Andrew&#8217;s Top 10 Matches: Week Ending 2/14/2021

Akiyama started off for a while, since he wanted to size up both of these new generation members. NOAH was built around Akiyama, as a protégé of the Four Pillars and the unofficial fifth Heavenly King he is the remaining measuring stick to test the new generation out in the Giant Baba AJPW dojo style. And did he ever put them through their paces. Akiyama’s Sternness gimmick was back in full force as he challenged Inamura’s power and Kiyomiya’s spirit.

Inamura got the first feather in his cap when he was able to win the power struggle with Akiyama, but Kiyomiya wasn’t so lucky. Akiyama dismantled his arms and put him through the paces. Akiyama hinted towards the Exploder a few times, even hitting the normal version, never his signature Wristclutch variation. Marufuji on the other hand felt like he was the guiding hand to see what Akiyama felt. Marufuji’s moves were crisp, and he punished the younger wrestlers at time, but the tension and crowd got audibly excited when Akiyama mixed it up with any of them.

Kiyomiya managed to eat a True Tiger King, Hook Kick and even get out of the Perfect Key Lock before finding his second wind. Coming off the ropes, he connects with a Headbutt to Marufuji and NOAH’s Genius stayed rocked. A German Suplex set the stage and a Tiger Suplex Hold won the match.

Winner: Kiyomiya via Tiger Suplex Hold

5t. AEW Dynamite: Falls Count Anywhere: Lance Archer & Jon Moxley vs Kenny Omega & KENTA

Archer drags Omega up, knuckle locks and goes up the corner to walk it Old School! For the MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!! Omega survives but Archer is just getting angrier! Archer puts Omega in a corner, hoists him up, inverted crucifix, but Omega slips off! The Good Brothers rush out to help Omega but Archer just DECKS them both! Kenta gets back in, spins Archer around, BACK HAND! Archer doesn’t even flinch! Kenta BACK HANDS again, then runs, into a BOOT! Anderson gets in, but Archer choke grips and CHOKE- GUN STUNS!! Anderson hits Archer, but Jake reels him in to SHORT ARM CLOTHESLINE! Gallows gets in, to HELL STAB Jake!

Jake gasps for air against ropes and Omega grins as he takes aim! Omega says BANG, but he runs into Moxley’s BARBED WIRE BAT! Moxley starts swinging for the fences on the Good Brothers!! The refs get Jake away but Kenta fireman’s carries Moxley for GO TO SLEEP! Archer CLOBBERS Kenta! Archer grabs Omega, and then grabs Kenta! But the DOUBLE LOW BLOW! Legal in this match, and then Good Brothers give Archer MAGIC KILLER!! Omega adds on the V-TRIGGER! Omega drags Archer up, Electric Chairs, but Archer is too big! The Good Brothers help him get Archer up, to hit the ONE WINGED ANGEL!! Cover, Bullet Club wins!!

Winner: Omega via One Winged Angel

5t. NJPW New Beginning in Hiroshima: IWGP Heavyweight & Intercontinental Championship: Kota Ibushi (c) vs SANADA

They start off with some slow mat based wrestling, which feeds into Ibushi’s usual style of wanting to wrestle his opponent’s strength. The problem is; that SANADA is a very balanced wrestler. So even if he’s proficient on the mat, he’s still not one dimensional.

After SANADA has a little advantage, then we get into a strike exchange which favors Ibushi. So both men are trading shots. Ibushi tries to end things early after Last Ride and the first Kamigoye attempt, but SANADA counters with his own Knee Strike and then we get a few Skull End attempts. A missed Moonsault gives Ibushi an opening again, so we see the return of the Lawn Dart! Ibushi then goes for the outside in rope assist German Suplex, but SANADA thankfully fights back, gets him on his shoulders and TKOs him onto the floor outside.

There’s a good bit of back and forth, SANADA attempts a few Japanese Leg Clutch variations, shakes off two padded Kamigoyes and looks to be making a surge until Ibushi just catches him, then rocks him with an exposed V-Trigger, followed by the exposed Kamigoye.

Winner: Ibushi via Kamigoye

5t. NOAH: Return to Destination: GHC Heavyweight Championship: Go Shiozaki (c) vs Keiji Mutoh

There were great callbacks from both men in this match. Ironic callbacks when Shiozaki charges Mutoh on the ramp to land a move is cute. Mutoh went after Go’s legs to build off his victory from earlier this month. Shining Wizard stunned Shiizaki in the ropes, and then a Dragon Screw while he was hung up was clever. Mutoh lands an Emerald Flowsion for only two. The previous victories of a Figure Four from Mutoh and Moonsault from Shiozaki weren’t enough to win this match but build well.

