Opinion

Cook: Why You Mad About Aalyah Mysterio & Murphy?

Steve Cook asks a solid question regarding some of the reactions for this storyline.

Published

5 years ago

October 2, 2020

Steve Cook

As far back as I can remember, pro wrestling has been in a tug of war between two types of storytelling.

The older form is one that would have you believe that everything you see & hear on television is real. That was seen as the best way to get fans to go from being casual television viewers to be ticket-buying customers. Folks would be more likely to go see a big title match in person if they believed it was a legitimate sporting event. People would get more invested in stories between wrestlers if they believed everything happening was a complete shoot.

Then you have those who think that fans can handle wrestling being entertainment. They think of wrestling as a male soap opera, and they want to have storylines that play to those classic soap instincts. Stories that keep fans coming back week after week just like the best soap opera storylines did. Soap opera fans didn’t confuse these stories with reality, they accepted them for what they were. They didn’t assume the actors or actresses were their actual character, unless they were demented in the head.

As we’ve seen in 2020, way too many people are demented in the head. They think that all this rasslin stuff is real, and it gets to them. When they see Rey Mysterio’s family on television, they think that all of this stuff is real. I mean, come on, did anybody actually think that Eddie Guerrero helped Rey’s wife get pregnant to produce Dominick? It was a total storyline for Eddie to sell “Who’s Your Papi” t-shirts. I love joking about it as much as anybody else, but we all know it was a gag. It was a telenovela storyline intended to get the Hispanic audience interested because that’s the kind of thing that draws well with Hispanic audiences. Telenovelas do good business, and they love family drama.

Rey Mysterio has a family ripe for drama.

WWE knew this back in 2005, when they did a storyline based around who was Rey’s son Dominick’s actual father. In 2010, we saw CM Punk sing Rey’s daughter Aalyah a Happy Birthday. Rey has always been about trotting his family out on television, which could lead to problems. I mean, if you’re always bringing your daughter to shows, wouldn’t you expect her to make some friends along the way? Apparently Dominick made no friends because nobody saved him from asskickings when Rey wasn’t there, but most wrestler’s kids that got drug into locker rooms by their parents would eventually make friends with other wrestlers. Wrestlers are friendly, especially if you’re not a dirtsheet writer.

It just so happened that Aalyah made friends with somebody associated with one of her father’s enemies.

Man, did people get pissed off about this development! Poor Alexa Bliss tried to put the story over on Twitter, and got shouted down into deactivation as a result. See, Alexa encouraged her ex to shoot his shot, which a lot of people had opinions about. There’s a bit of an age difference between Aalyah & Murphy. Alexa decided that the best way to defend her take was by pointing out that her current boyfriend is nine years older than she is. That didn’t help things. I don’t know what people expected from somebody that’s currently being booked as under the influence of The Fiend, especially assuming that the people responding think that Rey’s daughter is actually having a thing with Murphy.

To which, I can only respond with the following:

Also, I’m wondering why a male and a female human being can’t just be friends. Kurt Angle did the same back in 2000 during a storyline with Stephanie McMahon & Triple H. It’s not a perfect comparison, as Stephanie had shown interest in Kurt as a way to needle Triple H prior before they actually ended up feuding. Eventually, Kurt & Stephanie got over whatever interest there might have been and ended up as business partners. There was a rocky patch, but a quote Kurt made keeps popping in my head whenever the subject of Murphy & Aalyah is broached:

“Why can’t a guy & girl just be friends?”

I don’t know. Me, I’ve just been friends with plenty of females, including females at or around Aalyah’s age while I was about ten years older. See, I was working at Great American Ballpark on the retail side of things for the past several years before the pandemic, and there was a number of co-workers through the years that happened to be female and around Aalyah’s age. I couldn’t help it that my sensibilities were in line with college age women, and I found them more interesting to talk to during breaks than women thirty years older than me, or men of varying ages.

