Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s WWE Royal Rumble 2022 Review & Reactions

Did you watch the 2022 WWE Royal Rumble? Greg did too, and here are his reactions and ratings!

Published

3 years ago

January 30, 2022

Greg DeMarco

Did you watch the 2022 WWE Royal Rumble? Greg did too, and here are his reactions and ratings!

One of the most popular events of the year—possibly THE most popular—took place this Saturday night in St. Louis. It’s the WWE Royal Rumble, 2022 edition, and it’s the start to wrestling’s most wonderful time of the year: the Road to WrestleMania!

Who kickstarts their journey to Dallas?

We had two monumental world title matches, and two pivotal Rumbles. Surprises, and so much more as we have come to expect from the Royal Rumble.

Quick note: I watched the Royal Rumble later Saturday night, on a delay. I managed to stay relatively spoiler free. The following items were the only ones spoiled for me:

Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins started off the show
Ronda Rousey returned during the Women’s Royal Rumble (which I predicted anyway)
The Riott Squat, in some form, was in the Rumble and eliminated by the Bella Twins

Quick note #2: I am writing this review as I watch the event, so you’re getting real-time reactions. I tend to focus more on storylines than in-ring action. If you want that, read Mitchell’s review, and watch the show!

Now then, let’s take a look at my reactions to the 2022 WWE Royal Rumble!

Universal Championship Match
Roman Reigns (champion) vs. Seth Rollins

More of the traditional stadium set-up for WWE, which I don’t love as much as the two baseball stadium events we got in recent years. Still looks amazing, a WrestleMania-like feel for this event, which is nearly parallel to WrestleMania itself for so many.

Not shocked at this match kicking things off—and honestly any match order wouldn’t shock me tonight due to the storylines intertwined on the men’s side, and the changed necessitated by Roman Reigns’ COVID diagnosis keeping him off WWE Day 1 in Atlanta.

Seth Rollins’ brilliance is on full display early on, making The Shield entrance after Friday’s Smackdown established that Roman’s biggest weakness is the end of The Shield in 2014. Pat McAfee following Rollins’ lead and isn’t afraid to talk about “Mox” when telling the Shield story, as you can’t have The Shield without Dean Ambrose.

Also, props to Samantha Irvin, who just got called up to Smackdown a couple of short weeks ago, and now she’s doing a stadium show.

Match notes:

Great mental jockeying to start, and a wonderful suicide dive by Seth
Rollins in Shield gear and Reigns in Shield pants gives me amazing memories
SHIELD BOMB! (I know it’s a simple powerbomb, but still—it’s the story)
Kudos to Michael Cole for also bringing up Dean Ambrose with that spot
Phoenix Splash and The Stomp early!
Pat McAfee is still a national treasure with his commentary, “The GOAT vs. The Visionary” and “Curtains” in a callback to his Michael Vick interview earlier in the week
The crowd hates Reigns? But they love the OOOH AAAAH before the Spear
PEDIGREE
This is a WrestleMania main event caliber performance by both men, and it’s opening up the Royal Rumble
And now we have a Triple H reference—we’re literally getting the entire Shield story tonight
Reigns didn’t even block half of those head kicks
Amazing Spear, and Rollins is LAUGHING
And he wants a FIST-BUMP! Rollins is brilliant
I do wonder if this ends with Roman getting over The Shield, and fully putting it to rest
DQ??? DQ??? DQ???
Shit bag ending if it sticks
Roman still can’t beat Seth, so that part makes sense
Note: everything happening after the bell still counts in my match rating
Roman with the exact replica of the Rollins CHAIRSHOT that ended the Shield
I know he ain’t coming, but this is the perfect spot for Ambrose/Moxley if he were still with the company
There is still so much story left in Reigns vs Rollins
Roman with another chair assault on Rollins before finally leaving

Result: Seth Rollins wins vis disqualification, Roman Reigns retains the Universal Championship

Match Rating: ****

We were headed towards a five-star match for my entertainment value. Brilliant performances all around, starting with Rollins’ entrance. The ending obviously hurts the match, but it’s all about the story, and I am happy that this story isn’t over.

Women’s Royal Rumble Match

Now, I have no idea who closely my bullet points will follow this, as it’s a lot of entrances and not a ton of story, usually, in these matches. Sasha Banks, who returned last night on Smackdown, enters #1. Melina at #2 is a surprise, usually we don’t get legends in that spot.

