WWE Elimination Chamber 2018 PREVIEW
The Road to WrestleMania has been a relentless gauntlet of shattered alliances, shocking returns, and unbridled fury, all converging on this Sunday's monumental WWE Elimination Chamber! Inside the unforgiving steel structure, championship dreams will be forged and WrestleMania aspirations will be brutally crushed. This event isn't just a stop on the Road to WrestleMania; it's a pivotal turning point where careers will be defined and legacies cemented. Here's an in-depth look at the detailed happenings leading into each highly anticipated match:Women's Elimination Chamber Match: Raw Women's Championship on the Line!
Confirmed Participants: Alexa Bliss (c), Mandy Rose, Nia Jax, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Paige, Ember MoonThe first-ever 7-Woman Elimination Chamber Match for the Raw Women's Championship promises to be a chaotic, historic, and utterly unpredictable affair. With more competitors than ever before crammed into "Satan's Structure," the dynamics are set to explode.
- Alexa Bliss (c): The "Five Feet of Fury" has proven herself a cunning and manipulative champion, constantly finding ways to retain her title. Her journey to this match has been fraught with desperation; she initially agreed to face five women, only for Raw General Manager Kurt Angle to dramatically add a seventh, Paige, and then Ember Moon. Bliss has been visibly agitated, even attempting to persuade Royal Rumble winner Asuka to challenge SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania instead of pursuing her Raw title. Her calculating nature and her ability to exploit any advantage will be put to the ultimate test against six determined challengers. Can her reign of terror continue amidst such overwhelming odds?
- Mandy Rose: As a key member of Absolution, Mandy Rose has shown a new, aggressive side since her arrival on Raw. She secured her spot by shocking the WWE Universe, defeating veteran Mickie James in a hard-fought qualifying match, thanks to a crucial distraction from her stablemate Sonya Deville. Rose's confidence has grown exponentially, and she'll be looking to prove that her beauty is matched only by her brutality.
- Nia Jax: The "Irresistible Force" has been a dominant presence, making quick work of Dana Brooke in her qualifier, dominating from bell to bell and finishing with a devastating leg drop. Jax has been a constant, looming threat to Alexa Bliss, and despite their uneasy alliance as "friends," the cracks in their relationship have become increasingly apparent. Jax's raw power makes her a favorite to dismantle anyone in her path, and she has her sights firmly set on the championship.
- Bayley: "The Huggable One" secured her opportunity by defeating Sonya Deville in a highly physical contest, overcoming interference from Mandy Rose to connect with a decisive Bayley-to-Belly suplex. Bayley's resilience and unwavering spirit will be crucial inside the Chamber, especially as she navigates the emotional minefield of her fractured friendship with Sasha Banks.
- Sasha Banks: "The Boss" kicked off the qualifying matches by defeating Alicia Fox, locking in her signature Bank Statement to secure her spot. However, the most compelling storyline surrounding Banks has been her escalating, bitter tension with former best friend Bayley. A recent 10-woman tag match saw Banks shockingly attack Bayley with a vicious Bank Statement after the bell, leaving their once-unbreakable bond in tatters. This betrayal has added a deeply personal layer to the match, raising questions about whether their rivalry will consume them both or if one can rise above the emotional turmoil to claim the gold.
- Paige: The enigmatic leader of Absolution made a shocking and highly anticipated return to Raw, announcing she was medically cleared to compete after a lengthy absence. She immediately demanded the final spot in the Chamber, showcasing her trademark confidence and ruthlessness. Her veteran savvy and unpredictable nature make her a dangerous contender who could easily capitalize on the chaos.
- Ember Moon: The "War Goddess" and NXT sensation earned her way into the match after defeating Paige via disqualification when Absolution interfered. In a groundbreaking move, Kurt Angle then announced that both Paige and Ember Moon would be added, making it a historic 7-woman match. Moon's awe-inspiring "Eclipse" corkscrew stunner has been a game-changer, and she's proven her incredible resilience and ability to adapt under pressure, making her a dark horse in this unpredictable contest.
Men's Elimination Chamber Match: Winner Challenges Universal Champion Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34!
Confirmed Participants: Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Samoa Joe, Bray WyattSix of Raw's most dominant Superstars will step into "Satan's Structure" with the ultimate prize on the line: a Universal Championship match against "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34. The build-up to this colossal encounter has been nothing short of explosive, marked by brutal brawls, shocking betrayals, and intense verbal confrontations.
- Braun Strowman: "The Monster Among Men" qualified by defeating Kane in a brutal Last Man Standing Match, a contest that saw both behemoths demolish the arena and each other. Strowman has been on an absolute rampage, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. He's powerslammed Seth Rollins through an announce table, chokeslammed Bray Wyatt through another, and declared his intention to take "bodies" and Lesnar's title. His recent F-5 to Lesnar on Raw sent a clear message, but Lesnar's retaliatory F-5 on the final Raw before the Chamber proved that even the Monster Among Men is not immune. Strowman's sheer, unadulterated power makes him arguably the most feared competitor in the match.
