Thanks to Tom Cathey for sending in the following:
Just got back from the Elimination Chamber Network Event, thought I’d send along a few thoughts,
-Arena was 95% full. We were on the floor in the second row on the side with the hard camera. I’m going to give feedback regarding crowd reaction based on what I heard. Could be different in different parts of the arena.
-The pre-show stuff was okay. I don’t know if it was aired based on time, but Stardust beat Zack Ryder in an okay match. Ryder got a decent response. Nobody cared about Stardust.
-Miz had lukewarm heat, and Bryan got a Bryan pop. The Mega Powers Redux was a nice way to wrap the segment. Anytime you play Real American and Pomp and Circumstance at a wrestling event it’s solid gold.
-At 6:55 JBL hopped in the Chamber to explain the rules and how the tag team match would work. Seemed pointless.
-Tag Team Match
Crowd was a bag of hot poo for this match. A few ‘this is awesome’ chants. They didn’t even really get into hating the New Day. The spot with Titus’ head getting caught in the chamber was neat. He sold it really well. The crowd got hot when he broke out and starting laying the New Day out. Lot’s of neat little high spots.
-Divas match.
Paige and Nikki got a nice response. For the rest of the match, no one cared.
Owens vs. Cena
Fairly strong Cena crowd to start. Owens received a mostly negative reaction when the match started. I haven’t rewatched it, but this match was outstanding live. Lots of false-finishes and a springboard stunner. The crowd was HOT for this entire match once it got going. I think a good number there were surprised Owens won. His promo at the end of the match lost the good will he’d won because of his performance. I cannot stress how much the crowd was buzzing after this match. Great atmosphere.
Neville vs. Dalls
Remember all that buzz? Gone. The life had been sucked out of the arena. The first thing that came to mind was WM 25 after Shawn vs. Taker and the crowd was spent. I was there for that one, and the vibe after the Owens vs. Cena match was similar.
IC Championship Match
When Mark Henry came out he got a nice little welcome back cheer, being a Texas boy and all. But for a second I couldn’t figure out why he was there as Bray Wyatt was supposed to be there. Because…reports said. Crowd was still dead for this match. Dolph was the most cheered, but when he was eliminated the crowd settled for Ryback. Nice speech by Ryback with Bryan during the presentation. He looked legitimately humbled and thanked fans on his way out down the aisle. Nice moment.
Rollins vs. Ambrose
Crowd woke up for this one. Other than Bryan and probably Cena, Ambrose was the most over guy on the card. The match was very good, and the crowd came to life one last time. Lots of chanting. Crowd went crazy when Dean won and got hot when he didn’t win the title. One of the biggest pops of the night for Reigns and the Superman punching.
All-in-all a nice show for what was supposed to be a house show for which we paid house show prices.
Smackdown will be in Corpus Christi on September 22nd. Tickets onsale now. Password: TICKETS
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
