BY NISAR KHAN
MINNEAPOLIS - Randy Orton capitalized on the Wyatt Family's attack on John Cena, and Kane's attack on Daniel Bryan to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and see off five opponents in the Elimination Chamber match.
Elimination Chamber 2014 was hosted in the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was the final pay-per-view event before WrestleMania 30, which takes place in April.
Along with the main event, the WWE Universe also witnessed an epic war between two of the most formidable tandems in WWE history, as the Wyatt Family saw off The Shield in an incredible match.
In the pre-show, Cody Rhodes and Goldust prevailed in the pre-show match where they saw off a game effort from Curtis Axel and Ryback. The 'Brotherhood', as they are known, showed great unity and chemistry to persevere with things not going their way in previous weeks. They had previously lost the titles at Royal Rumble, less than one month prior.
Six superstars featured in the main event, known as the Elimination Chamber. A barbaric, unforgiving structure that was the only way to capture the prestigious WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Big E def. Jack Swagger
Retains Intercontinental Championship (via Pinfall)
Intercontinental Champion Big E Langston extended his reign to 96-days as Champion as he overcame an onslaught from Jack Swagger in the opening match of the PPV.
Jack Swagger, who seemed a redeemed superstar on his resurgence following Zeb Colter's motivating tactics, had Big E locked in a Patriot Lock (ankle lock) on two occasions, and the Champion was on the verge of tapping out.
The Real American would also feel the wrath of Big E's power, coming with no surprise that he has enjoyed such a dominant reign as Champion. It wasn't long before the fans were chanting "HOLY [expletive]" in reaction to a shocking spear from Big E Langston sending Jack Swagger off the apron, and powering himself through the ropes.
Zeb Colter would also prove a distraction, but not effective to seize the Championship out of the Master of the Five Count's grasp.
A solid match between two of WWE's upcoming stars would conclude when Big E Langston found a way out of the Patriot Lock to nail Jack Swagger with a Big Ending, meaning in hindsight, that a strong showing from Jack Swagger was alas in vein.
New Age Outlaws def. The Usos
Retain WWE Tag Team Championships (via Pinfall)
The New Age Outlaws made their second title defense as they defeated Samoan Twins, The Usos - who came agonizingly close to capturing the Gold.
Throughout a majority of the action, Jimmy & Jey Uso controlled the match with their activeness and energy outdoing The New Age Outlaws in a battle of different generations. They were tagging in actively to control the former DX tandem members.
At times the action would also spill to the outside, as Billy Gunn took a few cheap shots while his opponents where pre-occupied with his tag team partner Road Dogg. With The Usos nearing a win, a roll-up from Billy Gunn, seemingly illegally pulling the tights to do so, put The Usos' tag team Gold ambitions on hold.
Titus O'Neil def. Darren Young
Titus O'Neil dominated his long-time friend and former teammate Darren Young to take out his frustration from recent weeks.
While Darren Young had glimpses of resistance to battle Titus O'Neil, the powerhouse would control the match for the majority, including a display of extraordinary power where his Irish Whip completely threw Darren Young over the turnbuckle.
Eventually, Darren Young would succumb to Titus O'Neil's power, and was put away as O'Neil picked up a big win to propel him forward.
The Wyatt Family def. The Shield
The Wyatt Family triumphed in an epic battle with The Shield as the two tandems collided in an incredible contest.
It would be the numbers game that this time round, would catch up with The Shield. The Wyatt Family would manage to take out the other members during a truly captivating back-and-forth contest.
As the spotlight descended upon the Target Center in Minneapolis, there was a big fight feel as they prepared to do battle in what would be a sensational match. An early brawl broke out between the two that would only further the desires of the fans who were eager for the match.
Seth Rollins was fired up during his spell that got the fans pumped up, as he took out Erick Rowan with a suicide dive, but his night would come to an end when he went crashing through a table.
Dean Ambrose would ruthlessly tangle with his opponents, although he would also succumb to the unmatched ability, as Bray Wyatt dispatched him from the other side of the barricade.
