Opinion

AJ’s WrestleMania 38 Sunday Results & Review

It’s WrestleMania Sunday, and AJ Balaz continues his diligent duties with another special Results & Review!

Published

3 years ago

April 4, 2022

Adam Balaz

WWE WrestleMania 38 Roman Reigns Double Champ

It’s WrestleMania Sunday, and AJ Balaz continues his diligent duties with another special Results & Review!

Alright. The first day was full of fun and a bunch of surprises but we still have some big matches going on with Edge and Styles, McAfee showing if he can beat Austin Theory and of course the massive Main Event, Winner Take All. Reigns and Lesnar for one more WrestleMania Main event.

Results:

The Street Profits vs Alpha Academy vs RK-Bro(c) for the RAW Tag Team Championship: RK-Bro wins via RKO – *** TITLE DEFENSE!!

Omos vs Bobby Lashley – Lashley wins via Spear: ** ¾

Anything Goes: Sami Zayn vs Johnny Knoxville: Johnny Knoxville wins via Literal Mouse Trap Cover – **** (It was fun. It was stupid. Don’t you judge me. That’s Andrew’s job)

Rhea & Liv vs Naomi & Sasha vs Shayna & Natalya vs Zelina & Carmella (c) for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Naomi & Sasha Banks win via Codebreaker/Facebuster Combo – ** ¾ –TITLE CHANGE!!!!

Edge vs AJ Styles: Edge wins via Spear – *** ¾

Sheamus & Ridge Holland (w/ Butch) vs The New Day: Ridge wins via Northern Grit – *

Pat McAfee vs Austin Theory: Pat McAfee wins via School Boy Roll Up – *** ¼

Pat McAfee vs Vince McMahon: Vince wins via Onside Kick – N/A (Entertaining but N/A)

Winner Take All: Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar for the Unified World Championship: Reigns wins via Spear – *** ¾ TITLES UNIFIED!!!!!!

Review:

We start the show off, not with a match but the Game, The King of Kings showing up to give a Thank You to all of the fans and welcoming everyone to WrestleMania leaving the boots in the ring before our first match comes to happen.

The Street Profits vs Alpha Academy vs RK-Bro-

Riddle, Ford and Gable are the three to start and beat Gable out of the ring and all hell breaks loose as everyone each other out of the ring and we get Gable and Ford as the last two and Ford takes out everyone with a Tope over the corner and Gable takes the pile down with a Moonsault to the outside. Alpha Academy gets the tag in and takes out Riddle with Otis the legal man now and continues the assault on Riddle. The Academy goes to take care of business on Riddle until Ford comes in and becomes Gable’s target until Ford gets the tag into Angelo Dawkins and gets the hot tag in until Otis tags himself in and breaks a tag from Dawkins and Riddle claws to reach Randy and finally does.

Randy comes in at the right time, taking it to Montez Ford to the outside, Back Suplexing Ford and one for Gable as well as he comes back into the ring and both Riddle and Orton hit Hangman DDT’s. As RK Bro coil up, Alpha Academy pull the champs out of the ring and take out The Street Profits to take them apart with the Steiner Bulldog to the Profits and after more fighting, The Profits hit a Electric Chair/ Blockbuster and almost puts it away before Riddle hits an RKO to Montez Ford to stop his victory and Randy RKO’s Gable to get the victory.

Aftermath: The Profits come in, hand a Red Cup to RK-Bro and invite Gable Steveson to the ring for a solo cup and Chad Gable slaps it out of his hand, does his stupid shuuuuuush before getting some Gable on Gable violence.

Omos vs Bobby Lashley-

Lashley tries for a kick and Omos blocks it and hits some clubbing forearms to knock him down and Lashley tries to come back but gets dominated over and over again, even attempting to try to overpower Omos but failing. The only way Lashley gets the better of Omos is to step out of the way and get some strength in but each time he gets the edge, Omos gets the stength and stops Lashley’s attempts. Even as Lashley gets beaten down each time, he comes back with something up his sleeve and even gets a suplex on Omos. He spears the giant in the back to take him down again and delivers another to finish it off and take down the giant with one more Spear.

