Opinion

Greg DeMarco’s Top 5 Things: WWE NXT (April 2, 2024)

Greg DeMarco is back (in written form) with a look at this week’s WWE NXT offerings–Top 5 style!

Published

1 year ago

April 4, 2024

Greg DeMarco

WWE NXT Trick Williams Carmelo Hayes Stand & Deliver

Greg DeMarco is back (in written form) with a look at this week’s WWE NXT offerings–Top 5 style!

1. Tony D’Angelo/Ilja Dragunov Vignettes

From Tony’s goons picking Ilja up in the parking lot, to the walk through all of the equipment, to the sit-down confrontation, the entire presentation here was brilliant. Tony has really gotten into his character, and Shawn Michaels’ tongue-in-cheek comments about Hollywood stealing Tony could actually have a little bit of merit. He has gone all in on this role, and it’s showing.

As for Ilja? He’s perfect in his resolve. No matter the situation and no matter the surroundings, he always delivers a performance true to his character. Despite any mental edge provided by Tony’s mounting momentum, this is a match that could steal the show on Saturday, and be a star-making performance for Tony regardless of the outcome.

2. Noam Dar’s Supernova Sessions with Roxanne Perez and Lyra Valkyria

Early into Roxanne Perez’s NXT tenure, Cora Jade turned on her, creating a very strong heel who has only been stifled by injury. But in the ultimate form of irony, it is Roxanne who is now a heel, and in all honesty is doing Cora Jade better than Cora Jade has.

WWE NXT Roxanne Perez

Promo ability is the key to a long and successful WWE career. Charisma and presence take in-ring competency and shoot it to the moon. Roxanne Perez is 10x the promo that Lyra Valkyria will ever be, and that showed today. Even just a semi-trained eye could see the points where Lyra got lost. I know there are reports out there that WWE officials are impressed with Roxanne and a main roster call-up could be coming soon, but she needs to complete the square with this one and have a heel run as NXT Women’s Champion before making the jump. There are plenty of women on the main roster waiting for something substantial to do–give Roxanne time.

3. Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes Stand Off

One of the best things about the Stand & Deliver main event between Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes is that the match has never happened before. Anywhere. There is nothing to go back to. Not a ton of physicality between the two at all.

Carmelo Hayes has been an obvious star since his second televised NXT match, against Adam Cole. Now a ten year veteran, the obvious nature of his star has never been brighter. Trick Williams, on the other hand, wasn’t an independent star. He was a football player who went undrafted, but quickly became an undeniable star in NXT.

Once Trick took off, the breakup was inevitable. And honestly, it was necessary. Look what a split did for Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa–who have a decent chance to leave WrestleMania with some tag titles over their shoulders. But unlike Gargano & Ciampa, I don’t think this feud will drag out for multiple years. This might be their only match against each other in NXT (two at most).

Their showdown was fun, but it was the brawl that reminded me that this story has been told. Nothing more is needed. Put them in the ring and see what magic they can make happen.

My money is on Trick and Melo delivering…at Stand & Deliver.

4. Lola Vice Shows Flashes Of Being a Future Top Star

This new rivalry between Lola Vice and Natalya is exactly what the former Bellator MMA star needs. She has the physical tools. She has the ability. She has the charisma. SHE HAS “IT.” And she seemingly has an unlimited quantity of “IT.” But despite all of that, since the split from Elektra Lopez, something has been missing.

Until Tuesday night.

When Lola locked in the Sharpshooter, the crowd went nuts. Natalya reacted, but ended up with Lola’s tongue sticking out at her. If Lola Vice becomes the big star that so many of us believe she can be, tonight should be viewed as a turning point in that journey.

5. Ava Is Hitting Her Stride as NXT General Manager

Some of the most iconic general managers in wrestling history have had their “thing.” It’s something that set them apart:

Teddy Long’s “One-on-one wit Da Undertaker” or “tag team match, playa!”
William Regal’s “WAR GAMES!”
Eric Bischoff pushing for “Hot Lesbian Action” or the chaos that followed the words “3 Minutes.”
And today, Adam Pearce’s “It Is Official.”

Current NXT General Manager Ava (Raine) doesn’t have that yet, but she is really coming into her own. Her voice is stronger, and she’s not coming across as trying to be the NXT General Manager. She simply IS the NXT General Manager. And that’s what NXT is all about, right? Finding your place, and growing as performers. Just like Tony D’Angelo and Trick Williams referenced above, Ava has truly grown into her role, and is doing it in a truly authentic manner. Props to her, and props to NXT for seeing this potential. I thought it could end up being a disaster when it first started, and instead it’s turned out to be an amazing development.

Honorable Mentions:

One hell of a tag team match to open the show, and I am glad to see Axiom & Nathan Frazer getting the nod over the main roster talents for Stand & Deliver.
Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley don’t get nearly the credit they deserve for the job they’ve done, not only in their own growth and development in NXT, but how they’ve helped elevate so many younger talents.
Arianna Grace is becoming a guilty pleasure in NXT. She is just so damn good at her character.
Oba Femi will main event a future WrestleMania. Screenshot this, bookmark it, I don’t even think it’s a very bold prediction. The dude has been a star from his first NXT appearance.

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

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

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

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

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SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

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SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

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

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

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

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

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

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

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

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

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

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

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

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

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

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

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

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1