Opinion
Cook’s AEW All Out 2021 Gambling Picks
AEW goes ALL OUT on Sunday, which means Steve Cook lets you know what bets he’s ALL IN on! (See what we did there?)
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AEW goes ALL OUT on Sunday, which means Steve Cook lets you know what bets he’s ALL IN on! (See what we did there?)
If it’s Labor Day Weekend, All Elite Wrestling is going All Out. The third edition of the event will be taking place this Sunday in Chicago, where apparently every single wrestling promotion runs all their shows now. Crazy times in the Windy City.
You know the deal by now. BetOnline gives us the odds, we tell you how to make some money. A little secret though…the favorites have been doing pretty well. SummerSlam saw one underdog win, and since it was Charlotte Flair, it’s tough to call her an underdog at any point. AEW’s booking for PPV events tends to be predictable as well, so I’m not expecting to see a ton of underdog victories this Sunday.
Nevertheless, let’s break down the card!
Best Friends (Orange Cassidy, Chuck Taylor & Wheeler Yuta) & Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus) vs. Matt Hardy, Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) & TH2 (Angelico & Jack Evans)
The Buy-In match seems like a good way to get the fans happy heading into the show. Take some of your popular babyfaces, have them beat some heels. Simple enough, right? Should odds become available here, OC, Chucky T, Wheelie, JB & LS seem like the pick.
Casino Battle Royale (Winner Gets A AEW Women’s Championship Match):
Nyla Rose vs. Thunder Rosa vs. The Bunny vs. Big Swole vs. Tay Conti vs. Diamante vs. Penelope Ford vs. Red Velvet vs. Hikaru Shida vs. Emi Sakura vs. Jade Cargill vs. Kiera Hogan vs. Abadon vs. Leyla Hirsch vs. KiLynn King vs. Rebel vs. Jamie Hayter vs. Anna Jay vs. Riiho vs. Skye Blue vs. TBD
With Julia Hart taken out, Tony Khan rewarded local talent Skye Blue with a spot after Friday night’s Dark taping. There hasn’t been a line set as I write this, so let’s break this one down real quick.
No Chance: Big Swole, Diamante, Emi Sakura, Kiera Hogan, KiLynn King
No offense to anybody mentioned there, but we have to be honest. Can you see any of them winning based off of their portrayal on AEW television? I can’t. Maybe one of them gets it as a swerve, but I can’t tell you to bet on a swerve.
Little Chance: Nyla Rose, Red Velvet, The Bunny, Penelope Ford, Rebel, Jaime Hayter
Nyla & Red already got their title shots. Bunny & Ford are kind of in the same boat: they wouldn’t make sense as a challenger for a heel Dr. Baker. Rebel & Hayter are Britt’s friends. They’ll try and take out some of the competition, but they won’t be the competition.
Not Yet: Jade Cargill, Leyla Hirsch, Anna Jay, Skye Blue
Jade’s time will come, but this will serve as a stage for her to eliminate a bunch of people & look impressive in the process. Hirsch has potential but the booking isn’t quite there for her yet. Anna needs more experience. Skye Blue would be a fun story with her local ties, but I’m not sure they go that far with her yet.
The Contenders: Thunder Rosa, Tay Conti, Hikaru Shida, Abadon, Riiho, TBD
Well of course we’d like to see Thunder take on Britt again. Tay definitely deserves a chance. Shida’s been nowhere since losing the championship, deserves a bit better than that. Riiho’s back now. As for Abadon, I think the segments with her & Britt could be amusing. If “TBD” is Ruby Soho, you have to like her chances.
If I have to pick one, I’m going with Thunder Rosa. If Riiho has some long odds, I’d lean her way.
Jon Moxley (-600) vs. Satoshi Kojima (+350)
.@JonMoxley will take on the former #IWGP Champion #SatoshiKojima (@cozy_lariat) of @njpw1972 at #AEWAllOut THIS SUNDAY, Sept. 5 LIVE on Pay Per View!
Find out how you can watch #AEWAllOut: https://t.co/xu27F2B7IW pic.twitter.com/9wJNNExKRZ— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 2, 2021
This is kind of a throwback to the era of Super Indy Booking. In lieu of challenging for the AEW World Championship, Moxley has been issuing open challenges to the best of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Which isn’t a terrible idea with the Forbidden Door being a thing, and it’s interesting to see who they can get to come through.