Recurring scenes of carnage all around the arena were a potent demonstration of the war that had ensued. Luke Harper flying over the ropes was a huge highlight of the match with the 300-pounder catapulting himself toward The Shield.
Roman Reigns was the last man, and he would show an incredible feat of strength when Bray Wyatt attempted to dispatch him with the Sister Abigail - pulling his hand off and thereafter clearing house with a Superman punch to Bray Wyatt and spear to Luke Harper.
However, the numbers were against him, as they would catch up and Bray Wyatt would capitalize to finish Roman Reigns.
This match description, like The Shield does not do the match justice. The Wyatt Family are the victors from an absolute classic.
Batista def. Alberto Del Rio
Batista set his sights on WrestleMania after overcoming an early attack from the Mexican Aristocrat.
A second attempt of a Batista bomb would prove successful as Batista responded from the onslaught to put Del Rio away.
Faking an injury, Alberto Del Rio entered with crutches, but when Batista was looking away, Del Rio launched an early attack.
As a result Batista was slow out of the blocks, that was until Del Rio's head rattled the exposed metal turnbuckle leading to a powerful Batista bomb.
Randy Orton wins Elimination Chamber match
Retains WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Randy Orton capitalized on the Wyatt Family's attack of John Cena and Kane's cheap shot to Daniel Bryan to prevail in an amazing Elimination Chamber match.
Antonio Cesaro and Sheamus started off the action as the first two in the match. Two brutally-matched superstars would throw big shots at each other including countless uppercuts, and later on Sheamus would deliver a grueling slam to rattle Cesaro's back off the unforgiving steel.
Daniel Bryan's arrival as the third entrant would heat up the Minneapolis crowd as he flew around the ring and garnered momentum. Soon though, his former WrestleMania opponent Sheamus would ground him.
Christian would enter next, and worked on damaging Daniel Bryan's injured arm. A few moments after, Cesaro would punish Christian smashing him through the pod glass. Cesaro, who put on a great showing, would also hit Sheamus with the glass.
By the time WWE Champion Randy Orton had entered, no one was eliminated and six opponents occupied the Elimination Chamber. The Champion was soon cornered but locked himself back in the pod - that was until Sheamus had other ideas and Brogue Kicked Randy Orton, breaking the glass in the process.
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton was subject to a huge Cesaro swing that involved 30 full swings.
The first elimination would be Christian eliminating Randy Orton. A German Suplex from the top rope by Randy Orton was followed up by a splash from Christian from the top of the pod, putting an end to Sheamus' twenty-six minute run in the match.
Soon after however, Daniel Bryan would eliminate Christian with a Flying Knee, leaving four combatants left.
In what would prove his final feat of strength, Cesaro would take out Daniel Bryan and John Cena with an electric chair, but after John Cena gave him an Attitude Adjustment onto the glass, and then an STF submission to follow, Cesaro would tap out and his great showing would come to an end.
With three combatants remaining, The Wyatt Family would intervene as the lights went out, and John Cena was targeted. They launched a savage attack followed by a Sister Abigail, screwing him out of a title two events in a row. Randy Orton would pin the helpless John Cena, leaving him and Daniel Bryan remaining in the contest.
Kane would get involved in diffusing the situation with The Wyatt Family, but would receive a knee from Kane, that would ultimately cost Bryan, as Kane hit him leading to a second RKO that would put Bryan away.