Match notes:

Melina, 42, still crushes the splits in her entrance. 👊
Is Sasha going on a Brock-like run?
Tamina enters #3, and Sasha isn’t even letting her in the ring
I really wanted Sasha to dump her right there—but I don’t care for Tamina
Kelly Kelly now enters at #4, Tamina not dumped so we’re at 3
Aaaaaand Kelly Kelly absolutely sucks
Hell of a bump by Kelly Kelly in her elimination, I will give that credit
#5 is Aliyah, or I guess Aliyah 3:17
Nice of Sasha Banks to Thesz Press herself (now is a good time to point out that Aliyah made her wrestling debut in 2013
Liv Morgan in at #6, which seems too early for her unless she is getting the “long run” rub tonight
Bad timing on the Eddie Guerrero trio suplex spot, happening during the countdown
#7 is Queen Zelina, who I will assume no one has picked to win
Zelina eliminates Sasha Banks??? Very early exit for The Boss
Bianca Belair in at #8 to get the crowd back into it after the letdown of Sasha’s elimination
#9 is Dana Brooke, and no one cares…
Dana Brooke does not enter with the 24/7 Championship, let’s see if she complains when Mickie James gets to enter with the Impact Knockouts World Championship
Still really surprised Sasha Banks went out so early
#10 is Wife Du Taker, Michelle McCool
Hate seeing Michelle McCool being pushed as a world beater in this spot, even worse that she hits the Styles Clash
#11 is The (Other) Boss, Sonya Deville; Sonya’s gear is amazing with the jacket
I honestly hope Deville waits until the end before getting in the ring (presumably against Ronda Rousey)
#12 is Natalya…yay
Tamina out, thankfully
Bianca Belair saving herself, no need for her to be out
#13 is Cameron, and I am so happy she’s getting the Brodus Clay entrance theme
I really hope Sonya dumps Cameron, then sits back down with the jacket on
#14 has to be Naomi next, right?
YUP!
Deville is out, and the story has been told
Aaaaaaand we’ve hit the boring stage after Carmella enters at #15
#16 brings the energy back to the match, in Rhea Ripley
Natalya’s spinning lariat does nothing for me—it’s almost like the spin takes away the power
And at #17, we have The Queen, Charlotte Flair; business should pick up now from a storyline perspective
Sonya Deville eliminating Naomi is amazing, almost as good as when Mandy Rose did it in 2019
#18 is Ivory, AND she has a live mic
Eliminated and she’s still talking! That’s a 60 year old woman, delivering in her spot. Well done, Ivory!
#19 is our first Bella twin, Brie Bella
YES! chants, as expected
#20 is Mickie James, with Impact Knockouts Championships AND lower third including her championship! Bravo, Scott D’Amore, bravo!
Amazing pop for Mickie, too
And at #21, they found Alicia Fox!
#22 is the oddly heel Nikki A.S.H.
30-minute run so far for Liv Morgan, which now makes sense
#23 is Summer Rae, WWE “legend”
Summer Rae is out, thankfully—hopefully we can forget that ever happened
#24 is Nikki Bella, much bigger pop than Summer Rae (lol)
I can admit, I have missed Nikki Bella
#25 is the answer to that Riott Squat question from earlier, Sarah Logan
Welcome back, Sarah?
And there goes Liv…she had a good run
Fans are unhappy, maybe #26 is Ronda?
Nope, it’s Lita. And that works!
That’s it for Mickie, but let’s not forget that history was made tonight
#27 is Mighty Molly D.S.H. (Definitely A Super Hero)
Nikki attacks! This obviously makes sense
#28? RONDA ROUSEY
Could have been #30, but this works
Brie eliminates Nikki—love it
#29 is Shotzi Blackheart, who we all forgot existed because Ronda Rousey is here
Shayna Baszler gets #30 for the second time in her career
I’d love to see Ronda and Shayna as the final two
Charlotte eliminates Lita, making that match less likely now
Our final four: Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, Ronda Rousey, and Shayna Baszler
If Ronda eliminates Charlotte just to challenge her at WrestleMania, it seems to make Charlotte’s involvement in this just a silly addition
POINT TO THE SIGN, DAMMIT
Night 1 main event, Charlotte vs Ronda? Or WrestleMania 35 triple threat rematch?

