By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Elimination Chamber
March 1, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario at Rogers Centre
Streamed live on Peacock (and Netflix internationally)
WWE Elimination Chamber Countdown Show
-Michael Cole, Wade Barrett, Big E, and Pat McAfee hosted the show from a desk set up off the main floor. Byron Saxton, Cathy Kelley, and Peter Rosenberg also checked in.
Powell’s POV: With the bald head and the dark beard, Rosenberg is a few missing teeth away from being able to pull off Mad Dog Vachon for Halloween.
-Kevin Owens was shown arriving backstage dressed in a Bret Hart jacket. He checked out the area and found some tools to use as weapons during his unsanctioned match with Sami Zayn.
-A Rock video package aired. Cole told the panel that he believes Cody Rhodes will reject Rock’s offer. Cole said Cody had the guts to bet on himself by leaving WWE and going on to become a massive star who forced WWE to bring him back. Cole said Cody came back and has worked hard enough to work two WrestleMania main events to become the face of the company. Barrett said he believes Cody will take the offer.
Cole said sources told him that Cody met with Hollywood producers throughout the week in meetings arranged by Seven Bucks Productions. Big E played up the idea that Cody has limited time left in his in-ring career and will likely move on to Hollywood when the time comes. Barrett said it sounded like Cody already made up his mind. Cole said McAfee can relate to Cody given the levels he reached. McAfee spoke about how his decisions affect his guys. McAfee listed pros and cons for Cody.
-Trish Stratus and Tiffany Stratton were shown arriving in the parking lot in a Lamborghini. Byron Saxton interviewed Nia Jax and Candice LeRae about facing the duo. Jax said that if Stratus is the hometown hero, that doesn’t say much about the hometown. Nice line.
-Jackie Redmond and Peter Rosenberg replaced Cole and McAfee at the desk. Big E was presented with a birthday cake and the panel sang “Happy Birthday” for him.
-The sit-down interview with Logan Paul that Kelley conducted was shown. Kelley noted that it’s nearly the three-year anniversary of Paul’s first match in WWE. She asked if he thought he would last this long. Paul said he always lasts this long (get it?). Paul said people were right when they called him a part-timer. He said it bothered him because it was true. Paul said he felt that if he was as good as he was as a part-timer, imagine how good he can be as a full-time wrestler. Paul took in-character shots at each of his Elimination Chamber opponents. Paul said that headlining WrestleMania is what’s best for business. Paul said that he and Cena are the two names that transcend wrestling.
Powell’s POV: Best for business? Transcends wrestling? Hmmm.
-Barrett left the desk, leaving Redmond, Big E, and Rosenberg. Redmond said Big had never eaten poutine until Friday. Big E’s food video aired with him sampling various items in Toronto. Great, now I’m hungry. Big E tossed some sweets into the crowd. Unfortunately, he didn’t toss any through my television screen even though I was waving to get his attention.
-The merch store was shown. They already have an “I Want Your Soul” t-shirt for The Final Boss.
-Joe Tessitore checked in from ringside. He spoke about how some ringside fans told him about how much they anticipate seeing The Final Boss. He also spoke about the Elimination Chamber structure and said it takes two 53-foot semis to move it. He said it’s weighs 21,600 pounds and has 16,000 hand-woven chain connections.
-The broadcast team introductions took place while Tessitore was still at ringside. Michael Cole came out first and told Tessitore that the event would be unbelievable. Wade Barrett and Pat McAfee made their entrances as well. The Barrett entrance was not shown, but they did show McAfee’s entrance.
-Rosenberg wondered how Paul Levesque feels about The Rock billing himself as The Final Boss and doing what he wants. Big E compared it to Game of Thrones.
-Elizabeth Irving performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “O Canada.” Many fans booed the U.S. anthem, while others were shown applauding afterward. A small “USA” chant broke out and was drowned out by loud cheers when Irvin started to sing the Canadian anthem. A “Canada” chant broke out afterward.
WWE Elimination Chamber Main Show
Michael Cole checked in on commentary and narrated arrival or backstage shots of Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Damian Priest, Seth Rollins, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, and CM Punk… An Elimination Chamber video package aired…
Pyro shot off around the Elimination Chamber structure that was lowered around the ring. Cole said there were over 37,000 in attendance and then checked in from the broadcast table at ringside with Pat McAfee and Wade Barrett. McAfee acted fired up about the Canadian fans booing the U.S. national anthem while Cole laughed.
Ring announcer Alicia Taylor ran through the rules of the Elimination Chamber match. Entrances for the match took place with the entrants coming out in the following order: Alexa Bliss, Roxanne Perez, Bayley, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, and Naomi.
1. Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Roxanne Perez in an Elimination Chamber match for a shot at the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 41. Liv Morgan and Naomi started the match while the other four women were inside the pods. Cole said this was the seventh women’s Elimination Chamber match.
Jade Cargill’s entrance theme played when the bell rang to start the match. Morgan looked petrified. Cargill walked out and entered the structure through the open Chamber door. Morgan covered up in fear, but Cargill hit Naomi and then ran her into the side of the pods.
