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This was the final stop for RAW, on the road to WrestleMania. Because of the huge implications that certain matches and segments had, it was certainly a very eventful show. However, it was not a perfect show. We shall detail the best and worst of Elimination Chamber, in this very article.
Live from Las Vegas, this pay-per-view was notable for two historic matches. The first was the seven-man Elimination Chamber main event. The second, the first-ever women's Elimination Chamber match.
The wrestling was solid, for most of the night. The men and women of WWE delivered and then some.
However, we did have a problem with certain aspects of the show that hindered our enjoyment to a certain extent.
#1 Best: An outstanding promo
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The Women's Elimination Chamber match kicked the main show off, and it did deliver. All the women worked well together, and there were some really impressive high spots. As always, Sasha Banks proved that she's one of the better in-ring workers not just among the women, but in the company. And as many predicted, Alexa Bliss prevailed in the match.
What we loved the most about the match was, however, the promo at the end. Alexa Bliss seemed to be on the verge of turning face. She broke out in tears, and spoke some motivational words to the crowd, immediately following the match.
And then, she would swerve us all, to show us what an incredible heel she is. We cannot describe it here in words...it has to be seen to be believed.
For everyone who asks why WWE has so much faith in Alexa Bliss, despite the fact that she's not the best worker in the business, it is because she can take the crowd on an emotional roller coaster like few others can, with her incredible promos and outstanding expressions.
#1 Worst: Ronda Rousey's promo
We're certain that Ronda Rousey will take to the in-ring aspect of WWE quite easily. What concerns us is her ability to cut compelling promos. When surrounded by two consummate professionals like Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, Rousey's promo was quite underwhelming and to be honest, cringeworthy. It makes us wonder about her future.
The NXT system is for superstars like her to develop their footing. Shayna Baszler has transitioned wonderfully from MMA to professional wrestling now. Rousey will have a tougher time without its obvious advantage.
Kurt Angle was no better on the microphone, during this segment. In our opinion, it was a trainwreck with Kurt Angle saying WrestleMania 21 instead of 31.
If Angle and Rousey vs. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon is the direction WWE is heading in for WrestleMania, Rousey and Angle both need a mouthpiece ASAP!
#2 Best: Making Braun Strowman look strong
The men's Elimination Chamber match was the Braun Strowman show. Much like the gauntlet match was the Seth Rollins show. Strowman ploughed through the competition, eliminating every single match in the ring. Except Roman Reigns, of course.
Strowman has been built as a monster, over the past year. He needed to put on a good performance at the show, to not lose his steam. We felt WWE also protected Rollins, who has a fair bit of momentum as well, in the right manner.
Even after the match was done, Strowman still took Reigns to task. This was probably done so that the crowd would not boo the finish, with Strowman standing tall.
#2 Worst: Predictable outcomes
We knew the results even before the match happened. It's a well known fact that Roman Reigns is headed to the main event of WrestleMania 34. There was no way Asuka's streak would be broken, and no way The Miztourage would defeat The Club on the Kickoff show. The fact that Titus Worldwide won on TV, means they would lose at the pay-per-view.
So, the element of uncertainty that usually comes attached with, say, an NJPW pay-per-view was missing. And for this reason, the show was not perfect.
#3 Best: Triple H going through a table
We outlined how we did not enjoy Ronda Rousey's promo. However, what ensued wasn't bad at all. Like most contract signings in WWE go, it certainly ended in chaos. Triple H ended the night with crashing through wood, thanks to Ronda Rousey.
Stephanie McMahon's slap to Rousey was another cool moment. As the crowd let McMahon know that she had messed up (they used stronger language), we saw a future WrestleMania match flash before our eyes.
#3 Worst: Awful crowd
Enthusiastic crowds ensure great shows. Crowds without energy can kill a show. That's precisely what happened at Elimination Chamber. The crowd was quite awful, only showing a semblance of energy when someone confiscated their beach ball.
Las Vegas, please be more energetic in the next match. Please try and get the performers in the ring over, instead of getting yourselves over!
#4 Best/worst: The Universal Title match
Make no mistake about it! Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns will have a great match at WrestleMania. Both men are great performers and they will not disappoint on the big stage. At the same time, how exciting is this match, really?
After all, we did see this match at WrestleMania 31. The match was made memorable because of Seth Rollins' cash in. We doubt we're in for any real surprises this time around.
So a wrestling match between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar for the top prize in the industry? We like it, but we wonder if there couldn't have been a better alternative.
Let us know your thoughts on the pay-per-view in the comments.
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