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Andrew’s Top 10ish Matches of the Week-ish: 1.10.2022

Might as well start off 2022 clean! The first weekish is done, so let’s clump it together for the best matches!

Published

3 years ago

on

Now we started this year off strong, so we might as well dredge this back up. Also, since there were some New Year’s Day shows, I’ll just throw everything together to start off the year, and then we’ll go back to legit weeks.

NOAH, New Japan and IMPACT had some great work. Even WWE had a solid enough show which surprised many.

Quick Top 10:
  1. NOAH the New Year: GHC Heavyweight Championship: Katsuhiko Nakajima (c) vs Go Shiozaki
    Rating: *****
  2. NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.5: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs Will Ospreay
    Rating: **** ¾
  3. IMPACT Hard to Kill: Jonah vs Josh Alexander
    Rating: **** ½
  4. NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.4: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada vs Shingo Takagi (c)
    Rating: **** ½
  5. NOAH the New Year: GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship: HAYATA (c) vs Yoshinari Ogawa
    Rating: **** ¼
  6. IMPACT Hard to Kill: Texas Death Match: Knockouts World Title: Mickie James (c) vs Deonna Purrazzo
    Rating: **** ¼
  7. NOAH the New Year: GHC National Championship: Kenoh (c) vs Kaito Kiyomiya
    Rating: **** ¼
  8. NOAH the New Year: GHC Heavyweight Tag Team Titles: Keiji Muto & Naomichi Marufuji vs Masato Tanaka & Masaki Mochizuki
    Rating: **** ¼
  9. WWE Day 1: SmackDown Tag Team Titles: New Day vs The Usos (c)
    Rating: ****
  10. NOAH the New Year: KENTA, Takashi Sugiura & Kazushi Sakuraba vs Yoshiki Inamura, Masa Kitamiya & Daiki Inaba
    Rating: ****
  11. IMPACT Hard to Kill: ROH Championship: Chris Sabin vs Jonathan Gresham (c)
    Rating: ****

 

Honorable Mentions:

  • NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.4: IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi vs El Desperado (c)
    Rating: *** ½
  • IMPACT Hard to Kill: IMPACT World Heavyweight Championship: Massive Cassidy vs Matt Cardona vs Moose (c)
    Rating: *** ½
  • NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.5: Stardom Tag: Saya Kamitani & Tam Nakano vs Starlight Kid & Mayu Iwatani
    Rating: *** ½
  • IMPACT Hard to Kill: X Division Championship: Steve Maclin vs Trey Miguel (c)
    Rating: *** ½
  • NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.4: IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Dangerous Tekkers (ZSJ & Taichi) w/ Miho Abe (c) vs YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto
    Rating: *** ½
  • IMPACT!: Mercedes Martinez vs Deonna Purrazzo w/Matthew Rehwoldt
    Rating: *** ¼
  • WWE Day 1: WWE Championship: Bobby Lashley vs Big E (c) vs Brock Lesnar vs Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins
    Rating: *** ¼
  • NOAH the New Year: Atsushi Kotoge, Daisuke Harada, Hajime Ohara & Ultimo Dragon vs Los Perros del Mal de Japon (Kotaro Suzuki, YO-HEY, EITA & Nosawa Rongai)
    Rating: *** ¼
  • NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.5: Jeff Cobb vs Tetsuya Naito
    Rating: ***
  • NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.4: SHO vs YOH
    Rating: ***
  • IMPACT Hard to Kill: Hardcore War: Eddie Edwards, Heath, Rich Swann, Willie Mack & Rhino vs Eric Young, Joe Doering, Deaner, Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows
    Rating: ***
  • NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.5: IWGP Junior Tag Titles: Mega Coaches (Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi) vs Bullet Club (Taiji Ishimori & ELP) vs Flying Tigers (Robbie Eagles & Tiger Mask) (c)
    Rating: ***
  • IMPACT Hard to Kill: Ace Austin vs Speedball Mike Bailey vs Laredo Kid vs Chris Bey
    Rating: ***
  • NOAH the New Year: STINGER (Seiki Yoshioka & Yuya Susumu) vs KONGOH (HAOH & Aleja)
    Rating: ***
  • NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.5: Suzuki-Gun (Taichi, ZSJ & DOUKI) vs LIJ (Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI)
    Rating: ***
  • IMPACT!: Karl Anderson vs Heath
    Rating: ***
  • NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.5: NoDQ IWGP US Heavyweight Championship: KENTA (c) vs Hiroshi Tanahashi
    Rating: ***

