Stealing The Show
The Shield defeated John Cena, Ryback, and Sheamus in the most entertaining match of the night. Many people wondered if Cena could lose so closely to Wrestlemania, and the answer is yes. He would gain nothing beating guys that have not won more than one match in their WWE careers, but The Shield would gain SO much heading into Wrestlemania. The action was intense and the pacing of the match was perfect. I love seeing Reigns, Rollins, and Ambrose work their unique styles in a fluid motion. They worked as a team, exactly what John Bradshaw Layfield. That is what they are, what they have been booked to do, and what they are succeeding in. Reigns is a beast, and his fast pace is better than most bigger men. I loved the spear from Reigns to Sheamus, lifting him and holding him in the air while driving his entire body through the barricade. This was spectacular, and I also felt that each member brings a different vibe to the match. Rollins is a hybrid type wrestler, able to do anything and is a perfectionist while taking chances. Reigns is the muscle, and Ambrose is a skilled technicial who know what to do and when to do it. Sheamus was a little invisible to me after his chops to kick off the match, and Cena did his usual deal. This was more about The Shield than anyone else. The faces can and will bounce back. Grade: A-
Jack Swagger wins the Elimination Chamber, and it threw me off quite a bit. Of the many scenarios, this one was so simple that I thought WWE would ignore. With a face champion who is Mexican, you need a heel that is going to test his limits. It is bucking the trend of WWE history, but they are strapping a rocket on the back of Swagger and Zeb and seeing if it pays off. If it is Swagger vs. Del Rio, then the names itself are a letdown. Look back at the history of the World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestlemania. You had Orton/Mysterio/Angle at WM 22, WM 23 had Undertaker/Batista, 24 had Edge/Taker, while the following year had Cena/Edge/Big Show. At Wrestlemania 26, Edge/Jericho fought to a great bout, while 27 had Del Rio/Edge, and 28 was Sheamus/Bryan. Aside from last year, every World Heavyweight Championship match had a great veteran leading the way. Does this pairing REALLY excite you? This, being a guy who lost last August to Santino time and time again? I am skeptical, and feel guys like Orton/Barrett/Bryan/Kane/Rhodes/Sandow and others will be left out in the cold.
Mark Henry looked AWESOME in the Elimination Chamber match, dominating and really captivating the crowd with every move he did. He looks the same size, but quicker in transitioning his offense from one target to the next. Kane and Bryan should stay together and defend the titles more heading into Wrestlemania. There is not much else for them to do. I am not sure what Chris Jericho will do, but I feel Ryback vs. Mark Henry would be a great match with two monsters who can actually move in the ring. What does Randy Orton do? I am still holding out that 2 more men get put into the World Heavyweight Championship match to make it a Fatal Four Way. If you have the talent, USE IT.
Grade: B+
