Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s WWE WrestleMania Saturday Results & Reaction

WWE WrestleMania Saturday is here–I for one am excited to sit down and watch. Why not take this journey with me…with my Results & Reaction!

Published

3 years ago

April 3, 2022

Greg DeMarco

WWE WrestleMania Saturday is here, and say what you want–I for one am excited to sit down and watch. Why not take this journey with me…in bullet point form with my Results & Reaction!

WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships
Rock Boogs & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. The Usos (champions)

Shinsuke Nakamura has a storied WWE WrestleMania history, including a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 34 against AJ Styles. For Rick Boogs, this is his first WrestleMania. The Usos have been around forever–seven time Smackdown Tag Team Champions–and They The Ones.

Kinda shocked this is going on first–last year we had “big matches” to open each night of WrestleMania.
Pretty basic to start until Rock Boogs’ knee buckles. There was a VERY VERY close nearfall (superkick/Uso Splash combo) that the crowd bit on big time.
I feel like we are waiting for the super-human comeback for Boogs.
But then we get the One-D, and it’s all over.
Rick Boogs continues to get checked on at ringside, and he’s leaving with help (but not on a stretcher).

Winners, and STILL WWE Smackdown Tag Team Champions – The Usos (pinfall on Shinsuke)

Serviceable opener, but honestly this would have been better served as a middle of the card match. WWE has us (me?) conditioned to expect more out of the WrestleMania opener.

Happy Corbin (w/Madcap Moss) vs. Drew McIntyre

Bardon Corbin went from sad to happy, gained a friend in Madcap Moss, and now he’s got a WrestleMania showdown with 2-time WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.

Madcap Moss won the Andre The Royal Giant Memorial Battle Rumble (you’re welcome, PC), but then got knocked out from one punch later in the night. Finn Balor probably should have won that one. Granted, the majority of the prior winners aren’t even with the company, so…..
Drew McIntyre is a millionaire, but can’t get a proper line-up on his beard. Definitely not a Maestro’s guy.
Jessika Carr is your referee, and we’ll likely see her again tomorrow for Edge vs. AJ.
Definitely not your normal WrestleMania match order tonight, at least compared to last year. We seem to be getting the undercard out of the way–although I would expect a “big match” to follow this one.
I wonder if we will see the barrier screens stick around after WrestleMania–it’s nor uncommon for a WrestleMania upgrade to remain in place afterward.
Obviously, I am highly engaged in this match.
Doesn’t help that Baron Corbin Sucks.
The action has been less than inspiring so far, but the crowd is still hot.
RING GENERAL BARON CORBIN (slides out to avoid the Claymore)
Great reaction for Shitty Beard’s dive.
And I do believe Drew McIntyre is indeed the first person to EVER kick out of End Of Days.
Crowd bought that one big time.
Claymore connects and we are done here.
Madcap teases getting involved and Angela cuts the ropes in half. That’s likely a WrestleMania moment.

Winner: Drew McIntyre (pinfall)

Not a bad affair at all, and the crowd was solidly engaged. Drew McIntyre is still insanely over, and if he is getting ready for a feud with Roman Reigns, he is in the perfect position to do so.

Rey Mysterio & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul

The first ever father and son tag team champions in WWE history–Rey & Dominik Mysterio–battle The Miz and mainstream social media star Logan Paul, who is making his in-ring debut.

Don’t know if you’ve heard, but The Mix is the only two-time Grand Slam Champion in WWE history. Acknowledge him.
Love the tandem stage entrances for the Mysterios
Babyfaces out first, but there’s a celebrity on the heel side.
Love the Mysterios paying homage to Los Gringos Locos–Eddie Guerrero & Art Barr
Has The Miz ever gone with yellow/black gear before?
Two straight matches with a female referee–might by a WrestleMania first.
The Miz & Logan Paul = The Killer Bees.
Logan Paul, so far, looks just as good as Bad Bunny. Acknowledge him.
I love how Logan Paul swoops in to hook the leg–he already has signature movements. Credit: The Miz
That was a BEAUTIFUL kick out of the Sunset Flip by Rey to Miz.
Rey showing everyone who does the best tornado DDT in the family.
Aside from a father/son tag team, this match is also basically trainer/trainee vs. trainer/trainee.
Logan Paul and The Miz win–and clean, too. I really hope Logan Paul sticks around.
WHAT?
Shocked that Miz turns on Logan Paul right there–they made a great team.

