Lyra Valkyria (−200), Becky Lynch (+150)
Valkyria favored to regain the title with a 66.7% edge

Becky is the veteran queen, Valkyria is the rising star hungry to dethrone her. Their recent matches have been technical showcases—this time divisional prestige, animosity and payback are dialing things even higher.

Who Should Win: Becky Lynch
Who Will Win: Lyra Valkyria

I am really torn on this one–at least on the “Who Will Win?” side. Personally, I don’t see the star power in Lyra that others do. Her promos still aren’t there, and let’s be honest. Is she all that much better than released stars like Dakota Kai and Shayna Baszler?

PC Tunney’s pick: Lyra Valkyria – Because Bayley.

TLC (Tables, Ladders, & Chairs) for the WWE Tag Team Championships – Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix vs. Fraxiom vs. DIY vs. Street Profits vs. Motor City Machine Guns

Odds: Andrade & Rey Fenix (+130 favorite, ~43.5%), Wyatt Sicks (+150), Fraxiom (+250), DIY (+500), Street Profits (+700), MCMG (+1000)
Andrade & Fenix are (surprisingly) at 43% favorite to win here.

This six‑team TLC match is WWE admitting a mistake by spotlighting its tag division now. Expect insanity—and the champions have to survive a flurry of stunts if they want to protect the belts at the elite level.

Who Should Win: The Wyatt Sicks
Who Will Win: The Wyatt Sicks

There really is no reason to move the tag titles here… instead this is all about spectacle. This match likely opens up Night 2, and it will deliver. But I see no reason why Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis won’t retain.

PC Tunney’s pick: Street Profits – This match should be a highlight of the weekend.

Final Thoughts for WWE SummerSlam 2025

SummerSlam 2025 is shaping up as a historic two-night WWE spectacle where legacy meets fresh blood, celebrity meets spectacle, and titles are on the line in every direction. The odds give us a blueprint of what the bookies believe—but wrestling is scripted to take us on a roller coaster ride of surprises. Let’s sit back and enjoy the ride!