Does that make me a bad person? I don’t think so. Nothing untoward came of any of those situations. I can’t classify any of my relationships with women of that age while working at GABP as anything more than a casual friendship. Which is all I was looking for. I damn sure wasn’t going to pursue anything further. I was just talking to people during breaks in the action that I felt like were worth talking to. I talked to men too, for the record! If somebody happened to be around during a break that seemed interesting, I talked to them. If they weren’t interesting or started talking about old people politics, I tended to avoid them.

There was nothing sexual involved in anything I’ve ever been involved in at work.

And as far as we can tell, there’s nothing sexual about the relationship between Aalyah Mysterio & Murphy. It’s definitely an odd combination, considering that Murphy has latched onto Seth Rollins as a mentor & Rollins has been all about bothering the Mysterio family for the past few months. But, let’s be honest, there have been plenty of peculiar friendships over the years in professional wrestling. You just never know which people will hit it off and which won’t.

So what if Murphy & Aalyah hit it off and became friends?

For one thing, if you want to get into the storyline aspect of it all, it’s Rey Mysterio’s fault. He keeps dragging his kids backstage to these WWE events every single week. Does he not expect them to make friends? Obviously Dominick hasn’t, but maybe Aalyah is just better at interacting with people? I don’t personally know her so I can’t say for sure, but we can’t rule it out.

Then, we have all the personal hangups that wrestling fans have concerning situations like this. For one, a lot of them disagree with Kurt Angle’s assertion that a guy & a girl can just be friends. I understand it, as I was in that boat for much of my early years. I missed out on a lot back in those days when I only saw the opposite sex for sexual purposes. Could have had some good long-lasting friendships. Not something I’m proud of, but it’s also not something that all wrestling fans grew out of.

That’s the only reason I can think of for people getting all hot & bothered that Aalyah Mysterio is nineteen years old, and Murphy is thirty-two. They’ve all jumped to the conclusion that the only reason Murphy would have a conversation with Aalyah is that he’s gotten a little lonely during the pandemic. And, frankly, his ex didn’t help matters online even if she thought she was being supportive of somebody she still considers a friend.

More importantly than all that…

IT’S A FREAKING STORYLINE! FICTIONAL! STORYLINE! MURPHY & AALYAH MYSTERIO ARE NOT ACTUALLY AN ITEM TO THE BEST OF ANYBODY’S KNOWLEDGE, ON OR OFF OF TELEVISION! THEREFORE, THEIR AGE DIFFERENCE IS IRRELEVANT! AND EVEN IF THEY WERE AN ITEM, IS THIRTEEN YEARS THAT BIG A DEAL IN THE BIG SCHEME OF THINGS? THE UNITED STATES PRESIDENT IS MARRIED TO SOMEBODY TWENTY-FOUR YEARS YOUNGER THAN HIM! HAS ANYBODY SAID A WORD ABOUT THAT? NO? THEN WHY ARE WE MAKING A BIG DEAL OF A FICTIONAL WRESTLING STORYLINE WHERE TWO PEOPLE ARE JUST FRIENDS AS FAR AS WE KNOW?

Like, what the hell are we doing here? This is what we’re getting worked up about in 2020? I could name 2,020 things more worth getting worked up about in 2020 than a silly telenovela storyline involving Rey Mysterio’s family. I’m not even saying it’s riveting television that’s worth sitting through three hours of Raw for. Nor am I knocking Aalyah or Dominick for their performances, they’ve been thrust into this position and are doing the best they can. I have nothing bad to say about either of Rey’s children.

All I’m saying is that those of you getting all hot & bothered over this whole story with the Mysterio family & Murphy due to the age difference of people involved apparently have never watched another television show in your life, or you’re taking this one wayyyyyyy too seriously. Calm down. Relax. Or find something actually worth getting mad about if that’s what you want to do.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

1 week ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

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Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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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

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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!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1