WWE has announced Jarrius “JJ” Robertson will receive the 4th annual Warrior Award.
The Warrior award is presented annually to “an individual who has exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of Ultimate Warrior.”
Jarius was diagnosed with a rare chronic liver disease and has undergone dozens of surgeries. He spends much of his time encouraging others to become organ donors.
Connor Michalek, Joan Lunden, and Eric LeGrand are the first 3 winners of the award.
Jarrius “JJ” Robertson and Stephanie McMahon React
“Being honored by WWE means the world to me. I feel very blessed,” stated Robertson.
“Jarrius has shown immeasurable amounts of courage, strength and positivity during the hardest of times. His infectious smile and personality light up any room, with no one the wiser of the pain he could have been enduring at any given moment,” said Stephanie McMahon. “His determination to help others fight their toughest battles and his work to bring awareness to organ donation make him a true Warrior and the perfect recipient of this year’s award in his hometown of New Orleans.”
Tonight’s edition of WWE RAW from Anaheim, California will feature fallout from Elimination Chamber, most notably Roman Reigns earning the right to challenge Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34.
Last week, Paul Heyman announced on Twitter that his client Brock Lesnar will be on hand to address the winner of the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. What will happen when Lesnar and Roman Reigns go face to face?
Alexa Bliss retained the RAW Women’s Championship in the first-ever Women’s Elimination Chamber match. With that big title defense out of the way, which WWE Women’s Champion will Women’s Royal Rumble winner Asuka select as her WrestleMania opponent?
The wrestling (and MMA) worlds are still reacting to Ronda Rousey’s appearance at Sunday night’s PPV. Not only did Rousey sign her WWE contract, but slammed Triple H through a table and got slapped in the face by Stephanie McMahon. With the announcement that she will be competing at WrestleMania, will it be Rousey and Kurt Angle against Stephanie and Triple H? Will Rousey be at RAW?
John Cena came up short at the Elimination Chamber thanks do a dominant performance by Braun Strowman. With less than 6 weeks until April 8th, what will Cena’s role be at WrestleMania?
Finally, Sasha Bans proved it was “every woman for herself” at Elimination Chamber when she attacked Bayley during the match. Can their friendship survive?
Join us here tonight for our WWE RAW Live Coverage!
Former UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez, attended last night’s Elimination Chamber. Many other UFC fighters who live in Las Vegas also attended the show as well, including Daniel Cormier and Michael Chiesa.
Velasquez, however, has an interesting history with two members of the Monday Night Raw roster. He defeated Brock Lesnar for the UFC heavyweight championship at UFC 121 and also defeated Ronda Rousey’s husband, Travis Browne, at UFC 200. Velasquez’s victory over Browne took place in the same building as Elimination Chamber.
The last time Cain Velasquez fought was the summer of 2016. He’s only fought twice since 2014. Injuries have plagued the former champion. Many feel that when he is healthy, he is the best heavyweight in the world. Unfortunately, he is healthy so infrequently these days this point becomes less relevant every day that goes by.
Cain was scheduled to face Fabricio Werdum at UFC 207 in December of 2016 but it fell through. Prior to the bout, Velasquez revealed in an interview he uses CBD to treat pain. He also revealed several injuries he was dealing with during the interview resulting in the Nevada State Athletic Commission denying him clearance to compete.
The Young Bucks interrupted the Golden Lovers’ post-match celebration in Tokyo on Saturday and now a match between the two teams has been scheduled for March 25, 2018, in Long Beach California.
The final moments of ROH’s Honor Rising night 2 show saw the Bucks take issue with Kenny Omega referring to the Golden Lovers as the greatest tag-team in the world. The Bucks also announced they were moving up to heavyweight. This had been teased on earlier episodes of “Being the Elite” and may have been goaded on by Cody.
Two other matches are confirmed thus far for Long Beach.
Roman Reigns won the men’s Elimination Chamber to earn a shot at the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 34. Reigns will now face Brock Lesnar for the title in what will most likely be the main event of WrestleMania 34 in 6 weeks.
Braun Strowman dominated the Elimination Chamber match and eliminated 5 Superstars. Reigns was able to defeat Strowman by hitting two Spears in a row. After the match, Strowman hit Reigns with a couple of Running Powerslams before launching him through one of the plexiglass pods surrounding the ring.
Roman Reigns joined Renee Young and Peter Rosenberg on RAW Talk following the Elimination Chamber PPV. Roman admitted that he was in pain but was excited after his big victory tonight.
Reigns noted that this was his first Elimination Chamber match and how unforgiving the match was. Rosenberg asked Roman if he gets frustrated with having to deal with Braun Strowman all the time. Reigns stated that it was almost like The Joker and Batman, they are destined to fight forever.
Roman brought up main eventing three Wrestlemanias in a row and said that the experience will be very valuable heading into the Universal Championship match. Roman noted that he faced Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 31 but didn’t get closure because Seth Rollins cashed in his MITB contract.
Reigns challenged Brock Lesnar to show up to his yard tomorrow night on RAW. Renee asked if Roman if he was worried about Paul Heyman at all and Reigns laughed and said “what is he going to do, give me a Twinkie?”. Roman vowed to take the Universal Championship from Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34.
Brock Lesnar will be on RAW tomorrow night to confront Roman Reigns as the build towards WrestleMania 34 continues.
Stephanie McMahon, Triple H and Kurt Angle were all present during Ronda Rousey’s contract signing during the PPV. Things were going swimmingly until Kurt Angle brought up how Triple H and Stephanie had been claiming that they only brought Ronda Rousey to WWE so that they could manipulate her. Angle claimed that Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were still pissed off about what went down at WrestleMania 31 with Ronda Rousey and The Rock. Rousey wound up throwing Triple H through a table tonight at the PPV. Stephanie then slapped Ronda and then retreated backstage. Rousey signed her WWE contract and flipped it onto Triple H who was lying on the canvas.
Following the Elimination Chamber PPV, RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon joined Renne Young and Peter Rosenberg on RAW Talk. Stephanie stated that things got out of hand tonight and that RAW GM Kurt Angle needs to apologize tomorrow night on RAW. Stephanie noted that Rousey got swept up in the emotions of the evening and has some explaining to do tomorrow night.
Stephanie added that she is Rousey and Angle’s boss and that she just has to remind them of their roles in WWE. Stephanie stated that she needed to educate Rousey a little bit and smooth out some of those rough edges. Stephanie claimed that she still proud that that WWE signed Rousey. Renee Young asked if she had spoken to Rousey since she slapped her in the face and Stephanie said that she has not. Stephanie spoke about the first-ever RAW Women’s Elimination Chamber match tonight and said that she was proud of all the women that competed in the match.
John Cena was a guest on RAW Talk with Renee Young and Peter Rosenberg after WWE Elimination Chamber 2018. Cena was disappointed after his loss tonight in the Elimination Chamber match.
Cena brought up losing to Roman Reigns at WWE No Mercy 2017 and how he felt that a burden has been lifted off his shoulders. John noted that he wound up wanting that burden back but came up short tonight.
Cena said that by no means is he done, but he has a logical voice in the back of his head that is telling him that he is 41-years-old and that eventually time is going to catch up to him. John stated that he has a bunch of conflicting interests and that he wants to do well outside of WWE. Cena said that the more times he spends away from WWE he feels like he is falling behind.
John added that after tonight’s loss, he has no idea if he is going to WrestleMania. Renee Young added that it is scary to imagine a WrestleMania with John Cena not there. Cena said that he can still compete at a high caliber level, but keeps coming up short. Cena claimed that he doesn’t have an opponent at WrestleMania but he has a plan that may require him to step out of the proper etiquette of the WWE. Rosenberg asked Cena what he meant by that and Cena said “I’ll figure it out” and walked away.
Roman Reigns vs. WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar is now official for WrestleMania 34 after Reigns won the men’s Elimination Chamber match at tonight’s pay-per-view in Las Vegas.
Order of Entrances
1. WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz (started the match)
2. Seth Rollins (started the match)
3. Finn Balor (started the match)
4. John Cena
5. Roman Reigns
6. Braun Strowman
7. Elias
Order of Eliminations
1. The Miz (eliminated by Braun Strowman)
2. Elias (eliminated by Braun Strowman)
3. John Cena (eliminated by Braun Strowman)
4. Finn Balor (eliminated by Braun Strowman)
5. Seth Rollins (eliminated by Braun Strowman)
6. Braun Strowman (defeated by winner Roman Reigns)
Ronda Rousey signed her RAW contract at tonight’s WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in a segment that also featured RAW General Manager Kurt Angle, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.
Triple H confirmed during the segment that Rousey will be wrestling at WrestleMania 34. Angle ended up telling Rousey that Triple H and Stephanie have been plotting to keep her down in WWE due to how she embarrassed them at WrestleMania 31. Triple H tried to hush up Angle as he kept spilling their secrets but this backfired as Rousey slammed Triple H through the contract signing table. This led to Stephanie slapping Rousey and retreating before Rousey could get her hands on her.
As we’ve noted, the plan has been for Triple H and Stephanie to face Rousey and a partner at WrestleMania 34. Rumors on Rousey’s partner include The Rock, Angle, Seth Rollins and SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon.
Below are photos and videos from tonight’s segment:
RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss retained her title at tonight’s WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view in the first-ever women’s Chamber match. Bliss will now go on to defend her title at WrestleMania 34.
Below are photos and videos from tonight’s match along with entrances & eliminations:
Order of Entrances:
1. Bayley
2. Sonya Deville
3. Mandy Rose
4. Mickie James
5. Sasha Banks
6. RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss
Order of Eliminations:
1. Mandy Rose (eliminated by Sasha Banks)
2. Sonya Deville (eliminated by Mickie James)
3. Mickie James (eliminated by Bayley)
4. Bayley (eliminated by Alexa Bliss)
5. Sasha Banks (defeated by Alexa Bliss)
WWE Elimination Chamber 2018 aired live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The RAW Women’s Championship was on the line in the first-ever women’s Elimination Chamber match. Roman Reigns, The Miz, Elias, Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, John Cena and Braun Strowman battled in an Elimination Chamber match to determine who will face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 34.
Gallows & Anderson defeated The Miztourage on the Kickoff Show for the PPV. The Revival were interviewed backstage after the match and took shots at Gallows and Anderson.
