Opinion

Bodeen’s Top 5 Moments: WWE SummerSlam 2021

There were a few things people disliked, as with most things. But Bodeen lists out his Top 5 moments of SummerSlam 2021! Do you agree?

Published

4 years ago

August 23, 2021

Bodeen Green

Summerslam was an odd Pay-Pay-View. Following CM Punk’s epic return the night before on AEW Rampage, SummerSlam had a tough job in outdoing the return of Punk. While there were some outstanding moments on the show such as Edge’s great match with Seth Rollins the show was a roller coaster ride as we saw some good matches mixed with terrible matches as well as pointless filler segments and the return of Brock Lesnar and Becky Lynch with Lynch’s return dividing fans both in attendance and online.

But, as always I am here to bring the power of positivity and look at the good side of things. So as we remove ourselves from SummerSlam and get ready for either ALL OUT and Extreme Rules it is time to look at the top 5 moments from this year’s edition of SummerSlam.

5. Becky Lynch returns and beats Bianca Belair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, dividing fans

Before we get to the controversial part that divided fans, it should be noted that this year’s SummerSlam was a massive curse for Champions who won their titles at WrestleMania 37 with Sheamus, Bianca Belair and AJ Styles and Omos all losing their titles, however, Bianca lost her SmackDown’s Women’s Championship in an odd way. After rumours of Sasha Banks not being able to medically compete at SummerSlam surfaced many wondered if we would see the match between Banks and Belair, especially as WWE kept promoting the match heading into SummerSlam. Despite the rumour, we would get a hype package for the match and things seemed to be normal as Bianca Belair made her entrance. But things would soon take a weird turn after the announcer told fans that Sasha Banks was not medically able to compete and that Bianca’s opponent was actually Carmella. Boos rang all over the arena as Carmella made her entrance with chants of “We want Sasha” continuing after Carmella’s entrance. Bianca got on the mic and told Carmella, she was going to make quick work of her and as both women got ready for the match, Becky Lynch’s music hit for a massive pop with The Man returning to WWE being out for a year after having a child with Seth Rollins.

The crowd were deafening as Lynch made her entrance with Lynch soaking in the moment as Bianca and Carmella watched on in the ring. After soaking in the moment Becky stared and both women and then took out Carmella forcing Carmella out of the ring. Lynch continued the assault on Carmella outside the ring as she threw Carmella into the ring steps before making her way back into the ring and grabbing a mic with Becky then asking with Belair wanted to have a match with Lynch for the SmackDown’s Women’s Championship. Belair accepted the challenge and as the bell rang Lynch offered her hand to Belair out of respect. But this would turn out to be a massive trap as Lynch was sucker-punched Bianca and hit her with the pumphandle slam to pin Bianca in seconds and become the new SmackDown Women’s Champion in just seconds.

Right of the bat, I will say, while this did feel bad for Bianca’s title reign to end like this, personally, I don’t think she looks as weak as some people are saying. While she did lose to seconds to Lynch it can easily be argued that she was caught off guard by Lynch’s appearance and had no time to prepare, Lynch also used a sucker-punch to catch Belair off-guard, perfectly playing to the fact that while Belair is talented she is still young and inexperienced. Of course, it could have made sense for Lynch to have a triple threat match with her pinning Carmella to protect Belair, however, I will wait to see how Lynch’s return will play out in the following weeks to come before I give my ultimate opinion on this. However controversy aside it is great to see Becky Lynch back in the ring as she no doubt deserves a place on this list.

4. Damian Priest takes on Sheamus for the United States Championship

After a terrible match involving Alexa Bliss and Eva Marie, Damian Priest and Sheamus had a big job in recapturing the crowd’s attention. Luckily both men put on a great match that resulted in Damian Priest pinning Sheamus to capture the United States Championship. Both men started the match evenly exchanging strikes and holds throughout the match, Sheamus did a great job in interacting with the crowd during the match, with Sheamus calling out members of the crowd throughout the match and even stopping the Beats of the Bodhrán to stop the crowd from counting along. Damian Priest also had a good showing has his unique move set was on show as he continues to gain support from the crowd.

Late in the match, Priest jump of the middle rope only to be caught with a knee for Sheamus, giving Sheamus a close nearfall. Sheamus tried to attack the legs of Priest and put Priest and a heel hook but Priest was able to grab the mask of the United States Champion and rip it off, exposing Sheamus. Priest then unloaded on Sheamus with multiple strikes and smashed the champion with a heel kick and then hit The Reckoning on Sheamus to become the new United States Champion.

Priest, without a doubt, deserves this moment and hopefully, it’s a step in the right direction in making Priest a star for the future. Priest has charisma, in-ring skills and talent and has done an amazing job during his time on the main roster thus far, putting on a great match with Bad Bunny and The Miz and John Morrison at WrestleMania as well as somehow making a zombie lumberjack match work at WrestleMania Backlash. As for Sheamus, I can still see him being a big part of RAW’s midcard, knowing RAW’s obsession with rematches we will most likely see a rematch between Sheamus and Priest down the line, but after that, I think Sheamus will play the role of an in-ring veteran and help newer talent get over.