- Roman Reigns: "The Big Dog" overcame the odds in a thrilling triple threat match against The Miz and Finn Bálor to secure his coveted spot. Reigns has consistently made it clear that his path to the Universal Championship runs directly through anyone who stands in his way, a point he underscored with a post-match assault on both Strowman and Cena after their recent main event. He also delivered a thunderous Spear to Samoa Joe in a chaotic brawl, showcasing his readiness for war. Reigns' relentless pursuit of the Universal Title, a prize he feels is rightfully his, fuels his every move.
- John Cena: The 16-time World Champion qualified by defeating Bray Wyatt, continuing his quest for a record-breaking 17th World Title. Cena has been vocal about needing "one more miracle" to headline WrestleMania and prove he's still at the top of his game. He's been deeply entrenched in the brawls leading up to the Chamber, delivering a brutal Attitude Adjustment to Samoa Joe onto the steel steps, demonstrating that his "never give up" attitude extends to extreme measures.
- Seth Rollins: "The Architect" punched his ticket to the Chamber in a deeply personal and emotionally charged match against his former tag team partner, Jason Jordan. Raw General Manager Kurt Angle made the difficult decision to throw in the towel on behalf of his injured son, awarding Rollins the victory. Rollins has been a vocal critic of Brock Lesnar's part-time schedule and has shown he thrives in chaos, recently delivering a perfectly executed Curb Stomp to John Cena in a post-match melee. His technical prowess and high-flying offense make him a formidable threat.
- Samoa Joe: "The Destroyer" made his long-awaited and impactful return from injury, dominating Apollo Crews to qualify for the Chamber. Joe has been relentless in his pursuit of gold, locking in the Coquina Clutch on multiple opponents and declaring himself the one man Brock Lesnar has never truly broken. His submission specialist style and brutal strikes make him a dangerous opponent for anyone inside the steel structure.
- Bray Wyatt: "The Eater of Worlds" earned his spot by defeating his enigmatic rival, "Woken" Matt Hardy, in a chilling encounter. Wyatt has consistently proven to be a wildcard in any match, often turning on his own allies and thriving in psychological warfare. He recently caught Roman Reigns with a Sister Abigail on the exposed concrete floor, showcasing his willingness to inflict maximum damage. Wyatt's unpredictable nature and dark intentions could see him emerge from the Chamber as the ultimate victor.
Ronda Rousey's WWE In-Ring Debut: Opponent TBA
The "Baddest Woman on the Planet" is set to make her highly anticipated in-ring debut at Elimination Chamber, but in a twist that has sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, her opponent remains a complete mystery.- The Journey So Far: Ronda Rousey made a shocking and unforgettable appearance at the Royal Rumble, pointing decisively to the WrestleMania sign, signaling her intentions. She then officially signed her Raw contract at the subsequent Monday Night Raw. The contract signing segment itself was rife with tension, as WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon subtly questioned Rousey's ability to handle the grueling WWE schedule, while WWE COO Triple H announced her in-ring debut for Elimination Chamber. However, McMahon then delivered a calculated reveal: Rousey would only learn who her opponent is on the very night of the event, adding an immense layer of intrigue and psychological pressure.
- Intense Training: WWE cameras have provided exclusive, compelling footage of Rousey's rigorous training at the WWE Performance Center. These segments have showcased her seamlessly blending her world-class judo and MMA background with the unique demands of WWE-style grappling. Viewers have seen her dominating sparring partners with devastating throws and flawless armbars, perfecting new submission holds, and intently studying match film with WWE producers like Fit Finlay. Her dedication is undeniable, and her skills are rapidly adapting to the squared circle.
- Rousey's Ominous Warning: In a chilling and direct message to the WWE Universe, Rousey declared, "People think I've got something to prove. That this is my big test. That I should be nervous because it's the Elimination Chamber. They think I should be afraid of failure." She then scoffed, adding, "I've fought on the world's biggest stages. I've headlined arenas in front of millions. I've bled to be the best. So no I'm not nervous. They should be." She emphasized her intent with a stark warning: "This isn't a debut... it's a warning. After the Elimination Chamber... they'll never forget who ended their WrestleMania dreams." This statement sets a formidable tone for her WWE career, signaling that she's not just here to compete, but to dominate.
Raw Tag Team Championship Match: The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) (c) vs. The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs. The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
The Raw Tag Team Championship will be fiercely defended in a Triple Threat Match, featuring three distinct, highly competitive, and equally dangerous teams, each vying for supremacy.- The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) (c): The reigning champions recaptured the titles at the Royal Rumble, solidifying their position as one of WWE's most dominant duos. Sheamus and Cesaro have been boasting about their unparalleled chemistry and their ability to "set the bar" in the tag team division. They've been quick to mock and dismiss other teams, including both The Club and The Revival, believing themselves to be untouchable. Their hard-hitting, brawling style makes them a formidable force.
- The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder): "The Top Guys" have been on a resurgence, showcasing their old-school, no-nonsense approach to tag team wrestling. They defeated Heath Slater & Rhyno in a decisive victory and have been vocal about their intention to restore prestige and traditional tag team wrestling to the Raw Tag Team Division. Dawson and Wilder have made it unequivocally clear that they are coming for The Bar's titles, believing their technical prowess and cohesive teamwork will lead them to gold.