Here are 6 takeaways from WWE Elimination Chamber 2018:
Alexa Bliss Won The First-Ever Women’s Elimination Chamber Match
The first-ever women’s Elimination Chamber match kicked off the PPV. Alexa Bliss defended the RAW Women’s Championship against Bayley, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Mickie James and Sasha Banks.
Bayley and Sonya Deville started off the match. Devllie brought Bayley to the mat and went for a cover but Bayley kicked out at one. Bayley connected with a running Bulldog and then bounced Deville’s face off the top turnbuckle.
Sonya connected with a punch to Bayley’s ribs and Bayley rolled to the steel floor outside the ring. Deville catapulted Bayley into the chamber but Bayley hung on and started climbing.
Deville brought Bayley back to the floor but Bayley threw her into the structure. Bayley went for a cover in the ring but Sonya kicked out at two. Bayley went for an elbow but Deville rolled out of the way and Bayley crashed to the canvas.
Bayley connected with a Belly to Back Suplex for another two count. Bayley climbed to the top rope as Deville rolled out of the ring. Bayley connected with an Elbow Drop and brought Deville back into the ring for a pinfall attempt. Deville kicked out at two as Mandy Rose was released from her pod.
Bayley attacked Rose right away as the crowd chanted “Bayley!”. Bayley drove her shoulder into Rose and Deville in the corner. Mandy Rose connected with a right and then Deville hit a Spear on Bayley on the chamber floor.
Rose and Deville picked up Bayley and bashed her into the chamber three times. Back in the ring, Sonya leveled Bayley with a running knee. Mandy leaped off the second rope and hit a knee for a two count.
Rose and Deville trapped Bayley’s arms in the chamber and took turns beating her down. Bayley connected with a couple of kicks as Sasha Banks was released from her pod. Banks attacked Deville and beat her down. Sasha launched Mandy Rose into the side of the pod and then beat her down to the floor.
Deville got back up and threw Banks into the chamber. Banks hit a series of right hands and followed it up with Double Knees to Sonya. Back in the ring, Banks connected with another Double Knees for a two count.
Sasha hung up Deville in between the ropes and then bounced Mandy Rose’s head into the turnbuckle. Banks connected with a Double Knees to Deville’s midsection for a two count. Sasha charged at Deville in the corner but Sonya got out of the way and Banks slammed into the turnbuckle. Deville went for the cover but Sasha kicked out at two.
Banks and Bayley teamed up and launched Deville into the cage and Sonya fell to the chamber floor. Mandy Rose launched Banks into the ring and leveled her with a Clothesline. Rose connected with a Facebuster but Banks got right back up. Sasha then locked in the Bank Statement on Rose in the middle of the ring. Sonya tried to break it up but Bayley charged into the ring and knocked Deville down. Rose tapped out and was the first Superstar eliminated.
Mickie James was the fifth Superstar to enter the chamber. Mickie leaped right onto Banks and punched her int he face. Mickie leveled both Bayley and Banks with a Double Clothesline and then hit a kick to Deville. Mickie planted Bayley with a Neckbreaker and slammed Banks to the mat.
Deville kneed Mickie in the side of the head and then threw her into the cage. Mickie shrugged it off and bounced Deville’s face off the chamber. Mickie leaped up on the side of the cage and connected with a Hurricanrana to Deville.
Mickie started climbing again but Banks dragged her to the floor. Mickie hit a Superkick to Banks and then once again started scaling the cage. Bayley joined her up there and the two started trading jabs. Mickie kicked Bayley off the cage and then got on top of a pod. Mickie James leaped off the pod onto Sonya Deville and then pinned her. Sonya Deville was the second Superstar eliminated.
Bayley went right after James and connected with a Bayley to Belly. Bayley then covered Mickie James and Mickie was eliminated. Alexa Bliss had a concerned look on her face from her pod as the match was now down to Bayley, Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss.
Bayley and Banks stood waiting for Bliss as the countdown began. Bliss’ pod opened but Alexa quickly closed the door. Alexa escaped out of the pod and started climbing up the cage. Bayley and Banks climbed up and cornered Bliss. Alexa started climbing down but climbed back up when she realized Banks and Bayley were on the floor.
Banks and Bayley caught up to Bliss on top of the pod. Banks booted Bayley in the face and knocked her to the chamber floor. Sasha slowly walked towards Bliss and that allowed Bayley to get back up. Bayley grabbed Banks from behind and threw her into the turnbuckle.
Bliss beatdown Bayley in the ring and bounced her face off the canvas. Bliss stomped on Bayley’s head a few times and went for the cover but Bayley kicked out at two. Bayley battled back and hit a Suplex. Bayley beatdown Bliss in the corner and then Banks sprinted into the ring. Banks drove Bayley to the corner. Bayley hung up Sasha on the turnbuckle and stomped on her a few times.
Bayley started climbing up the turnbuckle as Banks was still caught in the ropes. Bliss sprinted across the ring and planted Bayley with a Superplex. Banks wiggled free and climbed to the top rope. Sasha connected with a Frog Splash on Bayley and went for the cover but Bayley powered out at the last moment. Bayley hit a super Bayley to Belly to Banks and went for the cover. Bliss broke it up and then rolled Bayley up. Bayley was then eliminated and it was down to Banks and Bliss.
Alexa went for the Twisted Bliss onto Banks but Sasha got her knees up. Alexa kneed Banks in the back of the head and then climbed on top of a pod. Alexa hit a Twisted Bliss off the top of the pod. Sasha quickly locked in the Bank Statement on the outside of the ring. Sasha brought Bliss back into the ring under the ropes while maintaining the hold.
Bliss was able to escape but Sasha knocked her back to the mat. Banks climbed up the turnbuckle and Alexa Bliss shoved her from behind. Banks smacked face-first into the pod and then Bliss connected with a DDT off the top rope for the pinfall victory. Alexa Bliss won the first-ever women’s Elimination Chamber match and is still the RAW Women’s Champion.
After the match, Alexa Bliss was interviewed by Renee Young. Bliss stated that the victory meant everything to her and the crowd chanted “you deserve it!”. Bliss wiped away a tear and added that this victory was for every little girl or woman in the audience that dared to dream big. Bliss then changed her tone and said that nobody in the audience will ever accomplish their dreams. Alexa boasted about overcoming the odds and that she proved that there is only one true goddess in WWE. Bliss raised her title as the crowd cheered.
The first-ever women’s Elimination Chamber match started out slow but really picked up towards the end. It was a very entertaining match, albeit completely predictable. It was obvious that Banks was going to betray Bayley during the match. It also seemed obvious to me that Alexa Bliss was going to win tonight. The fact is that Alexa Bliss deserves to be the RAW Women’s Champion heading into WrestleMania 34 and her awesome promo is a perfect example as to why that is. The first women’s Elimination Chamber match was solid. It didn’t have a ton of build, so hopefully next year’s match is even better.
The Bar Are Still The Champs
Sheamus & Cesaro defended their RAW Tag Team Championships against Titus O’Neil and Apollo. A brawl broke out before the bell rang. Apollo connected with a Crossbody onto Sheamus and Cesaro outside the ring.
The match officially started with Titus Worldwide in control. Apollo hit a Splash off the top and went for the cover but Sheamus broke it up. Cesaro then threw Apollo out of the ring and Sheamus leveled Apolo with a Clothesline.
Back in the ring, Sheamus tagged in while Apollo was still on the floor. Sheamus brought Apollo back into the ring and punched him in the face in the corner. Cesaro tagged in and stomped on Apollo in the corner.
Cesaro connected with an uppercut for two and followed it up by applying a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Titus tried to pump his parter on the apron as Sheamus tagged back in. The Bar leveled Apollo with a double Clothesline.
Sheamus dropped a knee on Apollo’s head for two and then locked in an Arm Bar. Apollo fought his way out of the hold but was sent right back into the corner. Cesaro tagged in and mocked O’Neil. Apollo tried to get to the corner to tag in but Cesaro prevented it.
Apollo connected with a Back Drop and tried to crawl towards Titus. Sheamus quickly tagged in and stomped on Apollo’s back. Sheamus locked in the Arm Bar again in the middle of the ring.
Cesaro tagged back in and applied the Chin Lock once again. Dana Brooke shouted from outside the ring while jotting down stats on her notebook. Dana started to slam the notebook on the apron to get the dead crowd to make some noise. Apollo once again tried to crawl across the ring but Sheamus tagged back in and once again prevented the tag.
Sheamus knocked Titus off the apron and once again Apollo couldn’t tag out. Sheamus charged at Apollo in the corner but Apollo got out of the way and Sheamus hit the ring post. Titus stomped on the steps a couple of times and then finally got the tag.
Titus cleaned house and beat the hell out of Sheamus and Cesaro. Titus hit a Splash on Cesaro in the corner and then booted Sheamus off the apron. Titus connected with a big boot to Cesaro for a two count. Cesaro leaped off the second rope but Titus caught him. Cesaro escaped and tagged in Sheamus. Titus Clotheslined Cesaro out of the ring.
Sheamus almost fell on his ass on the ring apron but recovered quickly. Sheamus leaped off the top but Titus caught him and hit the Clash of the Titus for a two count. Apollo tagged in and leaped onto Sheamus and Cesaro outside the ring.
Back in the ring, Apollo went for a standing Moonsault but Sheamus got his knees up. Cesaro threw Titus into the ring post outside the ring. Cesaro tagged in and teamed up with Sheamus to slam Apollo to the mat for the pinfall victory.
The crowd was dead silent for this match. The only time they made any noise was when Titus or Dana Brooke started clapping or slamming the ring apron. This match unfolded with Apollo being trapped in the ring for the majority of the match. It is typical for a tag match. One member of the face team gets their asses kicked and desperately tries to tag out. When they finally get the tag, the crowd erupts when his or her partner cleans house and beats the other team down.
The problem is that Apollo and Titus O’Neil aren’t popular, so nobody gave a damn when Titus tagged in. Thus, everyone sat around for 10 minutes waiting for Titus O’Neil to tag in and watched a bunch of Arm Bars and Chin Locks from The Bar in the process. It was incredibly boring and I’m glad this feud is over. Well, at least I hope it is.
Asuka Is Still Undefeated
Nia Jax faced Asuka tonight at Elimination Chamber. If Nia Jax won, she would be added to whatever title match Asuka chooses at WrestleMania 34.
Nia started out the match in control and launched Asuka across the ring. Jax charged at Asuka and Asuka ducked out of the way. Nia fell to the ring apron and Asuka went for the Hip Attack. Nia sidestepped it and slammed Asuka to the canvas.
