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It's been an action-packed week for WWE. Both RAW and SmackDown delivered in the leadup to Elimination Chamber in Saudi Arabia.
RAW aired live from Indianapolis this week. SmackDown, however, was filmed the week prior in New Orleans. The company packed up and headed to the Middle East a couple of days after RAW, making the 17 hour journey to Jeddah with only one layover in Europe.
The red brand served up a feast of action and memorable segments, including Omos dominating Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander in a Handicap Match. Becky Lynch and challenger Lita had a contract signing ahead of their huge RAW Women's Championship match at Elimination Chamber.
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Many fans learned what happened on SmackDown ahead of time as spoilers raced across social media. WWE themselves spoiled the Intercontinental Championship match before the show aired. However, it still made for a great episode leading into the blockbuster event in Saudi Arabia.
Elimination Chamber brought plenty of excitement as well, especially for local fans in Jeddah. As always with WWE's Saudi shows, the noise from the crowd was a constant, which certainly added to the occasion. They chanted for their favorite superstars, and WWE's brightest didn't disappoint.
With that being said, let's take a look at five WWE Superstars who impressed this week.
#5. Rhea Ripley shines on RAW and at Elimination Chamber
Rhea Ripley made her presence felt this week in WWE programming with a couple of strong, standout performances.
She kicked off her stellar week on RAW, competing in a Gauntlet Match to determine which wrestler would enter the Women's Elimination Chamber last. Rhea competed for 44 minutes, disposing of Nikki A.S.H., Liv Morgan and Doudrop before being eliminated.
Ripley then traveled to Saudi Arabia to compete in the Chamber match, showcasing her ability and incredible strength. She entered the match fourth and managed to eliminate Nikki A.S.H., but sadly fell short in the final three, denying her a shot at the RAW Women's Championship at WrestleMania.
There's no doubt Ripley will have a big role to play in the coming weeks, and it's clear the company is very high on her work inside the ring.
#4. United States Champion Damian Priest put an end to his losing streak on WWE RAW
Before heading into this week's edition of RAW, United States Champion Damian Priest hadn't won a televised match since January 3.
Priest suffered a defeat to Apollo Crews & The Dirty Dawgs in a tag match and back-to-back defeats to Kevin Owens before losing last week to AJ Styles. In winning, The Phenomenal One earned an opportunity to challenge for the US title on RAW this week.
Styles has been building some momentum on the red brand, so Priest had to bring his A game. He did just that, overcoming the former WWE Champion to retain his championship in style.
#3. Sami Zayn defeats Shinsuke Nakamura to reclaim the Intercontinental Championship
The last time the Intercontinental Championship was defended on television was September 24, 2021. It was reported that champion Shinsuke Nakamura was injured sometime between his last defense and now. However, he did defend it during the UK tour in November.
This week brought an end to that streak as the title was defended on SmackDown, and former champion Sami Zayn was the challenger. Zayn was provided with the opportunity after winning the number one contender's gauntlet during the holiday season on SmackDown.
The Master Strategist, who has been embroiled in a war with Johnny Knoxville since Royal Rumble, stunned fans to reclaim the title. It was a solid performance from Zayn, and fans can only guess at what sort of spectacle his celebration will involve next week.
#2. Bianca Belair punches her ticket to WrestleMania 38
The EST of WWE is once again showing everybody why she is one of the best talents currently performing in the women's division.
Bianca Belair has been in fine form recently and has used that momentum in one of the biggest weeks of her career. She overcame Rhea Ripley in a Gauntlet Match on RAW this week to secure her place as the last entrant in the Women's Elimination Chamber match.
Belair came out on top in Jeddah, punching her ticket to WrestleMania. She eliminated Rhea Ripley and Alexa Bliss along the way. Bianca is now set to face Becky Lynch for the RAW Women's Championship at the Show of Shows.
#1. Brock Lesnar becomes WWE Champion once again
From appearing on Pat McAfee's podcast to F5ing Austin Theory on RAW to then traveling to Jeddah and winning the WWE Championship, it's been quite a week for Brock Lesnar.
It was in the Saudi Arabia that his biggest moment came. The Beast Incarnate entered the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber with Riddle, AJ Styles, Austin Theory, Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley. But after an injury to Lashley and taunting by Rollins, The Beast burst from his pod early and laid waste to the field.
Lashley captured the title from Lesnar at the Royal Rumble thanks to inference from Universal Champion Roman Reigns and the shocking betrayal of Paul Heyman. Lesnar will now go on to WrestleMania to face Reigns in a Champion vs. Champion match.
Did you enjoy this week's action? Let us know in the comments section below!
Ex WWE writer blasts Liv Morgan HERE
