SRS’ Elimination Chamber Thoughts And Podcast Notes

Kickoff Show

• I like Sam Roberts on these pre-shows. 
• Carmella playing someone who doesn't care on the panel fits. Ellsworth comes and takes her away. I wish that she would have hit on Roberts so Hogsworth could show up and bully him.
• The Becky Lynch backstage interview was pretty awkward. 
• JBL FELL AGAIN! I'm so glad I tuned in. 

Mojo Rawley defeated Curt Hawkins

• This is an opening match on WWE Main Event. 
• Mojo would have probably been something in the 1980's, he has a unique charisma.
• Bet Mojo doesn't keep that tilt-a-whirl powerslam finish. Too close to Braun Strowman.
• Otunga accidentally called Curt Hawkins by his real name. Oops.
• Suprisingly good match, but Mojo is still green.

Becky Lynch defeated Mickie James

• Mickie James' theme music is very, very babyface. The crowd reacted accordingly. 
• Ban those flappy ass pants Mickie wears, too.
• David Otunga acted like Mickie James hasn't wrestled in seven years. I guess the three title reigns in TNA were a dream. She has been inactive of late…but not for seven years! Thankfully JBL 
• I'm not a fan of paint-by-numbers comebacks. The heels look so stupid bumping and getting up over and over .
• Good camera angle. It helped hide the fact that front dropkicks are fucking stupid.
• James' spinning wheel kick was a beauty. 
• Enjoyable opener. Glad to see Mickie James back, because she's an incredible addition.

Apollo Crews and Kalisto defeated Dolph ZIggler

• Ziggler attacks Kalisto, because nobody likes lucha things.
• Crews is such a schmo on WWE TV. Jesus.
• Crews does one hell of an enziguri. 
• Kalisto sold his ass off, got the the ring and was like "fuck selling!"
• Apollo's Toss Powerbomb is forever impressive to me.
• As soon as it was 2-on-1, Ziggler lost. Probably should have. That's what would happen.
• Ziggler gets a big pop for being a dastardly dude after the match.
• Crews cries really convincingly after getting Pillmanized with a chair. 

TAG TEAM TURMOIL!

• Was really wanting American Alpha to run the table.
• If Rhyno and Slater did, then AA picked the bones, I wouldn't be mad.
• Heath Slater is deceptively athletic and really over with this crowd. They eliminate Breezango.
• Heath Slater pins Aiden English with MY FINISHER, for those of you who listen to the Matt Riddle show.
• The Usos beat Slater and Rhyno, but Slater and Rhyno looked good.
• American Alpha are out next with The Ascension to remain.
• Usos get beaten and then attack American Alpha in a really familiar scene.
• Viktor took one hell of a Grand Amplitude.
• Okay match, but whoever booked the thing should fight me in the streets.

Nikki Bella vs. Natalya

• This was a really slow paced match to start that Natalya controlled.
• The crowd was reacting to everything Natalya did.
• Nikki wearing Phoenix Sun colors. Cool gear.
• A great forearm and a terrible spinebuster from Nikki.
• Natalya plays heel a lot differently than many WWE talent do, interacting with the crowd a lot.
• Double countout. Good. Nikki probably shouldn't beat Natalya if she's about to take time off. 

Randy Orton defeated Luke Harper

• Luke Harper is so good, it's a shame he's the constant victim of injuries — both to himself and Erick Rowan, and stop and start booking.
• These two really went at it. They got a "this is awesome" chant for a match with a foregone conclusion. It's a testament to how hard they're working.
• Orton wins a really good, fun match. This show has been a fun one for me.
• Hopefully Rowan comes back before Mania so we can get a Harper/Rowan vs. AA program.

Smackdown Women's Championship
Naomi defeated Alexa Bliss (c)

• Naomi and Alexa Bliss both bringing the sweet gear.
• Naomi hit the buckles HARD on a bulldog attempt. 
• These two worked well with each other, and Naomi has made great leaps in the ring. 
• Naomi wins and cuts a great promo after the match. She's much better naturally, but she HAS to get better with scripted promos too.
• A very fun match and awesome moment.

WWE Championship
Elimination Chamber 

• I like the new Chamber structures. Bigger pods. Space fillers between them. Fillers on top. A giant beam on the cage. Plexiglass above the pods. Additional cameras. That's going to revolutionize the Chamber match. 
• We see the first indication of that as Ambrose hits an elbow off a pod to the outside area. It makes that a lot easier ont he talent. Good move. 
• By the way, AJ and Cena starting was a good, smart move. 
• AJ Styles took a psychotic bump off of a top rope version of Hernandez's old Cracker Jack finish. Jesus.
• Corbin ends up hitting End of Days on Cena, Styles and Ambrose before all is said and done, and got out of an STF. Looks SKRONG.
• He's rolled up by Ambrose off a Miz distraction, then KILLS Ambrose. There's a Mania program.
• Miz picks the bones and pins Ambrose in a cool spot. He got his revenge on Ambrose and can move on.
• There's a funny period of Miz domination, too. 
• JOHN CENA JUMPED OFF A POD!! Wow!
• Cena eliminated by Wyatt! Wow.
• Styles and Wyatt go at it, and hot damn, is it good.
• They're giving everything. Unbelievable.
• Bray Wyatt wins on a GREAT Sister Abigail. Incredible match.