Asuka went for a Knee Bar but Nia casually lifted her up and slammed her into the turnbuckle. Nia lifted Asuka up in the Torture Rack but Asuka broke free with a couple of elbows. Asuka went for a Guillotine but Nia Jax countered into a massive Suplex.
Asuka connected with a Jawbreaker and followed it up with a flurry of kicks. Asuka charged at Nia but Jax caught her and planted Asuka with a Samoan Drop. Nia went for a Leg Drop but Asuka rolled out of the way. Asuka hit a Shining Wizard and went for the cover but Nia kicked out at two.
Asuka connected with a boot to the face and then bounced off the ropes and hit another kick for a two count. Asuka climbed up the turnbuckle but Nia met her there with a punch to the face. Nia lifted Asuka onter her shoulders but Asuka escaped. Asuka tried to Powerbomb Jax off the turnbuckle but Nia fought her off. Nia tried to drop onto Asuka from the second rope but Asuka got out of the way.
Nia went for a Senton but Asuka rolled out of the way. Her legs still got caught up in the Senton. Nia charged at Asuka in the corner but Asuka got out of the way and Jax slammed into the ring post. Asuka locked in the Arm Bar but Jax powered to her feet and slammed Asuka into the turnbuckle to break the hold.
Nia shouted “I’m going to WrestleMania!” and then walked into a roll-up from Asuka for the victory. RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss was shown backstage watching Asuka getting her hand raised. After the match, Nia Jax attacked Asuka from behind. Nia threw Asuka out of the ring and then threw her into the ring apron. Nia Jax charged at Asuka and blasted her through the barricade. Bliss was shown backstage with a smile on her face as Nia stomped up the entrance ramp.
Bliss was interviewed by Renee Young once again. Bliss stated that she was pleased at Nia Jax just did to Asuka. Bliss added “no one is ready for Alexa” before walking away. Asuka was helped up the entrance ramp by WWE officials.
I enjoyed this match. Even in a loss, Nia Jax looked dominant. You’ve got to believe that one of these days Nia Jax is going to break through and capture the title. I feel like I’ve been saying that forever now. There was no way Nia Jax was going to end Asuka’s undefeated streak before WrestleMania.
Asuka hasn’t officially announced that she is going for the RAW Women’s Championship yet, but WWE sure made it seem like that was the case tonight. It has been rumored that Nia Jax will be facing Alexa Bliss at WrestleMania 34 and Asuka will face Charlotte for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. WrestleMania 34’s card will become clearer over the next few weeks as the biggest show of the year is only 6 weeks away.
“Woken” Matt Hardy Deleted Bray Wyatt
Photo Credit: WWE.com
“Woken” Matt Hardy faced Bray Wyatt tonight at Elimination Chamber. The lights went out after Matt’s entrance and Wyatt was in the ring. Matt Hardy disappeared and started singing “you’ll fade away and classify yourself as obsolete!”. Matt Hardy started a “delete!” chant as Bray Wyatt looked under the ring for Matt.
Hardy appeared on the ring steps and attacked Bray. The match officially started with Matt Hardy in control. Matt hit a couple of right hands in the corner. Wyatt posed in the corner and Matt gave him a standing ovation.
Matt Hardy planted Wyatt with a DDT. Bray got back to his feet and connected with a massive shoulder tackle. Wyatt applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Wyatt headbutted Matt Hardy and Matt rolled to the ring apron. Matt and Bray traded punches on the apron. Bray got the upper-hand and knocked Matt to the floor outside the ring.
Wyatt connected with a Clothesline and then started clearing off the announce table. Bray knocked Matt to the canvas with a Clothesline. Bray charged at Matt in the corner but Hardy got his boot up. Matt hit a Tornado DDT off the second rope. The crowd was once again completely silent and Corey Graves tried to play it off as strategy from the “Woken Warriors” in the audience.
Matt hit a Side Effect and followed it up with an elbow off the second rope. Wyatt responded by hitting a Uranage and then a Senton for a two count. Wyatt mounted Hardy and punched him in the face a few times. A “Rusev Day!” chant broke out in the crowd as Wyatt climbed to the second rope. Coach said “it is almost like the crowd is playing into the craziness of these two Superstars”. I think they are bored because this feud has sucked is the more likely option.
Wyatt went for the Sister Abigail but Matt Hardy escaped. Bray hit a boot to the face but Hardy responded with a Twist of Fate for the pinfall victory.
I’ve been incredibly disappointed with this feud and tonight was no different. There is nothing exciting about “Woken” Matt Hardy right now and Bray Wyatt is a lost cause at this point. I thought this feud would give them both something unique to do on RAW every week. Instead, it has been a total bore and has done nothing for either Superstar.
Ronda Rousey Slammed Triple H Through A Table
Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Kurt Angle came down to the ring to introduce Ronda Rousey. Triple H stated that Rousey has earned the right to be called the baddest woman on the planet.
Ronda Rousey made her way to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Rousey shook hands with Triple H, Stephanie and Kurt Angle. Stephanie grabbed the microphone and she was booed. Rousey grabbed the microphone and the crowd chanted “Ronda Rousey!. Ronda teared up a bit and stated that she wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Roddy Piper. She added that she wants to make his family proud and earn WWE fans’ respect.
Triple H said that it was time to sign the contract. Triple H asked Rousey if she changed her mind and wanted any perks. Rousey stated that she wanted to be treated like any other Superstar. Triple H added that when Rousey signs the contract, she will be guaranteed a match at WrestleMania 34.
Rousey paused before signing the contract. RAW GM Kurt Angle said that Triple H and Stephanie McMahon couldn’t wait to sign Ronda Rousey because they wanted to manipulate her because of what happened at WrestleMania 31. Angle added that Triple H said “three years in the making and now we own the bitch”. Triple H cut him off and said that Angle was sick with the flu and escorted him out of the ring.
Stephanie admitted that they have been talking about Rousey since WrestleMania 31, because she impressed them. Kurt Angle grabbed the microphone again and claimed that Stephanie called Ronda a “has been” in her office and stated that even she could beat her in a match. Rousey got in Stephanie’s face and Triple H got back into the ring. Rousey shoved Triple H away. Triple H smiled and brought Stephanie McMahon to the ring apron. Triple H walked back towards Ronda and Rousey picked Triple H up and slammed him through a table.
Stephanie got back into the back in the ring and slapped Rousey in the face. The crowd chanted “you f***ed up!” and Stephanie quickly rolled out of the ring. Rousey grabbed the contract and signed it as the crowd cheered. Rousey then flipped the contract on Triple H and then exited the ring.
Well, it sure looks like Rousey will be facing Stephanie McMahon in some capacity at WrestleMania 34. The rumored match is Rousey and a tag partner versus Stephanie McMahon and Triple H. After tonight, it seems plausible that her tag partner will be Kurt Angle but we will find out over the next couple of weeks of RAW.
There were definitely some awkward moments during this segment. Rousey got caught up with the crowd chants and stumbled through her promo a couple of times. She will definitely get better with that over time. WWE fans can be tough when they see someone struggling, but that is what makes wrestling great. The fans let their voices be heard and not everyone is in favor of Rousey in WWE.
I’m sure Rousey will get better with promos as she gets more acclimated to being a WWE Superstar. She definitely has to because fans will eat her alive if she continues to struggle. In the end it wound up being a fun segment. All anyone will remember from it is Rousey slamming Triple H through a table and then Stephanie slapping her in the face.
Nope, she don't give a damn about her BAD REPUTATION!
Roman Reigns Will Face Brock Lesnar At WrestleMania
Roman Reigns, John Cena, The Miz, Elias, Finn Balor, Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman competed in the Elimination Chamber to determine who will face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 34.
Elias brought his guitar to the ring and vowed to win tonight and go on to defeat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. Elias asked the crowd what WWE stands for and the crowd shouted “walk with Elias!”. Elias noted that he was the last Superstar to enter the chamber and stated he was going to sit back and watch the other Superstars beat the crap out of each other.
Elias performed a song and noted that it wasn’t for the Las Vegas crowd because he doesn’t dedicate any songs for those that live in sin. Elias stated that he holds himself to a higher standard and dedicated the song to himself. Elias then performed a song that insulted the other Superstars in the match before he was interrupted by Braun Strowman. Braun came down to the ring and got in his pod. Elias got in his pod as well as John Cena’s music hit.
The Miz, Seth Rollins and Finn Balor started off the match as Cena, Elias, Strowman and Reigns were locked in their pods. The Miz tried to team up with Rollins to take out Finn Balor. Rollins declined and then The Miz asked Balor if he wanted to team up against Rollins. The Miz threw up the too sweet sign and Balor declined. Rollins asked Balor if he wanted to team up against The Miz. Balor agreed and the two launched The Miz out of the ring.
Rollins went for a roll-up but Balor kicked out at two. Rollins dragged Balor to the canvas and applied a Headlock. Balor battled to his feet but got an elbow to the face for his troubles. Balor hit a Dropkick and then delivered another one to The Miz when he got back into the ring. Finn chopped Rollins and The Miz across the chest.
Finn booted Rollins in the face and went for the cover but Seth kicked out at two. Rollins hit an Arm Drag for another two count. Balor escaped a Suplex and tried to roll-up Rollins. Seth kicked out and The Miz tried to roll-up Balor from behind. Balor kicked out but Rollins hit him with a Backbreaker. Seth then Clotheslined The Miz and hit him with a Suplex and a Falcon Arrow for two.
Seth hit a double Blockbuster on Finn and Miz and tried to cover them both but they kicked out. John Cena was then released from the pod and got into the ring with a smile on his face. Rollins and Cena had a stare down in the middle of the ring. Rollins defeated Cena in the Gauntlet match on Monday night.
Rollins shoved Cena and John cackled in his face. Cena dared Rollins to push him again and Seth obliged. Cena leveled Rollins with a shoulder tackle. Cena slammed Rollins to the canvas and then raised his hand in the air for the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Rollins tried to boot Cena in the face but Cena caught him and brought him back to the mat. Cena slammed The Miz to the canvas and hit a double Five Knuckle Shuffle to Miz and Rollins.
Balo got back in the ring and hit a Slingblade on Miz. Finn geared up in the corner but ran right into a Superkick from Rollins. Cena then threw Balor and Seth to the corner. Cena showed off his ridiculous power by lifting Rollins and Balor on his shoulders. They both escaped and Rollins booted Cena in the face.
