Opinion

5 WWE Superstars That Will Benefit Most From Live Crowds

With restrictions dropping and fans returning, Austin assess which WWE superstars would benefit from a return to live audiences!

Published

4 years ago

July 9, 2021

Austin Harrach

As professional wrestling approaches the final stretch of the pandemic era, the companies and their fans grow eager to get back on the road in front of live crowds. WWE Money in the Bank on July 18th, 2021 will be the first WWE show with live fans since WrestleMania 37 in April. Not only will MITB have a live audience, but it marks the beginning of the touring schedule and the end of the ThunderDome.

In the time that WWE has spent in the ThunderDome, some superstars have thrived without fans in attendance. Certain talents such as Drew McIntyre and Roman Reigns have had the opportunity to perfect their craft and fine tune their character and mic skills for when crowds do return, and found great success at the top of the card in doing so. Other talents have suffered throughout the pandemic era with the lack of a live reaction giving WWE a gauge of where to go with the character.

WWE has taken a chance on pushing some talent without an indication from the live crowds of whether they approve. Superstars such as Bobby Lashley and Riddle have flourished after being thrust into the upper card, and will likely be met with the reaction that creative is hoping for when crowds return. On the other hand, some superstars seem to have become an afterthought to the company with no direction, and could see their careers take a new trajectory when fans can let WWE know that they have something special and want a push. These are five WWE superstars that will benefit most from the return of live crowds.

5. Eva Marie

Eva Marie is one of the most natural heels in wrestling, with fans disapproving of her from the beginning due to a lack of wrestling ability. Her character plays off of that, as she rarely wrestles and usually has someone else do her dirty work. Marie recently returned on Monday Night Raw with sidekick Piper Niven from NXT UK, now renamed as Doudrop.

So far, Doudrop has been the one doing work and scoring the pins as Eva Marie announces after the match that she is the winner. Recent reports claim that Vince McMahon is all in on the Eva Marie/Doudrop storyline, and the merciless boos from the fans will likely be a green light for WWE to push Marie as a top heel.

4. Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura has been coasting in WWE for some time now, with his number of matches and win percentage declining each year since his 2018 heel turn. Though he saw some mid-card title success as a heel, the two year run has felt unfulfilling and turned stale. Fans have adored Shinsuke ever since he appeared in NXT, so WWE asking fans to turn against one of the most beloved superstars in the company seemed like an odd choice.

Nakamura turned face once again in January 2021 after he nearly went the distance in a gauntlet match to determine a challenger for Roman Reigns. Shinsuke is now receiving a well-timed push as he finds himself on a three-match win streak and dethroning Baron Corbin for his King of the Ring crown. Along with the push, he has been paired with former NXT superstar Rick Boogs, acting as Shinsuke’s personal guitarist and hype man. If Pat McAfee’s dancing on the announce desk is any indication of fan reaction to the electric duo, expect the 41-year-old to see more success on Friday nights.

3. Liv Morgan

Liv Morgan was in desperate need of some direction after the Riott Squad was brought to an end due to the release of long-time partner Ruby Riott. Morgan’s career as a singles competitor looked to be off to a rocky start as her first match ended in a two-minute loss to Carmella on SmackDown. Since then, Morgan has tallied three wins in a row, defeating Carmella twice and Zelina Vega on her WWE return.

Morgan will likely fill one of the two remaining spots for the women’s MITB ladder match, where she will receive loads of support from the live audience. Don’t be surprised to see the roof blow off the arena if Morgan is able to come away with the briefcase. She is one of the most talented in-ring competitors on the blue brand, and fans recognize it.

2. Jeff Hardy

The Charismatic Enigma has seen little success in 2021, with the bulk of his recent work coming in the form of losses to lower mid-card talent on Main Event and Raw. He is fresh off of winning a lackluster feud with Cedric Alexander, but has recent losses to John Morrison and Jinder Mahal henchman Veer. Hardy is one of the most beloved superstars of all time, and although he’s approaching 44 years of age, Jeff is still a great worker capable of entertaining both the older fans who grew up with him and a newer generation.

Expect to hear some huge pops for the crowd when they get to watch Jeff Hardy live again. There’s a buzz throughout the IWC of wanting him to have another world title program. While we may not get that, WWE could use another top babyface on Raw other than Drew McIntrye, and support from the crowd each week should show WWE that Hardy can be that guy.

1. Elias

“WWE stands for… I SAID WWE STANDS FOR…”

It’s no secret that Elias heavily relies on crowd interaction. Everything from prompting the crowd to shout “walk with Elias”, telling them to shut their mouths, and insulting them during his songs, all for a huge pop when he is ultimately interrupted. These segments are always entertaining and make for a great addition to any show.

With no crowd to feed off of, Elias has been lost. The ThunderDome has been rough for the drifter, with his highlights consisting of losing a feud with Jeff Hardy and being paired with (and split from) Jaxson Ryker. Elias hasn’t seen a victory since the April 19th edition of Monday Night Raw, and has been given the unfortunate task of putting over Ryker, losing every match involving the two. With Elias once again having the opportunity to insult every city he visits and being met with crowd feedback, he could return to the upper mid-card before too long.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

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

Published

2 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

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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

All Shows On Demand

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