Last night, the Elimination Chamber event changed the direction that the Road to WrestleMania seemed to be heading in.
For the better? It is too early to tell, but it is clear that this show has many fans eagerly awaiting their next move.
Let’s keep the theory train rolling and discuss the six biggest takeaways from WWE Elimination Chamber 2021.
6. Daniel Bryan Wins Elimination Chamber Match
The main show ignited with a promising Elimination Chamber bout. This opening match justifies how strongly SmackDown has built its main event and upper mid-card scene as any of these guys could have faced Roman Reigns afterwards.
Even men like King Corbin, who has overused the King gimmick now, got his decent moveset on display here.
The match started with Daniel Bryan and Cesaro fighting like old times. It has been speculated that Bryan is to thank for the Cesaro Section being loud and proud the last few weeks and that just makes this starter even more wholesome to watch. The best wrestlers doing what they do best.
Afterwards, Corbin came out and ran the show until Sami Zayn was released from the pod. Or should’ve been. He closed the door that had Corbin looming and was instead attacked by Cesaro and Bryan at the opposite side.
Zayn got lots of in-ring display during this match which fuels the desperation to see a babyface Sami Zayn once again. He is an incredible athlete!
One Zayn spot that didn’t go to plan for him was when he went for a Helluva kick on the outside and rather than hitting anyone he crashed into the pod, bending his foot in a sore looking spot.
Furthermore, he took one of the big, unique Chamber spots last night which saw Cesaro send him crashing from the top. Meanwhile, Cesaro started showing off by doing mind-blowing pull-ups from the ceiling’s chains. Oh god, I absolutely love Cesaro.
Owens was the fifth entrant and he proved why he is one of SmackDown’s biggest stars. Instantly, Zayn tried to renew their friendship but Owens fooled him and eliminated him further into the match.
If these two need something to do at WrestleMania, another Owens vs Zayn match would be intriguing, especially with the roles being reversed with Owens as the face and Zayn as the heel.
Finally, Jey Uso came out last; was this special treatment by the Head of the Table? Nevertheless, like a missile he targeted Owens. This led to one of my favorite spots of the match, which saw Owens get his arm trapped in the Chamber door, resulting in Uso superkicking him again and again to then hit the frog splash to eliminate the former #1 contender.
The match was very impressive and effective in conveying SmackDown’s talent. Daniel Bryan eventually picked up the win, but before he could celebrate…
5. Roman Reigns vs. Edge At WrestleMania 37 Confirmed
The Head of the Table cockily swaggered to the ring.
This was always the Tribal Chief’s plan. He knew that coming out immediately after the gruelling Chamber match would result in a quick victory for him. However, the title retention wasn’t the main story to unfold here.
As soon as the bell rang, Reigns sped into a spear, ready to end this there and then. Instead, Bryan managed to lock in the ‘Yes’ lock and get closer to becoming Universal Champion. However, Bryan was fatigued while Reigns was not. He powerfully broke the submission hold and managed to make Bryan pass out in the guillotine.
This wasn’t the main spot of this match though as right after, Edge hit the spear on Reigns, getting revenge for last week’s SmackDown ending. The Royal Rumble winner then whispered into the Universal Champion’s ear and with an eager guess and a point at the WrestleMania sign, it is easy to believe he challenged Reigns to a match on the ‘Grandest Stage of Them All’.
This was then confirmed later in the show.
Reigns passing out Bryan over the more exciting Cesaro win is probably because Reigns needs a story before he moves onto the ‘Rated-R Superstar’. Therefore, we will most likely see the full match between Reigns and Bryan at Fastlane next month.