Johnny Knoxville vs Sami Zayn:

Sami starts off with a Helluva Kick and tosses Knoxville in the barricade in front of the Jackass crew and Sami investigates a little bit and gets sprayed with Fire Extinguisher and Sami gets back and hits Johnny with a cookie sheet, a crutch and trash can as Sami gets a nearfall and gets more weapons out. Sami gets more weapons out, even a Mouse Trapped Table and Knoxville grabs two trash can lids to play the symbols between the head of Sami. Johnny sets up the table in the corner and gets instantly reversed and we get some fun started with the Jackass crew and Ponis distracts Zayn until Knoxville goes for a roll up and a nearfall. Sami kicks the Partyboy under the rign and gets absolute shit kicks out of him by Wee Man, getting punched over and over and even gets fucking body slammed by Wee Man but Sami kicks him out of the ring.

Knoxville starts to get some Jackass props in, rolling a bowling ball to the nuts, kick to the nuts… the giant hand and even a tazer to the nuts as Sami Zayn goes into the Mouse Trap Table before pulling a giant mouse trap and gets the victory over Sami Zayn.

Rhea & Liv vs Naomi & Sasha vs Shayna & Natalya vs Zelina & Carmella-

Rhea and Sasha start it off with a test of Strength and after Sasha fails, they go for each others finishers for a bit until Liv tags in and the others come in to take apart the girls on the apron and Liv and Sasha go to do dueling Suicide Dives to take the match to just get it to a One on One. This match goes all over with tags, finishers and everything good and fun. Even got two Tower of Doom spots back to back is perfectly but the finish was the special moment because as Naomi and Sasha get frequent tags in to take down Carmella and we get new tag team champions and the first win at Mania for Sasha Banks.

Edge vs AJ Styles-

AJ starts to rush Edge but, Edge ducks out to play mind games with Aj before getting a Colalr and Elbow in and backs Edge into the corner, going for a wild strike and goes back to a collar and elbow but both are even until AJ gets the drop down into the Dropkick to take Edge down but Edge keeps it with the mind games and dodges each other’s move after a while, dodging a Clash and Spear before getting back to zero.

Edge starts again with the strikes and countering each other’s moves yet again until Styles gets a sliding knee onto Edge on the outside, beating him down until AJ takes Edge to the ring again, setting up a 450 Springboard and lands into the knees of Edge, taking over and beating Styles down, targeting the ribs of Styles. Styles able to escape an abdominal stretch and gets some form of an escape as Edge grabs Styles for a Shoulder Breaker and takes the control back but hurting his leg further as Styles attempts to get something but misses a wild charge at Edge and eats the Corner Turnbuckle and Edge goes to prop a Superplex but Styles blocks it into a Suplex and starts to attack Edge quickly, getting blood flow back into Styles’ arm but Edge keeps going for the shoulder and ribs as Edge regains the control and takes some form of control but Styles blocks an apron attack and does a burst like DDT and attempts to go to the top and blocks whatever attempt AJ has but Styles fights back and lands a Torture Rack Powerbomb for a nearfall. Edge pops up after the Ushiguroshi but Edge floats over and hits the Edge-O-Cution to take AJ down.

Edge goes for a few strikes and AJ catches him with a German Suplex off a rebound and they get to a slug fest which AJ gets the better of the fight and Pele kicks Edge, going for a Calf Crusher now but Edge rolls out more and lands another Crossface to stop Styles and regains the tempo of the match and go to the apron. Edge looks to do something to the floor from the top rope but Styles comes in and stops it and AJ superplexes Edge on the apron, gets back in and actually lands the Superman 450 to get yet another nearfall. Styles readies the Phenomenal Forearm but misses. Edge runs to hit the spear but also misses into Styles hitting a Styles Clash for YET ANOTHER NEAR FALL.

Aj goes to set up another Phenomenal Forearm but, Damien Priest pops up to catch Styles off guard and Styles gets his Forearm caught with a Spear and a victory for this new Demonic Embrace.