Result: Ronda Rousey wins, last eliminating Smackdown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair

Match Rating: ***

It’s really hard to rate a Royal Rumble. Great in spots, slow in others. Mickie’s entrance was a highlight for me, and based on the reaction, Ronda Rousey winning was the right call. Kudos to WWE for revealing some “surprise” entrants while keeping others in their back pocket.

Raw Women’s Championship Match
Doudrop vs. Becky Lynch (champion)

This should be a win for Becky where Doudrop stands out. Hopefully she can drop that stupid name after this.

Match notes:

I can already tell they put Doudrop in a tough spot, following Ronda Rousey winning the Women’s Royal Rumble
Doudrop may have knocked Becky out with that roll into the corner

Result: Becky Lynch wins with a Super Manhandle Slam, and retains

Match Rating: ***

I didn’t take detailed notes as I wanted to watch this one to see if Doudrop had a breakout moment. I don’t feel like she did, honestly. This match was also hurt by it’s placement. This was the best spot for the mixed tag team match.

WWE Championship Match
Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar (champion)

Lashley enters in WrestleMania white, and this feels HUGE already. Brock Lesnar’s entrance still provides goosebumps. He’s the final boss, and that might never change.

Match notes:

Happy Hype Brock is the best Brock
I expect a short, heavyweight UFC fight
Dueling German Suplexes!
I love when Brock Lesnar is impressed with his opponent. That, for me, will always be Keith Lee’s best moment in WWE
Bob DESTROYED the ringside barrier
Brock’s dominance stopped by an F5 reversed into a Hurt Lock!
And there’s the ref bump. SHENANIGANS TIME!
Roman Reigns with the SPEAR
And Paul Heyman gives him the championship!
Now we were fixing the storylines

Result: Bobby Lashley pins Brock Lesnar to win the WWE Championship

Match Rating: ***1/2

Great heavyweight fight, and while it ended in shenanigans, those were needed. We are back to where we were supposed to be: Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania.

The Miz & Maryse vs. Edge & Beth Phoenix

Everyone seems to be having a blast with their entrances. Also of note, we only had Michael Cole and Pat McAfee for the opening match, everything has been the Raw crew. I bet we get Cole & McAfee for the Men’s Royal Rumble match.

Match Result: Edge & Beth Phoenix win with tandem glam slams

Rating: ***

Nothing spectacular, but nothing offensive. This was fun, but I can’t imagine we get another match out of his feud unless it’s on television—or in Saudi Arabia.

Men’s Royal Rumble

Alright, by this point you know the drill. AJ Styles at #1? Could the chic pick go Broadway tonight? And AJ with the Shawn Michaels pose??? Foreshadowing? Shinsuke Nakamura enters at #2, and these two are very familiar with each other. Michael Cole saying “Boogz is in the Rumble a bit later on” to take away some of the surprise. Not that Boogz’ entrance matters, but still.

Match notes:

