Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
WWE has been pulling out some fantastic wrestling in recent weeks with some of the best booking on Raw in years, and it had me exciting going into Elimination Chamber. A good Chamber match is often among the best matches of the year, and the talent involved here was top notch.
Sure, it's a three match card at best, but there's nothing wrong with that if those matches are all great. It was basically guaranteed at least the Chamber matches would leave a lasting mark. The only worry was the obviousness of it all. Let's be honest: we all knew who was winning the matches that mattered on this show.
This Week's Monday Night Raw Review
Sure, it's a three match card at best, but there's nothing wrong with that if those matches are all great. It was basically guaranteed at least the Chamber matches would leave a lasting mark. The only worry was the obviousness of it all. Let's be honest: we all knew who was winning the matches that mattered on this show.
This Week's Monday Night Raw Review
Curtis Axel will put on his meanest face until you care about this match.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson def. The Miztourage
Overview: The Miztourage has a solid gameplan going into this match, but Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel could not keep up with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Gallows caught Axel diving with a side kick to the gut then hit the Magic Killer for the win. Afterward, The Revival were interviewed and were not impressed.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a pretty standard filler match even with The Miztourage getting in more offense than usual. It was odd to have The Revival sit out this show, but I would assume the rivalry between Gallows & Anderson and The Revival will be directly connected to the Raw Tag Team Championships going into WrestleMania.
Highlights:
- Axel ran right into Anderson's clotheslines then took a corner single-leg dropkick with Dallas sneaking in a tag and dumping Anderson off the top to the floor.
- Anderson forced his way to a tag with a running single-leg dropkick to Axel then ran over Axel with clotheslines, a roundhouse kick, and running splash.
- With the referee distracted, Axel threw Anderson into a running knee from Dallas.
Analysis: This was a pretty standard filler match even with The Miztourage getting in more offense than usual. It was odd to have The Revival sit out this show, but I would assume the rivalry between Gallows & Anderson and The Revival will be directly connected to the Raw Tag Team Championships going into WrestleMania.
Rating 6.5/10
For some reason, they keep eliminating Mandy Rose after a few minutes in matches. It's like everyone knows she can't wrestle.
Alexa Bliss Wins the Women's Elimination Chamber Match to Retain Her Raw Women's Championship
Overview: Bayley and Sonya Deville started, joined soon by Mandy Rose with Absolution trying to use their number's advantage. However, Sasha Banks' tag in changed the match. Rose went for the Bed of Roses, but Banks reversed it then dodged the bicycle knee before locking her in the Bank Statement.
Mickie began climbing before knocking Bayley off the chains then hit a diving senton on Deville for the elimination. Banks caught Mickie with the backstabber then hit her with a Bayley-to-Belly.
Bayley reversed a corner double knees only to take a headsicssors turnbuckle shot into a super Bayley-to-Belly with Bliss rolling up Bayley for the elimination. Finally, Bliss knocked Banks' face into the pod then DDTed her off the top rope to win. Afterward, Bliss put over her win in a Renee Young interview.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a strong match with great storytelling and fun spots, but it had some noticeable mistakes along the way with poor communication and spot timing. As a whole, it was a solid first effort for the women, but they have not set the bar to an unreachable level. Bayley vs. Banks vs. Bliss was phenomenal here.
Mickie began climbing before knocking Bayley off the chains then hit a diving senton on Deville for the elimination. Banks caught Mickie with the backstabber then hit her with a Bayley-to-Belly.
Bayley reversed a corner double knees only to take a headsicssors turnbuckle shot into a super Bayley-to-Belly with Bliss rolling up Bayley for the elimination. Finally, Bliss knocked Banks' face into the pod then DDTed her off the top rope to win. Afterward, Bliss put over her win in a Renee Young interview.
Highlights:
- Bayley hit shoulder blocks on both members in Absolution before knocked them both onto the outside of the Chamber only to take a Spear onto the floor.
- Absolution lifted Bayley and slammed her repeatedly into the war then Deville hit a running low-angle into a diving knee from Rose before trapping Bayley's arms in the chains and repeatedly struck her.
