Opinion

Cook’s Top 5: 2004 Wrestling Memories

Steve Cook continues his journey by stopping in 2004–an impactful year for wrestling, but more importantly an impactful year for Steve Cook.

Published

5 years ago

August 15, 2020

Steve Cook

Chris Benoit Eddie Guerrero WWE WrestleMania XX 2004

Steve Cook continues his journey by stopping in 2004–an impactful year for wrestling, but more importantly an impactful year for Steve Cook.

Looking back on it now, 2004 wasn’t quite the monumental year in pro wrestling that we thought it might be at the time. Some major events went down. Some were lasting. Others weren’t as lasting as we thought. It was an eventful year though, and there was quite a bit going on in your humble correspondent’s life too. 2004 is a large part of why you’re reading this right now.

This is a long one, so let’s continue my Thirtieth Anniversary Celebration with a look at 2004.

5. TNA makes an Impact still being felt today

TNA had spent the first two years of their existence almost exclusively on weekly PPV television. They also had a syndicated show called Xplosion, but its availability was quite limited. Weekly PPV was a fun concept, but TNA needed something more in order to grow their brand. They needed a real television deal. They got one…kinda.

TNA Impact made its debut on Fox Sports Net on June 4, 2004. It aired at 3 PM on Friday afternoon, not exactly a time slot ideal for drawing a large audience. It was what they could get though, and they could get viewers like me that didn’t have anything else going on at 3 PM on a Friday. I enjoyed the show. Monty Brown squashes were always great entertainment, and it gave me the chance to see folks like AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels and America’s Most Wanted on a weekly basis. I always need a new wrestling show to come along every few years to keep me interested in the industry, and Impact did that for me for a good bit of the 2000s.

I never would have guessed the show would still be airing in 2020. 5 cable channels and a whole bunch of time slot & day changes later. There’s at least one other thing I was doing in 2004 that I never thought would still be going on in 2020…

4. Me write? That’s unpossible!

I mentioned joining 411’s Fan Forum in 2003, which led to all sorts of things happening in 2004 & years afterward. One involved a 411 spin-off forum with a character that pops up again later in this article, the Voodoo Penguin. Known as The Wrestling Talks Franchise, it also involved the late, great Larry Csonka and other folks that had designs on being famous Internet wrestling writers.

One was Dave Schilling, who actually went on to websites that people outside of the wrestling bubble know about. I don’t think he liked me all that much, my being a white boy from Kentucky, but one week in early 2004 he asked me if I wanted to fill in for his wrestling news column on TWTF’s main page. I agreed, largely because I wanted to help Penguin’s site and it seemed like fun. I didn’t think I would be any good at it, and, frankly, after digging up a couple of my news columns from 2004…I WASN’T ANY GOOD AT IT.

I know every writer hates their old stuff. But I’m telling you, the stuff I found from early in my Internet wrestling writing career…that stuff can never see the light of day again. I was in a pretty depressed mood through most of 2004, which is pretty obvious in every single article I found. And if we’re being honest, that cloud’s only lifted occasionally since. I’ve just gotten a lot better at hiding it.

For whatever reason, some people wanted to read it. My writing was more popular than Dave’s at that site, which is the last time that ever happened. So I started doing the weekly news column thing. Then Larry became a bigger deal on 411mania’s main site & his Impact recaps had to be exclusive to them. Since I was actually able to watch the show, I could recap it for TWTF. Which eventually became me recapping it for 411 after the 411/Inside Pulse split, which I still think is Greg DeMarco’s favorite thing for me to talk about.

I was in the right place at the right time. 411 needed warm bodies, and whether I was ready for the gig or not, August 14, 2004 was my moment. I guess it went well enough, since I’ve been writing there for most of the past sixteen years.

Man, I’m freaking old.

We’ll get to other writing happenings in later years I’m sure. And some we won’t cover because I don’t want to make myself look too bad. Gotta protect the image, yo. I do still wonder if the ol’ career peaked about three weeks after starting on 411 when I got an e-mail from a TNA Knockout. I wouldn’t say it’s been all downhill from there, but it did get my hopes up way too much for my writing future.