The Miz connected with a Neckbreaker on Rollins for a two count. Cena threw Balor out of the ring and to the chamber floor. On the other side of the ring, Seth slammed The Miz into the structure. Balor knocked Cena to the floor and stomped on his chest. Cena responded with a right hand to the face as The Miz connected with a Clothesline to Rollins in the ring.
Cena and Rollins had Balor and Miz perched up on the top rope on opposite corners of the ring. Cena connected with a Superplex on Balor and then Rollins hit a Superplex to The Miz as the countdown began. Roman Reigns was then released from his pod and entered the ring the 5th entrant in the Elimination Chamber match.
Reigns blasted Cena in the face with a right hand and then delivered one to The Miz. Reigns punched Balor in the face and looked at Seth Rollins. Rollins and Reigns circled each other for a moment. The Miz shoved Reigns from behind and Roman fell onto Rollins. The Miz planted Seth with a DDT.
Everyone was on their knees besides The Miz and The Miz started pointing at every Superstar. The Miz connected with It Kicks to every Superstar and then hit a bunch of them on Roman Reigns. Roman got back up and hit The Miz with a massive Clothesline.
Finn beatdown Reigns in the corner and then threw Rollins out of the ring. Reigns used to the time to regroup and hit a Clothesline off the second rope to Balor for another two count. Reigns clubbed Balor across the chest several times in the corner and then threw him across the ring. Roman went for a roll-up but transitioned into a Powerbomb. Reigns hit Cena with a Samoan Drop for two.
Roman connected with a Powerbomb to The Miz for two. The crowd chanted “get these hands!” as Braun Strowan looked on from his pod. Braun was released from his pod and immediately whipped Seth into the cage. Braun punched Roman in the face and then knocked Balor to the mat. The Miz ran away as Braun punched Cena in the face and headbutted Cena to the mat.
Rollins and Cena teamed up and attacked Braun Strowman. They tried to Suplex him but Strowman countered and Suplexed Cena and Rollins at the same time. Balor tried to leap onto Braun but Strowman caught him and casually tossed him onto Roman Reigns. Strowman turned his attention to The Miz who climbed on top a pod. Strowman quickly climbed up there and grabbed The Miz by his hair. Strowman slammed The Miz off the plexiglass above the pod and then threw The Miz onto the other Superstars in the ring. Braun posed on top of the pod as the crowd cheered.
Strowman got back into the ring and stared at Elias who was still in his pod. Braun stomped on Miz’ back and then clubbed him across the chest. Strowman clubbed Reigns across the chest and once again stared at Elias. Rollins attacked Braun from behind but Strowman shrugged it off and punched Seth in the face. Strowman lifted Seth above his head and threw him to the chamber floor surrounding the ring.
Braun lifted The Miz onto his shoulders and connected with a Running Powerslam to eliminate The Miz. Elias was then released from his pod and he took his sweet time getting out of there as Strowman was staring at him. Elias elected to not get out of the pod and shut the door.
Reigns, Cena, Balor and Rollins all attacked Strowman from behind and beat him down. Cena, Balor and Rollins lifted Braun up and Reigns planted Strowman with a Shield Bomb. All four men tried to cover Braun at the same time but Braun kicked out. Cena hit an Attitude Adjustment to Strowman and went for the cover but Braun kicked out at one. Reigns hit a Spear on Strowman for a two count. Rollins then hit a Curb Stomp on Braun and Strowman rolled to the floor outside the ring. Balor hit the Coupe de Grace to Strowman on the chamber floor.
Back in the ring, Cena hit Reigns with an AA. Rollins took out Balor with a Slingblade and then knocked Cena to the mat. Elias got out of his pod and unsuccessfully tried to pin Cena, Balor, Rollins and Reigns. Elias beatdown Reigns int he corner and then ripped his shirt off.
Elias leveled Cena with a knee and climbed to the top rope. Elias connected with an Elbow Drop to Seth Rollins for a two count. Reigns lifted Elias onto his shoulders but Elias escaped and then planted Reigns with an awesome Powerbomb for a two count. Strowman got back in the ring and threw Elias to the corner. Braun charged at him but Elias dodged it and Strowman slammed into the ring post.
Elias tried to lift up Strowman but collapsed to the canvas under Strowman’s weight. Braun then planted Elias with the Running Powerslam to eliminate Elias. It was now down to Strowman, Rollins, Reigns, Balor and Cena. The crowd sang “na-na-na-hey-hey-hey-goodbye!” as Elias walked up the entrance ramp.
Braun went for the Running Powerslam on Reigns but Seth connected with a knee that broke it up. Cena tried to leap onto Strowman but Braun caught him in midair and planted Cena with the Running Powerslam to eliminate it him. It was now down to Reigns, Strowman, Rollins and Balor.
Strowman shouted “who wants these hands?!” and then blasted Reigns and Rollins in the face. Finn Balor approached Strowman and traded shots with him. Finn hit a couple of kicks and then climbed to the top but Strowman grabbed him. Braun went for the Running Powerslam but Balor escaped. Balor hit two Dropkicks that knocked Braun to his knees. Balor connected with the Coup de Grace to the back of Strowman for a two count.
Rollins booted Balor in the face but Balor answered with an overhead kick of his own. Finn connected with the 1916 for two. Reigns got back into the ring and Balor greeted him with a Slingblade. Balor Dropkicked Reigns to the mat and then hit a Coup de Grace on Reigns. Strowman got back into the ring and grabbed Finn Balor and planted him with a Running Powerslam. Finn Balor was eliminated and it was down to Rollins, Reigns and Strowman.
Reigns and Rollins teamed up to try and eliminate Braun Strowman. They attacked him but Braun fought them off. Braun charged at Rollins but Seth ducked and grabbed the top rope and Strowman tumbled to the floor. Rollins and Reigns beatdown Strowman and then slammed him into the structure surrounding the ring a couple of times.
Seth Rollins attacked Reigns and threw him back to the ring. Seth hit a Clothesline and went for the Curb Stomp but Reigns avoided it. Roman went for the Superman Punch but Rollins ducked and connected with a Buckle Bomb to Roman. Reigns bounced off the turnbuckle and connected with a Superman Punch.
Braun lifted Rollins onto his shoulders but Seth escaped and climbed the chamber. Braun followed him as Seth kept booting him int he face. Reigns came up from behind and planted Braun with a Samoan Drop to the chamber floor. Braun rolled back into the ring as Seth stood on top of the pod. Rollins looked at the WrestleMania sign and then hit a Frog Splash to Strowman for a two count.
Reigns and Rollins once again teamed up against Strowman. Braun fought them off and then Dropkicked Reigns out of the ring. Seth hit a Superkick to Braun and followed it up with another one. Rollins went for the Curb Stomp but Braun countered into a Powerslam. Seth Rollins was eliminated and it was now down to Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman. Braun Strowman has now eliminated five Superstars in this match.
Strowman challenged Reigns to get in the ring as Roman was pacing on the chamber floor. The crowd chanted “get these hands!” as Reigns stared at Braun. Reigns got back in the ring and had a stare down with Strowman. Reigns hit a couple of right hands but Braun grabbed him by the throat and threw Roman out of the ring.
Braun went to the chamber floor and lifted Roman onto his shoulder. Reigns escaped and shoved Strowman into the chamber. Reigns leaped onto Strowman and bounced him into the structure. Strowman charged at Reigns but Roman got out of the way and Braun crashed through the pod. Reigns hit a Superman Punch and Braun rolled back into the ring. Roman hit a second Superman Punch and Strowman dropped to a knee.
Reigns geared up in the corner and went for the Spear but Strowman blocked it. Roman hit another Superman Punch and delivered a Spear to Strowman. Braun got right back up but Roman hit another Spear for the pinfall victory. Roman Reigns will now face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34 for the Universal Championship. After the match, Strowman planted Reigns with a Running Powerslam. The crowd chanted “one more time!” and Braun obliged. Strowman then brought Reigns out of the ring and threw him through the plexiglass pod. Strowman posed as Elimination Chamber went off the air. Brock Lesnar will be on RAW tomorrow night to confront Reigns.
The Miz, Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, Elias, John Cena, Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns put on a great Elimination Chamber match tonight. Unfortunately, everyone on the planet knew that Reigns was going to win the match. The crowd booed towards the end of the match, but got to go home happy after Strowman dismantled Reigns after the match. Reigns and Lesnar will most likely put on a solid match at WrestleMania 34. At this point, I’d rather see Roman Reigns as the Universal Champion than Brock Lesnar. At the very least Reigns is on RAW every week.
Overall, WWE Elimination Chamber 2018 was a disappointment in my opinion. The entire show was far too predictable to get all that invested in. Let us know your thoughts on the PPV in the comments below.
The 2018 New Japan Cup participants have been revealed.
NJPW held a press conference tonight (Feb. 25) to announce the participants. This year’s New Japan Cup will begin on March 9. The single-elimination tournament will run through March 21. NJPW World will be airing all of the events live.
The winner of the New Japan Cup will receive a title shot of his choosing. This means that the one who emerges victorious isn’t guaranteed to go after the IWGP Heavyweight title. He can take on the United States, Intercontinental, or even the NEVER Openweight champion.
At Sakura Genesis on April 1, the winner will get his title opportunity. Last year’s winner was Katsuyori Shibata. He choose to challenge Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight title. Shibata lost the match and suffered a life-threatening head injury. He is doing much better now, however his in-ring career is likely over.
The last New Japan Cup winner to be successful in his title match was Tetusya Naito. He won the 2016 New Japan Cup and went on to defeat Okada at Invasion Attack for the IWGP Heavyweight title.
Below is the list of participants for the 2018 New Japan Cup.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2018 took place at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.
Kickoff Show Results:
– Paige joins the Kickoff Show panel with Renee Young, Booker T, Peter Rosenberg, and David Otunga to give her predictions for tonight’s show, and for Ronda Rousey’s future in WWE.
– Bayley and Sasha Banks do an interview in the back with Mike Rome. Rome has to stand awkwardly because he’s too tall to fit in the frame otherwise. Mickie James interrupts and says she’ll beat them tonight and go on to WrestleMania.
– We see a pre-taped promo from Matt Hardy discussing his plants to delete Bray Wyatt.
– Seth Rollins cut a promo about tonight’s Chamber match, and emphasizing that he needs to win to go to WrestleMania.
– We go back to the Kickoff Show panel, where they have Kurt Angle on the screen for an interview. Angle says that Jason Jordan won’t be back until after WrestleMania. He says anyone could win in the Chamber tonight, and they better be ready because Brock Lesnar is in his prime.
