Last night’s Raw was the continuation of the Elimination Chamber qualifying matches. They also made an announcement concerning the Women’s Elimination Chamber match. As this was the first Raw after the Super Bowl, how was Raw going to follow it?
Well, let’s see how they did with this show.
Roman Reigns def. Bray Wyatt to qualify for the Elimination Chamber.
Analysis: It’s refreshing that they kick off Raw with a match. It was also great to have a backstage promo from both men before the match. The match itself was okay. Roman winning was obvious and everyone saw it coming, guess it had to happen.
Balor Club def. The Revival
Analysis: The match was alright. Nothing interesting from this match. I don’t get what WWE is doing with this rivalry. Its just match after match with them and nothing to add to it.Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali def. Tony Nese and Drew Gulak
Analysis: Good high flying action from all 4 guys. Bizarre to see Rockstar Spud a.k.a Derek Maverick on a Raw announce table.
Kurt Angle announces participants in Women’s Elimination Chamber match. Announces Bayley, Sasha Banks, Sonya Deville, Mandy Rose and Mickie James for the chamber. He announces Asuka vs. Nia Jax for Elimination Chamber. If Nia wins, she is in the title match at Wrestlemania. Alexa Bliss comes out, complains and calls Kurt a sexist.
Analysis: Surprising that they didn’t have qualifying matches for them. This was an interesting promo between the two of them. Alexa calling Kurt a sexist is definitely a relevant story. Can’t wait to see how they follow it up.
Asuka def. Bayley
Analysis: The match was pretty good. Glad Asuka is still undefeated. The match with Asuka and Sasha Banks last week was better.
The Miz def. Apollo Crews to qualify for the Elimination Chamber.
Analysis: The promo by Miz is always gold. The match was okay. Crews had a pretty good showing but I’m glad Miz qualified.The Bar def. Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns by DQ to retain the Tag Team Championship.
Analysis: This made me hate Jason Jordan even more. If WWE wants us to hate him and make him heel, they are doing a good job. The match was okay, better than their tag match at the Rumble. The crowd was much more into it since it was in Rollins’ hometown.
Nia Jax def. Local Competitor
Analysis: This did make Nia look a little stronger. However, they should’ve never had Asuka vs. Nia on Raw that one night. Curious though to see how that match will be booked.
Mickie James def. Sonya Deville
Analysis: Finally Mickie gets a win. I know she’s there to put over the younger women but she’s gotta win sometimes. Confused about why Alexa saves her at the end but it will be interesting to see the follow-up.
Elias def. John Cena and Braun Strowman to be the last guy to enter the chamber.
Analysis: I was so surprised Elias got the win here. He’s the one who was obviously the least expected to win. The match was good and a decent main event.
Overall: This was a decent show. A few interesting moments but nothing to follow the Super Bowl. I’m intrigued to see how the build for Elimination Chamber will continue to unfold.