WrestleMania 35 is looming right around the corner and WWE Elimination Chamber will serve as one of the final stopping points before the show of shows. With a promising card and the guarantee of new champions crowned in the women’s division, with the installment of the new Women’s Tag Team Championship, it’s time to see what Elimination Chamber will look like
Raw Tag Team Championship: The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) (c) vs. Bobby Roode and Chad Gable
While not officially announced for the show, this match is expected for the Kickoff Show, seeing as The Revival captured the titles from Bobby Roode and Chad Gable on this week’s edition of Raw. The Revival had been speculated to leave WWE for AEW in the near future, as many felt that they were getting neither the respect nor push that they deserved, however many were surprised to see them retrieve the gold – albeit, out of nowhere – on Raw. This could have had to do with the rumors, but regardless, it sets up for an almost guaranteed rematch to fill some space.
Cruiserweight Championship: Buddy Murphy (c) vs. Akira Tozawa
After winning a fatal four-way on 205 Live recently, Akira Tozawa earned the right to challenge Buddy Murphy for his title. Tozawa, a former Cruisetweight Champion himself, spiced the match up by replying to Buddy’s claim that he is unstoppable by pointing out that “The King of the Cruiserweights” (Neville) said the same until Tozawa dethroned him. While this match will likely serve as a Kickoff Show match, as the cruiserweight match usually does, it will be interesting to see what direction WWE wants to go heading into WrestleMania with the division.
SmackDown Tag Team Championship: The Miz and Shane McMahon (c) vs. The Usos (Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso)
Since winning the tag team titles, the storyline between Miz and Shane McMahon has started to come together. They will receive a real first challenge in The Usos, who earned the #1 contendership on a recent episode of SmackDown Live. The Usos have won the tag team championships in WWE and accumulated five times and do not look to be slowing down any time soon. Time can only tell if Miz & Shane’s partnership is long-term, or if they will drop the titles at the Elimination Chamber.
No Disqualification Match: Braun Strowman vs. Baron Corbin
Since being demoted from his position of power as Raw General Manager-elect, Baron Corbin has done just about all that he can do to provoke Braun Strowman. From costing him the Universal Championship at Crown Jewel, to provoking him and causing his removal from the championship match at the Royal Rumble, Corbin has been on a mission to anger the Monster Among Men. This may come back to bite him, however, when Strowman finally gets his hands on him this Sunday. With the No Disqualification stipulation being added recently, the match now has more layers to be possibly be added on that night.
Intercontinental Championship, 2-on-1 Handicap Match: Bobby Lashley (c) and Lio Rush vs. Finn Balor
After failing to dethrone Universal Champion Brock Lesnar at the Royal Rumble, Finn Balor’s next rival quickly was revealed in the form of a surprise attack. Bobby Lashley, who has been on a path of destruction since claiming the Intercontinental Championship under the guidance of Lio Rush. A match with Finn Balor could not only add to the prestige of his reign but serve as either a feud to bring the title into WrestleMania or serve as a building block for something greater. Finn Balor being added to the Intercontinental title scene may seem like a repeat of last year at WrestleMania, but fans of Balor can at least rejoice that he is in a title picture still. With the numbers against Balor, with the inclusion of Rush on the side of Bobby, it may be an uphill battle for The Demon King.
Raw Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Ruby Riott
Arguably, the match on the card with arguably the least anticipation and, yet still the possibility to steal the show, is this title clash. After the Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, and Sarah Logan) began to pester Ronda Rousey, the Raw Women’s Champion made it her mission to dismantle the group. After already getting her hands on and beating Liv and Sarah, however, Ruby was more than cautious. However, the promise of a championship match would be enough to entice her to get into the ring with Rousey at Elimination Chamber.
Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber Match: Nia Jax and Tamina vs. Riott Squad (Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan) vs. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville vs. The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) vs. Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Naomi and Carmella
When Vince McMahon made the announcement for the new Women’s Tag Team Championships earlier this year, it was only a matter of time before the hype began. Taking place inside the Elimination Chamber, the second one to include female competitors, the twelve women involved each asserted dominance to earn a spot in the match. With each team either formerly established or made up of former singles champions respectively, it will be a fight to remember, as it we be a historic moment in the women’s revolution.
WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Match: Daniel Bryan (c) vs Samoa Joe vs AJ Styles vs Randy Orton vs Jeff Hardy vs Kofi Kingston
Only minutes after introducing his new “eco-friendly” WWE Championship design, Triple H would make the announcement that Daniel Bryan would be defending said championship inside of elimination chamber. Mustafa Ali, who was originally slated to compete in the match, would be replaced by Kofi Kingston, due to injury. Randy Orton would win a gauntlet match on SmackDown to earn the opportunity to enter the match last, giving him the best odds. Daniel Bryan won the championship from AJ Styles on an episode of SmackDown in November, adopting a villainous role, alongside the repackaged Erick Rowan. This match could very-well setup not only who will walk into WrestleMania as the WWE Champion, but also the challenger for the belt.
With Elimination Chamber this Sunday, it may become fan’s first genuine glimpse at the larger landscape of WrestleMania. Major title matches, new storylines, and new championships guarantees a show filled with surprises!