The only problem is the fact that fans tend to get their hopes up. When Hiroshi Tanahashi made an appearance on AEW & won the NJPW US Championship in Los Angeles, and word came around that Tanahashi would be appearing in the United States more often, everybody decided that meant Tanahashi vs. Moxley would be at All Out. When Kojima was announced instead, some were disappointed. Which is insane, because even at 50 years old, Kojima should be a big deal to American wrestling fans familiar with Japanese wrestling.
The one downside to me: it’s more predictable. Jon Moxley isn’t losing here. The outcome of the eventual Moxley vs. Tanahashi will be harder to predict.
Paul Wight (-600) vs. QT Marshall (+350)
You fans can tag TK and complain all you want, but I'll say it again for those in the IWC who apparently can't comprehend what's happening ….
QT is on your TV!
QT is on the ALL OUT PPV!
QT has become a thing!See you Sunday, MARKS!#TheFactory #AEW #AEWALLOUT @AEWonTNT @AEW pic.twitter.com/ocMOrJDAzL
— QT Marshall (@realmmarshall1) September 2, 2021
One argument hardcore WWE fans have always liked to make against something a non-WWE fed does is “If WWE did this, you’d hate it!”. How many times have we heard this over the years, against things that practically nobody is defending? See, when you’re a fan of a promotion instead of just a fan of good pro wrestling regardless of where it comes from, you feel compelled to defend everything that promotion does, regardless of the quality. Hardcore AEW fans shouldn’t feel compelled to defend this match, which WWE fans can rightly say people would hate on WWE television.
Hardcore AEW fans should feel annoyed that QT Marshall is taking away TV time from tons of people on the AEW roster with more viability. Yes, it’s nice that QT does a lot of valuable backstage work, but it never looks good when a guy that helps format the TV shows makes room for himself when nobody’s asking for it. (Key distinction there. Sometimes in the past, people with a lot of backstage power gave themselves lots of TV time, but it was ok because most fans wanted to see it.) Granted, in the big scheme of things QT’s amount of time on Dynamite & Rampage isn’t much, but it’s still more than a lot of deserving talent on the roster gets.
There’s really no reason to give this match much discussion, as Paul Wight will make short work of QT. I just felt it was important to note that not everything on a show deserves your effort of defending it.
If Chris Jericho Loses, He Retires:
Chris Jericho (-250) vs. MJF (+175)
"I am going to have the distinct honor of ending one of the greatest runs in professional wrestling!" – @The_MJF with a heavy warning for @IAmJericho prior to their match this Sunday at #AEWAllOut on PPV!
Tune in to @tntdrama NOW to watch #AEWDynamite! pic.twitter.com/VtRbbij9tv
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 2, 2021
Does Chris Jericho want to retire?
That’s what this comes down to. I could see Jericho deciding that the Rampage commentator gig isn’t a bad spot at this point, opening him up to do other things. Reviews of his recent matches have been mixed at best, as his body’s breaking down at a more rapid rate than other wrestlers of his age. Given the age of most people in main events these days, we can’t use age as a guide of when a wrestler should retire.
Then again, I find myself wondering when I started buying into wrestler retirements again. Jericho could retire here, then pop up in WWE. Or he could retire here, then pop up under a mask in AEW not long afterward. Or they could just do the Last Stampede angle every once in awhile where Jericho is drawn back into the ring by circumstances. What I will say is that Jericho seems determined to make MJF as big as he can be, and I wouldn’t be shocked if MJF won here to send Jericho away at least for a little while. Most importantly of all, MJF’s gloating after a win here would be glorious.
So out of your underdogs going into this show, MJF is one of the better bets.
TNT Championship Match:
Miro (-400) vs. Eddie Kingston (+250)
The Wu said it best… You best protect your neck.@MadKing1981. @ToBeMiro. This Sunday at #AllOut pic.twitter.com/JbEzrdJ9sY
— All Elite Wrestling on TNT (@AEWonTNT) September 2, 2021
Miro has been operating on another level lately, so it’s tough to see him losing the TNT Championship soon. Especially when you consider that Eddie’s mostly been operating in tag team situations with Jon Moxley. The drawback about the booking is that they didn’t give these guys six weeks to cut promos on each other. Should be a decent match, they’ll work fairly stiff & lay the lumber in, but yeah, Miro’s winning here.