– The Miztourage vs. Gallows & Anderson: The opening bell sounds and the Miztourage uses frequent tags and double teams to take control of Anderson early on. Anderson ducks a shot from Dallas and drops him with a back suplex. Axel tags in and Anderson boots him down, then tags in Gallows. Gallwos comes in and cleans house. He hits a running plsash on Dallas, then a kick. The Miztourage tries to come back, but Gallows knocks Dallas outside then boots down Axel. Anderson tags in and they hit the Magic Killer on Axel for the three count after a short match.
Winners: Gallows & Anderson
– The Revival cuts a promo in the back saying that’s not real tag-team wrestling, and they’re going to show them how it’s done.
– Back to the Kickoff Show panel, we see a video package going over Ronda Rousey’s arrival in WWE, and promoting her contract signing tonight.
– We go to a video package about the men’s & women’s Elimination Chamber matches tonight, and the consequences for WrestleMania. Elimination Chamber starts next!
WWE Elimination Chamber 2018:
– Michael Cole, Jonathan Coachman & Corey Graves welcome us to the T Mobile Arena, and they introduce a video package for the women’s Elimination Chamber match.
– Women’s Elimination Chamber: Bayley and Sonya start this one off and they fight outside of the ring onto the chamber floor early on. Sonya tries to slingshot Bayley into the cage, but Bayley blocks and climbs up the cage. Sonya pulls her down, but Bayley breaks free and drops her on the chamber floor. Back in the ring, Bayley drops Sonya face-first onto the turnbuckle, then hits a back suplex for a two count. Sonya rolls out to the floor, and Bayley comes flying off the top with an elbow drop on Sonya the chamber floor.
Mandy is the first woman to leave their pod and enter the match. Bayley drops her early on and starts hitting splashes on both Mandy and Sonya in the corner. Bayley beats down both Absolution members, until they double team her with Mandy hits an elbow to the face and then Sonya spears her down on the chamber floor. Sonya and Mandy pick up Bayley and slam her into the chamber cage. They tie up Bayley’s arms in the cage and take turns beating on her. The buzzer sounds and Sasha Banks is out next. Sasha starts cleaning house and whips Mandy into the pod door. She starts beating down Sonya in the ring and hits the running double knees for a two count.
Mandy gets back in the ring now and starts beating on Sasha. Sasha finally fights up and comes back with a backstabber, then locks in the Banks Statement. Sonya tries to break it up, but Bayley runs in and knocks her down and pummels on her. Mandy taps out to the Banks Statement and must now leave the chamber. The buzzer sounds and Mickie is in next. Mickie ducks a shot from Sasha, then spears her and pummels on her. Mickie drops Bayley next, then tees off on Sasha with kicks. She boots down Sony, then goes for a DDT on Bayley, but Sasha breaks it up. Mickie comes back and back body drops Sasha, then drops Bayley again. Mickie starts going at it with Sonya now, and Sonya slams her into the chamber wall. Bayley drops Sonya, then starts going at it with Mickie. They start climbing the chamber wall and fighting up the wall. Mickie knocks Bayley down, then Mickie climbs onto the top of a pod. She comes flying off the top of the pod onto Sonya with a Thesz Press and pins her for the three count.
Bayley hits a belly to belly suplex on Sasha, then she hits one on Mickie too and pins Mickie for the three count. It’s down to Sasha and Bayley, and Alexa is in the pod waiting to be released. Alexa is released, but she shuts her door again and tries to keep Sasha and Bayley away from her. They finally get her out of the pod, and Alexa starts climbing up the wall to get away from them. Sasha and Bayley follow her up, and they fight onto the roof of a pod. Sasha pretends to help up Bayley onto the roof of the pod, but then kicks her down onto the floor of the chamber. Sasha stalks Alexa now, until Bayley comes back and tackles Sasha down. Bayley and Sasha now go at it in the ring. Alexa starts beating down Bayley, but Bayley comes back with a suplex out of nowhere. Bayley looks for a splash in the corner, but Sasha runs in and spears her into the corner. She starts pummeling on Bayley in the corner, but Bayley flips Sasha into the corner and hangs her in the tree of woe. Bayley stomps on Sasha, then climbs up top. Bliss runs over and hits Bayley, and superplexes Bayley off the corner. Banks gets to her feet and climbs up top. Banks hits a frogsplash on Bayley for a two count. Banks drops Bliss next and goes up top, but Bayley runs up and hits a belly to belly off the top on Banks. Bliss runs over and rolls up Bayley out of nowhere for the three count, and Bayley is eliminated. Bliss pins Banks but only gets two.
Bliss goes for the Twisted Bliss off the top, but Banks blocks with her knees. Banks puts Bliss up against the chamber wall and hits some knees to the face. Bliss ducks one and Banks’ leg gets stuck in the cage, then Bliss slams her down on the floor. Bliss climbs up to the top of a pod, then hits a Twisted Bliss on Banks onto the chamber floor. Banks no-sells it and puts Bliss in the Banks Statement. They fight into the ring, and Bliss breaks free from Sasha. Sasha boots her down, then starts climbing to the top of a pod. Bliss hits Banks from behind and knocks her face into the wall. Bliss then hits a DDT off the turnbuckle for the three count.
Winner & still RAW Women’s Champion: Alexa Bliss
– Bliss celebrates with her Women’s Title as Banks recovers on the floor. Bliss does an interview in the ring with Renee after the match where she says this win means everything to her. She says this win is for “every little girl or woman at home who dreamed big.” She keeps saying inspirational quotes, but then cuts it out and says nobody in this crowd tonight will ever do what she did. She says she proved tonight there is nobody better than her.
– Kurt Angle is shown knocking on Ronda Rousey’s locker room in the back and entering.
– Titus Worldwide vs. The Bar: Before the opening bell, Crews and Titus drop Sheamus and Cesaro and hit a double clothesline. The opening bell finally sounds and the fight spills out to ringside early on. Sheamus clotheslines down Crews on the ringside floor, as Dana Brooke looks on. Back in the ring, Cesaro starts working over Apollo and applies a side headlock. Sheamus is in now and puts Crews in an arm lock. Sheamus misses a shot in the corner, and Crews finally gets the hot tag to Titus. Titus runs in and hits a splash in the corner and starts cleaning house. Titus drops Cesaro, and Sheamus tags in. Sheamus drops Titus’ neck across the top rope, then Sheamus climbs the turnbuckle. Sheamus comes flying off, but Titus catches him in mid air and drops him. Cesaro drops Titus, then rolls outside with Sheamus for a breather. Crews runs in and hits a suicide dive on Cesaro and Sheamus. Back in the ring, Sheamus comes back with a slam on Crews. Cesaro beats down Titus at ringside, then tags in. Cesaro attacks Crews from behind, and they double team Crews for the three count.
Winners & still Tag Team Titles: The Bar
– Sheamus and Cesaro celebrate with their Tag Titles after the match, as Dana Brooke checks on titus and Apollo.
– We see a video package looking over the Nia Jax vs. Asuka feud. They’re up next.
– Nia Jax vs. Asuka: If Nia wins, she gets a spot in the Women’s Title match at WrestleMania. Nia takes control of this one early on as she overpowers Asuka. Asuka runs the ropes, but Nia catches her by the hair and decks her. Nia slams Asuka into the corner now and continues the beat down. Asuka finally fights her way up and gets Nia in a front face lock, but Nia reverses into a suplex. Asuka follows up with some strikes, then a jawbreaker. Asuka follows up with a series of kicks, but Nia drops her with a Samoan Drop. Nia goes for a leg drop, but Asuka moves and hits a Shining Wizard. More kicks from Asuka now, including two to the head while Nia is grounded. Asuka pins for a two count. They fight up to the turnbuuckle and Nia looks for a super Samoan Drop, but Asuka escapes. Nia kicks Asuka down and goes for the Bonzai Drop, but Asuka moves. Asuka runs the ropes, but Nia drops her with a lariat. Nia goes for a swanton bomb, but Asuka rolls and Nia lands on Asuka’s legs. It looks like this hurt Asuka’s knee. Asuka ducks a shot and puts in the Asuka Lock, but Nia gets out and slams Asuka into the corner. Nia goes for a powerbomb, but Asuka reverses into a rollup pin for the three count.
Winner: Asuka
– Alexa Bliss is shown watching on a monitor backstage. Nia then beats down Asuka after the match.
– Roman Reigns does an interview in the back where he says he’s giving everyone a WWE spoiler alert: He’s winning tonight, and then taking the Universal title from Lesnar at WrestleMania.
– We see a video package looking over the Bray Wyatt vs. Matt Hardy feud.
– Matt Hardy vs. Bray Wyatt: Wyatt tries to get a sneak attack on Hardy befor the match, but Hardy disappears and hides. He gets on a mic and taunts Wyatt. Matt comes back out of nowhere and starts brawling with Bray at ringside. They fight into the ring and the bell officially sounds. Matt goes for a neckbreaker, but Bray reverses. Bray charges but Matt stops him with a boot, then hits a neckbreaker. Bray drops Matt and takes control of this one now, keeping the Broken one grounded with a side headlock. They fight out to the apron and Bray slams Matt on the apron corner. Bray beats down Matt around ringside before taking him back in the ring. Back in the ring, Matt starts mounting a comeback and slams Wyatt into the corner repeatedly. Matt hits the Side Effect and pins, but only gets a two count. Matt goes up to the middle rope and hits a flying elbow. Matt starts getting the crowd fired up ad goes fo rthe Twist of Fate, but Wyatt reverses into a side suplex. Wyatt follows up with a running senton for 2. Wyatt goes for the Sister abigail, but Matt escapes. Wyatt follows up with a splash in the corner, and goes for the Sister abigail again, but Matt fights out. Wyatt hits a boot to the face, but MAtt answers with a kick of his own and a Twist of Fate for the three count.