3. The WrestleMania Ending That Never Happened

Back when it happened, it was going to be one of those moments that hardcore wrestling fans looked back to with joy forever. Chris Benoit & Eddie Guerrero had been favorites of the Internet before I started reading columns. WCW was blamed for holding them back. WWE was blamed for being too slow to push them to the top. When they finally got there, fans couldn’t be happier. The ending of WrestleMania XX reminded a lot of us why we watch this stuff. Two guys that worked hard to get to the top, having classic matches wherever they went, finally being recognized by WWE & pushed the way they should have been.

As Larry Csonka & I discussed in a podcast on WM XX, the Raw the night after, & Backlash 2004, you can’t look at it the same way now. We’ll discuss reasons why more here in the next couple of weeks. At the time, Benoit & Guerrero celebrating in the confetti at the end of a WrestleMania in Madison Square Garden was such a feel good moment. It doesn’t make me feel the same way now, but it’s still a moment I won’t forget.

2. A Raw Road Trip

Some things you can only do when you’re young. Today, even if there wasn’t a pandemic going on, I wouldn’t be able to just pick up & drive five hours to an odd land I’ve never been in before to meet up with somebody from the Internet. Not even if it involved Tinder!

Those of you more than a little familiar with my work know about the Voodoo Penguin, my favorite living podcast partner & Internet BFF. (Jeremy Lambert doesn’t read my stuff, so I don’t have to worry about hurting his feelings.) We first crossed paths on the 411 Fan Forum in 2003, took part in some 411 spin-off sites, and somehow I thought it was a good idea to drive down to Cape Girardeau & watch some wrestling with the Penguin. As it turned out, the Penguin wasn’t a creepy sexual predator and the visit went well. We went to a Raw house show on a Saturday night, I was able to find the card on the History of WWE site.

WWE (Raw) @ Cape Girardeau, MO – Show Me Center – March 27, 2004 (3,400)
Jonathan Coachman was the guest ring announcer for the event
Tajiri pinned Matt Hardy by holding onto the ropes for leverage as Hardy attempted a sunset flip into the ring (Tajiri’s debut on the Raw brand)
Garrison Cade pinned Eugene (Nick Dinsmore) with an elbow drop off the top

Cade vs. Eugene is memorable for one reason: Eugene was a new character we hadn’t seen before. I told Penguin that he kinda looked like a fat, dishevled Nick Dinsmore from OVW. Turns out that’s exactly who it was: a fat, disheveled Nick Dinsmore from OVW. I was not expecting “Eugene” to be Dinsmore’s WWE gimmick, but that was a thing that happened in 2004.

Chuck Palumbo pinned Rob Conway with a fall away slam (Palumbo’s debut on the Raw brand)
Shelton Benjamin pinned Horshu with the superkick (Benjamin’s debut on the Raw brand)
Kane pinned Rhyno with the chokeslam

We felt kind of bad for Rhyno’s defeat, as we broke out into a GORE chant just before Rhyno started sizing the Big Red Machine up. He looked over and nodded, then ran right into a chokeslam. And that’s why I’m not a wrestling manager.

WWE Women’s Champion Victoria & Nidia defeated Molly Holly & Jazz when Victoria pinned Molly with the Widow’s Peak after pulling off her wig (Nidia’s debut on the Raw brand)
Batista pinned the Hurricane with the sit-down powerbomb
Christian pinned Chris Jericho with a roll up after Jericho became distracted by Trish Stratus
World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit defeated Triple H via submission with the Crippler Crossface after avoiding the Pedigree, despite interference from Batista

Penguin likes to point out that we were the only people in the arena cheering against Chris Benoit on this evening. Hey, I always root for a world title change when I’m in the building. That means that history has been made! I also bought an inflatable Triple H sledgehammer because…well, I’m not really sure why, to be honest. Penguin bought a Chris Jericho bobblehead that he got signed by Jonathan Coachman in the parking lot. Coach was amazed that the Penguin had his own bobblehead.

