Two Elimination Chambers, four championships, and a big surprise to cap it off. WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 earned its way into the positive column with some solid matches, despite some slightly predictable outcomes.
With Pokemon suddenly the source of enjoyment and sorrow, expect some references in honor of its 25th anniversary. Hey scalpers, stop it!
I enjoyed both chambers, partly due to who was eliminated first from each. Well played WWE. Well played.
Due to Keith Lee unable to compete, a Fatal Four Way taking place on the pre-show determined to fill a vacant spot in the upcoming United States Championship match. John Morrison outlasted Ricochet, Elias, and Mustafa Ali. This was an expected fast paced ride, which was certainly enjoyable. A lot of close calls. I was surprised Ali didn’t get the victory, but judging by what happened later, I’m fine with it.
SmackDown Elimination Chamber – Daniel Bryan wins
Bacon Rorbin out first, I admit to have enjoyed seeing him go buh-bye. At one point I think the “It” factor was there, but ever since he turned over to this snarky pompus-ass attitude, it’s not the same. I miss the “Lone Wolf” days. You know that guy who won the Andre the Giant Memorial?
The order of entrants worked well, predictably coming down to Uso entering last. Bryan, Cesaro, and Owens were all on fire for this one. Lots of fantastic offensive moves. Zayn is great with using his comedy shenanigans during a match. The crazed hair works well on him. After Cesaro forced Bacon King out, Zayn had some offense before eating an Owens-served Stunner for the pinfall. Ultimately, Jey Uso would have the advantage, taking out Owens by slamming the chamber door on him, followed with a top rope splash. The same went for Cesaro, taking a mouthful of superkick before another splash for the elimination. However Uso decided to get crazy by climbing to the top of a chamber pod, but Bryan connected with double-knees, followed by the Running Knee for the hard-fought win.
Bryan lay prone, exhausted after the match as the Chamber would lift, allowing his next opponent, Roman Reigns to enter the ring. Remember, Reigns would defend the championship right after the chamber match ended. Bryan wound up locking Reigns in the Yes-Lock on countering a spear, but not enough juice left. Reigns overpowered, powerbombed, guillotine, and it was done.
Roman Reigns retains the WWE Universal Championship
Bryan, forever the underdog. I had hoped Cesaro would win, but this sort of drama would not have suited the Swiss Superman.
However, before Reigns could take his leave EDGE connected with his own Spear, and POINTED TO THE SIGN, thus signifying the rally cry of PokeMon trainers everywhere: “Roman Reigns! I choose you!”
For WrestleMania.
Matt Riddle defeated John Morrison and Bobby Lashley to win the United States Championship
This is why I was happy it wasn’t Mustafa Ali. The third man would eat the pin, thus protecting Lashley. This seemed pretty clear Riddle would finally win the United States Championship. However, he never beat Lashley. This will likely be the talking point in the next few weeks. Morrison had a great showing.
Makes one wonder the turnout had Keith Lee remained in the match. Hope he’s doing okay.
Backstage: The Miz and Bad Bunny have more words until Bunny’s backup in the form of Damien Priest steps in. We know this is heading to WrestleMania.
Why is nobody talking about how Bad Bunny may wind up becoming the longest reigning 24/7 Champion? No title defenses, eh?
Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax defeated Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships
The “future challengers challenging for championships” trope in full effect. Overall Belair and Banks worked well, despite one or two close calls. Baszler earned MVP in my mind, she seemed to handle most of the match duties. Jax with a few expected big slams and knockdowns. The challengers appeared to have victory assured, until Reginald tried to slip a foreign object to Banks while she already had Nia Jax in a submission hold. This made no sense. The ref was distracted, allowing Jax to recover and pin Banks.
Unfortunately, an average grade match brought down by a bizarre conclusion. I would have preferred a clean win.
Drew McIntyre wins the RAW Elimination Chamber Match to retain the WWE Championship
Two great things. Randy Orton eliminated first, plus Elimination Chamber 2021 was over by 9:30 Eastern time. Maybe I’m turning into an old man, but I can’t stay up until 11 or go for four hour PPVs anymore. Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton started, but as soon as McIntrye buzzed in, action picked up. Kofi Kingston drew the next entry, and with Drew, made quick work of the Apex Predator Viper Voices in my Head, sending him back to feud with fireballs and funhouses.
AJ Styles attempted to capitalize after Orton dropped everyone with RKOs. Big Omos pulled open his pod cell, but the attempt failed, also resulting in Omos being punted from ringside. After Sheamus finally entered the action picked up, with a Tower of Doom spot followed by Kingston diving off the top of a Chamber Pod. Sheamus rallied back, Brogue Kick for Kofi, sending him back to the locker room.
An interesting exchange of events, Jeff Hardy seemed poised to eliminate Styles when McIntyre jumped in with a Claymore to eliminate Hardy. Sheamus sought to capitalize with another Brogue Kick on McIntyre, but Styles struck with his Phenomenal Forearm to eliminate Sheamus. Down to two, Styles attempted another strike, but McIntrye saw it coming, blasting the flyer with a Claymore to end the bout with a pinfall victory.
Typically, one would want others do the dirty work and gain eliminations. Seemed in this match, a lot of attempted eliminations were interrupted for self-gratificating benefit.
But wait! There’s more! Bobby Lashley charged the ring, ambushing the sole survivor. Lashley positioning to be a contender?
No, wait! What’s this!?
A Wild Miz Appears! He uses Cash In the Briefcase! It’s SUPER Effective! Miz hits a short-kneeling DDT followed by the Skull Crushing Finale for the pinfall and the WWE Championship!!
If Wandavision causing comic book fans to theorize what is next, then WWE just dropped it’s own nexus of confusion. Will Miz defend against Bad Bunny at WrestleMania? Or will Damien Priest be a source of a short-lived reign as champ? If so, will it be Bobby Lashley or Drew McIntyre?
It is expected to see Lashley vs. McIntyre at WrestleMania. Will it be a one-on-one match, or with a championship on the line? Will Miz and Morrison team up to face Priest and Bad Bunny, or will WWE go for broke on cashing in on celebrity status? Is it possible The Miz will defend the WWE Championship against Bad Bunny? Or Damien Priest?
The next few weeks will be very interesting to say the least.
I enjoyed Elimination Chamber 2021, did you?