Does Pro Wrestling Illustrated still list the Intercontinental Champion as the defacto #1 contender?
Hair Club Theory enters at #3…meh
#4 is Robert Roode, who I will forever call Bob Roode thanks to Pat McAfee
TNA chants for Roode vs Styles!
And Bob is out
#5 is “and look who’s here” Ridge Holland
90 seconds later we get Montez Ford, and we’ve hit a lull
Montez is amazingly athletic
Shinsuke entered with the Intercontinental Championship, Mickie James entered with the Impact Knockouts Championship, Damian Priest did NOT enter with the United States Championship
#8 is El Generico himself, Sami Zayn
#9 is Johnny Knoxville, exactly where you’d expect him
HE POINTS TO THE SIGN
Knoxville’s stay was short lived, as was Zayn’s—did exactly what it needed to do
#10 is Angelo Dawkins
Omos, who Christopher Platt somehow thinks will win this thing, enters at #11…far too early for a giant to enter is he’s going to win
#12, Ricochet, remains one of the most exciting members of the entire roster
#13 is Chad Gable, and he DOES get to wear his belt (don’t ask me to explain this)
So much for Damian Priest getting the long run
#14 is Eddie Guerrero’s son, Dominik Mysterio
And OMOS IS OUT! Sorry Platt…
#15 is Happy Baron Corbin, who sucks
He does get to eliminate Ricochet, which sucks as well
#16 is Dolph Ziggler, and this is his fifteenth Royal Rumble??? Damn!
Austin Theory gets recognized for being in 20+ minutes…can we go ahead and read his DMs?
Nevermind, he’s out
Sheamus in at #17, and I had no idea his Rumble win was also in St. Louis
Rick Boogz, who apparently has his own theme song, is #18
One-handed military press eliminated Chad Gable, off camera
This seems like a good spot for Kofi Kingston
Welp, it’s Madcap Riddick Moss, at #19
AJ Styles is eliminated by…Madcap Moss? Are we getting Styles vs. Corbin at WrestleMania???
#20 is Matt Riddle, and we gotta assume he’s eliminating Randy Orton, right?
Well I’ll be damned, it’s Drew McIntyre at #21
McIntyre eliminates the Happy duo, and then attacks them
#22 is Kevin Owens, and he and McIntyre brawl in the aisle for some reason
We get Rey Mysterio and the cover of WWE 2k22at #23
It’s a New Day for #24, Kofi Kingston—let’s see what his moment is this year
You know, Kofi would make a great winner
Interesting elimination for Kofi, maybe that’s the end of his amazing saves?
Otis enters at #25, with belt
“Otis who is first in class and last in class in the Alpha Academy…down to a knee”
#26 is Big E, a potential winner? After his move back to Smackdown, I am skeptical…
Amazing sell on that Brogue Kick by Big E
#27, Bad Bunny is here! (WWE shouldn’t have posted on Instagram that he was here)
Louis doesn’t seem to be familiar with Mr. Bunny
That Bunny Destroyer was ALL Riddle
The requisite celebrity elimination for Bad Bunny comes at the expense of Sheamus
SHANE MCMAHON
…at #28
I said Kevin Owens would get the celebrity match at WrestleMania, but it seems like he’s getting the Shane McMahon match at WrestleMania instead
Randy Orton at #29, leaving #30 as a surprise (unless I am forgetting someone, which I probably am)
And just like that Big E is out???
We’ve got to betting Lesnar at #30 now, right?
Yep, we are.
#30 is official Brock Lesnar, a pissed off Brock Lesnar
This won’t last long
And just like that, it’s Brock Lesnar and Drew McIntyre in the final two
The crowd is silent, just waiting for Brock to win
It was all academic, and Brock Lesnar is headed to WrestleMania

Result: Brock Lesnar eliminates Drew McIntyre to win the Royal Rumble

Match Rating: ***

That was a Royal Rumble. Nothing special, honestly. Lesnar wins, no RK-Bro break-up, a nasty bump for Kofi Kingston seems to end his spot prematurely, Shane McMahon surprise, but Brock Lesnar’s entry made it all but obvious.

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

3 weeks ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: WrestleMania 41 Las Vegas

Time for The Chairshot personalities to put their money where their mouths are! WreslteMania 41 predictions from the “expert” staff at TheChairshot.com and Chairshot Radio Network.

Published

1 month ago

April 18, 2025

PC Tunney

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Chairshot Staff Picks. And what better setting than WrestleMania for this article to return! This 41st edition has one of the most stacked rosters in WWE history. So, without further ado, let us get to the predictions and prognostications…

AJ – The New Day
Andrew – The New Day – No one seems to hold tag titles long anymore.
Dave – The New Day – They have earned it.
DJ – The New Day – Feel tha Powah!
DPP – War Raiders – Big E distraction.
Jason – The New Day – We are not getting E in a working capacity though everyone wants it.
Patrick – The New Day – WWE doesn’t care about this match, so why should I?
Rey – The New Day – Its a New Day, bruh.
Rob – The New Day – New Day rocks and wins!
Greg – The New Day – New. Day wins. New. Day wins!

Tunney’s Take: War Machine – Yes, WAR MACHINE. I have personally had the pleasure of throwing back a few cold ones with these guys on more than one occasion. Not only being tag champs in WWE but defending the titles at Mania and against The New Day is really cool for me as a long-time fan. Would it be fun to see The New Day have another title run.. YES. I think it’s smarter to give the War Raiders a big Mania W.

