You wouldn’t know from some of the things I’ve written, but I generally prefer not to be a negative guy. I’d rather accentuate the positives than focus on the negatives.
But man, sometimes pro wrestling
really does be testin’ my last nerve.
In 2026, I’ll do my part to celebrate more of the good. Of course, pro wrestling needs to do its part as well. And in 2025, let’s just say there were plenty of missed opportunities.
Which ones? I’m glad you asked.
Following a week of Best Ofs from the crew here at Cageside, I received a request from longtime reader TheSeanConnery (TSC), for my Top 5 Worst of 2025.
Before I continue, I do want to address a question TSC brought up regarding the quality of food served at Petco Park’s press box during my trip to Survivor Series. Sadly, I can’t critique what wasn’t offered, but hey — we had refreshments. Something beats nothing.
On to the list.
Worst Match: Cena vs. Rhodes, WrestleMania 41
I won’t spend a lot of time on this because I think we’re all in agreement as to why this match sucked: no Rock, and an entrance by Travis Scott that made the second coming of Christ scream, “Get on with it!”
A real bummer for a retiring legend in Cena, and a big letdown for Rhodes, who, despite my criticisms, deserved better than he got from WWE creative in 2025.
Did you hear that? A compliment from me for Rhodes.
Worst All-Around: WWE Ticket Prices
If my experience at Survivor Series taught me one thing, it’s this: it is definitely worth going to a WWE Premium Live Event. It’s more than a wrestling show; it’s a full entertainment experience that is worth the price of admission.
But about those prices — they’re ridiculous. One thing I’d like to see WWE do for all its shows in the future is to make at least the cheap seats, well, cheap again. The money they’d lose on those tickets will hopefully be made up in merch sales and creating a lifetime relationship with fans who will return in the future.
Build it and they will come. Make it affordable, and even more will come. Make it right, TKO.
Worst Behavior: Fan Response to Regal Plea
After William Regal echoed icons Arn Anderson and Kevin Nash’s call for wrestlers to tone it down in the ring, fans on social media tore into Regal.
I won’t dignify their responses by quoting them, but I’ll just say this: if you think less risk equals less excitement, you’re wrong.
Do you know how I know you’re wrong? Right now, we don’t have Will Ospreay and Seth Rollins around. Think of how much better wrestling would be if those two were healthy and performing. Now think of how much better it will be if they’re still performing at a high level in another five years.
That would be awesome.
“But they’re over because of their moves!”
Okay, sure. But good storytelling, an entrance theme people can sing to, and having a fun word to say — you know, like “Bruv” or “YEET” — goes a lot further for much longer than a 360 Spinning MaDoo.
Worst Turn: Fans Turn on Mercedes
There was a time when Sasha Banks was celebrated as the best female wrestler in the world. Many thought she should have been the face of WWE’s women’s revolution.
But then an odd thing happened.
Banks told WWE to kick rocks, transformed into Mercedes Moné, and embarked on an independent career that led her to AEW. And man, has the outcry from audiences been less than receptive.
I give Moné all the credit in the world for breaking out on her own, trying new things, and doing her part to elevate women’s wrestling. When you swing for the fences, sometimes you strike out.
Do you know which hitter is the all-time strikeout leader in MLB? Reggie Jackson. Do you know what we call him, besides Hall of Famer? Mr. October. Why? Because he was clutch when it counted.
Say what you will about Mercedes, but she’s awesome. Perhaps she needs some coaching and better production around her to accentuate her positives, but she’s an amazing talent who had the wrestling world talking about her all year long, so she’s doing something right.
Hopefully, she can continue to build on that.
Worst Food: Wendy’s
And finally, because TSC asked for my culinary grievances, here’s my thoughts on burgers.
Despite being a noted lover of In-N-Out, I do indulge in other burger chains. Admittedly, I avoid the buns because such carbs are the devil’s gateway to hell.
But as far as burgers and their chains go, I’m with legendary legend Jim Cornette: Wendy’s has fallen off. Big time.
I haven’t been to Wendy’s in about a year or so. The best that I can recall, the meat was just dry. I believe brand-new steel wool has more moisture than a single Wendy’s patty does. Probably better flavor, too.
And now they switched to shredded lettuce instead of whole leaf? How can I order a lettuce-wrapped burger when you only offer shredded lettuce, Wendy?
C’mon, man.
Your Turn
So, there it is. My top 5 worst of 2025. Now, I turn it over to you, dear readers. What’s your pick or picks for worst of the year? Sound off in the comments section, and I wish all the best for 2026.
