Opinion

AJ’s WWE WrestleMania 38 Night 1 Results & Review

The greatest spectacle known to professional wrestling has returned… AJ’s back to reviewing shows and what better show to write about than WrestleMania!!!

Published

3 years ago

April 3, 2022

Adam Balaz

The greatest spectacle known to professional wrestling has returned for two nights… AJ’s back to reviewing shows and what better show to write about than WrestleMania!!!

We have the first night with some surprises in Seth Rollins’ opponent tonight, some championship matches obviously going on and a whole lot more to kick off the first night of Mania so let’s get started to see everything that will go on for Saturday.

Results:

Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs vs The Usos (c) for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship: The Usos win via 1D – ** ½ – TITLE DEFENSE!!
Drew McIntyre vs Happy Corbin (w/ Madcap Moss): Drew McIntyre wins via Claymore Kick – ** ¾
Los Mysterios vs The Miz and Logan Paul: Miz and Logan Paul win with Skull Crushing Finale – *** ¼
Bianca Belair vs Becky Lynch (c) for the RAW Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair wins via Kiss of Death – *** ¾ – TITLE CHANGE!!!!!!
Seth Rollins vs ???: ??? wins with “The Queen’s Crossbow” – ****
Ronda Rousey vs Charlotte Flair (c) for the Smackdown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair wins via Big Boot – ** – TITLE DEFENSE!!
Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Kevin Owens- Stone Cold wins via Stunner – *** 1/6

Review:

Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs vs The Usos-

Shinsuke starts off hot with some Enziuris and some Good Vibrations but the Usos get the first tag and change the pace to take apart Shinsuke’s momentum after his quick burst. Nakamura gets put in a grounded sleeper and after breaking out of it, Boogs gets a hot tag and takes it to a newly tagged Jey Uso and Boogs shows his strength against Jey and almost gets a pinfall from a hesitation Suplex.

Rick has Jey in a Fireman’s Carry and Jimmy tries to stop Boogs from doing anything as Boog’s knee buckles and it’s a 2 on 1. Shinsuke gets another fire in him and looks to win with a Kinshasa but gets caught to a Superkick and Splash. Shinsuke gets a small attack again but the numbers are too much and the Usos win with a 1D and the retain the Smackdown Tag Team Championships.

Drew McIntyre vs Happy Corbin:

McIntyre starts off hot but Corbin tries to go blow for blow with Drew but Drew gets the upperhand, getting him out of the ring even as he takes over. After some damage to the outside, Corbin comes back a little and takes him back into the ring to take Drew McIntyre down and has been taking over, taking it to McIntyre’s neck and knee.

Madcap accidentally gets in the way of Corbin’s assault as he goes for a third strike when Drew was down and McInytre gets the momentum back, taking it to Happy and hitting some hard hits until a Claymore attempt gets countered into a Deep Six and a nearfall. Corbin goes to chokeslam Drew but to no avail as the Scotsman gets back and readies another Claymore until Moss pulls Corbin out of the ring. We have to remember though, he’s a Scottish Psychopath and he does a Tope to take both Corbin and Moss down. As Corbin goes back into the ring, Drew goes for another move from the top and with a quick exchange and lands the End Of Days. Good night. One… Two… Thr—Drew kicked out of the End of Days… DREW KICKED OUT OF THE END OF DAYS?!

Corbin is beside himself and rages. This is the first person to EVER kick out of the End of Days… and the Lucky Streak of Corbin and hits a Claymore to get the win.”

Los Mysterios vs The Miz and Logan Paul:

As a Pokemon fan, I respect the necklace and the drip but… It’s still Logan Paul so mehhhhhh.

MIz and Paul actually taking it to the Mysterios very effectively, taking down Dominic often as the frequent tags to knock down Dominick and they look good. Hell, Logan actually hit one of my favorite flying moves in wrestling with a Blockbuster. After too much wasted time, Dom gets the tag into his dad after some separation and is a house of fire, taking out The Miz and hits everything in his bag of tricks and after a Splash and nearfall, Logan Paul comes in to break it up and even with the possible two on one, Dom comes back in to stop the duo and takes them down. Miz gets a separation and tags Logan Paul in.

Logan Paul pulls off the Three Amigos onto Rey and even a Frog Splash to him for a nearfall as Dom breaks it up. Dom gets mad and wants to take it to Logan Paul but Miz tags himself to confuse the Mysterios and as Logan Paul gets the Double 619 and back to back Frog Splashes, Miz comes in to take out Dom and lands the Skull Crushing Finale on Rey to steal the win.

Aftermath: Sadly for Logan though, there is only one spotlight and it’s Miz’s Spotlight and Skull Crushing Finale to end the match.

Bianca Belair vs Becky Lynch-

And for the first different/special entrances, Bianca gets… a marching band? I mean… okay. There have been worse but, they played well. It kind of works. I don’t hate it persay, plus they are playing Bianca’s theme song so… 6/10.