Chairshot Pick: THE NEW DAY 9-2

AJ – Jade Cargill
Andrew – Jade Cargill – She needs to stay a dominant force.
Dave – Jade Cargill – Gotta gear her up for the long term.
DJ – No contest – Naomi puts another beat down on Jade.
DPP – Jade Cargill – Nervous for how this match will go.
Jason – Naomi – Way more runway with Naomi as a bad guy. Keep it going!
Patrick – Jade Cargill – Jade gets her revenge.
Rey – Jade Cargill – Best non-title feud going. Naomi should win but Jade sneaks by.
Rob – Naomi – Naomi gets help to win.
Greg – Jade Cargill – They ain’t beating Jade here.

Tunney’s Take: Jade Cargill – I imagine WWE sees Jade’s ceiling much higher than Naomi’s. What better way to keep Jade climbing the ladder towards a World Title than to pick up a decisive victory in Vegas!

Chairshot Pick: Jade Cargill 8-2-1

AJ – Jacob Fatu – “AJ does a pretty good LA Knight impersonation” – PC Tunney
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – I’m biased, Jacob for President.
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Getting gold back in the Bloodline is smart.
DJ – Jacob Fatu
DPP – Jacob Fatu
Jason – Jacob Fatu – Thanks for coming pal, YEAH!
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – C’mon cuz! All gas no brakes with it. Yadadamean??
Rob – LA Knight – Solo costs Jacob.
Greg – LA Knight – Solo screws Jacob.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – It has been quite the journey for the Samoan Werewolf. I feel like that journey and the positive turn around it has taken deserves to be rewarded. Let’s see what Jacob can do on his own. Plus, LA Knight is ready to challenge for a World Title.

Chairshot Pick: Jacob Fatu 9-2

AJ – Tiffany Straton
Andrew – Tiffany Straton – I hate Charlotte Flair, no objectivity here.
Dave – Charlotte Flair – Tiffy might be the future, but she kinda failed the litmus test.
DJ – Charlotte Flair – The Queen crowns the freshman.
DPP – Tiffany Stratton
Jason – Charlotte Flair – Tiff wasn’t ready for this spot. Charnos is inevitable.
Patrick – Charlotte Flair – Lol Charlotte wins.
Rey – Charlotte Flair – Tiffany SHOULD win but, if Charlotte can squash, she will.
Rob – Charlotte Flair – Charlotte gets number 15.
Greg – Tiffany Stratton – Lol Charlotte wins. (Actually she doesn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Charlotte Flair – Charlotte needs the title for the first time in her career. Tiffy has had a nice run but now needs to take that all important step of not losing momentum after losing the title. Despite the drama and lackluster build here, I see a really good match coming this weekend from these two.

Chairshot Pick: Charlotte Flair 7-4

AJ – El Grande Americano
Andrew – El Grande Americano – I’d like to see Gable gain some momentum. Rey is Teflon.
Dave – El Grand Americano – He needs a marque win much more than Rey.
DJ – Rey Mysterio
DPP – El Grande Americano – Grande wins with the switcheroo to prove he is not Gable.
Jason – Rey Mysterio – Unmask Grande at the end. It is fun but has a shelf life.
Patrick – El Grande Americano – TOTALLY NOT CHAD GABLE
Rey – Rey Mysterio – Someone’s mask is coming off and it ain’t Rey.
Rob – El Grande Americano
Greg – Rey Mysterio – Hall of Famer wins but doesn’t take the mask.

Tunney’s Take: Rey Mysterio – Go listen to DWI 471. DP, Greg and I lay out exactly what this match should be, FUN! Multiple Americanos!!!

Chairshot Pick: El Grande Americano 6-5

AJ – Jey Uso
Andrew – Jey Uso – Kinda booked themselves into a corner here.
Dave – Jey Uso – It just makes sense.
DJ – Jey Uso – Jey YEETS all over The Ring Genreal.
DPP – Jey Uso – Jey wins after normal Gunther beating.
Jason – Jey Uso – Land the plane man. YEET
Patrick – Jey Uso – Jey has earned this one.
Rey – Jey Uso – YEEEEEEEEEEEET!
Rob – Jey Uso – YEET
Greg – Jey Uso – If Jey loses we riot. We don’t cause he wins.