Sheamus & Ridge Holland vs The New Day:

The pub lackeys jump The New Day instantly and pull Xavier out of the ring and the bell finally rings. Kofi hits the Trouble in Paradise, trying to get an early victory. Shaemus pulls Ridge out and Butch starts going insane to distract The New Day and… does surprisingly. Sheamus hits a Brogue Kick to stop Xavier, Ridge goes and hits a Northern Grit (Emerald Flowsion).

Pat McAfee vs Austin Theory-

Pat McAfee knocks the teeth out the little punk at least four time until Theory cheap shots Pat and takes McAfee dahn. Theory tosses Pat into the corner for Pat to dodge it, hitting a leaping European Uppercut like Shane and land a damn good Hurricanrana for a nearfall. Theory comes back and backbreaks McAfee and takes McAfee dahntan with more attacks to the lower back. As the match continues, the crowd starts to come alive for Pat and does actually get a reversal on a Suplex to stun Austin Theory. Theory gets up with the rope and rocked to the outside as McAfee grabs a headset and announces his own match and bounces Austin Theory’s head off the announce table.

As the match goes back to the ring, Pat takes too much time to the rope, going for a Swantahn Bomb but misses it. Theory goes to the top this time and Pat catches him, attempting the Superplex and Theory pushed him off, McAfee backflips off and box jumps up to land the Superplex. Pat gets a nearfall and goes to finish it with a Punt but Austin Theory starts to hit harder and goes for the A- TownDown but McAfee reverses it to take Theory dahn for the 1-2-3.

Aftermath: Pat celebrates and calls Vince into the ring and Vince tears the suit off, peeling the tie off and gets the shirt off with the Black Muscle Shirt. The match looks to start before Theory attacks Pat’s before the bell rings.

Vince McMahon vs Pat McAfee-

Vince lands two clotheslines and takes Pat down in the corner now too as Vince wipes his hands and smiles. Pat gets up every time, telling Vince lets go before Theory pulls Pat’s legs out and has him hit the post. Vince toys him, kicks over and over as Theory gets a football and has Vince parade around with it before punting the football into Pat’s ribs as Vince gets the pin. Pat should have enjoyed the first half and knew the second half would have been bad… y’know… like against the Saints.

Aftermath: Austin comes to the ring and we all know Austin can’t enjoy a McMahon’s success as Theory tries to attack Austin but gets hit with punches and Stunner. Vince realizes what is going on and Austin asks for some brews… and Vince doesn’t remember everytime Stone Cold hands him a beer and stuns McMahon (poorly… you take the move for 25 years and never can take it right). Pat is invited into the ring and drink some beers For The Stone Cold IPA Brand before getting kicked in the gut and takes by far the greatest Stone Cold Stunner sell I have ever fucking seen.

Roman Reigns vs Brock Lesnar-

Lesnar starts to undo his gloves and hamemrs away on the back of Roman, getting him to the corner and keeps beating the hell out of Roman, goes for a German Suplex but Roman slips out and lands three Belly to Belly Suplexes before lariating Roman out of the ring and following him out but hunts down Heyman for a good amount of time until Roman spears Lesnar through the barricade and Roman rolls back into the ring. Lesnar comes into the ring at the count of 9 and Reigns gets speared for a near fall. Roman goes to the corner and loads up for the Superman Punch and connects two suplex and the third gets countered into five German Suplexes until he takes Roman up for an F5 until he catches the third Superman Punch before readying the Spear, caught into the F5 and gets a nearfall. Lesnar picks Roman up for another but, rakes Brock’s eyes and spears Lesnar into the ref, setting up the championship title hit. Reigns wakes up the ref in time to get another nearfall. Roman gets himself back hyped and bounces off the ropes to spears Lesnar to the back and goes for the pin but Brock grabs the ropes. Roman goes for another spear but Lesnar catches the spear and has Reigns in the Kimora Lock. Paul Heyman comes to push the ropes into Reigns’ hand. Heyman pleas to get up and fight back and Lesnar gets one more F5 countered to get speared for us to acknowledge the Unified Champion.