Winners: Logan Paul & The Miz (Skull Crushing Finale on Rey)

Logan Paul looked every bit as good as Bad Bunny, and deserves as much recognition and respect. Shocked that The Miz turned–if Logan Paul is going to stay around, teaming with The Miz is the way to go. I expect them to have a match at Money In The Bank.

Gable Steveson appears on stage, and I (along with plenty of others) realize I have been spelling his name wrong.

Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch (champion) vs. Bianca Belair

Two pioneers battle for the Raw Women’s Championship in a match that could easily close either night of WrestleMania.

Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch, the only two women to win a WrestleMania main event (show closing style).
Becky Lynch legit enters and comes off as one of the biggest stars in the world.
Big time entrances for BOTH women, love to see it.
I hope Bianca Belair never stops being moved by the reaction she gets in stadiums.
I LOVE THIS CROWD.
Fantastic opening sequence, and they bought every bit of it.
Becky went for the quick win, then tried to use the ropes. All the callbacks.
Love Becky, the heel, being happy to potentially win via countout.
Loved Becky not using the hurricanrana and turning it into a roll-up instead.
Beautiful 450 Splash from the middle turnbuckle by Bianca, and another near fall that had the fans living and dying by the count.
Bianca out of position there–takes a heel to the face.
Good cover by Jimmy Smith with the Rolling Thunder Kick call, even if that wasn’t the spot.
Bianca might have a broken orbital bone.
THUNDEROUS KOD. Great finish, and given the reaction of the crowd, it was the right choice.

Winner and NEW Raw Women’s Champion: Bianca Belair (pinfall)

This was Bianca Belair’s best match to date, narrowly edging out her WrestleMania 37 showdown with Sasha Banks. Hell of a match that easily could have closed out either night of WrestleMania 38.

Superstars who have become NEW #WWERaw Women's Champion at #WrestleMania AND have become NEW #SmackDown Women's Champion at @WrestleMania:

– @BeckyLynchWWE
– @BiancaBelairWWE

— Wrestling Stats & Info (@WWEStats) April 3, 2022

Seth “Freakin'” Rollins vs ???

A storied Road to WrestleMania for the visionary, with rumors swirling regarding his potential nightmare of an opponent, hand selected by Vince McMahon.

Jimmy Smith calling Seth the last one invited to the dance is wrong–Bobby Lashley vs. Omos was set up after.
Was Sasha Banks hiding in that choir, too?
Seth needs to refer his beard guy to Drew McIntyre.
Notable is the lack of a distinguished “CODY! CODY!” chant by the crowd before he comes out.
Hell of an entrance.

Seth “Freakin'” Rollins vs. “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes

Amazing entrance for Cody Rhodes, keeping every bit of his AEW branding (kinda wish he used the past few weeks for tattoo removal).
Cody looks emotionally torn–and I get it.
The biggest way in which Cody has grown over the past six years is his in-ring storytelling.
Cody Rhodes is a 16-year in-ring veteran, back in WWE, and it just feels right. Good for Cody.
Great main event style match going on here, between two former ROH World Champions.
BEARHUG!
Is “Frickin'” an accepted alternative to “Freakin'”?
Rando on Twitter doesn’t like my Tony Khan tweet.

Tony Khan does not make stupid tweets

— RIP Scott Hall (@xxSDCxx) April 3, 2022

Urban Meyer lookalike in the crowd SHOCKED by the powerbomb to the barricade.
CROSS RHODES AND SETH KICKS OUT!
Top Rope Inverted Superplex!
Cody kicks out of death like he’s still in AEW!
Cody not quite in his usual ring shape, but that will change.
PEDIGREE TEASE by Cody! Give that man a sledgehammer!
CODY CUTTER!
This match has had everything. What else do we get?
Aaaaaaaaaaaand Cody kicks out of the Pedigree.
2 Cross Rhodes + Dusty Punches & Bionic Elbow + 1 last Cross Rhodes and we’re done.
MAJOR PROPS to Vince for letting Cody go over clean.