- Rose caught Banks mid-corner double knees to Deville only to take a headscissors into the turnbuckle followed by the double knees connecting on Deville.
- Bayley and Banks ran Bliss around the Chamber before catching her on top of a pod before kicking Bayley off the pod to the floor.
- Banks ran at Bayley, trying to pound on her in the corner, before Bayley reversed it, trapping her in the tree of woe with Bliss then superplexing Bayley followed by a splash from Banks on Bayley.
- Banks got her leg stuck in the chains then Bliss slammed her neck into her knee.
- Bliss hit Banks with the Twisted Bliss off the pod with Banks turning the pin into the Bank Statement with Bliss fighting out then slamming Banks' face into the pod.
Analysis: This was a strong match with great storytelling and fun spots, but it had some noticeable mistakes along the way with poor communication and spot timing. As a whole, it was a solid first effort for the women, but they have not set the bar to an unreachable level. Bayley vs. Banks vs. Bliss was phenomenal here.
Rating: 8.75/10
They've survive The New Day and The Shield, but I don't know if they can take on Titus Worldwide.
Sheamus and Cesaro def. Titus Worldwide to Retain the Raw Tag Team Championships
Overview: Titus Worldwide looked out of their depth in this title match against The Bar, never finding their pace. Cesaro caught Titus O'Neil with a chop block then Sheamus and Cesaro hit the stable leader with the White Noise/spirngboard neckbreaker for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a filler Raw match at best which is a shame as these teams have actually been better together on Raw. Titus Worldwide were built up as the Kryptonite of Sheamus and Cesaro for a month, but they went down so quickly here.
Highlights:
- Titus got the hot tag and threw Cesaro across the ring before hitting a body avalanche and big booting Sheamus off the apron.
- Titus caught Sheamus diving and hit a spinebuster before Apollo took out both a somersault plancha and diving crossbody.
Analysis: This was a filler Raw match at best which is a shame as these teams have actually been better together on Raw. Titus Worldwide were built up as the Kryptonite of Sheamus and Cesaro for a month, but they went down so quickly here.
Rating: 6.5/10
When you can't build monsters with wins, just build them by having them be sore losers. It's the WWE way.
Asuka def. Nia Jax
Overview: Nia Jax clearly gave Asuka her most vicious fight to date by dominating Asuka throughout; however, it was not enough with Asuka rolling through into a three count to steal the win. Afterward, Jax assaulted Asuka and blasted her through the barricade. Bliss was shown watching backstage and was interviewed, making clear she would beat Asuka.
Highlights:
Analysis: These two have had better matches, but it was a solid enough fight. Jax has rarely looked more dominant even with a few messy moments here. Asuka needed to win, but Jax getting her heat back keeps her in the title picture. It's difficult to say exactly what the plan is yet for the title if Jax is still involved.
Highlights:
- Nia stomped on Asuka then kicked her into the corner before a body avalanche into a running elbow drop.
- Asuka went for a legbar, but Jax ripped her off and ran her into the corner before locking in the torture rack which Asuka turned into a dragon sleeper.
- Jax hit a Samoan drop but then missed a running leg drop with Asuka hitting an immediate low dropkick.
- Asuka fought Jax off from hitting her with a superplex then Jax knocked her down only to miss her diving senton.
- Asuka locked in the armbar, but Jax powered her up and slammed her hard into the turnbuckle.
Analysis: These two have had better matches, but it was a solid enough fight. Jax has rarely looked more dominant even with a few messy moments here. Asuka needed to win, but Jax getting her heat back keeps her in the title picture. It's difficult to say exactly what the plan is yet for the title if Jax is still involved.
Rating: 7.5/10
The greatest trick Matt Hardy ever pulled was convincing Bray Wyatt he disappeared so that he could hit a double axe handle.