Final Thoughts:

This was insanely entertaining and lived up to the hype that it was given so let’s run it down. Sasha and Vince are both no longer winless at WrestleMania with tonight, Edge seems to be getting some form of a New Brood going, Triple H introduces us to Mania with his boots in the ring, signifying that he is officially retired and McAfee lived his dream because if you tell me that whole thing wasn’t Pat being the happiest person ever in the world, you can find me in a canal with my phone dead with water damage and somehow Six-Hundred Dollars in my pocket with FuBu clothing.

This just goes to show that wrestling in 1999 reigns supreme. Cmon… Stone Cold wrestles one night and stuns a McMahon, Triple H, Undertaker and celebrity matches are some of the better matches on the card along with a Samoan coming out on top with the Main Championship? That’s 1999 in a nutshell. Great two nights, I might… I don’t know. The Newsies coming out over the New Day and the fustercluck of a Women’s Tag kind of saturated how good this night was compared to the other. I’ll give them equally 7 out of 10s.

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Greg DeMarco’s WWE WrestleMania 38 Night 2 Results & Reaction

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

February 2, 2025

Greg DeMarco

We are firmly on the Road to WrestleMania, starting with the Royal Rumble! Greg has his initial thoughts and reactions for everyone’s favorite event!

It’s the first Royal Rumble in an NFL stadium (thanks to the WWE calendar change), and both Rumble matches feature a star-studded line-up that makes it much harder than you’d think to pick a winner. I was lucky enough to attend one Royal Rumble live, 2019, and it’s always the best way to set the stage for WrestleMania.

If @whoislaniee‘s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner is any indication, we are in for one hell of a night with one hell of a crowd!

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

Always great to see Stephanie McMahon kicking off a show–the more Stephanie, the better. Apparently we’ve managed to pack 70,000 fans into Lucas Oil Stadium, and if you didn’t know, Pat McAfee loves him some Indianapolis.

With each match you’ll see my picks, in my traditional “Who Should Win?/Will Will Win?” format. I made them in this week’s solo edition of The Greg DeMarco Show, which you can listen to here:

Women’s WWE Royal Rumble Match

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: Bianca Belair
Who Will Win: Bianca Belair

Last year’s winner was Bayley, entering at #3, and she went on to defeat Iyo Sky for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 40.

Iyo Sky enters #1, and I do love the elevated platform–it’s not really a stage, but it does enhance the overall feel of the show. Old school fans will remember the entrance from Montreal watching Prime Time Wrestling.
I feel like Liv Morgan always enters these matches early. I also didn’t realize she’s been in all 8 Women’s Royal Rumble matches.
I do love the “ticker” across the bottom of the screen with stats and info during the entrances. Very ESPN, very “Wrestling As A Sport” to me.
Gotta say I was hoping for the black canvas (I’m biased), but I’ll always take grey over light blue.

Roxanne Perez has “Iron Woman” written all over her entering at #3. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

We even get “Active” and “Eliminated” in the ticket? I am REALLY digging this.
Lyra Valkyria enters to very little reaction–she’s a fantastic talent but has not connected on the main roster.
Lyra with the early wardrobe malfunction and we are already slightly derailed, kudos to everyone for getting it together.
Interesting to have the secondary champions enter back-to-back, and Indianapolis doesn’t seem to care much about her, either. Maybe I was wrong about this crowd, and maybe my criticism of Lyra was premature.
Chelsea thinking she’s dumped everyone and pointing to the sign is a great piece of business.
B-Fab enters at #6, and I would assume she has the lowest chance of winning of anyone in the field.
Man, B-Fab is still very NOT good.
Ivy Nile enters #7, the 5th straight entrant who has zero chance of winning this thing.
Also, we are still without an elimination, but probably 10 “hanging on the rope” spots already.
Ivy Nile is already more over in Indy than the Intercontinental and United States Champions.
Zoey Stark, complete with Barry Windham’s “Stalker” facepaint, enters eighth to continue our run of women with zero chance of winning.
Lash Legend enters at #9, and I have a feeling she’s about to win this crowd over.
LASH POINTED TO THE SIGN.
“Get her on the Fever” – Pat McAfee.
Chelsea Green gives us our first elimination, of B-Fab.
Bianca Belair enters at #10, really hurting my chances of being right.