Winner: Cody Rhodes (pinfall)

The match was fantastic, might end up being match of the night thanks to the emotion involved. Seth is still a notch above Cody as a performer, but Cody being the storyteller he is, he comes in as a top guy in WWE. I think we’ll see this match again, this isn’t one and done.

Welcome home, Cody. You belong here.

WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship
Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair (champion)

Ronda Rousey had a meteoric rise in her first year in WWE, winning the Raw Women’s Championship, main eventing WrestleMania, and opening the door for many “outsiders” to continue to find their way in. Her first run included a match with Charlotte Flair at Survivor Series. Tonight, Ronda enters as the challenger, having won the Women’s Royal Rumble Match, and Charlotte Flair enters as a 13-time women’s champion.

Nothing different about their entrances, but both are stars.
I do wonder if New Day vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland (with Pete “Butch” Dunne) is getting bumped to tomorrow–possibly on the Kickoff.
Ronda Rousey brings an element to the women’s division that no one else has (Sonya Deville is close, as is Shayna Baszler). She absolutely stands out–in a good way.
Brutal battle early on, crowd has finally died down a little bit.
Love the Top Rope Judo Throw by Ronda.
Ronda’s unorthodox style is really bringing out different elements from Charlotte–who is really emerging as a ring general.
I don’t want to say “like her Dad” because she stands on her own, but…like her Dad.
Ronda winning with a leg lock would be interesting–since she promised to take her arm.
After both escape the 10-count on the outside, it seems like we are pumping emotion into this match to match the brutality.
Charles Robinson’s hand hit for 3, well after Charlotte’s leg hit the ropes.
GREAT nearfall after the Natural Selection.
I feel like Charlotte has to win here, but I have no clue how.
And there’s the ref bump.
Big Boot, and we’re out.

Winner, and STILL SmackDown Women’s Champion: Charlotte Flair (pinfall)

This was a brutal fight between Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey. Both delivered on what was a unique contest, one I really enjoyed. I don’t think it played well on a big stadium, that’s a Chicago arena match.

The KO Show: Kevin Owens with special guest “Stone Cold” Steve Austin

Kevin Owens was going to be shut out of WrestleMania, but he laid down a big challenge–for an interview segment. But the man he called out, the highest grossing performer of all time, happens to be “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Owens found himself in a show closing segment.

It does appear New Day vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland got bumped–here’s hoping we see it tomorrow.
Kevin Owens is brilliant, drawing all kinds of heat.
And that pop–THAT is why this is going on last.
“I would have moved to Mexico–IT’S RIGHT THERE!”
After the jokes and the crowd responses, Kevin Owens challenges Steve Austin to a match. A No Holds Barred Match…right here, right now!
And after some prodding–he had his first match in Dallas, Texas, and he can have his last match in Dallas, Texas.
A few “Hell Yeah”s later, we have a ref and a match.

No Holds Barred
Kevin Owens vs. “Stone Cold” Steve Austin

I have never heard such a pop for a bell ringing.
We got our first beer early into the match–figured we’d save those for the end.
Think we’ll see any other Texans?
Austin tosses Owens to the outside, and now the real fun can begin.
And now we are brawling in the crowd–it’s an Austin WrestleMania match!
Suplex to the floor on Austin???
How crazy would it be if Owens wins?
Now we go for a little ATV ride up the ramp and battle it out on the stage. Austin is pleasing the crowd with everything here.
STUNNER TO STONE COLD!
Of course he kicked out!
CHAIRSHOT, Stunner, and we’re out.
Beers, Stunner to Owens again!
Police–in cowboy hats–escort Owens out.
Lots of beer everywhere.
Toast and chug with the ref.
STUNNER TO BYRON SAXTON!

Winner: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin (pinfall)

Career highlight for Kevin Owens, and Steve Austin gets to go out in Texas. You have to wonder if we’ll get a Kevin Owens episode of Broken Skull Sessions in the coming months.

Now THAT'S a @steveaustinBSR entrance fit for #WrestleMania! pic.twitter.com/nKlJK37s50

— WWE WrestleMania (@WrestleMania) April 3, 2022

Some slow points to start the night off, but once the third match started, it was all killer and very little filler. A satisfying, exciting, enjoyable night of WrestleMania. And we still have another night to go!

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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

2 months 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

5 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