 

9t. IMPACT Hard to Kill: ROH Championship: Chris Sabin vs Jonathan Gresham (c)

From My Results:

I’m not gonna lie, this was one of those matches I was generally enjoying and forgot I had to be typing along with it. Gresham did a great job as working on the arm mostly with a little leg focus since Sabin is more strike and high flying than he is. But Sabin found his own mat based offense, and caught Gresham on many accounts with strikes.

Sabin nearly had the win with a surprise Cradle Shock, but the referee noticed after he counted 3 that Gresham’s foot was under the rope and he still had a rope break left. So it was a solid false finish. The cradle variation spam is very Japanese, and done very well by both of them. This was a really solid match, hampered mostly because there was no real story with it, but still generally a delight to watch

Winner: Gresham via Magistral Leg Clutch

9t. NOAH the New Year: KENTA, Takashi Sugiura & Kazushi Sakuraba vs Yoshiki Inamura, Masa Kitamiya & Daiki Inaba

From My Coverage:

WOW, Inamura charges in to break a pinfall and KENTA casually steps back and makes the younger look stupid while stepping on Inaba. This is really classic veteran match play and then Inamura blind sides KENTA. KENTA drops to a knee and stares the kid down. Kitamiya gets Suigura in the Prison Lock, KENTA walks in to break it up, but Inamura comes in and stares down KENTA. After some staring and a few words, KENTA slaps him back into 2021, and Inamura powders looks rattled. KENTA does get the hold broken, but then eats some offense by Kitamiya for his troubles.

Kitamiya and Sakuraba exchanging as things break down a little more, Inaba gets tagged in and tries to speed things up. Sakuraba blocks a Brainbuster attempt by sitting out, but Inaba continues his relentless assault. Smartly, Inamura and KENTA come in together and this was a war. KENTA does more selling for the youngster and Inamura gets some great moment in. Kitamiya might still be a little salty that about KENTA walking away from him earlier, but it paid off in a beautiful old school NOAH way. KENTA landed his offense, and punctuated the match with a Go 2 Sleep.

Winner: KENTA wins via Go 2 Sleep

 

9t. WWE Day 1: SmackDown Tag Team Titles: New Day vs The Usos (c)

From Mitchell’s Coverage:

Jimmy drags Kofi away, tags Jey back in and Jey wants to do what they did to Kofi before. Jey drags Kofi up, but Woods drags Jimmy out! Woods throws Jimmy into barriers, then into the steel steps! Kofi rolls Jey up, TWO! Schoolboy with bridge! TWO!! Jey runs in, into SOS!! Cover, TWO!!! Kofi crawls, tags in Woods, Jey runs into DOUBLE GAMANGIRI! Woods goes up, Kofi brings Jey around, BACKBREAKER and DOUBLE STOMP!! Cover, TWO!?!? Jey survives and Atlanta can’t believe it! Woods drags Jey up, shoulders him and tags in Kofi. They wanna shout out Big E but Jey shoves Woods into the corner!

Kofi jumps over, Jimmy tags in! SUPERKICK! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!! Jimmy tags Jey back in, and each Uso gets a corner! DOUBLE UCE!! Cover, Woods breaks it!! The King saves this for his people! All four men are down and Atlanta is thunderous! The teams regroup and stand up. The Usos stare down with the New Day, and it fires off! They brawl, Woods throws Jimmy out to PLANCHA into a SUPERKICK! Jey hauls Kofi up in a fireman’s carry, Kofi slips off but Jimmy tags in! SUPERKICK! THREE D!??! Cover, The Usos win!!