And here’s my pick to win the Women’s #RoyalRumble, Bianca Belair. At #10? Doesn’t look good for me!

(Seth Rollins won his from #10, I believe.)

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

The crowd definitely picked up with Bianca being in the match.
BIANCA IS A MACHINE.
Shayna Baszler enters #11, reminding me she works for WWE. Which is sad, I really thought she’d have a hell of a run in WWE.
Bayley is #12, and we still have quite the group in this match. Personally I don’t see Bayley being a back-to-back winner.
Sonya Deville is in at #13 to complete the PFC trio in this match. I’m sure that’ll work out well for them!
Iyo Sky is so good, she saved Sonya’s knee spot and I am sure no one noticed.
Maxxine Dupri in at #14, another non-winner, but to her credit she only keeps getting better.
With 12 women thill in this match, I have a feeling we’re getting Nia Jax or Charlotte Flair soon to give us a bunch of eliminations.
Ivy Nile out, followed by Maxxine Dupri, and the countdown is on!
Naomi brings the halfway point with her, entering at #15.

Naomi is a former women’s champion and had an amazing WrestleMania moment back in Orlando–why does Michael Cole keep saying 2024 was her breakout year? #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

All of PFC is gone, and nothing of value is lost (from this match–they are valuable as people).
Jaida Parker, entering at #16, comes in to a better reaction than half of the field. Miss Parker has a hell of a WWE career ahead of her.
Chelsea Green is so damn good at what she does.
And here comes Piper Niven at #17.
Will Piper somehow eliminate Piper?
Yes – the answer to that question is yes.
Naalya enters at #18, her eighth Royal Rumble. She’s a little over 20 minutes away from 3 cumulative hours in Rumble matches.

If anyone “deserves” a Royal Rumble win, it’s Natalya. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

FANTASTIC reaction for Jordynne Grace–that has to raise some eyebrows among leadership.
JORDYNNE GRACE IS A STAR.
Michin in at #20, as we are up to 10 eliminations.

BUT THE INTERNET TOLD ME ALEXA BLISS WASN’T GONNA COME BACK DUE TO A CONTRACT DISPUTE. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 1, 2025

Wade Barrett, Michael Cole, and Pat McAfee crapping all over the wrestling newz sites is amazing.
And you can tell Alexa Bliss is THRILLED to be back.
Zelina Vega in at #22 to not win the Royal Rumble.
HUGE SPOT for Zelina Vega and Jordynne Grace.
If you happen to rewatch this match, watch Bayley very closely. It’s a look inside the business–she’s basically an agent in the ring.
Candice LeRae enters at #23, and I am reminded that she’s the WWE Women’s Speed Champion. I also wonder if they’ve started piping in crowd noise for these entrances.
Of note, we haven’t closed a Royal Rumble PLE with the Women’s Royal Rumble Match since the first one in 2018.
Of the 10 women eliminated so far, 6 of them entered #4-5-6-7-8-9.

Great reaction for Stephanie Vaquer–Indianapolis seems to be an NXT crowd. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

LET STEPHANIE VAQUER HER WIN YOU COWARDS. (Personal opinion, she’s the best women’s wrestler in the world.)
#25 already–we are trying to make up some time.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand it’s Trish Stratus.

Honestly, did we need Trish Stratus? #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Kinda wanted Jordynne Grace to toss Trish Stratus right there.
Piper Niven just kncoked the SH*T outta Trish!
Raquel Rodriguez in at #26, and we have 4 more entrants left.
Nia, Charlotte, and…..Becky? Nikki? (Bella, that is.)
The crowd is NOT HAPPY about Alexa Bliss’ elimination.
#1-3 all still in the match.
Charlotte Flair and her new face at in at #27.