Bianca tried to be cute and use the SummerSlam way Becky won before and landing the Manhandle Slam for a two count and snapping as Becky lands a bunch of strikes and pins to try to win fast and failing as Bianca comes into the match and starts some offence as Becky keeps going for early wins. Becky tries big move after big move, and Bianca has a response after that, even attempting her own Dis-Arm-Her, neither getting a massive advantage until they go outside and Becky gets it with a whip into the steps and proceeds to take it to the challenger in and out of the ring. Becky has the match all to herself until Bianca overpowers Becky in a Dis-Arm-Her and they go outside after and the match changes tides, Bianca showing the quickness and power of her and takes it to the champion. Getting a few nearfalls of her own with the Handspring Moonsault and more feats of strength but she tries to keep going with another big move to the top but Becky comes in, to stop her but Bianca gets a counter into stop her and goes back to the ropes to land a 450 from the Middle Rope for yet another nearfall.

Bianca tries too much in the ropes as Becky rolls away and hits a top rope Cannonball for a nearfall of her own but we are back to Square One as each women go back and forth between them. As Bianca gets the advantage, she hits a KOD, launching Becky out and after being roll back in, she rolls out and baits Bianca, using the hair as a weapon against Bianca and hitting a Manhandle Slam to the steps, getting a 9 count. Once Belair comes in, she baits Becky herself this time, back flipping out of the Manhandle Slam and landing the Kiss of Death to win the RAW Women’s Championship from the one that ruined her first Women’s Championship Reign.

Seth Rollins vs ???

Some pyro goes off. Lights darken and we are reminded… Wrestling has more than one Royal Family. CODY RHODES IS BACK!!!

They stare each other down in the middle of the ring and start it up with a traditional Collar and Elbow tie up and the ball gets rolling as they figure each other out and Cody just shows his ring IQ and proves he can still go and he’s not just a load of Dynamite. Seth gets a cheap shot in as Cody then rushes him, gets caught together and they suplex each other. We go back into the ring after some form of balance, Cody shows his technical skills again but Seth gets the comeback for a bit, targeting the ribs of Cody but to no avail for a bit, taking over again and taking Rollins out to the ringside and hits the Suicide Dive.

Cody brings the match back into the ring, hitting a… very awkward Moonsault to take Rollins down but gets two after that as Seth powders out and catches Cody Rhodes with a Buckle Bomb into the Barricade and goes back in to take the control back to damage Cody, beating him down to ready the Stomp but dodges it twice and hits a Cross Rhodes to Rollins but for another nearfall as he ascends to the top again and gets caught by Rollins as Rhodes fights off Rollins at first but Rollins comes in to hit a Reverse Superplex and lifted inverted DDT but to a nearfall of his own. Rollins goes for a Phoenix Splash but misses as they go to play the counter game for a Pedigree and Cody gets the advantage in it for a Butterfly Bomb and lands a Springboard Corner Cutter for yet another near fall. Rollins kicks Rhodes in the stomach from the nearfall and lands a Pedigree, also a nearfall and we are back to zero.

Cody gets the fight back into him and starts a comeback but Rollins catches him with kicks over and over but as Seth gets cocky, possibly going for a V Trigger knowing Rollins but, gets hit by two Cross Rhodes before he stands Rollins up, Flip, Flop and Fly and lands the Third Cross Rhodes to take down Rollins.

Ronda Rousey vs Charlotte Flair-

Ronda uses her MMA background to get an advantage and the ref separates them the ropes and Ronda gets annoyed and sucker punches Ronda over and over but Rousey actually tries to hold her own with the grapples and targeting the arm constantly for the armbar but Charlotte gets the control back each time, taking down Rousey’s attempts to holds as the fight is continued outside of the ring and Flair picks apart her opponent in the ring again, holding her down and quells any attempt of a comeback the Ronda has. Ronda gets a quick burst of offense in, even getting a nearfall but the cunning of Charlotte is too much until we see Ronda hit a Tornado Flatliner and takes the control of the match back as she takes down to pull the arm out of Flair and after some trash talking, Charlotte spears Ronda to break that offense of Flair’s.

Charlotte sizes up for a Natural Selection, getting caught into more arm drags but Charlotte comes back to the offense and lights Rousey up, getting a moonsault out as Flair takes over for a bit but, Ronda showing that she has more wrestling knowledge and even starts taking Charlotte for a fight while in a tree of woe and does a super Arm Drag to Charlotte to maybe damage the arm more, hitting her Swinging Samoan Drop and a possible Armbar but Charlotte grab the ropes, boots Ronda away and we are even yet again.

As more fighting back and forth, each woman setting for an Ankle Lock, Ronda catches Charlotte into the bottom corner, catching a second wind now as she tries to get the Flying Armbar started but Flair is too strong and powerbombs her down to get another nearfall. Ronda catches Charlotte and goes for an armbar but Charlotte counters to a Figure Four, that gets countered into a Grapevined Ankle Lock and Charlotte breaks it up with her long legs. Charlotte gets the Figure 8 in after countering an Armbar and somehow breaks out of the Figure 8 into an Inverted Deathlock as Ronda goes to the outside and Charlotte follows, attempting a moonsault but Ronda catches her with an armdrag to the outside. Ronda gets her bearings and gets caught to get an Exploder into the barricade.