Toward the end of the match things did get dicey, but it’s hard to call them botches. Mutoh failed on the first attempt to Emerald Flowsion, but he failed on the initial scoop, so he dropped him and sold exhausted. Shiozaki had a scary Avalanche Brainbuster, but aside from looking dangerous was completely fine. Also we can look at the moment Mutoh half his the backbreaker and looked like he was going to Moonsault, but didn’t pull the trigger. Again, hard to tell if that was him not feeling like he could pull it off, so he audibled, or if it was supposed to get the crowd excited to see a Mutoh Moonsault post knee surgery.

As Shiozaki looked to end things, connecting with a Lariat and then winding up for a Gowan Lariat, Mutoh jumped, Hurricanrana and flash pinfall! Shiozaki’s reign ends to a flash pin from a legend and Shiozaki is beside himself.

Winner: Mutoh via Hurricanrana

5t. NXT: Vengeance Day: MSK vs Grizzled Young Veterans

Tag to Carter, he goes up top, and Lee tags back in. SWANTON BOMB and TORNILLO SENTON! Cover, TWO?!?! Drake survives and MSK is in shock! Lee tags Carter, Carter brings Drake back up, and Lee runs, only for Gibson to dump him out! Drake clubs Carter, Gibson Electric Chair lifts Lee on the outside, Drake builds speed! TOPE DOOMSDAY SUICIDA!!! The fans are electric for “NXT! NXT!” again! GYV regroup to go after Carter but Carter ROCKS Drake! Carter DECKS Gibson but Drake CLOBBERS Carter! Tag to Gibson, and he drags Carter up. Carter still fires off fists and CHOPS on GYV!

Gibson ROCKS Carter, hoists him up for Drake, POWERBOMB BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO!!?!? How is Carter doing this?! Drake has to exit but he wants to finish this. Gibson sits Carter up and shouts, “You are in over your head!” Gibson SLAPS Carter, tags Drake, and then feeds Carter to the gut wrench. But Lee pushes Gibson away to save Carter! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Carter tags Lee in, brings Drake up, slingshot for the BLOCKBUSTER HART ATTACK!! Cover, MSK WINS!?!?

Winner: MSK via Blockbuster Hart Attack

5t. Impact Wrestling: No Surrender: X-Division Championship: TJP (c) vs Rohit Raju w/Shera

Rohit took it to TJP early, honestly a little too early. He dove out before TJP came into the ring, and they brawled for a while, and Brian Hebner kept imploring them to get into the ring. After some solid outside the ring work, Rohit did a damn good job.

Rohit had a wonderful counter wrestling strategy. TJP went for a Tornado DDT, Rohit countered it into a Northern Lights. TJP tried his 3 Amgos homage, and Rohit turned them into his own homage with a Perfect Plex for a two count.

Almost everything TJP threw, Rohit had an answer for. The story was gorgeous with how much Rohit knew TJP’s playbook and how well he could counter it. The rub was, when Shera tried to restrain TJP behind the referee’s back, TJP got away and malfunction at the junction. That gave TJP the chance to drop Rohit with a Detonation Kick and then Mamba Splash.

Winner: TJP via Mamba Splash

3t. NXT: Vengeance Day: NXT Championship: Finn Balor (c) vs Pete Dunne

Balor knees low and reels Dunne into the cobra twist! Dunne falls and Balor makes it part crossface! Dunne sees fingers and grabs at them! Dunne SNAPS the fingers!!! Balor clutches his digits but Dunne drags him up. Balor throws forearms with the good arm and he knocks Dunne down! Balor gives those Danielson Stomps back but Dunne won’t let go! Dunne pump handles but Balor elbows Dunne away! Dunne yanks the arm harder for an unofficial low blow! And he hits BITTER END!! Cover, TWO!??! Balor survives Dunne’s best shot?! Fans are thunderous for this match again as Dunne stalks Balor.

Balor sits up, Dunne DOUBLE STOMPS the hands! And then DOUBLE STOMPS again!! BUZZSAW! Powerbomb- DDT COUNTER!! Balor fires up, runs, but into an ENZIGURI! He PELES through! Dunne PENALTY KICKS from behind! Pump handle, BITTER- NO! BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, TWO!! Dunne survives, AND has Balor’s fingers! Balor tries to get away but Dunne rises! Balor stomps the bad foot! Dunne still SNAPS the fingers! Balor DOUBLE STOMPS Dunne on the back! Balor sits Dunne up, and takes his mouth guard away! Balor takes aim, to basement dropkick Dunne in the face! Dunne is down, Balor goes up top, COUP DE GRACE!!!! Balor shows no mercy, he gives Dunne the 1916!!!! Cover, Balor wins!!!