Tunney’s Take: Jey Uso – ‘Til sweat drop down my balls, ‘Til all these bitches crawl, ‘Til all… YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET YEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chairshot Pick: Jey Uso 11-0

AJ – Roman Reigns
Andrew – Seth Rollins – I can see Rollins being the last piece of Team Rock.
Dave – Roman Reigns – I can’t see Roman losing two years in a row.
DJ – Seth Rollins – Paul Heyman is a Seth Freakin Rollins guy.
DPP – Seth Rollins – The Rock helps Rollins.
Jason – Roman Reigns – Seth’s favor is a red herring. Make-A-Wish Brooks got his main, now look at the lights.
Patrick – Seth Rollins – Seth Rollins… Paul Heyman guy.
Rey – Seth Rollins – I smeeeeellllllll a new soul to sell.
Rob – Roman Reigns – Paul Heyman helps Roman win.
Greg – Seth Rollins – Brock Lesnar returns to help Seth win.

Tunney’s Take: CM Punk – I really have no idea here. I picked Punk because nobody else did. This is going to be professional wrestling cinema at its finest. The story is thick and neatly woven. All the participants are legends and so are the potential party crashers. Will The Rock stick his nose in here? Will Brock Lesnar return to play a factor? Obviously, Paul Heyman has a Plan A… but what is it? All these questions and more will be answered Saturday as night 1 will definitely go out with a bang!

Chairshot Pick: Seth Rollins 6-4-1

AJ – Iyo Sky
Andrew – Iyo Sky – Rhea vs Bianca doesn’t need a belt to be compelling.
Dave – Rhea Ripley – Going with Rhea barely, hoping Iyo wins.
DJ – Iyo Sky – Unfinished business.
DPP – Iyo Sky – Rhea and Bianca are too consumed with each other.
Jason – Iyo Sky – More layers to Rhea/Bianca. Iyo rules.
Patrick – Iyo Sky – Iyo stole the build and gets the win.
Rey – Iyo Sky – Smart money is on the underdog champ.
Rob – Iyo Sky – Iyo survives.
Greg – Bianca Belair – Naomi helps Bianca win and turn heel.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – Rhea is the best women’s wrestler in the world. Give her the biggest win on the grandest stage of them all!!! Bianca needs to go full heel. Iyo has been amazing in this build.

Chairshot Pick: Iyo Sky 8-2-1

AJ – Dominik Mysterio
Andrew – Finn Balor – I can see a Judgement Day meltdown incoming.
Dave – Bron Breakker – Bron is about to become a MegaStar.
DJ – Bron Breakker – Judgement Day implodes.
DPP – Dominik Mysterio – Finn take the pin.
Jason – Penta – I literally do not care because the winner is us, the fans.
Patrick – Bron Breakker – The WWE doesn’t care about this matchup, so why should I?
Rey – Dominik Mysterio – Only match without a clear winner. I choose chaos.
Rob – Bron Breakker – Finn and Dom cancel each other out.
Greg – Dominik Mysterio – Dom steals the pin from Bron, on Finn.

Tunney’s Take: Bron Breakker – The case can be made for any of these four to walk away with the most prestigious non-World title in pro wrestling history. The short of it is though that the Main Event picture isn’t really readily accessible for Breakker right now. Let this IC reign go through the summer, to SummerSlam.

Chairshot Pick: Bron Breakker 5-4-1-1

AJ – Damian Priest – “AJ does a pretty good Drew impersonation” – PC Tunney
Andrew – Drew McIntyre – Priest has not been interesting in this face incarnation.
Dave – Drew McIntyre – Time for Drew to get that win back.
DJ – Fuck finish – To be continued at Backlash.
DPP – Drew McIntyre – Physical matchup!
Jason – Drew McIntyre – Either one is fine here.
Patrick – Drew McIntyre – With two eyes, Drew turns the tide.
Rey – Drew McIntyre – Low key match of the weekend.
Rob – Damien Priest
Greg – Damien Priest – Priest wins, Drew tweets about it half hour later.

Tunney’s Take: Drew McIntyre – With the addition of the Street fight rules, these two behemoths have a really good chance to have one of the best matches of the entire weekend (winks at Rey Ca$h-A-Mania)! I do wonder what is next for both of these talents moving forward. Priest has staled since leaving the Judgement Day and Drew seems stuck in the same cycle for a while now. Very interested to see what the summer holds for this pair.

Chairshot Pick: Drew McIntyre 7-3-1

WHO WILL BE RANDY’S OPPONENT?!?