Listen, I’m going to hell, but Charlotte Flair’s entrance reminds me of when JR returned from his stroke. Lay off the plastic surgery. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Love Wade Barrett pointing out that Charlotte got pyro. I hope Roman gets his, too.
Took Charlotte forever to get her robe off, apparently.
Like I’m supposed to believe Jordynne Grace can’t suplex Charlotte Flair?
Charlotte definitely brought some fire to this match.
Giulia getting almost no reaction is surprising given the reaction of some other NXT talents.
Iyo and Liv approaching an hour in the match, along with Roxanne Perez.

Giulia eliminated Jordynne Grace, which makes me think Jordynne might be spending some time in NXT. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Nia Jax enters at #29, leaving a surprise for #30? Becky Lynch?
Good for Nikki Bella! And she gave someone in the crowd one hall of a souvenir.
And now it’s time for the “World vs Nia” spot.
Forget Superkick It’s an APRON PARTY.
Roxanne Perez just snuck back in without being eliminated.
Given who is left, it does seem like this is Charlotte’s match to win.
ROXANNE PEREZ IN THE FINAL THREE?

This company obviously believes in Roxanne Perez. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

LOLCHARLOTTEWINS

Winner of the 2025 Women’s Royal Rumble Match: Charlotte Flair

I don’t love the decision to have Charlotte Flair win the Women’s Royal Rumble Match after being gone for over a year, but she IS Charlotte Flair. This should shock nobody. I know Charlotte Flair is a dream match opponent for Tiffany Stratton in the eyes of many, and if she were to put Tiffany Stratton over at WrestleMania, then I will eat my words and say it was worth it.

Hell of a performance for Roxanne Perez, I haven’t seen the tally yet but I do wonder if she broke the record for longest time in one Rumble.

I could go for a Slim Jim meat stick right about now.

Why was Mickie James in the crowd, and not IN THE MATCH??? #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

2 Out of 3 Falls Match for the WWE Tag Team Championships
The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs. #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano, champions)

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: DIY (but it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things)
Who Will Win: DIY (but it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things)

(I won’t be live tweeting or doing a bulleted list for these two matches, likely just the two Rumbles.)

Had to laugh seeing the drone in front of Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin during their entrance.

DIY wins 2 falls to 1, making my prediction accurate. That is small change, though. I liked the match for what it was, but it’s a reminder of Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey from WrestleMania 38–great match, wrong setting. This was an arena match, not a football stadium match. Yes, that DOES matter. Setting is a huge part of pro wrestling.

NXT Black and Gold will always hold a place in my heart, but part of what made that what it was was the crowd. This wasn’t the crowd for this match. Plus it got around 15 minutes, which is about right for a 1-fall match featuring these four. On TV, counting commercial breaks, these guys get 25-30 minutes.

The Street Profits got involved, eventually attacking everyone. I fully expect a WWE Tag Team Championship Ladder Match at WrestleMania, with DIY, MCMG, the Street Profits, and possibly Pretty Deadly and Angel/Humberto. This was really just the beginning–it was just misplaced on this card.

Winners AND STILL WWE Tag Team Champions: DIY

Michael Cole did also inform us that Roxanne Perez is the new record-holder for longest Royal Rumble performance. Score one for the good guy (me, from my tweet above).

Ladder Match for the WWE Championship
Kevin Owens vs. Cody Rhodes (champion)

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: Kevin Owens
Who Will Win: Cody Rhodes

Love that Kevin Owens took down the Winged Eagle Championship during SmackDown last night, and entered with it. Granted, Cody Rhodes has his, too. But KO has a certain edge to him when carrying that title.

That little ladder is HILARIOUS. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

This match was brutal, and whatever they are paying Kevin Owens isn’t enough. Cody Rhodes was beating on KO as a heel would, but he’s a babyface? I know everyone wants “Homelander” Cody, but really he might be more like “Patrick Bateman” Cody. Either way, as great as Cody is (and he is great), there is one missing element. At this point, it’s obvious to me that Cody is the worst babyface in the company. Look at him: THE MAN IS A HEEL.

While I’m glad Cody is fully out of The Bloodline’s shadow, he just needs to beat John Cena at WrestleMania, turn heel, and truly hit his stride. And I want true heel Cody. Chicken sh*t, goons, the whole thing.