Bray Wyatt def. Broken Matt Hardy
Overview: Bray Wyatt tried to sneak attack Broken Matt Hardy, but Matt disappeared and was able to catch Wyatt with a double axe handle off the apron. Wyatt missed a diving senton then went for Sister Abigail only for Matt to turn it into a Twist of Fate for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was such ugly to watch. I felt bad for Wyatt trying to carry Matt through this as the veteran just looked unable to do anything beyond his signature moves. It was a boring, uninspired affair that barely went anywhere, and, for some reason, the feud seems to not be over.
Highlights:
- Wyatt caught Matt on the apron and hit him with a DDT onto the apron.
- Matt escaped Wyatt's shot on the steps, but he then ran into a clothesline.
- Matt took out Wyatt with tornado DDT then Side Effect and diving elbow drop.
- Wyatt wiped out Matt with a uranage.
Analysis: This was such ugly to watch. I felt bad for Wyatt trying to carry Matt through this as the veteran just looked unable to do anything beyond his signature moves. It was a boring, uninspired affair that barely went anywhere, and, for some reason, the feud seems to not be over.
Rating: 6/10
Triple H will offer himself to put over Ronda Rousey, but remember: nobody goes over Stephanie McMahon.
Ronda Rousey Gets a Big Challenge After Signing Her WWE Contract
Overview: Kurt Angle was about to introduce Ronda Rousey when Triple H and Stephanie McMahon came out to introduce her personally. When Rousey finally arrived, she was humble until Angle revealed he had heard HHH and Stephanie talking about embarrassing Rousey for what she did to them at WrestleMania.
Rousey took offense and looked ready to take out Stephanie. However, Hunter ushered her off only to take a slam through the table himself from Rousey. Stephanie then slapped Rousey before being scared off by the former MMA star.
Analysis: This segment worked especially after they took the mic out of Rousey's hand and had her tell the story with her facial expressions. HHH took a bump, and it felt a bit silly. However, it worked. Rousey came off as a dominant force who should run through Hunter and Stephanie at 'Mania.
Rousey took offense and looked ready to take out Stephanie. However, Hunter ushered her off only to take a slam through the table himself from Rousey. Stephanie then slapped Rousey before being scared off by the former MMA star.
Analysis: This segment worked especially after they took the mic out of Rousey's hand and had her tell the story with her facial expressions. HHH took a bump, and it felt a bit silly. However, it worked. Rousey came off as a dominant force who should run through Hunter and Stephanie at 'Mania.
Roman Reigns looking real dominant and prepared for Brock Lesnar.
Roman Reigns Wins the Men's Elimination Chamber Match to Earn a Universal Championship Match Against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania
Overview: Braun Strowman hit Miz with a running powerslam for the first elimination. Elias tried to pick up the pieces after everyone was exhausted only to turn into Strowman who hit him with a running powerslam for the elimination. He then caught Cena off the top rope and hit a powerslam for the third elimination.
Balor hit the Coup De Grace on Reigns, but Strowman snuck in and powerslammed Balor for another elimination. Strowman dropkicked Reigns outside then Rollins caught him with repeated superkicks only to run right into a powerslam for his fifth elimination.
Reigns hit Strowman with repeated Superman Punches then a pair of Spears for the win. Afterward, Strowman destroyed Reigns then threw him through a pod door.
Highlights:
Analysis: I want to rate this match higher for pure quality (as a pure match, it was extremely well wrestled), but the booking of this match was embarrassing. WWE went all in on building Strowman and did not let him win. It's the story of his career. The booking would have been fine if it wasn't so hamfisted.
No one should ever get five eliminations in a Chamber match and lose. It's absurd. If the plan is Lesnar vs. Reigns, sell Lesnar vs. Reigns. Convince fans that Reigns is worthy. Instead, this felt like WWE trying to camouflage their booking by having The Big Dog sneak away with the win.
Strowman even "got his heat back" afterward by doing the same thing Jax did earlier in the night, but Jax is likely going to compete for the title. Strowman is just doing it because WWE wants to make people happy. The entire match may just amount to nothing because it did not put over Reigns at all and leaves Strowman with nothing.
Balor hit the Coup De Grace on Reigns, but Strowman snuck in and powerslammed Balor for another elimination. Strowman dropkicked Reigns outside then Rollins caught him with repeated superkicks only to run right into a powerslam for his fifth elimination.