The fight gets back into the ring and Ronda catches Charlotte in another Piper’s Pit and gets a three count but the referee sees the foot on the ropes and calls it off. The match goes on and there is a struggle for power, Charlotte hits a Natural Selection and goes for another Figure 4 but Ronda kicks her off into the referee and Ronda lands the Flying Armbar and notices the ref is down once Charlotte taps out. She goes to wake up the referee and gets a massive cheap shot with a boot and Flair retains.

The KO Show kicks off with a “We Want Austin” and KO starts to trash talk Texas a little bit until he introduces Stone Cold to the ring, insulting him prior to it thinking he won’t show up and thinks Stone Cold will just take the beating as we hear the glass shatter. 3:16 shirt on, jorts and the knee pa—knee pads… short wrestling boots? He walks back to gorilla and… here comes the ATV! He makes his normal salute to the fans, kicking down to KO Show posters and easels out of the way his entrance before KO cuts him off, saying it’s his show before Stone Cold decides to walk over and Owens starts to tell him what to do which the world knows… Stone Cold doesn’t take orders. He does sit shortly and starts to say that he is not here for a conversation as he runs down that he isn’t here just for talks. Kevin Owens starts to shit talk Texas again saying that everything is stupid and they should just move. Austin tells him that the world will call him an asshole and Kevin again makes another thing about why Canada is better and Owens says he lied to Austin and said he only did this because he is looking for a fight and CHALLENGES AUSTIN FOR A MATCH AND NOT JUST ANY TYPE OF MATCH, A NO HOLD BARRED MATCH!

Austin looks out, mean mugging the camera as Owens starts more shit talking saying Austin knows he is scared to fight KO and tells him to get out of the ring and go back to his ranch but Austin stares Owens down, the crowd on his back as Stone Cold speaks saying his first match was in Dallas and his possible last match could be in Dallas so he shouts, “If you want Stone Cold in a match give him a hell yeah!”

Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Kevin Owens-

They eye each other up and shit talk each other before they tee off and trade punches into the corner for Kevin Owens and getting a Mudhole Stomping down and flipping him off after, whipping him into the ropes, even asking for a beer to pour on KO and stomps yet another Mudhole in the sum-a-bitch and goes to the outside of the ring, getting another beer and lighting Owens up again with a Lariat and off the barricade. Stone Cold thinks things are coming up but he reverse a whip attempt into the post and starts to get the momentum and beating down Stone Cold with punches, the easel from the show and bringing out a table on the outside as Kevin tries to whip him into it and Austin goes through table but Austin reverses, putting Owens through the table and then over the barricade.

Watch close if you see @TheRealCPlatt because they are in the crowd and Kevin Owens reverses a Suplex on concrete to get something going for him in this pit of snakes with the crowd but Austin still fights back, shot after shot though, KO gets the better of him until Austin catches Owens on the barricade and tosses him on the table and grabs two more beers, chugs them down and begins a nice ground and pound beat down on the announce table. Grabs another beer, drinks yet another beer, spits some in KO’s face and gets him back into the ring. Owens tried to powder out and bait Austin into an attack on the ropes and gets it, trying to escape on the ATV. Austin gets out and starts beating up KO, driving the ATV to the top of the stage and suplexes KO on the stage, bounces his head off the ATV, goes to the other side for yet another Suplex.

Stone Cold tosses KO down the stage ramp, beating him down and taking him back to the ring, grabs two more beers, drinks both down as KO sees the amount of time taken and hits a Stunner on SCSA and only getting a two count. KO gets frustrated and grabs a steel chair, swings it and it bounces off the ropes, hits him in the head and Stone Cold goes up and flips him off and stuns him for one more Mania victory.

Aftermath: What do you think the aftermath is from a Stone Codl Steve Austin moment? Chug down them Steveweisers, Stone Cold IPAs, get that sum-a-bitch out of Stone Cold’s ring and that’s the Bottom Line cause Stone Cold said so. Oh and Bryon Saxton gets a stunner too.

Final Thoughts:

Okay… I was thoroughly impressed with Night One.

I noticed that something might have gone on too long and we lost New Day, Sheamus and Ridge but eh… its fine. Bianca gets her title off of Becky, Seth got his moment turned into a Nightmare, Charlotte proved why she is the Queen of all WWE and I never thought I would ever review a Stone Cold match but here I am. Day One of WrestleMania, WrestleMania Saturday, whatever they want to call it was damn good with some duds here and there but we have another day folks. I can’t just over shadow the next day. With that being said, you WILL see a Day Two out of the Trickster of Chairshot and I can guarantee that.

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

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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

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