The road to WrestleMania begins. All roads will now lead to WrestleMania. There will be a few pit stops. Like the first ever women’s Elimination Chamber match. Also, qualifying matches for the men’s Elimination Chamber. In which includes Finn Balor vs John Cena. With a couple title matches thrown in for good measure. Does WWE Raw live up after the historic Royal Rumble?
The opening and an announcement.
Stephanie McMahon starts the trip on the road to WrestleMania. Praising the WWE women for a historic night. She names people from Sasha Banks to Trish Stratus to Ronda Rousey. Stephanie saves one name for last. The Empress of tomorrow, Asuka. Before Stephanie let’s Asuka have her night she announces that for the 1st time. There will be a women’s Elimination Chamber match. Asuka is now to have her night. However Sasha Banks interrupts and calls Asuka out. It.. is.. on.
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Men’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match. Braun Strowman vs Kane in a Last man standing match.
The Monster is not happy losing his title at the Royal Rumble. It shows in this match. This was not a match. It was a crime scene. Braun just destroys Kane. Along with the announcer’s stage! That’s right I said STAGE! Braun flips the entire stage on to Kane. In which Kane never stood up again. Monsters are real people, monsters are real.
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Second Elimination Chamber qualifying match.
The Drifter Elias vs Woken Matt Hardy. Both look good in this match. Elias is finally getting a chance to look strong. Woken Matt is at a plateau. This match ended with Elias punching in his ticket for the Elimination Chamber. All thanks to a Bray Wyatt video interruption. Will the laughing end? Not according to the WWE creative.
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WWE Intercontinental Title match.
Roman Reigns invokes his rematch clause to The Miz. Reigns quickly starts a beat down on the Miz. The usual Miztourage antics ensue. Roman had enough and sent them packing via steel chair threats. The Miz capitalizes on the distraction and gets an upper hand on Roman. The Miz wins via sneaky roll up pin.This was actually a solid match. Both men gave solid shots and a good show.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3O9pvEIeXk&w=640&h=360]
The Boss vs The Empress.
Now on to what could be a main event match. Sasha come roaring out of the gate. With strong shots on Asuka. However, Asuka gains her bearings and returns the favor to Banks. Both ladies traded hard hit throughout the match. There was a scary moment on when Sasha hit her head on the floor. Sasha attempted to fly through the ropes and tackle Asuka. The Empress countered and Sasha fell head first. Later on after multiple counters from both ladies. Sasha hits two double knees. One outside the ring and one from the top rope. It’s the top rope one that caught Asuka on the side her head. The great match ended with Sasha hitting the Bank Statement on Asuka. The Empress counters in to the Asuka Lock and Sasha taps.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7VphbHrb-Y&w=640&h=360]
Third Elimination Chamber qualifying match.
Finn Balor vs John Cena. A match that is worthy of a PPV headline. Finn wants to avenge his elimination from the Rumble at the hands of Cena. John Cena wants a chance to go to WrestleMania. This match had little build to work with. A trend in the WWE. Both men put on a solid show. What intrigued the most was that Cena let the crowd get in his head. As usual, the crowd booed every chance they got. However, instead of Cena ignoring them like has for years. He decided to let it affect him. Often playing to the crowd, when he a chance to put away Finn. Balor seized the opportunity to counter Cena’s “Moves of doom”. Alas, it wasn’t enough. Cena hit a Super Attitude Adjustment from the 2nd rope. Becoming the third contestant in the Elimination Chamber.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpXDUj4V2EI&w=640&h=360]
Was this a fitting show after such a historic PPV?
I’m going with maybe. We got a great, yet dangerous match between Asuka and Sasha. Braun Strowman is again asserted as a Monster Among Men. I actually can’t wait to see what he destroys in the Elimination Chamber. A solid I.C. match, in which I’m beginning to think THe Miz is the GREATEST Intercontinental Champion ever. I know I’m stretching here a bit. But the man is consistent. The downers were the fluff matches. In which included a spot for the Elimination Chamber. The Road To WrestleMania is bound to have a few bumps. I just didn’t expect it to happen as soon as the trip begins.