It was an eventful evening, but my weekend of wrestling wasn’t over. I schlepped my way back to Louisville on Sunday, then went up to Cincinnati for Raw with my real life BFF. I remember even less about this show, as I was pretty well burnt out at this point. Here’s what happened:

WWE @ Cincinnati, OH – US Bank Arena – March 29, 2004
Sunday Night Heat:
Garrison Cade pinned Rosey at 5:29 with a flying elbowsmash
Rob Conway & Sylvian Grenier defeated Bret Albright & Mike Mondo at 4:54 when Grenier pinned Mondo with a spinning spike DDT
Val Venis defeated Steven Richards via submission with the figure-4 at 8:49
Raw – included an opening segment in which Randy Orton accepted a challenge from Mick Foley to face him at Backlash in a streetfight for the IC title; featured Eric Bischoff adding Triple H to the HBK vs. Chris Benoit main event at Backlash; included Trish Stratus as a guest of the Highlight Reel in which she was verbally harassed by Chris Jericho:
Nidia pinned Molly Holly at 2:50 with a roll up as Molly attempted to get her wig back from the referee after it was taken off by her opponent
Rhyno pinned Lance Storm with the Gore at the 35-second mark
WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Ric Flair & Batista defeated World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit & Shawn Michaels via disqualification at 16:10 when guest referee Johnny Nitro called for the bell after being struck by Michaels, the result of him giving Michaels a fast 2-count; the challengers originally won the bout and championship at 14:33 when Michaels pinned Flair with the superkick however the match continued due to Flair being the illegal man in the ring; after the bout, Nitro was locked in Benoit’s Crippler Crossface

Speaking of rooting for title changes, I remember this being a really good match. The false finish was a pretty good one, but the chances of it holding up weren’t great.

Tajiri defeated Kane via count-out in a No DQ match at 1:44 after spraying green mist into his opponent’s eyes as Kane attempted to reenter the ring; after the bout, Kane hit the chokeslam on Tajiri before Edge made the save and hit the spear
Shelton Benjamin pinned Triple H (w/ Ric Flair) with a splash in the corner and roll up at 19:52 after Triple H became distracted by a confrontation between Chris Benoit and Flair at ringside; Benoit came ringside to watch Flair mid-way through the bout

The Shelton vs. Triple H match was easily the highlight of the show. I always thought Benjamin had the potential to be a top guy if he could get the charisma part together. He certainly had it in the ring, but never quite got to that next level. He’s still working today, and is actually getting a push in WWE now. Good for him.

I took a couple of months off from live wrestling before going back into the fray…

1. Some Bad Blood

This time, it was Columbus. Or Flavortown, as I like to call it. I had yet to attend a pay per view event, and I had never seen a Hell in a Cell match live. I got to kill two birds with one stone at this event. Shawn Michaels & Triple H were going to enter the Cell in order to end their longstanding riva-ok, I can’t even say that with a straight face. To be fair, they have been friends again on-screen for like fourteen years now. I was pretty hyped up about it, along with two Chris Benoit matches,

Bad Blood (Raw) – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena – June 13, 2004 (9,000; 7,500 paid)
Sunday Night Heat – featured Lillian Garcia conducting a backstage interview with WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Sylvian Grenier & Rob Conway regarding their title defense later in the show; included Garcia conducting a backstage interview with Trish Stratus and Tyson Tomko about their matches later in the night:
Batista pinned Maven with the sit-down powerbomb at 3:44 after clubbing Maven in the face as he came off the top (Bad Blood 04)

Batista was always an impressive looking individual. You could tell he was going to be a big deal, even when he was relegated to destroying Maven before the PPV started.

Pay-per-view bouts – featured Jim Ross & Jerry Lawler on commentary; included a backstage segment with Eric Bischoff and Jonathan Coachman about Coachman’s match later in the night against Eugene; after Coachman walked off, Bischoff spoke with Eugene after he found him overhearing their conversation and tried to talk him out of wrestling but Eugene said no; featured a backstage segment with Matt Hardy and Lita in which Bischoff arrived with security to remove Hardy from the arena so he wouldn’t interfere in the Benoit vs. Kane match; Hardy eventually agreed to leave when Bischoff threatened to take Lita out of the women’s title match:
World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit & Edge defeated WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Rob Conway & Sylvian Grenier via disqualification at 10:14 when Kane interfered as Grenier was caught in the Crippler Crossface, kicked Benoit in the face, kicked Edge in the face, hit the chokeslam on both challengers, and then threw Benoit into the ring steps
Chris Jericho pinned Tyson Tomko (w/ Trish Stratus) at 6:06 with a running enzuiguri after Tomko collided with Trish on the ring apron
WWE IC Champion Randy Orton pinned Shelton Benjamin at 15:05 by grabbing the tights for leverage after the momentum of a crossbody off the top by the challenger put Orton on top for the win; late in the bout, Benjamin easily fought off Orton and an interfering Ric Flair, who appeared ringside early in the match; the bout was to have taken place later in the card but following an impromptu in-ring promo from Orton, responding to boos he received during a backstage promo, Benjamin came out as Orton attempted to leave and forced him to have the match then