AEW Women’s Championship Match:
Dr. Britt Baker (-600) vs. Kris Statlander (+350)
Can’t wait to be back in #Brittago this week.
D👇🏻M👇🏻D👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/3XHZogYel9
— Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (@RealBrittBaker) August 31, 2021
Way too soon to take the title off of Dr. Baker. As much as I like Statlander, Baker’s reign needs some challengers properly built up to her level. Whether or not AEW is willing to do that or not can be debated given the womens’ positioning on the shows since Baker won the title. They seem to be trying a bit more lately, featuring Tay Conti, Penelope Ford & The Bunny on the last couple episodes of Dynamite & Rampage. Frankly, most of them just need more time. Red Velvet & Jade Cargill will get there someday.
Until then, Dr. Britt Baker will have to do the best with what she’s given.
AEW Tag Team Championship Steel Cage Match:
The Young Bucks (-110) vs. Lucha Brothers (-130)
Well I guess it’s come to this. One of our greatest rivals, The Lucha Bros in a steel cage? Get ready to bleed, boys. #AEWAllOut pic.twitter.com/ccWfwjMkt9
— Young Bucks® (@youngbucks) August 28, 2021
It really seemed like Jurassic Express was being set up for this match for a minute there. We get Fenix & Pentagon instead, which I will never complain about because they are Fenix & Pentagon. Also, they have a bit of history with the Bucks, which justifies the presence of the fifteen-foot high steel cage to a certain extent. It should be completely insane action that you’ll either love or hate depending on your opinion of the Young Bucks & Lucha Brothers. You know what you’re getting from these guys. A cage might change things a little, but probably not too much.
People are trying to tell me the Lucha Brothers should win here. I wouldn’t be offended by it, but it feels like the Young Bucks‘ run still has some more juice in it. More good guy challengers out there than evil ones.
AEW World Championship Match:
Kenny Omega (-700) vs. Christian Cage (+400)
An All Out assault by #TheElite on @Christian4Peeps and the #LuchaBros before #AEWAllOut this Sunday on PPV. This is sickening! pic.twitter.com/nBJYQQURzW
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 2, 2021
It still kind of feels like this should have been Hangman Page’s match, but they’ve certainly done their best to heat up this issue the last couple of weeks. Christian got the big win over Kenny for the Impact title, there have been a couple of Elite beatdowns, Don Callis being called a carnival piece of excrement…fun for the whole family! For a last minute piece of business it’s not the worst I’ve ever seen.
Match should be great too. I still don’t see much of a way that Kenny Omega loses this match. All due respect to Christian, who’s gotten an unwarranted amount of flack for his less than thrilling debut on AEW television. He can still go and should be a good asset for AEW in the years to come. He’s just not going to beat Kenny Omega at All Out.
CM Punk (-600) vs. Darby Allin (+350)
.@DarbyAllin and @Sting helped @CMPunk fight off an attack from @GarciaWrestling and #2point0 on #AEWDynamite. Cannot wait for CM Punk vs Darby Allin this Sunday at #AEWAllOut LIVE on PPV!
How to Watch: https://t.co/29mWMvL76S pic.twitter.com/2gghhjDL0K
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 2, 2021
The interesting part here has little to do with the result. CM Punk should probably win his first match in over seven years. If for no other reason that the Chicago crowd will likely riot if Punk doesn’t get his hand raised. No, what we’ll all be watching in this match is Punk’s performance level. Can he still go?
That doesn’t matter as much for CM Punk as it does for other top wrestlers of his era. Guys like Bryan Danielson & AJ Styles need to be able to perform at a very top level. They don’t have as many other intangibles to make up for it as Punk does. Punk’s main strength is his ability on the microphone, and as long as he has his voice & mental faculties, he won’t lose that. However, if Punk goes out there and stinks the joint out, it’s going to change things. Might make it easier to turn Punk heel!
We’ll hope to see an impressive performance from Darby, who’s getting quite the push from some very established talent. If CM Punk & Sting are working with you, you better be a top star eventually. Losing won’t affect him as long as he does something crazy, which seems like a foregone conclusion.
OK, so this is looking like another show where the favorites reign supreme. Should still be a fun one though, and maybe I’ll be wrong!
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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!
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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:
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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
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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!
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About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
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!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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