Why I Love Wrestling: Elimination Chamber predictions
Since the launch of the WWE Network, rumors have been circulating that there would eventually be network exclusive shows/events. These started with the NXT Takeover specials, all of which have been incredible, and continues this Sunday with Elimination Chamber. The Elimination Chamber event had previously been the May PPV but was replaced by Payback this year. The card for this inaugural network event is shaping up to be a lot of fun. Who will win? Who will lose? Read on humanoids and find out.
Neville vs Bo Dallas
Restarting their NXT feud on the main roster, Neville and Bo Dallas should be an extremely entertaining match. Neville has crushed it on the main roster so far having several high profile matches. Bo on the other hand started off strong, had an undefeated streak, was getting tons of heat, lost to RfuckingTruth of all people, and then got hurt. His return has been a welcome addition to a RAW show lacking in true heels. While this match will almost certainly fail to live up to the ladder match they had at the first Takeover event, where Neville took the NXT title, they should nonetheless have a great match. I’m predicting a win for Dallas here. Neville doesn’t need the rub, he is about as over as possible right now, and a win for Dallas sets them up for a program that could run until Summerslam.
Nikki Bella (c) vs Paige vs Naomi – WWE Divas Championship match
I have no idea where this feud is going. Nikki is a face all of a sudden. Paige is back after being attacked by Naomi at the London RAW. Naomi is recently heel but lost two weeks ago at Payback. There is a lot going on and I’m not sure that even the WWE writers know what they want out of this. Since I have to make a prediction, I’ll say Nikki retains the belt and goes on to feud with someone new while Paige and Naomi continue their storyline.
The New Day (c) vs Kidd and Cesaro vs The Lucha Dragons vs The Prime Time Players vs The Ascension vs Los Matadores – WWE Tag Team Championship match inside the Elimination Chamber
This match is going to be insane. There are so many moving parts here, six teams with twelve competitors and three valets/managers, coupled with the Chamber itself that this match could be one of the greatest spot fests in recent memory or could be an utter shit show. I’m going to go with greatness though as all of the guys here are really talented and know how to work a solid gimmick match. It will be interesting to see once all twelve guys get in the ring and start tearing each other up. I’m going to predict that The Prime Time Players go over and grab the belts for the first time.
John Cena vs Kevin Owens
First of all, holy shit. Kevin Owens, current NXT champ, is wrestling John Cena on a WWE PPV. That’s just crazy. Owens has been on RAW twice, layed John Cena out twice, and stomped on the US Title twice. There is no way he goes over at Elimination Chamber. But, the match will be close. Cena has done a great job of putting over new talent recently while still keeping the belt, and this match should be no different. This is a big opportunity for Owens and I’m positive he will take it and run with it. My prediction though is Cena getting the win after a few AA’s.
Sheamus vs. Ryback vs. R-Truth vs. King Barrett vs. Rusev vs. Dolph Ziggler – WWE Intercontinental Championship match inside the Elimination Chamber
The second match to take place inside the Chamber will be for the vacant IC strap. Daniel Bryan is hurt again and that gives a huge opportunity to one of these six guys. (well five really, R-Truth isn’t winning) I’m at a loss on this one as well. There are so many ways to go here that would work. Barrett is the easy choice. Ziggler is the popular choice. Rusev would be the most interesting choice. Ryback would be the most boring choice. And Sheamus would be the most forced choice. The match should be great. All of these guys can give and take a beating. I would expect Rusev to dominate for a ton of the match. But I predict Sheamus gets the belt here.
Seth Rollins (c) vs Dean Ambrose – WWE Championship match
I know what I want to happen here. I know what I hope will happen here. And I know what should happen here. Rollins and Ambrose had a nice feud going last year that got derailed because reasons. They have recently picked it back up and are running with it pretty hard. Their feud has a bit of Michaels/Austin to it and that’s a great thing. These two work so well together. Ambrose needs a good dance partner to have a great match and this should be a great match. I would expect lots of interference from J&J Security and the Authority, possibly some help from Roman Reigns, and at least one table spot. In the end, and I’m probably wrong but hear me out, I predict Ambrose gets the belt. There is no reason for it other than to show that anything can happen on the network and you (that’s the royal you) need to subscribe. It’s not the worst marketing gimmick and could lead to a nice feud over the summer culminating in Seth getting the belt back at Summerslam.
Agree? Disagree? Follow me on twitter, @geekadedan, and chat with me during the show using #WILW.
WWE Elimination Chamber airs Sunday, Mat 31st @ 8pm exclusively on the WWE Network.
