Opinion

Cook’s Top Five: New Members of Factions

With MJF’s new induction to the Inner Circle, Cook looks at the Top 5 new members that stuck out in his memory!

Published

5 years ago

November 12, 2020

Every faction needs to shake things up from time to time. New members are the best way to do that. Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle has had the same membership for over a year now, so why not add some new members? MJF won his way into the group be defeating Jericho at Full Gear, and Wardlow gets a spot too because why not?

It remains to be seen what MJF or Wardlow will add to or take away from the Inner Circle. Some additions go well. Some don’t. These are the top five additions to wrestling factions over the years…

5. AJ Styles joins Bullet Club

Bullet Club has managed to remain relevant through the years by bringing in new members at the right moment. No faction has gone through the number of leaders Bullet Club has while continuing to dominate. Each leader has left their mark on the group, but AJ Styles was the first Bullet Club leader to take the group to the absolute top of New Japan. He was the first to become IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

Styles attaining that honor so soon after joining New Japan proved that the Bullet Club was the force to be reckoned with.

4. The New Age Outlaws join D-Generation X

A lot of people will tell you that the first version of DX was the best. Shawn Michaels, Triple H & Chyna (along with Rick Rude for a mintue there) were all that were needed to form one of wrestling’s greatest factions. They definitely had some great moments. That being said, business really picked up and DX became one of wrestling’s greatest factions once HBK went on hiatus.

X-Pac was a natural fit, of course, but the addition of the New Age Outlaws gave DX a team that could dominate the tag team ranks. The Road Dogg Jesse James & Badd Ass Billy Gunn also had enough attitude to take that aspect of DX to the next level too.

3. Eric Bischoff joins the New World Order

This marriage couldn’t have worked out better for the individual and the group. Up until joining the NWO, Bischoff was known as the voice of WCW Monday Nitro. Fans wondered why he even had that job, since he wasn’t great at it and Tony Schiavone was the senior member of WCW’s announce team. Of course, people in the know were aware that Bischoff was an Executive Vice President and was making all the decisions in WCW. That bit of knowledge became more public once Scott Hall & Kevin Nash showed up and everybody started breaking kayfabe. Things eventually got to the point where the NWO was so dominant over WCW that somebody on the inside had to be behind the group.

Ted DiBiase was serving as the NWO’s spokesperson & financial backer, and did a fine job of it. However, Eric really took things to the next level once he assumed the position of being the NWO’s mouthpiece. WCW’s figurehead being an asshole and having the NWO run roughshod over Ted Turner’s company was just more interesting than an evil group financed by the Million Dollar Man. I’m a big fan of DiBiase’s work back in the day, but it’s a true story.

2. Rocky Maivia joins the Nation of Domination

The Nation of Domination went through a lot of changes during the Gang Warz. Savio Vega left to form Los Boricuas. Crush went off with the Disciples of Apocalypse. Ahmed Johnson’s tenure with the group was cut short by injury. They needed something big to remain on top of the heap, and they got it when Rocky Maivia joined the group. Rocky’s early face run hadn’t gotten over well with the audience, but the company still saw a ton of potential in him. Creative decided the best thing for Rocky to do was turn heel and embrace the hate of the audience.

Rocky kicked things up a notch right away when he talked about how the fans disrespected him by chanting “Die, Rocky Die”. That charisma we know the Rock for today started to come out during his time in the Nation. This is when he became the Peoples’ Champion. The Nation helped make the Rock what he would become, only the most electrifying man in sports & entertainment.

1. Barry Windham joins the Four Horsemen

It was always going to be hard to top the original Four Horsemen. Even if Ole Anderson was nearing the end of his in-ring career, he was still a tremendous promo that formed a dangerous tag team with his storyline nephew Arn. The combination with Ole, Arn, Tully Blanchard & Ric Flair, with James J. Dillon by their side, was unlike anything most wrestling fans had seen before. Replacing any of the members was going to be a tough responsibility.

Lex Luger tried to replace Ole. Despite Luger’s presence and potential, it didn’t quite work. He ended up leaving the group and forming a tag team with Barry Windham. They would win the tag team championship from Arn & Tully at the first Clash of the Champions. Unfortunately, trouble was on the horizon for Lex. See, the Horsemen had been scouting Barry Windham for a long time. They were impressed with his ability and thought he would be the perfect fourth member. Dillon would convince Windham the Horsemen were the best thing for his future, and he ended up being right.

The Windham version of the Horsemen is widely regarded as the best version of the group. It was the most successful in-ring, holding the World, US & Tag Team Championship simultaneously during 1988. The Four Horsemen somehow managed to improve on perfection by adding Barry Windham to the group.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

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

Published

3 weeks 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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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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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

2 months 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