News Round Up
News from the ins-and-outs of the event
- "Bad News Barrett" enters after Big E defeats Jack Swagger. The British wrestler makes a mockery of the USA getting less medals than Russia in the Winter Olympics, also mocks Daniel Bryan after Tag-Team Championship bout
- "CM Punk" chants break out loud during The Usos vs. The New Age Outlaws, last for around twenty seconds
- #WWEChamber trends #1 Worldwide on Twitter half-an-hour into event, #SHIELDvsWYATTS also trends #1 Globally
- "Age and wisdom overcame youth" - Rey Mysterio on tag team Championship match
- Crowd loudest with "LET'S GO WYATT/SHIELD" chants throughout bout
- AJ Lee retains Diva's Championship vs. Cameron
- Fans boo Batista throughout Del Rio bout
Review
Big E and Jack Swagger really heated up the crowd to start the event with a solid match. Some superb spots including a suplex of the top rope and spear through the ropes showed that the two can really get it going. Going forward, Jack Swagger may be on course for a collision with his fellow Real American Antonio Cesaro, while Big E could be using his power in a bigger way, maybe Mark Henry perhaps? Perfect utilization of the mid-carders with that match.
It was quite a symbolic set up between The Usos and The New Age Outlaws. We had one young generation, future tag team Champions and the Veterans, elements proving to coexist and really put on a great match. The Usos will have their time, but now we shall enjoy the six time tag team Champions of the World perform very near to their prime.
Darren Young and Titus O'Neil's match was short and although its not preferred to say it, it was rather insignificant. The fans were not into it much, and a subdued reaction to Titus O'Neil's win. As for the match, O'Neil had good displays of strength, but it was a somber end to it all.
What a match between The Shield and The Wyatt Family. There are not enough superlatives to describe it. The crowd were red hot, each superstar shone, and it finished in the right way. It will be hard to top that for 'Match of the Year'.
We learnt it all, or at least our knowledge was reinforced in Batista's victory over Del Rio. No reaction with a crowd that was anti-Batista, and he is main eventing WrestleMania? He's in for a hard time from the fans.
Randy Orton vs. Batista is more than a questionable WrestleMania main event considering the reaction. But what a match at the Chamber, Cesaro pulled off a great performance, and stole the show with incredible spots. Wyatt Family and Kane go Orton's way to win. Dramatic conclusion too.
Yet again, Daniel Bryan is screwed out by the system, and Randy Orton scrapes through to win the Elimination Chamber, and will face Batista at WrestleMania 30.
Elimination Chamber 2014 was hosted in the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was the final pay-per-view event before WrestleMania 30, which takes place in April.
Along with the main event, the WWE Universe also witnessed an epic war between two of the most formidable tandems in WWE history, as the Wyatt Family saw off The Shield in an incredible match.
In the pre-show, Cody Rhodes and Goldust prevailed in the pre-show match where they saw off a game effort from Curtis Axel and Ryback. The 'Brotherhood', as they are known, showed great unity and chemistry to persevere with things not going their way in previous weeks. They had previously lost the titles at Royal Rumble, less than one month prior.
Six superstars featured in the main event, known as the Elimination Chamber. A barbaric, unforgiving structure that was the only way to capture the prestigious WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
Big E def. Jack Swagger
Retains Intercontinental Championship (via Pinfall)
Intercontinental Champion Big E Langston extended his reign to 96-days as Champion as he overcame an onslaught from Jack Swagger in the opening match of the PPV.
Jack Swagger, who seemed a redeemed superstar on his resurgence following Zeb Colter's motivating tactics, had Big E locked in a Patriot Lock (ankle lock) on two occasions, and the Champion was on the verge of tapping out.
The Real American would also feel the wrath of Big E's power, coming with no surprise that he has enjoyed such a dominant reign as Champion. It wasn't long before the fans were chanting "HOLY [expletive]" in reaction to a shocking spear from Big E Langston sending Jack Swagger off the apron, and powering himself through the ropes.
Zeb Colter would also prove a distraction, but not effective to seize the Championship out of the Master of the Five Count's grasp.
A solid match between two of WWE's upcoming stars would conclude when Big E Langston found a way out of the Patriot Lock to nail Jack Swagger with a Big Ending, meaning in hindsight, that a strong showing from Jack Swagger was alas in vein.
 |
| IMAGE COURTESY: WWE.com |
New Age Outlaws def. The Usos
Retain WWE Tag Team Championships (via Pinfall)
The New Age Outlaws made their second title defense as they defeated Samoan Twins, The Usos - who came agonizingly close to capturing the Gold.