Winner: Usos via Superkick 3D

 

5t. NOAH the New Year: GHC Heavyweight Tag Team Titles: Keiji Muto & Naomichi Marufuji vs Masato Tanaka & Masaki Mochizuki

From Hisame’s Newsletter:

Naomichi Marufuji and Keiji Mutoh retained the GHC Heavyweight Tag titles against fellow M’s alliance unit members, Masaaki Mochizuki and Masato Tanaka. The match ended when Mochizuki was made to tap out after constant attacks on his knee and a Keiji Mutoh Figure Four. Mutoh said he had been trying particularly hard as he wanted to demonstrate his own judo background to Olympic athlete and Judoka, Aaron Wolf, who was on guest commentary. Masato Tanaka, who had fought Takashi Sugiura earlier in the day for the ZERO1 World Heavyweight, had sadly come away empty handed from Korakuen Hall. Takashi Sugiura has been challenged by Takuya Sugawara.

Keiji Mutoh has also stated that he would like to be GHC National Champion for his sixtieth birthday in December 2022.

Winner: Muto via Figure Four

 

5t. NOAH the New Year: GHC National Championship: Kenoh (c) vs Kaito Kiyomiya

From My Results:

Kiyomiya locks Kenoh into the Stretch Plum, and it’s nice to see how he started off as channeling Misawa, and now he’s learning to reinvent and adapt other things to slowly become his own person. Kenoh fires as Kiyomiya taps into a bit of the Rainmaker cockiness, since he so desperately wants a match with Kazuchika Okada. We see a Snap Dragon Suplex from Kenoh, Okada-esque Dropkick from Kiyomiya and then Kenoh hits a PK for them to both have a breather spot.

The aggression turns up, Kenoh starts hitting some stiff strikes and looks to go to the ropes. Kenoh’s finisher is a Rolling Double Foot Stomp when he’s not knocking people out. Kaito blocks, Kenoh jumps to the ramp, Kaito tries to follow but Kenoh catches him with a fierce German Suplex. As Kaito is rocked, Kenoh hits a normal Double Foot Stomp, but between how long it takes to roll him in the ring, Kaito kicks out.

Kenoh tries to hit a PK and go back for another Professional Foot Stomp, but Kaito blocks him and starts putting some offense together. Big strikes, Falcon Arrow variations, but Kenoh kicks out. They trade counters on big moves until Kenoh pulls a little Minoru Suzuki, changes levels and tries to slow the Supernova with a Sleeper. Kaito is mostly out, Professional Foot Stomp, but only two. Tiger Suplex, Dragon Suplex, strike exchange. The aggression and frustration is palpable. Kenoh hits a thunderous Roundhouse as Kaito folds over and the referee stops Kenoh from covering Kaito and calls for the bell. Kaito got knocked out, Kenoh retains!

Winner: Kenoh via Knockout

 

5t. IMPACT Hard to Kill: Texas Death Match: Knockouts World Title: Mickie James (c) vs Deonna Purrazzo

From My Results:

Deonna introduces thumbtacks, as is IMPACT tradition. Mickie moves off the table, tries to hit the Mick-DT on the Deonna but Deonna slips out and then a big Pump Kick sends Mickie back first into the tacks. You can see the tacks embedded in Mickie’s shoulder blades. Deonna chokes Mickie with her own chaps, Mickie taps as fast as she can and stands right before the 10 count.

Deonna attacks her from the apron, Mickie tries fight back, goes under the ring for her Hardcore Country guitar, but Deonna stays on the attack. Deonna beats Mickie with a chair while she’s in the tacks, goes to the top rope after lacing Mickie’s ankle in the chair. She wants to break Mickie’s ankle, but Mickie Sabu’s Deonna and then sells back down to the mat but into the tacks.