Winner, AND STILL WWE Champion: Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes is gonna buy Kevin Owens a lot of cigars, booze, or meat. Whatever that man wants. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

You gotta think Sami Zayn not stopping Cody Rhodes from winning will be a major sticking point for Kevin Owens. Seems like we’ll get Sami vs Kevin at WM41.

Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Match

Greg’s predictions from earlier in the week:

Who Should Win: Jey Uso
Who Will Win: John Cena

Last year’s winner was Cody Rhodes, entering at #15, and he went on to defeat Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 40.

Rey Mysterio (Jr) enters at #2, and it’s obvious that gone are the days where randoms would enter at #1 and #2.
I believe I said on my podcast (if not, I meant to) that Penta would need to enter #1 or #2 so he can have his pyro.

I am so happy for Penta in the WWE. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

I really hope we get a Lucha Underground reference on commentary.
LET PENTA WIN YOU COWARDS! (I know, it didn’t work for Stephanie Vaquer.)
PENTA IS A STAR.
I do appreciate how they didn’t fight on the apron, instead just got right back into the ring.
Chad Gable in at #3, and all we need is for Dominik Mysterio to be #4.
That spot looked NASTY, I hope Chad Gable’s knee is okay.
Carmelo Hayes in at #4, and I am reminded that we likely get Trick in this match.

Trick Williams’ #RoyalRumble entrance is gonna be ICONIC.

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

I know they have a temporary alliance at the moment, but Chad Gable vs. Carmelo Hayes would be an absolute BANGER.
KING CUERNO vs PENTAGON JR! #IYKYK
That spot was far too similar to what we saw in the Women’s Rumble.
Otis in and had some fun.
BRON BREAKKER IS A MACHINE.
The crowd reaction to Bron Breakker tells me the WWE might make even MORE money in the future.
What if Breakker won this match? He won’t, but What If?
If not for WWE, I wouldn’t know who IShowSpeed was.
Honestly, nothing wrong with what they did with IShowSpeed there.
Sheamus enters at #9, and I assume we will see some Beats Of The Bowery.

Gotta play the hits, pal. (Sheamus.) #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

This is the most normal Sheamus’ hair has ever looked.
Crazy that this is only Jimmy Uso’s 3rd Royal Rumble.
Big Jim definitely got a bulk discount on his new gear. I wonder how many color combos he got???
Andrade in at #11, and Wade Barrett points out what I’ve been thinking–why run to the ring?
Jacob Fatu enters at #12 and gets his pyro. The rocket ship has been strapped, pal.
Ludwig Kaiser enters at #13 and no one not named (Greg DeMarco Show co-host) Patrick O’Dowd cares.
Kaiser immediately dumped by Penta, and he’ll probably lose to him on Monday’s Raw, too.

Here comes the most underappreciated wrestler in WWE history, @mikethemiz. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

We lost Michael for a minute there.

The fact that Joe Hendry’s fact on the ticket is “Say His Name And He Appears” is amazing.

Great pop for him, too.

And Michael Cole references Nic Nemeth! #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

I’d actually forgotten that we’d likely get a Joe Hendry appearance, so they got a little pop out of me.
I acknowledge you, my Tribal Chief.

☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️ #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk would be one hell of a match at WrestleMania, just sayin’.
Showdowns like Roman Reigns and Bron Breakker is what the Royal Rumble is all about.
SPEAR TO ROMAN.
That might have been the greatest spear ever.
After Joe Gendry and Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre gets very little reaction entering at #17.
Drew McIntyre with the very silky smooth hair tonight.
Finn Balor in at #18 and we have our second drone sighting of the night.
Something is wrong with Pat McAfee’s headset. Hell of a showing by Penta, by the way.
Jey Uso in at #20 to a HUGE pop.
LET JE YWIN YOU COWARDS.
Poison Rana by Jey???
Let’s hope AJ Styles can stick around for a bit this time. (Not necessarily in the Rumble, but in general.)