Throughout a majority of the action, Jimmy & Jey Uso controlled the match with their activeness and energy outdoing The New Age Outlaws in a battle of different generations. They were tagging in actively to control the former DX tandem members.
At times the action would also spill to the outside, as Billy Gunn took a few cheap shots while his opponents where pre-occupied with his tag team partner Road Dogg. With The Usos nearing a win, a roll-up from Billy Gunn, seemingly illegally pulling the tights to do so, put The Usos' tag team Gold ambitions on hold.
Titus O'Neil def. Darren Young
Titus O'Neil dominated his long-time friend and former teammate Darren Young to take out his frustration from recent weeks.
While Darren Young had glimpses of resistance to battle Titus O'Neil, the powerhouse would control the match for the majority, including a display of extraordinary power where his Irish Whip completely threw Darren Young over the turnbuckle.
Eventually, Darren Young would succumb to Titus O'Neil's power, and was put away as O'Neil picked up a big win to propel him forward.
 |
| IMAGE COURTESY: WWE.com |
The Wyatt Family def. The Shield
The Wyatt Family triumphed in an epic battle with The Shield as the two tandems collided in an incredible contest.
It would be the numbers game that this time round, would catch up with The Shield. The Wyatt Family would manage to take out the other members during a truly captivating back-and-forth contest.
As the spotlight descended upon the Target Center in Minneapolis, there was a big fight feel as they prepared to do battle in what would be a sensational match. An early brawl broke out between the two that would only further the desires of the fans who were eager for the match.
Seth Rollins was fired up during his spell that got the fans pumped up, as he took out Erick Rowan with a suicide dive, but his night would come to an end when he went crashing through a table.
Dean Ambrose would ruthlessly tangle with his opponents, although he would also succumb to the unmatched ability, as Bray Wyatt dispatched him from the other side of the barricade.
Recurring scenes of carnage all around the arena were a potent demonstration of the war that had ensued. Luke Harper flying over the ropes was a huge highlight of the match with the 300-pounder catapulting himself toward The Shield.
Roman Reigns was the last man, and he would show an incredible feat of strength when Bray Wyatt attempted to dispatch him with the Sister Abigail - pulling his hand off and thereafter clearing house with a Superman punch to Bray Wyatt and spear to Luke Harper.
However, the numbers were against him, as they would catch up and Bray Wyatt would capitalize to finish Roman Reigns.
This match description, like The Shield does not do the match justice. The Wyatt Family are the victors from an absolute classic.
 |
| IMAGE COURTESY: WWE.com |
Batista def. Alberto Del Rio
Batista set his sights on WrestleMania after overcoming an early attack from the Mexican Aristocrat.
A second attempt of a Batista bomb would prove successful as Batista responded from the onslaught to put Del Rio away.
Faking an injury, Alberto Del Rio entered with crutches, but when Batista was looking away, Del Rio launched an early attack.
As a result Batista was slow out of the blocks, that was until Del Rio's head rattled the exposed metal turnbuckle leading to a powerful Batista bomb.
 |
| IMAGE COURTESY: WWE.com |
Randy Orton wins Elimination Chamber match
Retains WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Randy Orton capitalized on the Wyatt Family's attack of John Cena and Kane's cheap shot to Daniel Bryan to prevail in an amazing Elimination Chamber match.
Antonio Cesaro and Sheamus started off the action as the first two in the match. Two brutally-matched superstars would throw big shots at each other including countless uppercuts, and later on Sheamus would deliver a grueling slam to rattle Cesaro's back off the unforgiving steel.
Daniel Bryan's arrival as the third entrant would heat up the Minneapolis crowd as he flew around the ring and garnered momentum. Soon though, his former WrestleMania opponent Sheamus would ground him.
Christian would enter next, and worked on damaging Daniel Bryan's injured arm. A few moments after, Cesaro would punish Christian smashing him through the pod glass. Cesaro, who put on a great showing, would also hit Sheamus with the glass.