Thesz Press off the apron to the outside, 3 count and now the Standing 10 starts. Rehwoldt shows up to help Deonna stand, which gets around the loophole. Mickie with the Diving Crossbody and then puts Deonna back in the ring, and Deonna is busted open now. Deonna drives Mickie through the table with Queen’s Gambit, gets the pinfall but Mickie gets up. Mickie fights through, Deonna tries to stop Mickie with a …umm…Mandible Claw between the thighs. Mickie licks her fingers and just enjoys it, Rehwoldt tries to get involved, gets hit with the guitar, and Mickie is rolling. Deonna swings the chair, misses, bounces the chairs off the ropes hits herself and Mick-DT has Mickie James retain because Deonna doesn’t get up for the 10 count!

Winner: Mickie via Mick-DT

 

5t. NOAH the New Year: GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship: HAYATA (c) vs Yoshinari Ogawa

From Hisame’s Newsletter:

HAYATA retained the GHC Junior Heavyweight against his teacher Yoshinari Ogawa at the Nippon Budokan. HAYATA pinned Ogawa via a reversal of The Headache after 20 minutes and 54 seconds. Ogawa could not forgive the knowledge that HAYATA had beaten him and proved that he was not the final challenger, and neither could he bear the growing realization that he had created a monster and one that knew him so well. HAYATA attempted a handshake (rare for him) but Ogawa threw the GHC Junior Heavyweight tag belt at him, and shaking his head he left the ring. HAYATA stood for a few moments awkwardly, and left after gathering up all the belts. Kotaro Suzuki echoed fan feelings when he said he didn’t know how they were going to work together when the title match comes up on the fourth, and YO-HEY asked on social media if the “strained” tag team were okay. However, how can anyone be sure that this isn’t just an Ogawa mind game?

Winner: HAYATA via Counter Cradle

 

3t. NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.4: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada vs Shingo Takagi (c)

From Mitchell’s Coverage:

Takagi tops things off and he DECKS Okada! Takagi drags Okada back up, pump handles, torture racks, but Okada slips off, MONEY CLIP! But Takagi arm-drags free, and BLINDSIDE ELBOWS! Takagi goes to the corner, fireman’s carries Okada and climbs up! Okada fights free and then moves around. Takagi throws body shots back, fans fire up, but Okada again resists! Okada and Takagi are brawling up top, Takagi fights up but Okada hits a SUPER DDT!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Okada roars as he stands back up! Ripcord but Takagi elbows free! So Okada GERMAN SUPLEXES! Okada holds on, ripcords, but Takagi dodges!

Okada catches Takagi, spins, but into the JAB! And a HEADBUTT! Both men wobble, POINT-BLANK PUMPING!! Takagi fires up, he drags Okada up and pump handles for the torture rack! Okada fights again, dragon sleeper to a gut wrench! Takagi fights free of that, DRAGON SUPLEX! Takagi runs, into a DROPKCIK! Takagi flounders up to his feet, but runs into a MICHINOKU DRIVER! Okada gets Takagi back up, ripcord and RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!!

Winner: Okada via Rainmaker

 

3t. IMPACT Hard to Kill: Jonah vs Josh Alexander

From My Results:

Jonah imposes his size and power early, but Josh sees the opening once Jonah goes for the Senton, and Josh rolls away. From that point, Josh gets a chance to knock Jonah around, gets him to the outside, lands a suplex from the apron into the ring and Jonah’s leg gets caught in the ropes. Josh takes advantage, but Jonah eventually stems the tide and starts throwing Josh around again.

This really turns into a slobberknocker with Josh trying to pick his spots and use his emotion to his advantage. He absorbs Jonah’s attacks to kick his foot out from under him and starts working on the leg. They spill out into the front row, the fans get evacuated, Jonah gets seated and Josh flies from the ring onto Jonah. Action goes back into the ring and they keep throwing strikes at one another.

Jonah goes for broke, attempts the Moonsault and misses. Josh lands the Rolling Elbow, Release German into a Jacknife Powerbomb. Ankle Lock, reapplication of the Ankle Lock and Jonah is forced to tap after Josh worked him over well and barely survived that while getting busted open.

Winner: Alexander via Ankle Lock

 

2. NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 16 1.5: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs Will Ospreay

From My Results:

The story of this match was that Ospreay really did his homework. We saw Ospreay hark back to many different championship matches Okada has had. Naomichi Marufuji, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada himself, Kenny Omega, Katsuyori Shibata; just a lot of little moments that made you stop and go “OH THAT”.