Winner: Matt Hardy
– Kurt Angle is out to the ring next, and then Triple H and Stephanie McMahon come out next. Triple H says he’s about to introduce the biggest athlete they’re signing since Kurt Angle — Ronda Rousey. Ronda comes down to the ring and Stephanie introduces her and hands her the mic. Ronda talks about how glad she is to be here, and seems to get a mixed reaction from the crowd as her speech goes on. Triple H presents the contract to her, and reminds her that she declined any sort of perks or special treatment. She agrees, and Triple H tells her that if she signs, she has to compete at WrestleMania. Stephanie and Ronda start going over the contract, while Triple H starts talking to Kurt. Kurt looks concerned, and Ronda gets on the mic and asks Kurt if there’s something he wants to say. Kurt says there is. He says Triple H and Stephanie have been going on about how excited they are to have Ronda here, because they want revenge on her from WrestleMania 31. Triple H tells Kurt to shut up, but Kurt continues. Kurt says that Triple H told him “now we own the b*tch,” regarding Rousey. Triple H cuts Kurt off, and tells Ronda that Kurt has been sick and is delusional. Triple H starts walking Kurt away up the ramp, as Stephanie starts sweet-talking Ronda. Kurt gets on the mic from the ramp, and says “but Stephanie, didn’t you say that Ronda is such a has-been that even you could beat her up?” Stephanie tells Ronda she didn’t say anything, but Ronda gets in her face and backs her up to the ropes. Triple H gets between them and stares down Ronda. Triple H walks Stephanie out of the ring, then walks back over to Ronda. Ronda suplexes Triple H through the table, then Stephanie walks over and slaps Ronda across the face. Ronda stares down Stephanie and Stephanie runs away. Ronda signs the contract and drops it on Triple H then leaves as Stephanie runs to avoid her.
– Elias comes out for a song and he insults Las Vegas. He sings that he’s not scared of Braun Strowman, and Strowman comes out to interrupt. The Elimination Chamber is up next.
– Men’s Elimination Chamber: This one starts off with Miz, Rollins, and Balor. Miz tries to strike up a partnership with Balor out of the gate, but Balor declines. Balor drops Miz and Rollins, and hits a running dropkick on Miz. Balor slams Miz into the corner, then hits a kick on Rollins. Rollins starts firing up now and drops Balor, then hits a suplex and a Falcon Arrow on The Miz. It’s all Rollins now, until the next entrant comes in: John Cena.
Cena and Rollins come face to face and talk trash. Rollins slaps Cena across the face, then they start going at it. Cena drops Rollins, then drops Miz, and hits a double Five Knuckle Shuffle on them. Balor comes back in the mix and starts dropping people with kicks. Rollins and Miz split off and start fighting, and Cena and Balor start going at it on the other side of the chamber. Miz hits a running clothesline on Rollins in one corner, while Cena and Balor fight up to the top of the other corner. Cena hits a superplex on Balor on one corner, and Rollins hits a superplex on Miz on the opposite corner. Roman Reigns is in next. The Big Dog starts dropping everyone with right hands. Reigns and Rollins come face to face, and Miz sideswipes Reigns with a boot to the face. Miz drops Rollins next, then takes down Cena again. The Miz starts handing out kicks to his downed opponents, with multiple kicks to Reigns. Reigns ducks one and comes back with a series of clotheslines on Miz. Balor throws Miz outside, then Reigns hits a flying clothesline on Balor. Reigns hits a series of clotheslines on Balor, then rolls him up for a two count. Reigns transitions into a powerbomb on Balor for two. Reigns drops Cena next, then powerbombs Miz for a two count. Reigns looks for a Superman punch, but he gets distracted by the next entrant coming in: Braun Strowman.
Strowman comes in and starts dropping everyone with right hands and headbutts. Cena and Rollins try to double team Strowman, but Strowman suplexes the both of them at the same time. Strowman starts dropping everyone. The Miz starts climbing the cage wall, and strowman follows him right up the wall. They get to the top of the pod, and Strowman slams Miz’s head into the wall repeatedly. He throws Miz off the top of the cage onto the other opponents below. Strowman continues the beat down on everyone else in the ring with clubbing blows. Strowman gorilla press slams Rollins from the ring onto the chamber floor outside, and he crashes against the cage wall. Strowman hits a running powerslam on the Miz and pins him for the three count. Elias is the next and final entrant, but he tries to keep his pod door shut to avoid Strowman. Now Reigns, Rollins, Balor and Cena all gang up on Strowman all at once. They all do the Shield-bomb on Strowman, but Strowman kicks out at 2. Cena does the AA on Strowman for another two count. Reigns hits a spear on Strowman for another two count. Rollins hits the curb stomp on Strowman, and Strowman rolls out of the ring onto the chamber floor. Balor comes off the top and hits the Coup De Grace on Strowman on the floor. Cena hits an AA on Reigns, then Rollins superkicks Cena. Balor and Rollins collide in mid-air and everyone’s down. Elias runs in and starts trying to pin people, but only gets two counts.
Elias starts dropping everyone, but then Strowman comes up to him. Elias tries to pick up Strowman in the electric chair position, but can’t get him and it looks painful for Elias. Strowman drops Elias and pins for the three count, and Elias is eliminated. Everyone starts trying to take out Strowman, but he drops them all one by one. Cena goes for a flying cross body on Strowman, but Strowman catches him and hits a running powerslam on Cena. Strowman pins and gets the 3 count on Cena to eliminate him. Rollins and Balor take down Strowman next, then Balor boots Reigns in the head. Balor hits a kick to the head of Rollins next, then a Sling Blade on Reigns. Balor hits a running dropkick on Reigns in the corner, then hits the Coup De Grace on Reigns. Strowman comes in and hits a running powerslam on Balor and gets the three count. Balor has been eliminated, and it’s down to Strowman, Rollins and Reigns.
Rollins and Reigns gang up on Strowman now and drop him on the Chamber floor. Rollins then turns on Reigns and throws him into the cage wall. He throws Reigns in the ring then hits a springboard flying clothesline. Rollins goes for the curb stomp, but Reigns dodges it and hits a Superman punch. They get up and Rollins comes right back with a powerbob into the turnbuckle. Reigns now comes rihgt back with another Superman punch. Strowman gets back in now and drops Reigns, then chases Rollins up the cage wall. Reigns runs up behind and hits a Samoan Drop on Strowman on the chamber floor. Strowman rolls in the ring, and Rollins hits a frogsplash off the pod onto Strowman for a two count. Rollins and Reigns look to double team Strowman now, but Strowman drops them. Strowman hits a running dropkick on Reigns, but hten Rollins hits a series of superkicks on Strowman. Rollins looks for a curb stomp, but Strowman blocks it and hits a running powerslam on Rollins for the three count. Rollins is eliminated. It’s down to Reigns and Strowman.
They come face to face, and Reigns starts hitting Strowman with right hands. Strowman comes back with a shot of his own, then he throws Reigns into the cage wall. Strowman looks for a powerslam, but Reigns escapes and drops Strowman across the top rope. Reigns hits a flying clothesline on Strowman into the cage wall. Strowman charges at Reigns, but Reigns moves and Strowman crashes into a pod by himself. Reigns hits a Superman punch and Strowman falls into the ring. Reigns hits another Superman punch, then goes for a spear but Strowman blocks it. Reigns hits another Superman punch, then successfully hits a spear, but Strowman backs back up. Reigns hits another spear, and pins Strowman for the three count.
Winner: Roman Reigns
– Reigns is slow to get to his feet after the match. We see a video graphic showing Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the Universal Champion at WrestleMania. Before Reigns can leave, Strowman picks him up and hits a running powerslam. He picks up Reigns and hits another one, then raises his hands in the air. He picks up Reigns and takes him to the chamber floor, where he whips Reigns through a pod wall. Reigns is advertised for RAW Talk on the WWE Network after the PPV, as Elimination Chamber 2018 goes off the air.
The Elimination Chamber hasn’t begun and The Miz already feels as if he’s been slighted. The Intercontinental champion will participate in the men’s EC match tonight (Feb. 25). The winner will receive a shot at Brock Lesnar’s WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania.
While The Miz has his spot secured, he isn’t exactly feeling the love from the promotional side of things. Upon his arrival in Las Vegas, Miz saw an ad for the EC pay-per-view. The problem? Not only is The Miz not on the ad, but Dean Ambrose is featured despite not even being on the card.
Paige has had a rough go with her career as of late. While being sidelined with an injury, reports spread on the toxicity of her prior relationship with Alberto Del Rio. Then, footage leaked of Paige engaging in sexual activities with other wrestlers.
Ready to bounce back and put the negativity behind her, Paige returned to the ring but it was short-lived. She suffered an injury following a kick to the back by Sasha Banks at a house show. Reports surfaced claiming that Paige will not be cleared to compete in the WWE going forward.
Now, the former WWE Divas champion is dealing with body shaming. Paige fired back at people poking fun at her weight on Instagram:
Tonight (Feb. 25) the Elimination Chamber event takes place live on the WWE Network and pay-per-view. The men’s EC match will determine Brock Lesnar’s WrestleMania challenger for the WWE Universal Championship. Participating in the match will be Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, Braun Strowman, John Cena, The Miz, and Elias.
The advocate for “The Beast Incarnate” doesn’t appear too worried about his client’s next foe. Paul Heyman took to Twitter and offered an apology ahead of time. Lesnar will be appearing on Monday Night Raw tomorrow night and he will confront the men’s EC winner.
Every year on the road to WrestleMania, the WWE likes to remind fans of the humble beginnings of “The Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment.” It’s no secret that Vince McMahon took a risk when he invested in the mega pay-per-view event in 1985.
McMahon did everything he could to ensure that the first WrestleMania felt like an extravaganza. That means he had to pour a significant amount of money into the event. Had WrestleMania I been a flop, McMahon likely would’ve been out of the wrestling business and the WWE would’ve gone under. Below is a preview of the WWE Network special, WrestleMania Rewind:
WWE fans now know which matches will open and close the Elimination Chamber PPV event, which is slated to take place tonight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets.
Dave Meltzer speculated during the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that the Women’s Elimination Chamber match will open tonight’s event.
On the flip side, he believes that the Men’s Elimination Chamber will probably close the show. “I guess they are going to open with the Women’s Chamber and end with the Men’s Chamber,” Meltzer said.
– Ronda Rousey was training at the WWE Performance Center last week. Rousey’s personal photographer, Michael Mardones, posted some photos of her visit on Instagram, which reveal that she trained with Sara Del Rey, Norman Smiley, Shayna Baszler, Peyton Royce, Vanessa Borne, Wesley Blake, Steve Cutler, and MMA fighter Jessamyn Duke.
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– WWE Hall of Famer Greg “The Hammer” Valentine was forced to miss an independent wrestling show on Saturday in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada due to illness.
The former Intercontinental Championship was scheduled to appear at Canadian Wrestling’s Elite “Legends Of Wrestling and Professional Sports Convention 2,” but his wife told CWE officials that he became “violently ill” on Wednesday.