All these megastars, and Jacob Fatu might be the most over guy in the match right now. #ROYALRUMBLE

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

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

JOHN CENA’S SOCKS!
JOHN CENA’S SOCKS!
JOHN CENA’S SOCKS!#RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

CM Punk, John Cena, and Roman Reigns all in the ring all at the same time? YES PLEASE.
Now add in Seth Rollins? This is the greatest Royal Rumble of all time.
The current field: Seth Rollins, CM Punk, John Cena, AJ Styles, Jey Uso, Drew McIntyre, and Roman Reigns. That is ABSURD.
The only man who can follow all that talent is indeed Dominik Mysterio. This is about to be amazing.
Imagine if Dom wins. I mean, just imagine it.
With the addition of Sami Zayn, the storylines in this Rumble right now are insane.
Damian Priest, who is probably challenging Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania, enters at #28.
Two more to go. Any surprises?
LA Knight, who I forgot was in this match, enters next.
I kinda expect him to move to Raw in this transfer window.
Ah yes, Logan Paul. I also forgot he was on this.
We’ve had a Nic Nemeth and now a Ricochet reference tonight. I love when you’re WWE, and you are comfortable talking about (almost) ANYBODY.

If I’m WWE, I have Logan Paul wait until the final two before jumping back into the ring. #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

He didn’t, by the way. Opportunity missed.
Final 6: Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, John Cena, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Logan Paul… STAR. STUDDED.
Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins – the WrestleMania Main Event we never got.
YESSS!
Brilliant spot to have Logan Paul eliminate CM Punk.
Final 3: John Cena, Jey Uso, and Logan Paul. Two of my picks are left.
The action on the outside between Rollins, Roman, and Punk drives home how important the Rumble is to the competitors.
And then there were 2: my Who Should Win vs. my Who Will Win.
Please God let Jey Uso win this thing.
(And that’s not a slight against John Cena.)
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

IT’S JUST YOU, UCE! #RoyalRumble

— Big Daddy Greg 🤡 (@gregdemarco44) February 2, 2025

Winner of the 2025 Men’s WWE Royal Rumble Match: Jey Uso

Just like the sign said: EAT. SLEEP. YEET. MANIA. I am so damn happy for Jey Uso. You can tell John Cena was as well, along with Michael Cole. And probably everyone in the entire company. Jey Uso is the success story.

As for the match? Well obviously this is a knee jerk reaction, but eff it–this is the best Royal Rumble Match they have ever put on. The early action was fun and exciting. But from the time Joe Hendry’s music hit to the moment Jey Uso pushed John Cena off of the apron, this match was insane. I think Roman Reigns coming in at 16 was a huge part of that. Once Roman is in the match, you are watching to see a) what he does, and b) if he’ll get eliminated. CM Punk eliminating Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns was beautiful, and then Logan Paul tossing CM Punk was even better. If that leads to Rollins vs. Reigns and Logan vs. Punk at WrestleMania, you can take my money.

My money is a Peacock membership, which is automatically charged. But still. Take it.

If John Cena wins it’s still probably the best Royal Rumble Match of all time. But Jey Uso winning makes that an undisputable fact.

Overall Thoughts on the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble

The Women’s Royal Rumble was decent to good. Loved Roxanne getting the Iron Woman treatment, but in the end it’s another chapter of LOL Charlotte Wins.
I need to rewatch DIY vs MCMG because I was on the phone when my son called. Maybe I will enjoy it more on a second viewing.
The ladder match was brutal but the end result was expected. Cody is still missing something, and I think that something will continue to be missing until he turns heel. He’s just overshadowed by too many of the other babyfaces.
The Men’s Royal Rumble Match was the best Royal Rumble match they have ever put on. Great action in the early half, and from 15 (Joe Hendry) on, it was amazing. The storyline movement with CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Seth Rollins was (here’s that word) cinema, and having the most over wrestler in the company not named Roman Reigns win, and doing so by eliminating the odds-on favorite, was perfect. I’m biased because Jey Uso was my pick, but it was the perfect ending to what was probably as close to perfect as a Rumble match has been since 1992.

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TheChairshot.com PRESENTS: WWE Crown Jewel Immediate Reactions

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

Published

4 months ago

November 2, 2024

PC Tunney

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