Ospreay also showed a level of maturation when he avoided going for the Sasuke Special on the initial outside the ring spot, but went to it when he got cocky, and Okada countered it. Okada’s thread here was that he knew Ospreay’s playbook fairly well. So he dodged the Hidden Blade once or twice, countered the Sasuke Special and when Ospreay got cocky and went for the Rainmaker, Okada hit him with a Stormbreaker. Ospreay did manage to hit every move in his arsenal, except Stormbreaker.

Hell, Ospreay even did what no one has done in the last year or so that Okada has broken it back out; and that’s kick out of the first full contact Rainmaker. Okada had to utilize the Rolling Rainmaker, the Nakamura inspired Landslide and then one more Rainmaker to keep Ospreay down. It was a really fun much if not a little too over indulgent sometimes. Definitely ends the show on a high note, because this day needed something.

Winner: Okada via Rainmaker

 

1. NOAH the New Year: GHC Heavyweight Championship: Katsuhiko Nakajima (c) vs Go Shiozaki

From My Results:

The smartass tendencies of Nakajima continue, and Shiozaki lands a Gowan Lariat because Nakajima is leaving himself open. Machine Gun chops in the corner, and Shiozaki is really playing the hits to prove his shoulder is in good shape. Those chops hurt my chest watching on Wrestle Universe. Nakajima catches Go with a classic Enzuigiri, and that gives him the momentum. Nakajima throws Go out, Apron PK and then just a lot of use of the outside to assist his attacks. They go to the ramp, fight back and forth and then Nakajima gets an idea.

2003 Kobashi and Misawa went through his mind, but Shiozaki blocked numerous times. Shiozaki counters, and then executes a release German Suplex sending Nakajima to the floor from the elevated ramp. Shiozaki manages to get Nakajima back into the ring before 20, goes for a larger move but Nakajima buys himself time by rolling away from it and landing a swift kick to help recollect himself. Fighting Spirit Kicks/Chops trade begins when they get up. This fighting spirit spot is a little reminiscent of the Kensuke Sasaki v Kenta Kobashi chop fest. Granted it’s both of their mentors, but it’s their version of it since Nakajima is known for his kicks.

Shiozaki removes the elbow pad, close range Gowan Lariat, also for just 2. Shiozaki goes for his big match move homage to Kenta Kobashi, as he goes for the Moonsault, but Nakajima moves. Punt from Nakajima gets a very weak kick out from Go. Vertical Spike number 2, with a long delay, is – AGAIN Shiozaki kicks out! Nakajima calls Shiozaki to his feet and hits him with a Northern Lights Bomb. Nakajima retains!

Winner: Nakajima via Northern Lights Bomb

 

Final Thoughts:

So we kick off 2022 with all 2022 and only 2022 content. As you can tell from the overwhelming repeat names, NOAH the New Year and Hard to Kill were tremendous shows. Wrestle Kingdom was lacking but the main events paid off, and WWE was middle of the road, but wasn’t even close to bad. All that being said, NOAH is the Japanese company to follow since the pandemic and some things don’t change. Maybe for NJPW’s hope, they can work with NOAH more through the year and figure themselves out.

The GHC Heavyweight match is obviously my choice, but we NOAH just needs more attention. Am I going to start watching AEW? No, might I watch something hyped, sure. But those are some of the worst written cringe stories outside of a high school drama class. I’ll tolerate NJPW struggle bussing before I actively decide to watch trash from Jacksonville.

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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

on

February 2, 2025

By

2025 WWE Royal Rumble stadium

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.

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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?

  • 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.

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.

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

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 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • We lost Michael for a minute there.

  • 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.

  • 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.)

  • I’d be okay if Braun shaved his head again.
  • Jacob Fatu can literally do ANYTHING and it makes sense.

  • 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.

  • 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!

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

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

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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

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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)

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WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling) 

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

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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

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)

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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

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