Winner: Balor via 1916

3t. NOAH: Return to Destination: GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship: Daisuke Harada (c) vs Seiki Yoshioka

Lightning fast start, counters, attack ducks, rope runs, absorbing a few strikes and just coming back at others. Harada leads Yoshioka into the ropes, hits a Release German Suplex, hits the Release Belly to Belly into the corner, Henkei Knee Upper and even the Turn Over Knee, but only for a 2 count. After the legs started to slow on both, the haymakers flew. A match that went from jumping over leg sweeps and counter wrestling, turned into a war of attrition.

Yoshioka rocks Harada with a Thrust Kick and lands a Pumphandle Side Driver, but only for 2. Styles Clash set up, but instead of the Clash, he jumps and drives the opponent down onto their shoulders, CRASH DRIVER! We have a new Junior champion!

Winner: Seiki via Crash Driver

1t.NXT: Vengeance Day: North American Title: Johnny Gargano (c) vs Kushida

Kushida turns him again, but they’re closer to ropes! Gargano can’t reach, Kushida pulls harder, but Gargano gets the ropebreak by a foot! The ref counts, Kushida won’t let go but Gargano drags him out of the ring! Gargano grabs for fencing but Kushida holds on. Gargano RAMS Kushida into the apron, but Kushida still holds on! Gargano RAMS Kushida into the barriers and is free! Gargano scrambles back to the elevated ramp, and decides to retreat, but Kushida runs from the stage to PENALTY KICK the arm!! Maybe NOW it’s broken! Gargano staggers up, Kushida hops on, HOVERBOARD!!! Gargano stays on his feet to put Kushida in the rope and HOTSHOT him!

Kushida flops to the ramp, fans say “Johnny Wrestling” is back as he slingshots to ONE FINAL BEAT to the RAMP!!! Gargano puts Kushida back in, then crawls after with one good arm. The ref checks on Kushida, he is still okay, and he slowly rises. Gargano aims, slingshots, ONE FINAL BEAT AGAIN!! Cover, Gargano wins!!

Winner: Gargano via One Final Beat

1t. DDT Kawasaki Strong: KO-D Openweight Championship: Tetsuya Endo (c) vs Jun Akiyama

After Akiyama won the D-Oh Grand Prix, he declared his challenge for the KO-D championship. KO-D is DDT’s top championship, effectively standing for King of DDT. Endo is the younger bad boy style of wrestler in his second reign after beating Masato Tanaka last year.

Unlike his match in NOAH where he acted more like the invulnerable veteran, much like Kobashi or Misawa would do to younger wrestlers, he sold much more in this match. Early on he out wrestled the younger champion, but once a few of the Damnation seconds got involved, it opened Akiyama up for some punishment. Part of the beauty was that even though Damnation got involved once, it was never again, and made logical sense to help out their stablemate.

I didn’t get a chance to watch the D-Oh Grand Prix, but I found it interesting that Akiyama was focusing on Endo’s neck. Chops, elbows, Knee Strikes, a Front Neck Lock, and even a Butterfly Lock. In AJPW Akiyama tended to finish matches with the Wristclutch Exploder, so I was curious where we were going. Endo focused Akiyama’s knees since that’s a big part of his offense, and even working over the neck, Endo still hit a few Torture Rack Powerbombs.

The fight raged on, we had great near falls, Endo kicked out of the Wristclutch Exploder and missed his Shooting Star Press. So I was curious where we were going, but Akiyama busts out a modified version of the Sternness Driver for the pinfall! This was just a great battle, Akiyama is definitely legit, and as of today, he officially became a full time DDT roster member.

Between Tanaka’s reign, Endo’s second reign, Akiyama winning and the CyberFight money, this does a lot to legitimize DDT beyond the comedy wrestling people associate it with.

Winner: Akiyama via Modified Sternness Driver

Thoughts:

Do I really have to decide this week? This is crazy. Jun Akiyama helps to continue the narrative of 2021 that older athletes are still more than enough of a challenge by appearing twice in the Top 10. Mutoh winning the GHC to cement his place in history helps the narrative as well, but everyone should’ve heard about that by now.

I’m torn between Johnny Gargano vs Kushida and Akiyama vs Endo. Both were great, told different stories and definitely left a mark that could last on some Top MOTY lists. Since I have to decide…I’ll just flip a coin or something. Hold please – OH LOOK, Johnny Gargano vs Kushida gets my vote!

There we go, I decided, now you should as well!

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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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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY – Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY – The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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

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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!