The company said in a statement on Thursday, “It is with great sadness CWE management has to report that we were contacted by Julie Valentine, the wife of Greg Valentine informing us that Greg became violently ill last night and was hopeful he would be feeling better before his flight this evening but is in need of medical attention and will not be able to attend this weekend’s CWE Legends Of Wrestling & Professional Sports Convention 2 in Winnipeg.”
This led to Ron Simmons reaching out to D’Lo Brown to appear at the convention in place of Valentine.
– Tonight at WWE Elimination Chamber, Sasha Banks, Bayley, Sonya Deville, Mandy Rose, and Mickie James will challenge Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss for her title in the first-ever Women’s Elimination Chamber Match. Ahead of the match, Banks revealed in this post on Instagram that she can only think about those who said she’d “never make it” and people labeling women’s wrestling as the “bathroom break” match.
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– Recent WWE signee EC3 and 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick attended Saturday’s UFC event — UFC on Fox: Emmett vs. Stephens — at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.
– Following Monday’s announcement that Jeff Jarrett will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018, the WWE Network has added videos highlighting the career of “Double J” to the “WWE Hall of Fame: Class of 2018” Collection.
Jinder Mahal believes he has plenty to offer in his WWE career.
Mahal caught everyone off guard last year when he captured the WWE Championship from Randy Orton. The company took a chance on Mahal due to his potential star power in the Indian market. His physique definitely didn’t hurt either.
While Mahal’s reign lasted 170 days and he’s now in the United States title picture, “The Modern Day Maharaja” says he is not in the midst of a demotion. In fact, he’s happy to have the opportunity to snag more titles.
Infinite Gold
He explained why during a recent appearance on the Sam Roberts Wrestling Podcast (via Cageside Seats):
“I continue to improve. It’s just not my goal to be a one-time champion. I’ve held the WWE championship but I look forward to holding it many more times, along with all the other championships. I want to be U.S. champion, I want to be Intercontinental champion, I want to be tag team champion, and I want to hold the WWE championship, all of them! I want to be here for a long, long time. I’m 31-years-old right now. I believe I haven’t even hit my prime yet. I think my prime is still yet to come and I believe I can be one of the top stars in WWE for a long time. I’m there mentally now, I’m there physically, I have the confidence now. I just continue to improve. I have a great relationship with Vince (McMahon) and Hunter and everything. You know, they’re oftentimes the first people that I go to for advice. So, everything is going great and I’m just looking forward to what’s next.”
Following Monday’s announcement that Jeff Jarrett will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley offered his thoughts on the news and Jarrett in a post on Facebook.
Foley, who has known Jarrett since 1988 when he worked the Memphis territory in Continental Wrestling Association (CWA) as Cactus Jack, also talks about his first impression of Jarrett, his reaction to Jarrett’s original concept for TNA, and more. Here is his post:
“WELCOME JEFF JARRETT INTO #WWEHOF
Maybe I’ve been living in a cave or something, but I just found out late last night about Jeff Jarrett’s induction into the WWE. The news took me by surprise, not because Double J is not worthy of the honor, but because of his less than harmonious parting of the ways with the company in the Fall of 1999.
But I have occasionally pointed out that forgiveness is one of wrestling’s steadiest on-screen motifs – think of any other medium where a man can be run over by a car, and be teaming up with the perpetrator just a few months later. Why Dwayne The Rock Johnson laid the smacketh down on me with 11 brutal chair shots in the 1999 Royal Rumble, only to team up and form The Rock and Sock” Connection with me months later. So why not take that spirit of forgiveness that is central to on-screen storylines, and let it transcend into the real world as well? Especially when it allows someone as worthy as Jeff Jarrett (which is still spelled J..E..ha ha J..A..ha ha..Double R..ha ha..E..Double T ha ha) into the Hall?
I’ve known Jeff for 30 years, having met him when I arrived in the Memphis territory in the summer of 1988. I’ve written in the past (mainly in “Have a Nice Day”) about how my Memphis experience was not among the happiest of my career. A few of the guys down there made life a little bit more difficult than it needed to me. But Jeff was always cool; even though he was the promoter’s son, he had no problem befriending the new kid from the North – and he quickly became one of my favorite opponents, both in Memphis and the Dallas based World Class Championship Wrestling (later to become USWA).
Although Jeff would go on to achieve most of his fame as a heel, back in the late eighties, he was one of the smoothest, most effective babyfaces in the business. He had that ability to have good matches with just about anyone, threw one of the best punches in the business, and in a territory like Memphis, no stranger to wild brawls, when the blood started flowing, and Jeff’s magnificent mane of natural blonde hair turned to crimson, the women in the audience just about lost their minds!
Jeff went on to have successful runs with both WWE (6X IC champion) and WCW (4X WCW World Champion) but when Mr McMahon purchased WCW, he made it crystal clear that Jeff would not be coming along for the ride, courtesy of an infamous on-air public firing that seemed to permanently shut the door on any further relationship. Had it been any other wrestler, Jeff would have set about securing as many independent bookings as possible. Instead, he went about changing the landscape of professional wrestling.
I received a call from Jeff in 2002, telling me about this pay-per-view only concept he had for a new wrestling promotion. I thought that perhaps Double J had lost his mind. Yet here we are, 15 years later, and despite many a bump in the road, personnel changes, ring-shape revisions, and perhaps more doubters than any promotion in wrestling history, Impact Wrestling is still alive and kicking. For all the derision the mere name of the company creates in so many, it’s almost impossible to envision the current landscape of WWE, or wrestling in general without acknowledging the talent that got their break or spent their formative years with TNA – and in the majority of those cases, Jeff Jarrett was instrumental in their hiring, and their development. It’s my hope that Jeff’s induction is not merely a one night exercise in mending fences, burying hatchets and letting bygones be forgotten. Instead, I hope it will be an opportunity for WWE to utilize Jeff’s lifetime of wrestling experience to play some type of role with the company.
I know what it’s like to be on the outs with WWE. I also know what it’s like to be welcomed back with open arms – literally open arms. And when those open arms belong to Vince McMahon, and he wraps those arms around you, and gives you that big laugh, why, it’s one of the greatest feelings in the world. With that hug and that laugh, there is a mutual understanding that, whatever may have gone down in the past, all is forgiven. For Jeff Jarrett, that hug has been a long time coming.”
Jarrett responded to Foley’s post with this tweet.
I’ve known @RealMickFoley 30 years…always been a true friend…very special story between us that took place recently that I’ll share when appropriate…thanks for your kind words Mick! https://t.co/D6gTBXKrUk
WWE Elimination Chamber 2018 airs this Sunday live from the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. The women’s Elimination Chamber match is for the RAW Women’s Championship. The men’s Elimination Chamber match will determine who will face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34 for the Universal Championship. Gallows and Anderson will face The Miztourage on the Kickoff Show. Here are 6 predictions for WWE Elimination Chamber 2018:
The Feud Between “Woken” Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt Will Finally Become Interesting
Photo Credit: WWE.com
“Woken” Matt Hardy versus Bray Wyatt was a feud that most people were looking forward to. Wyatt is terrific at promos and his character is almost as bizarre as “Woken” Matt Hardy. Unfortunately, the feud has fallen flat up until this point.
Wyatt defeated Hardy on the 25th anniversary episode of RAW. It was a quick match that took place in the Manhattan Center. This feud desperately needs something interesting to go down this Sunday at the Elimination Chamber PPV. Matt Hardy could use a victory on Sunday.
I’m hoping we get outside interference or some kind of Woken brilliance takes place that leads Hardy to victory. Something needs to happen during this match that gets people excited about “Woken” Matt Hardy again.
The Bar Will Retain Their Titles
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Apollo and Titus O’Neil have gotten the better of Sheamus and Cesaro recently on RAW. On this past Monday, Titus Worldwide defeated Sheamus and Cesaro for the third time. Dana Brooke pointed out that Titus Worldwide is the most deserving team on RAW for a title shot. The Bar then accepted the challenge and the match was made official for the PPV on Sunday.
The injury to Dean Ambrose really slowed down the momentum with RAW’s tag division. The Revival have recently returned and hopefully they can stay healthy. I don’t see Apollo & O’Neil defeating The Bar for a fourth time and winning the titles at Elimination Chamber. Sheamus and Cesaro will retain and hopefully enter a feud with The Revival in the near future.
Asuka Will Remain Undefeated
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Nia Jax will face Asuka this Sunday at Elimination Chamber. If Nia Jax defeats Asuka, she will be added to the title match Asuka chooses at WrestleMania 34. Asuka won the first ever women’s Royal Rumble match last month. She has yet to decide whether she will challenge for the SmackDown Women’s Championship or the RAW Women’s Championship.
Last Monday night, Nia Jax attacked Asuka from behind on RAW. She planted her with a Samoan Drop and then left Asuka laying the ring. Asuka and Nia Jax battled in NXT. Asuka won and kept her undefeated streak alive. I think the same thing is going to happen at Elimination Chamber. I can’t imagine WWE would hand Asuka her first loss leading into WrestleMania 34.
Ronda Rousey’s Contract Signing Will Be Interrupted
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Ronda Rousey will sign her contract Sunday night to officially become a member of the RAW roster. Rousey came down to the ring after Asuka won the women’s Royal Rumble and pointed at the WrestleMania sign.
There have been a ton of rumors about who Rousey will face at WrestleMania 34. Many believe that Rousey will team up with someone to face Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Nobody knows right now but I’ve got to believe that we will have an idea after Sunday night.
Ronda Rousey isn’t going to just sign a piece of paper at Elimination Chamber and walk away. Chaos always breaks out during these contract signings in the ring. I’m expecting someone to interrupt or maybe RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon will be in the ring right from the start to welcome Rousey to the RAW roster. I’m assuming RAW GM Kurt Angle will also be there for the signing.
Alexa Bliss Will Escape The Elimination Chamber With Her RAW Women’s Championship
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Alexa Bliss will defend her RAW Women’s Championship this Sunday against Sasha Banks, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Mickie James and Bayley in the first-ever women’s Elimination Chamber match. RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss complained to RAW GM Kurt Angle about having to defend her title at the PPV. She noted that Brock Lesnar doesn’t have to defend his Universal Championship in the Elimination Chamber match.
Bayley and Sasha Banks’ friendship was looking like it was going to be over when Banks scoffed at the idea that Bayley could defeat her. Bayley did wind up beating Sasha Banks in a singles match, but the two Superstars remained friends. However, Banks could betray Bayley at any point on Sunday night and eliminate her. Bayley could do the same, but I think Banks is the more likely Superstar to do so.
Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose are both part of Absolution. They will likely team up during the match and try to eliminate the other Superstars. The key here is when they will be released from their pods. If Rose and Deville are two out of the three first Superstars in the match, they could control the match until they were the final two Superstars remaining.
Bliss has been trying to get Mickie James back on her side during recent episodes of WWE RAW. Alexa Bliss was in a feud with Mickie James a few months back and called her an old lady and gave her diapers as a gift. Bliss emerged victorious in the feud and Mickie James hasn’t been in the title picture since.
I don’t get the feeling that Alexa Bliss is going to lose the title on Sunday. She will manipulate her way through the match and somehow escape as still the RAW Women’s Champion. The RAW and SmackDownWomen’s Championship matches for WrestleMania 34 are still completely up in the air right now.
One of the rumors going around is that Alexa Bliss will defend her title against Nia Jax. In order for that to happen, Asuka would have to defeat Nia Jax at the PPV and then select SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte as her opponent for WrestleMania 34. We will see what happens, but I’m expecting to see Bliss walk into WrestleMania 34 as the RAW Women’s Champion.
Roman Reigns Will Win The Men’s Elimination Chamber Match & Face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34
Photo Credit: WWE.com
John Cena, Finn Balor, The Miz, Elias, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns will battle in the Elimination Chamber match this Sunday. The winner of the match will go on to face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34 for the Universal Championship.
Elias defeated Braun Strowman and John Cena in a Triple Threat match to determine who will enter the Elimination Chamber last. John Cena defeated The Miz and due to the loss, The Miz will be the first Superstar to enter the Elimination Chamber.
Balor and Rollins qualified for the the match by simultaneously winning a Fatal 5-Way match to determine the final participant. It was originally supposed to be a “Second Chance” Fatal 4-Way match in which the losers of previous qualifying matches would battle to earn their way into the match. Rollins was added to the contest after it was announced that Jason Jordan would be sidelined with an injury. Thus, Rollins was no longer part of a tag team and asked RAW GM Kurt Angle to give him another shot at being the man on RAW. Angle eventually caved and granted Rollins his wish and added him to the “Second Chance” match and made it a Fatal 5-Way.
On this past Monday’s episode of RAW, Braun Strowman won an excellent Gauntlet match with all of the Superstars in the Elimination Chamber match this Sunday. Strowman was the final entrant in the Gauntlet match and absolutely dismantled The Miz to win the match. The Superstar that stood out the most in the match was Seth Rollins. Seth lasted over an hour and eliminated both Roman Reigns and John Cena. He eventually wore down and was eliminated by Elias.
I’m looking forward to this match because I think it has the potential to be great. Unfortunately, everyone is expecting Roman Reigns to win. The match could be excellent, but the ending feels obvious and I think the crowd will reject it once Reigns wins the match. The main event of WrestleMania 34 has been rumored to be Roman Reigns versus Brock Lesnar for some time now. The entire PPV seems pretty predictable, so hopefully WWE throws us some curveballs on Sunday night.
What are your predictions for WWE Elimination Chamber 2018? Share them in the comments below.
With WrestleMania 34 around the corner some big change-ups to the roster can be expected after “The Show Of Shows.” This could include another possible Superstar Shake-Up. That means top Superstars could be getting ready to switch brands, and per a report from Wrestling Observer Newsletter, that could include Seth Rollins and WWE Champion AJ Styles switching brands.
This is in an effort to freshen up potential feuds and matches on RAW and SmackDown Live. It’s believed backstage that Roman Reigns has primarily run through all the top contenders on RAW at the moment, so bringing over some new faces for him to feud with would be integral for him to have a good run as Universal Champion. With Styles going to RAW it would leave a big hole in the SmackDown Live roster, thus the reason to move Rollins over to Tuesday nights.
It would also be consistent with the new push he has been receiving from WWE brass as of late. Rollins would continue to be built up as the face of SmackDown. If WWE does do this it will take place by way of the rumored draft after WrestleMania. This weekend Rollins will be part of the first-ever Seven-Man Elimination Chamber match. The winner will go on to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 34.
Styles is scheduled to defend his WWE Title in a Fatal Five-Way against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin, and Dolph Ziggler. That will take place at WWE’s Fastlane pay-per-view (PPV) event next month on March 11th.
One-half of the SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions, The Usos, Jimmy Uso recently did an interview with The Mirror. Below are some of the highlights:
Lots has been said about the reinvention of the Usos, a transformation that began in late 2016. It feels like you’ve perfected the entire package – your look, theme music, ring work and promos. It’s all come together. How much input do you have in that process, like adopting new ring gear or selecting a new entrance song?
“That’s all us. I mean it, when you see this whole reinvention, that is every bit of me and my brother. It’s so funny because the ring work has never changed. That’s always been there. Our gear, literally, we wear that outside of the ring. That’s how I dress. Even with the baseball cap, I’m always having a cap on. And I just felt it was me to wear a cap out there. It’s little stuff like that to make us, us. That’s what that was. That’s how people found out we were real and they followed that and they could adapt to that. Everything is us, from the gear to the black and white, baseball caps to the shoes – I wore those same shoes I do when I’m wrestling – I wore them at high school. I wore those same shoes in high school. So when I’m telling you that’s the Usos, that’s the Usos.
“As far as our ring music, we was dying to go and hop on that track. We heard John Cena on his entrance music, I remember The Rock being on his entrance music, I just thought that was really cool and added a whole lot more personality to them, personally. So what you see out there, that’s 100% The Usos.”
Your feud with the New Day last year was fantastic. At Fastlane we get to see you go at it again, in what could perhaps become a triple threat, with Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin. What do you think Gable and Benjamin bring to the table and how excited are you to get to renew this feud with The New Day and freshen it up ahead of WrestleMania?
“I don’t know man, to me I feel like that’s something you got to ask Shelton and Gable. Ha ha. I know what we’re bringing to the table. These other tag teams have got to bring everything they’ve got to table to get on our level. The New Day, that feud right there – classic. Classic man. There was a rap battle in there and I ain’t never seen a rap battle done that way in the WWE. Yeah I’ve seen John Cena spit a couple of freestyles to Kurt Angle and stuff like that, you remember when he was the Doctor Of Thuganomics? But I ain’t never seen a rap battle like that though. I just thought that was fun man.
“Shelton and Gable, they are a real technical tag team, but they are new together so they still got a whole lot to learn about each other. But Gable is lucky he has Shelton in his corner, because Shelton was a mentor of mine before I started – he trained me at Booker T’s school [in Houston, Texas]. Gable is in good hands, I can vouch for that. I’m actually anxious to see what happens to Shelton and Gable man because that tag team right there, is the tag team to look out for, definitely.”
You can read Jimmy Uso’s full interview with The Mirror by clicking this link here.
WWE Superstar Roman Reigns recently did an interview with ESPN to promote tomorrow night’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view (PPV). Reigns was asked for his thoughts on “The Monster Among Men” Braun Strowman and said that he believes he’s going to be a monster in WWE for many more years to come:
“He’s a monster. It’s for real. He’s a big strong dude that can move. He’s a good athlete, too. It’s very rare you see men who stand 6-8, 6-9-plus, and they have to hitch to do what we do. On top of all that, he’s not a big blockhead. He’s a smart guy with a decent head on his shoulders where I think he’s going to continue to progress and continue to learn because there’s so many different facets and nuances that we do in the ring. He’s definitely going to be a monster for us for many years to come.”
Reigns was then asked about his fellow Shield teammate Seth Rollins, who he called his brother in “many regards”:
“That’s my brother, in so many regards. Not only in character and TV world perspective, but in real life. We’ve gone through so much and we’ve seen each other progress and advance in life and it’s really cool where we’re at.”
As for his thoughts on inaugural WWE Universal Champion Finn Balor, Reigns believes he’s in the right spot in WWE and says he has a great story and background from his days in Japan:
“The cool thing about Finn, and a lot of the guys we have, but especially his story and just his background and the time he spent in Japan and the whole Bullet Club scene and everything, I would just say he’s an extremely deserving competitor, and he’s in the right spot. He’s in the right light.
“I’m extremely happy with his progression as a character, and as long as he can keep Finn Balor doing what he’s doing, the Demon is always going to be really cool. He’s definitely a journeyman, but I’m happy he’s continually escalating and evolving throughout this career.”
“The Big Dog” then offered his thoughts on WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz, who he called an “underrated workhorse”:
“He’s an underrated workhorse. I’m extremely proud of the job that he does representing the company. The crossover reach that he has, and his ability to maintain the relationship he has with MTV [is great]. I think he’s very underrated for the amount of work that he does and I’m grateful to have him in our locker room.”
You can check out Reigns’ full interview with ESPN by clicking this link here.
WWE Hall Of Famer and Monday Night RAW General Manager Kurt Angle recently participated in a live Q&A session on his official Facebook page. “The Olympic Hero” was asked about who was his most natural opponent to work with between Brock Lesnar, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Triple H:
“All three were different but they were all exceptional. Brock was the best chemistry. Austin was the most intense. HHH had impeccable psychology. I enjoyed all of our matches. But Brock was easier to work with because of our backgrounds.”
Angle also revealed his pick for tomorrow’s Men’s Elimination Chamber match. The winner will go on to WrestleMania 34 to challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship. Angle is picking Finn Balor to walk out of the Chamber victorious:
“They’re all good enough for a title run. That’s tough. Cena needs it the least. I think Roman has proven to be the new face of WWE so I’m not sure he needs it. Braun is unbeatable so he seems to be in a good spot and doesn’t need title. Miz is the top heel and very established, so he doesn’t need title. Finn would be a good surprise.
“Elias is off to a great start, but most likely not ready for main event at WM…probably will be by next year. Seth could very well be the best on the roster. I’m a big fan of Seth. Another long title run is coming soon for him. So I’d say Finn Balor could very well rise out if this with a much NEEDED shot at the Universal Championship. My opinion only!”
He was then asked what his dream pay-per-view (PPV) would look like, and Angle said he’d like to see all Iron Man Matches:
“All Iron Man matches. 5 of them. Women’s. 205. Tag Team Championship. Intercontinental Championship. Universal Championship. All wrestling. No gimmicks. It would be long/boring after 2 or 3 matches, but if you really love wrestling, it would be incredible!”