3. A reunited RK-BRO faces AJ Styles and Omos for the Raw Tag Team Championships to open the show

While Big E and Baron Corbin did a good job in opening things on the kickoff show, RK-BRO would open the main show with the pair challenging AJ Styles and Omos for the Raw Tag Team Championships. The set-up for this match was great with Randy Orton returning a few weeks ago on RAW only to break up RK-BRO with The Viper ending the night by hitting an RKO on Riddle. However just as RK-BRO seemed dead, Riddle came to the rescue of Randy Orton when Orton was being attacked by AJ Styles and Omos forcing Orton to change his mind and bring back RK-BRO. RK-BRO dominated the early part of the match as they managed to use surprising teamwork on AJ Styles, but the tide would quickly turn as a frustrated Styles tagged in Omos to change the tide of the match. Omos dominated Riddle as The Viper had no choice but to watch on, despite dominating Riddle, Omos tagged in a cocky AJ Styles who controlled Riddle with full confidence until Riddle was able to knee Styles in the face and move to his corner to give Randy Orton the hot tag.

Orton changed the match with the hot tag as he took out Styles and kept attacking Omos keeping the big man off-balance, Orton finished the hot tag by hitting his legendary draping DDT onto Styles for a huge pop from the Las Vegas crowd. Orton then got ready for the RKO but Omos pulled Styles out of the ring, protecting his partner from The Viper, Riddle tried to get involved by jumping from the steel steps onto Omos but Omos was able to catch Riddle and chokeslammed Riddle on the apron. Orton tried to get involved but would be taken out by Styles with Styles inflicting more damage on Riddle by hitting the moonsault DDT from the ring apron onto the floor on Riddle. Just as things looked bleak for RK-BRO Orton managed to avoid the Phenomenal Forearm and after some back and forth from both men, Orton was able to hit the RKO on Styles to pin him making RK-BRO the new RAW Tag Team Champions and starting a curse for Champions who won their titles at WrestleMania. Later in the night, Mario Lopez (who made a WWF reference) interviewed the pair with Orton saying the most destructive letters in sports entertainment are RK…BRO.

This was a fun little match that did a great job in opening the show. While it wasn’t completely memorable and certainly won’t be in any match of the year list, it was fun and did a great job in hyping the crowd for the rest of the show. RK-BRO are an amazing and entertaining pair, both Orton and Riddle did a great job in carrying RAW after WrestleMania 37 during the ThunderDome period and I cannot wait to see how entertaining both Riddle and Orton will be as Champions. It is also great to see Orton’s reaction each week as he starts to like Riddle even more with Orton giving a genuine smile as both men celebrated their title win.

2. Roman Reigns and John Cena square off in the main event as Brock Lesnar returns with a new look

After his epic return at Money In The Bank, it was finally time for John Cena to take on the Universal Champion Roman Reigns after weeks of amazing promos between the two men. This match had a big fight feel to it with the crowd being hot for both men with Cena having a great entrance as the Titantron showed off all of his 16 World Title wins. Cena tried to catch Reigns off guard early in the match by performing multiple roll-ups on the Universal Champion only to get a 2 count, but Reigns would assert his dominance as he began to beat down Cena, cutting Cena off at every turn as he talked trash to the camera. However, Cena was able to hit the 2 shoulder tackles as he started the 5 moves of doom, only for Reigns to reverse the five knuckle shuffle into a Guillotine with Cena being able to power up and escape the hold.

Despite surviving the Guillotine Roman still controlled the match, but Cena was able to hit a AA out of nowhere to score a close nearfall, After Reigns escaped the STF by grabbing the ropes both men went out to the floor, Reigns tried to hit Roman with a spear but Cena was able to counter, hitting another AA through the announce table with Cena throwing Reigns back in the ring for a nearfall. Late in the match Reigns attempted a spear but when shoulder first into the ring post, allowing Cena to lift Roman to the top corner and hit a super AA for another close 2 count. Cena attempted a spear of his own but Reigns was able to counter and would eventually hit a pair of Superman punches on Cena and would finish things with a spear, pinning Cena for the win to retain his Championship.

After the match Reigns stood over a broken John Cena but then out of nowhere Brock Lesnar’s music hit as Brock (now with a beard and a ponytail) made his entrance as Paul Heyman freaked out and Roman couldn’t believe it. Lesnar seemed generally pumped to be back as he stared down the Champion as Heyman panicked with Reigns and Heyman retreating to the back as SummerSlam went off the air. It would later be revealed then Brock Lesnar sent Cena to suplex city once again, proving old habits die hard. Love him or hate him, Brock being back was a great moment and I generally can’t wait to see his interactions with Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman and SmackDown.

1. Edge brings back The Brood as he steals the show with Seth Rollins

Fans off the attitude era would be in for a treat at SummerSlam was Edge channeled his former brood character making for a truly epic entrance as he stole the show with Seth Rollins. Both men put on a great match despite high expectations with both men truly delivering the match of the night.

Rather than give a quick analysis of what happened during the match, I am just going to simply say it was an epic match that had great storytelling and great in-ring action that honestly made me feel like a young kid once again (especially as I am a huge Edge fan.)

This is honestly one of those matches that fans from different eras can rejoice watching as both men without a doubt put on a match of the year candidate.

These were my top 5 moments from the roller coaster ride that SummerSlam was. What were your top 5 moments from SummerSlam this year and what do you think of the return of The Beast, Brock Lesnar? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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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

2 months 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

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Published

5 months ago

November 2, 2024

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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