- The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson): After a conspicuous absence, "The Good Brothers" made a thunderous and impactful return to Raw, immediately laying out both The Revival and The Bar. Gallows and Anderson have looked leaner, meaner, and more focused than ever, quickly re-establishing their dominance. A recent triple threat preview match saw Anderson and Gallows deliver a devastating "Magic Killer" to Sheamus, standing tall over their Chamber opponents and throwing up their signature "Too Sweet" gesture. Their renewed intensity and tag team synergy suggest they might be the dark horses poised to steal the gold.
Intercontinental Championship Match: The Miz (c) vs. Finn Bálor
The "A-Lister" will defend his coveted Intercontinental Championship against the inaugural Universal Champion, Finn Bálor, in a rivalry that has become deeply personal and intensely heated.- The Miz (c): The Miz has been on a relentless mission to prove his worth as a main event player, especially after his recent loss in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match to Roman Reigns, which cost him a potential WrestleMania main event. He has repeatedly dismissed Finn Bálor, calling him a "failed experiment" and mercilessly mocking his injury history and his short-lived Universal Championship reign. The Miz, flanked by his Miztourage, has used his platform on MizTV to launch scathing verbal attacks, including a mock "Where Are They Now?" segment designed to humiliate Bálor, highlighting his 22-hour Universal Championship reign. The Miz believes he makes the Intercontinental Championship relevant and will do anything to keep it.
- Finn Bálor: Bálor has been on a determined quest for championship gold since his return, with his recent decisive victory over Bo Dallas showcasing his renewed focus and determination. The Miz's constant verbal assaults and personal attacks, particularly the cruel mockery of his injury, have clearly poked the "Demon" within Bálor. Bálor responded to The Miz's taunts by ambushing him during MizTV, swiftly dispatching the Miztourage and proclaiming, "You talk too much," signaling his intent to let his actions speak louder than words.
Don't miss WWE Elimination Chamber, live this Sunday, to witness the dramatic fallout from these intense rivalries and see who emerges victorious on the unforgiving Road to WrestleMania!
WWE Elimination Chamber 2018: The Ultimate Prediction Contest!
The Road to WrestleMania is heating up, and this Sunday, WWE Elimination Chamber promises to deliver an unforgettable night of action, drama, and shocking moments! From historic Chamber matches to highly anticipated debuts, there's no telling what will happen inside "Satan's Structure."WOMEN’S ELIMINATION CHAMBER MATCH
For the Raw Women’s ChampionshipParticipants: Alexa Bliss (c), Nia Jax, Sasha Banks, Bayley, Mandy Rose, Paige, Ember Moon
- Who will enter the Chamber last?
- Who will be the first woman eliminated?
- Who will eliminate the most competitors?
- Will Sasha Banks and Bayley directly cause each other’s eliminations (Yes/No)?
- Who will leave Elimination Chamber as Raw Women’s Champion?
MEN’S ELIMINATION CHAMBER MATCH
Winner challenges Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34Participants: Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns, John Cena, Seth Rollins, Samoa Joe, Bray Wyatt
- Who will start the match in the ring? (Name two)
- Will any tag-team-style alliances form during the match? (If yes, name them)
- Who will take the most finishers before being eliminated?
- Will Bray Wyatt use mind games (lights out, surprise attack, etc.) inside the Chamber? (Yes/No)
- Who will win the match and face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 34?
RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
The Bar (c) vs. The Club vs. The Revival- Which team will hit their finisher first (Magic Killer, Shatter Machine, White Noise combo)?
- Who will take the pinfall?
- Will all three teams be in the ring at once at any point? (Yes/No)
- Will the match end via clean pinfall, interference, or illegal tactics?
- Who walks out as Raw Tag Team Champions?
INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
The Miz (c) vs. Finn Bálor- Will The Miztourage interfere? (Yes/No)
- Will “The Demon” persona appear? (Yes/No)
- Who will hit their finisher first (Skull Crushing Finale or Coup de Grâce)?
- Will the match go over 10 minutes? (Yes/No)
- Who leaves with the Intercontinental Championship?
RONDA ROUSEY’S IN-RING DEBUT
Opponent: Mystery – revealed at the event
- Who will be Ronda Rousey's opponent?
- Will Stephanie McMahon interfere physically? (Yes/No)
- Will Ronda Rousey win via pinfall, submission, or disqualification?
- Will this match be longer or shorter than 5 minutes?
- Will there be a post-match altercation involving Rousey, Stephanie, or Triple H? (Yes/No)
BONUS QUESTIONS – TIEBREAKERS
- Which match will open the show?
- Which match will close the show (main event)?
- Will anyone bleed during the Elimination Chamber matches? (Yes/No)
- Will any superstar climb to the top of a pod and jump off it? (Yes/No)
- Pick one wild card moment that will happen at the show (e.g., shocking return, betrayal, debut)