I remember being pretty excited for this match since Orton & Benjamin were two of the young up & comers at the time. It lived up to the hype.

Trish Stratus (w/ Tyson Tomko) defeated Lita, Gail Kim, and WWE Women’s Champion Victoria to win the title at 4:44 by pinning Lita with a roll up immediately after Lita hit the DDT on Kim and made the cover
Eugene pinned Jonathan Coachman with the Rock Bottom and People’s Elbow at 7:39 after Coachman collided with an interfering Garrison Cade on the ring apron, who appeared late in the bout; mid-way through the match, Coachman had a woman in a bikini bring a plate of cookies to ringside to distract Eugene; after the bout, Eugene hit the Stunner on both Cade and Coachman; William Regal was barred from ringside for the duration of the bout but led Eugene ringside before the match and returned to celebrate with him afterwards

This reminds me of an interesting subplot to this whole show. Around this time I was involved in one of those “Internet relationship” things with someone I had met via the 411 forum. They lived in the Columbus area, and were nice enough to invite me to this event. The hitch in that plan, of course, was that my real life BFF I mentioned earlier was interested in going too, and he was interested in getting some really good seats. Third row ringside.

So I could go with him and sit closer than I had for any wrestling event before, or I could meet up with this woman I’d never actually met before and sit up in the cheap seats. I certainly had no interest in explaining that situation to my real life BFF, because back in 2004 everybody thought that meeting people online was weird. Of course, nowadays it’s the only way to meet people.

Should I have blown my friend off for the girl? Nah. There’s the old saying of “bros before internet girlfriends”, and the seats were really good. Also, I did end up meeting her in the concourse at the show, and let’s just say that no love connection was made. Worked out well for her anyway. After we split she ended up marrying the next guy she dated. I had a pretty good streak of that happening for awhile. If any of you ladies are looking for a man, date me and then you’ll find one!

Why in the world did I get off on this tangent? Oh yeah, because for some reason she was absolutely crazy about the Eugene character. It was a thing in 2004. I didn’t get it, but I didn’t have the heart to tell her she was out of her mind. At least not on that topic of conversation.

World Heavyweight Champion Chris Benoit pinned Kane with an Oklahoma side roll at 18:14 after Kane fought out of the Crippler Crossface; moments later, Todd Grisham conducted a backstage interview with Benoit on his victory and Kane surviving the Sharpshooter and Crossface

I remember the post-match interview being interesting. Had that real sports kind of feel with Benoit breaking down his moves. Not sure why they didn’t do that more often afterwards.

Triple H pinned Shawn Michaels in a Hell in a Cell match at 47:25 after hitting the Pedigree three times within the final minutes of the match; after the match, WWE IC Champion Randy Orton, Ric Flair, and Batista appeared, rolled the bloody Triple H out of the ring, and helped him backstage; after Evolution left ringside, referee Mike Chioda helped Michaels to his feet to end the broadcast (Hell in a Cell)

Two main problems with this match:

1. They did way too much
2. They took so long that “way too much” wasn’t really enough.

I mean…47:25? What on Earth were they thinking? The crowd was into it pretty good at first, but after awhile you could just feel the energy exiting most of the arena. I was pretty into the match, but I was in the third row ringside. It’s a different feeling when you’re within spitting distance of the Cell than when you’re sitting up in the rafters. And when you’re sitting at home…well, once I watched the match on DVD I understood why people online absolutely hated it.

At the time? I was content. It was a good night at the matches and I got a Bad Blood chair out of the deal. Is there a better souvenir from a show than a chair? I think not.

Thanks for reading an eventful year for me! Come back next time when we take a look at 2005!

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Opinion

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

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

Published

3 weeks ago

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

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

Published

4 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