Reigns hit Strowman with repeated Superman Punches then a pair of Spears for the win. Afterward, Strowman destroyed Reigns then threw him through a pod door.
Highlights:
- Rollins took out Balor and Miz with a double blockbuster.
- Rollins blocked the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Cena knocked him back and sent Miz down to join him for a double Five Knuckle Shuffle.
- Miz got all four men in the match kneeling and caught them all with It Kicks, settling on Reigns before missing his roundhouse and taking a clothesline.
- Rollins and Cena tried to team up on Strowman only to take a double suplex from him before he threw Balor into Reigns.
- Miz tried to escape Strowman with Strowman catching him on the pod, slamming him repeatedly into the screen, then throwing him into everyone on the mat.
- Cena, Rollins, Reigns, and Balor beat Strowman into the mat then they all hit him with a joint powerbomb then Cena hit with an AA then a Spear followed by a Curb Stomp and Coup De Grace, none for more than a nearfall.
- Elias fought off a Samoan drop then hit Reigns with a sit-out powerbomb.
- Strowman went for a powerslam on Reigns, but he took a springboard knee and Superman Punch.
- Rollins caught Reigns mid-Superman Punch with a gut superkick, but Reigns bounced off a buckle bomb and hit a Superman Punch.
- Reigns Samoan dropped Strowman onto the floor then Rollins hit him off the pod with a frog splash for a nearfall.
- Reigns battled out of a powerslam and running splashed Strowman into the chains before dodging a charging Strowman, sending him through the pod door followed by a pair of Superman Punches.
Analysis: I want to rate this match higher for pure quality (as a pure match, it was extremely well wrestled), but the booking of this match was embarrassing. WWE went all in on building Strowman and did not let him win. It's the story of his career. The booking would have been fine if it wasn't so hamfisted.
No one should ever get five eliminations in a Chamber match and lose. It's absurd. If the plan is Lesnar vs. Reigns, sell Lesnar vs. Reigns. Convince fans that Reigns is worthy. Instead, this felt like WWE trying to camouflage their booking by having The Big Dog sneak away with the win.
Strowman even "got his heat back" afterward by doing the same thing Jax did earlier in the night, but Jax is likely going to compete for the title. Strowman is just doing it because WWE wants to make people happy. The entire match may just amount to nothing because it did not put over Reigns at all and leaves Strowman with nothing.
Rating: 8.5/10
Conclusion: It was obvious this show was going to be relying on a few matches to succeed, but the narrow focus of this card was not as frustrating going in as it was leaving. There was a ton of useless wrestling on this card, some of the weakest on pay-per-view in a while.
It would have been best if this was just a night with two Chamber matches back to back, forgiving the absolutely obvious results. The women's Chamber was brutal and fun while the men's was a blast of pure energy without the poor booking.
Even Asuka vs. Nia Jax, the only other match on this card worthy of consideration, was a far cry from what the wrestlers are capable of. They could have just not had this match, and they would both still be in the same spot on Raw the next day. Rousey's segment was fun, but it also wasn't really a PPV event.
It is frustrating to see matches like Wyatt vs. Hardy and Cesaro and Sheamus vs. Titus Worldwide take up so much time on this card and fall so incredibly flat. The talent level here is too high this close to 'Mania for this. I just hope this is not a sign of things to come.
It would have been best if this was just a night with two Chamber matches back to back, forgiving the absolutely obvious results. The women's Chamber was brutal and fun while the men's was a blast of pure energy without the poor booking.
Even Asuka vs. Nia Jax, the only other match on this card worthy of consideration, was a far cry from what the wrestlers are capable of. They could have just not had this match, and they would both still be in the same spot on Raw the next day. Rousey's segment was fun, but it also wasn't really a PPV event.
It is frustrating to see matches like Wyatt vs. Hardy and Cesaro and Sheamus vs. Titus Worldwide take up so much time on this card and fall so incredibly flat. The talent level here is too high this close to 'Mania for this. I just hope this is not a sign of things to come.