AJ – Nick Aldis – Orton wins
Andrew – Orton and Aldis vs Solo and Tama – Orton and Aldis win
Dave – Someone is getting an RKO!
DJ – A segment w/ the Wyatt s6cks.
DPP – Rusev – Aldis introduces Rusev who defeats Orton.
Jason – Nick Aldis – You got one more in ya, bubba. Aldis wins!
Patrick – Nick Aldis
Rey – Solo then Rusev – Solo in a squash and Rusev MATCHKA(wins)
Rob – Nick Aldis – Aldis proves himself, Orton wins.
Greg – Nick Aldis – Orton beats Aldis, they shake after.

Tunney’s Take: I would really love to see a singles match between Orton and Aldis. More likely this is some type of involvement with Solo and Tama. Rusev as a surprise challenger would be cool but, I feel that would be better left for RAW. An impromptu Goldberg retirement match would be crazy and fun, yet highly unlikely and illogical. Whatever happens, best believe exactly what Dave Ungar said, “Someone is getting an RKO!”.

AJ – Logan Paul
Andrew – AJ Styles – Logan doesn’t need the rub and should stay upper mid card.
Dave – Logan Paul – It’s the smart move and would be a statement win for Paul.
DJ – Logan Paul – Kross gets involved somewhere.
DPP – AJ Styles – AJ wins a great high-flying match.
Jason – AJ Styles – Just enjoy it or get a beer, nerds.
Patrick – Logan Paul – Logan Paul will main-event Mania sooner than later…
Rey – Logan Paul – Pass the torch, my wily vet.
Rob – Logan Paul – Kross helps Paul win.
Greg – AJ Styles – Styles wins after Paul’s cheating backfires.

Tunney’s Take: Logan Paul – Logan seems to really have dedicated himself to becoming great in this business. Anyone with that type of goal must have a World title on their mind. Beating AJ at Mania will be a great springboard for Logan into the Main Event sooner than later (winks at Patrick O’Dowd).

Chairshot Pick: Logan Paul 7-4

AJ – Liv & Raquel
Andrew – Liv & Raquel – Not really a fan of Lyra, she needs more work.
Dave – Liv & Raquel – This Bayley and Lyra team makes no damn sense.
DJ – Liv & Raquel – Bayley crashes out.
DPP – Liv & Raquel – Bayley continues a potential heel turn tease.
Jason – Bayley & Lyra – Finish the story!
Patrick – Bayley & Lyra – The WWE doesn’t care about this matchup, so why should I?
Rey – Liv and Raquel – Bayley want a title but it ain’t the ones in this match.
Rob – Liv & Raquel – Champs retain.
Greg – Liv & Raquel – Liv and Raquel retain thanks to Carlito and maybe JD.

Tunney’s Take: Liv & Raquel – Liv and Raquel need to be kept as the cornerstone of the women’s tag division for a lengthier period of time. Building tag teams in this division is difficult enough, let alone without a North Star.

Chairshot Pick: Liv & Raquel 9-2

AJ – Cody Rhodes
Andrew – Cody Rhodes – They are mentioning it so much, I don’t think 17 happens.
Dave – Joh Cena – Record falls and we head to summer with a built-in storyline.
DJ – John Cena – Some kind of Final Boss involvement.
DPP – John Cena – Cena wins and retires on RAW.
Jason – John Cena – Story’s over, “Captain” BIG MATCH JOHN.
Patrick – John Cena – A record breaking night for Cena.
Rey – John Cena – They’d be really stupid to turn John just to lose. (Post-Mania: Rock, Cena, T Scott, Seth & Drew, TEAM Corporate)
Rob – Cody Rhodes – Cody surprises us with the W.
Greg – Cody Rhodes – Cody wins to piss off Rock and set the table for Cena to turn back face. Crowd is behind Cena all the way through.

Tunney’s Take: Cody Rhodes – They had me until the threat of retirement. Been there. Done that. Didn’t fall in love with it back then. I love John Cena. I love this final run. John will get his 17th just not here. I expect nothing less than an absolute GEM of a match here to close WrestleMania 41. This has all been, is, and will continue to be about Cody Rhodes. WM40 defeats Roman Reigns. WM41 defeats John Cena. WM42 defeats The Rock (The Final Boss).

Chairshot Pick: John Cena 6-5

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We wait all year for this so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!