Monday Night Raw presents the 2018 Elimination Chamber
This year’s iteration of the Elimination Chamber was doubly historic. The crowd in Las Vegas witnessed the inaugural Women’s Elimination Chamber Match, the largest standard Elimination Chamber field in WWE History, and the contract signing of Ronda Rousey by Raw. Who hit the jackpot and who rolled snake eyes? Let’s dive in!
Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. The Miztourage (Kickoff Match)
This match was an average pay per view opener. The Miztourage had established themselves early on and were dominant for a good portion of the contest. Gallows and Anderson did rally for a convincing win when Gallows super kicked Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel, which set up Axel up for a Magic Killer for the win. Seeds for a future feud appeared to have been planted when The Revival mocked The Good Brothers by calling them “a mockery of a tag team.”
Winners: Gallows & Anderson
WWE Raw Women’s Title Elimination Chamber Match: Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Bayley vs. Mandy Rose vs. Mickie James vs. Sonya Deville vs. Sasha Banks
This year’s Elimination Chamber started out historically with Women’s Elimination Chamber Match. Expectations were high given the entrants and the historic novelty involved and this match didn’t disappoint. Sonya Deville and Bayley were the first combatants but the match did turn into a tag match of sorts between Absolution and Bayley and Sasha Banks. The match did finally appear to finally set the stage for Sasha’s long speculated swerve on Bayley when she kicked her down as she was climbing up to the top of the pod as both of them were chasing Alexa Bliss. The match was full of big spots and dramatic near falls. The biggest spot came when The Goddess landed a Twisted Bliss from the top of the pod on Sasha, who reversed it into a Banks Statement. Alexa ultimately escaped to reign at least a little longer when she dispatched Sasha with a DDT while she was on the top rope.
Winner: Alexa Bliss Order of entry/elimination: 1) Sonya Deville (2nd: eliminated by Micki James, via pinfall) 2) Bayley (4th: eliminated by Alexa Bliss, via pinfall) 3) Mandy Rose (1st: eliminated by Sasha Banks, via submission) 4) Sasha Banks (5th: eliminated by Alexa Bliss, via pinfall) 5) Micki James (3rd: eliminated by Bayley, via pinfall) 6) Alexa Bliss (winner)
WWE Raw Tag Team Tite Match: The Bar (c) vs. Titus O’Neil and Apollo
This tag title defense match was a short affair. Apollo showcased his strength, agility, and athleticism were on full display in this match. Why he hasn’t had more of a spotlight given his talent is one of today’s great mysteries. Apollo’s run was cut short when Sheamus and Cesaro were able to isolate Apollo and keep him from tagging Titus in. Titus eventually was able to get a hot tag and nearly save the day for Titus Worldwide with a near fall on Sheamus after giving him a Clash of Titus. The Bar was able to retain the belts after chop blocking Apollo, allowed Sheamus to sidewalk slam him for the pin.
Winners: The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro)
Asuka vs. Nia Jax
Asuka’s indomitable streak was put to the staunchest possible test in the form of Nia Jax. Nia punished The Empress of Tomorrow with her offense. She also snuffed out Asuka’s rallies as well. The match came down to Asuka’s skill, resourcefulness, and perseverance in the face of Nia’s power. Asuka kept the streak alive and Nia out of WrestleMania (seemingly) by reversing her powerbomb attempt into a pinfall for the win. Nia brutally attacked Asuka after the match, so it’s to be expected that this feud isn’t over.
Winner: Asuka
Bray Wyatt vs. Matt Hardy
Crackpot on crackpot violence was the theme in this match, as Raw’s resident mad men squared off. Bray attempted to ambush Matt but was himself ambushed. The match was somewhat methodical and slow, save for Matt spurring “Delete” chants from the crowd. After a series of late reversals, The Woken One won the day by landing a Twist of Fate on the Moonshine Manson.
Winner: Matt Hardy
Ronda Rousey Raw Contract signing
Ronda Rousey made her second WWE pay per view appearance to sign with Raw with possible booking similar to Brock Lesnar . Kurt stirred up old hostilities by revealing that the signing was a ploy for vengeance on Ronda after she and The Rock humiliated Triple H and Stephanie at WrestleMania 31. Things got heated and Ronda side suplexed Triple H and Stephanie slapped her. Ronda signed the contract and the spot set the stage for Ronda’s WrestleMania debut.
#1 Contender for Universal Title Elimination Chamber Match
The Miz vs. Braun Strowman vs. Elias vs. Finn Balor vs. John Cena vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins
The main event set the stage for who gets to face Brock Lesnar for the title. Braun Strowman, as expected, was dominant. He simply manhandled everyone. Braun set an Elimination Chamber record with five pinfalls and kicked out of scores of pins. Despite this, the crowd was largely dead for the duration of the match. If Braun weren’t in the match, Seth Rollins likely would’ve been more on everyone’s minds, since he was the workhorse of the match until he was eliminated. Reigns remained and upset The Monster Among Men to likely close out his fourth straight WrestleMania with three Superman punches and two spears.
Winner: Roman Reigns Order of entry/elimination: 1) The Miz (1st by Braun Strowman, via pinfall) 2) Seth Rollins (5th by Braun Strowman, via pinfall) 3) Finn Balor (4th by Braun Strowman, via pinfall) 4) John Cena (3rd by Braun Strowman, via pinfall) 5) Roman Reigns (winner) 6) Braun Strowman (6th by Roman Reigns via pinfall) 7) Elias (2nd by Braun Strowman, via pinfall)