By the time WWE Champion Randy Orton had entered, no one was eliminated and six opponents occupied the Elimination Chamber. The Champion was soon cornered but locked himself back in the pod - that was until Sheamus had other ideas and Brogue Kicked Randy Orton, breaking the glass in the process.
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton was subject to a huge Cesaro swing that involved 30 full swings.
The first elimination would be Christian eliminating Randy Orton. A German Suplex from the top rope by Randy Orton was followed up by a splash from Christian from the top of the pod, putting an end to Sheamus' twenty-six minute run in the match.
Soon after however, Daniel Bryan would eliminate Christian with a Flying Knee, leaving four combatants left.
In what would prove his final feat of strength, Cesaro would take out Daniel Bryan and John Cena with an electric chair, but after John Cena gave him an Attitude Adjustment onto the glass, and then an STF submission to follow, Cesaro would tap out and his great showing would come to an end.
With three combatants remaining, The Wyatt Family would intervene as the lights went out, and John Cena was targeted. They launched a savage attack followed by a Sister Abigail, screwing him out of a title two events in a row. Randy Orton would pin the helpless John Cena, leaving him and Daniel Bryan remaining in the contest.
Kane would get involved in diffusing the situation with The Wyatt Family, but would receive a knee from Kane, that would ultimately cost Bryan, as Kane hit him leading to a second RKO that would put Bryan away.
News Round Up
News from the ins-and-outs of the event
- "Bad News Barrett" enters after Big E defeats Jack Swagger. The British wrestler makes a mockery of the USA getting less medals than Russia in the Winter Olympics, also mocks Daniel Bryan after Tag-Team Championship bout
- "CM Punk" chants break out loud during The Usos vs. The New Age Outlaws, last for around twenty seconds
- #WWEChamber trends #1 Worldwide on Twitter half-an-hour into event, #SHIELDvsWYATTS also trends #1 Globally
- "Age and wisdom overcame youth" - Rey Mysterio on tag team Championship match
- Crowd loudest with "LET'S GO WYATT/SHIELD" chants throughout bout
- AJ Lee retains Diva's Championship vs. Cameron
- Fans boo Batista throughout Del Rio bout
Review
Big E and Jack Swagger really heated up the crowd to start the event with a solid match. Some superb spots including a suplex of the top rope and spear through the ropes showed that the two can really get it going. Going forward, Jack Swagger may be on course for a collision with his fellow Real American Antonio Cesaro, while Big E could be using his power in a bigger way, maybe Mark Henry perhaps? Perfect utilization of the mid-carders with that match.
It was quite a symbolic set up between The Usos and The New Age Outlaws. We had one young generation, future tag team Champions and the Veterans, elements proving to coexist and really put on a great match. The Usos will have their time, but now we shall enjoy the six time tag team Champions of the World perform very near to their prime.
Darren Young and Titus O'Neil's match was short and although its not preferred to say it, it was rather insignificant. The fans were not into it much, and a subdued reaction to Titus O'Neil's win. As for the match, O'Neil had good displays of strength, but it was a somber end to it all.
What a match between The Shield and The Wyatt Family. There are not enough superlatives to describe it. The crowd were red hot, each superstar shone, and it finished in the right way. It will be hard to top that for 'Match of the Year'.
We learnt it all, or at least our knowledge was reinforced in Batista's victory over Del Rio. No reaction with a crowd that was anti-Batista, and he is main eventing WrestleMania? He's in for a hard time from the fans.
Randy Orton vs. Batista is more than a questionable WrestleMania main event considering the reaction. But what a match at the Chamber, Cesaro pulled off a great performance, and stole the show with incredible spots. Wyatt Family and Kane go Orton's way to win. Dramatic conclusion too.
-----------------------------
Yet again, Daniel Bryan is screwed out by the system, and Randy Orton scrapes through to win the Elimination Chamber, and will face Batista at WrestleMania 30.
TheSportMatrix.com
- Sports for the Fans, by the Fans.
Share This Post:
Connect With Us!
COMMENTS