Welcome one and all to my preview and predictions blog for the "RAW" exclusive "WWE" live special, "Elimination Chamber". As always if you have any comments or feedback you can comment in the section below or by following me on Twitter or Instagram.
There is a lot happening in the "WWE" as of late. Ronda Rousey made a not so surprise appearance at "Royal Rumble" at the end of the first women's "Rumble" match. The surprising thing about Rousey's appearance was that she had signed a full time contract with the "WWE" and would be on the "RAW" brand, she will sign her contract live at "Elimination Chamber". The other major news coming from "WWE" is that all live specials will be dual branded after "Wrestlemania" which is a little bit of a shame as I feel they've not really given the lone brand live specials a chance to grow however, I understand that financially it makes a lot of sense to run less live specials if it means more ticket sales. Another down side is that there will be a lot of under card talent that will have less exposure on television, and perhaps may lead to a lot of releases after "Wrestlemania".
There isn't much missing from the card of "Elimination Chamber" The only thing missing is a "205 Live" match however, there is no match been announced for the pre show as of writing and I would think there may be a throw away tag match announced for the pre show. There is also no tag team championship match announced which is shocking as a Sheamus and Cesaro Vs. Gallows and Anderson would have been a great addition to the card.
1."Woken" Matt Hardy Vs. Bray Wyatt: Bray Wyatt is an example of how much can change in one year. Exactly one year ago Bray Wyatt became the "WWE" champion for the first time and that was arguably one of the last positive moments in his career to date. The feud between Wyatt and Hardy in his "Woken" form is entertaining enough but, has mostly been lost in the shuffle. I think the problem is that Hardy's change of character had been delayed for so long that most of the audience have lost interest, that's not saying that it's not great seeing Hardy playing a wildly different character than he ever has in "WWE" it has just taken so long for Hardy to get clearance for use of the gimmick that people became impatient. The problem with Wyatt is that his character is all over the place. He hasn't really settled on a clear character after a lot of stop starts. I would hate to see Wyatt disappear but, I think there needs to be a little bit of an overhaul and a clear character for him to develop. The match itself will be fine with both hopefully using the match to gain a little bit of interest in both characters and the story as a whole. I think Hardy will come out on top.
2. Asuka Vs. Nia Jax: There is an interesting stipulation for this match. If Nia wins the match she becomes part of the "RAW" women's championship match at "Wrestlemania" I'm not really sure how this one will end. I really can't see Asuka losing her streak in this fashion however, Nia seems to be on a roll and putting her in the match at "Wrestlemania" would make a lot of sense. I don't think Ronda Rousey would be put into such a high profile match so quickly but, I have been wrong before. I've had a big change of heart about Nia of late. I've never been a big fan of hers but, I have warmed to her a lot and could see her playing the baby face in a feud with Asuka or even Alexa Bliss. Asuka has been as solid as she was on "NXT", having some great matches with top talent. This could be a great match that could lead into an even more interesting story line leading into "Wrestlemania". As I've said can't see Asuka losing any time soon but, I really think Nia would be a great addition to the "Mania" match.
3. RAW Women's Championship Elimination Chamber: Alexa Bliss (C) Vs. Bayley Vs. Mandy Rose Vs. Mickie James Vs. Sasha Banks Vs. Sonya Deville: Yet another first for the "Women's Revolution" and what a barnstormer this match could be. Alexa Bliss continues to excel herself on a weekly basis, really becoming the anti hero character that the audience has warmed to. Bayley just seems to be coasting by a little, a change of gimmick is really needed. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville are both exceeding my expectations especially Deville and given time I feel these two could outgrow the "Absolution" stable. Mickie James is a little bit hit or miss, she may have outstayed her welcome a little bit. Sasha is like Bayley, she seems to be coasting a little bit with no real character guiding her position in the division. This is going to be one hell of a match, I'm actually looking forward to this more than the men's match. I can't really see Alexa losing before "Wrestlemania" as I think Asuka Vs. Bliss would do great business but, I could see either Deville or Sasha getting into the final two.
4. Elimination Chamber: Braun Strowman Vs. Elias Vs. Finn Balor Vs. John Cena Vs. Roman Reigns Vs. Seth Rollins Vs. The Miz: This is a real mixed bag of a match. Elias seems to becoming more and more popular by the week, I'm still not really on board hopefully this match will really bolster his career on "RAW". Cena being in this match is not really doing much for me if I'm honest. He seems like the odd man out. Strowman has vastly improved in the past year or so but, I don't think he would do so well in the main event at "Wrestlemania", not yet anyway. I really think the 3 most likely winners are Balor, Rollins or Reigns. That's not discounting The Miz, I just don't see him facing Lesnar at "Wrestlemania". I think Balor, Rollins and Reigns will definitely be the final three an as much as it pains me to say I think Reigns will come out on top as it would most likely be the big money match. This would more than likely lead to a Rollins Vs. Balor match and who could complain about that ?
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