Belair was shown looking emotional. Cargill hit Naomi with a big boot that drove her against the glass of one of the pods. Naomi tried to crawl out the Chamber, but Cargill caught up to her and slammed the door on her. Cargill exited the Chamber structure and headed to the back. EMT’s showed up to tend to Naomi while Morgan taunted Belair. Naomi was eliminated due to being unable to continue. Fans sang the goodbye song.
The third entrant was Bianca Belair, who exited her pod around 4:00 and went to the closed Chamber door to check on Naomi. Fans booed. Morgan attacked Belair. Morgan worked over Belair, who eventually fought back and hit a standing moonsault that led to a two count.
The fourth entrant was Roxanne Perez at 7:35. Perez performed a side Russian Leg Sweep that drove Belair into the Chamber wall. Morgan dropkicked Perez outside the ring.
The fifth entrant was Bayley at 10:40. Bayley went right after Perez. Bayley got the better of Morgan and then hit Perez with a Bayley To Belly against the side of the Chamber wall. Bayley and Belair squared off inside the ring while Cole acknowledged their history. Bayley could have pulled Belair’s ponytail, but she opted against doing so. Bayley got a two count on Belair. Morgan was standing tall when the countdown clock started.
The sixth and final entrant was Alexa Bliss at 14:15. Bliss smirked as she slowly exited her pod while Morgan waited for her inside the ring. Bliss got the better of Morgan as well as Perez. Bayley rolled up Bliss for a two count. Bliss dropped Bayley with a punch and then hit her with double knees to the back while en route to getting a two count.
Perez caught in a crossface. Bayley rolled under the ropes while Cole reminded viewers that there are no rope breaks. Bayley was the chain wall to grate Perez’s hands to escape the hold. Back in the ring, Perez went for a moonsault, but Bayley put her knees up. Perez stuffed the Rose Plant. Bayley dumped Perez over the top rope. Morgan hit Bayley with Oblivion before pinning her. Bayley was eliminated by Morgan at 19:05.
Belair and Morgan fought on top of one of the pods. Belair whipped Morgan with her ponytail, causing Morgan to drop down. Belair executed a crossbody block on all three opponents. A “this is awesome” chant broke out. McAfee worked in another complaint about Canadian fans booing the American national anthem. There was a tower of doom spot. They replayed Belair whipping Morgan with her ponytail and then showed the welt that it left on Morgan’s stomach. Ouch.
Perez went for Pop Rocks on Belair, who avoided it. Morgan hit a Codebreaker on Perez. Bliss hit Perez with Twisted Bliss and pinned her. Roxanne Perez was eliminated at 23:05.
Morgan hit Three Amigos on Belair and then did the Eddie Guerrero shimmy. Morgan set up for a 619, but Bliss cut her off. Belair rolled up Morgan, who kicked out, causing Belair to run right into Bliss, who hit Sister Abigail. Morgan rolled Bliss into a pin and got the three count. Alexa Bliss was eliminated at 25:35.
The final two were Belair and Liv Morgan. Belair swung Morgan into the side of a pod and the wall. Belair put Morgan back inside the ring and then went for a 450 splash, but Morgan put her knees up. Belair went for a KOD, but Morgan counted into a Codebreaker. Morgan went for Oblivion, but Belair stuffed it, hit the KOD, and pinned her…
Bianca Belair beat Liv Morgan, Alexa Bliss, Roxanne Perez, Bayley, and Naomi in 29:15 to win the Elimination Chamber match to earn a shot at the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 41.
After the match, Belair celebrated and went to the entrance area. Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley walked out and went face-to-face with her. Iyo Sky also walked out while Cole mentioned that Ripley and Sky will meet for the championship on Raw…
Powell’s POV: They got things off to a fun start with Jade Cargill coming out and attacking Naomi. There are still some unanswered questions. Obviously, Jade’s character thinks Naomi was responsible for attacking her. Did she just discover this? If not, why did she wait all this time? Did Belair have anything to do with it? The actual match was enjoyable. Belair was the most logical choice to win because it sets up the most appealing WrestleMania match of the various possibilities. Morgan was the MVP of the match and she took a hell of a beating, even beyond that nasty braid whip.
Rapper Nav was shown seated in the crowd. Cole said Nav performed “Tap” – the 2024 Money in the Bank theme… Backstage shots aired of the teams of Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus, and Nia Jax and Candice LeRae… A video package set up the women’s tag team match…
Nia Jax and Candice LeRae made their entrance. McAfee made another mention of the Canadian fans booing the U.S. anthem. Cole laughed again. Trish Stratus made her entrance. Cole said Trish was celebrating her 25th anniversary in WWE. Tiffany Stratton made her entrance. Cole noted that it was the first time that Trish’s children saw her compete live…
2. WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus vs. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae. Cole noted that the babyface duo wore Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays colors. Stratton was isolated by the heel duo, but she eventually made a tag to Stratus. It didn’t take long for the heels to get the better of Stratus, which eventually led to Stratton taking a hot tag.
Stratton hit her handspring back elbow on LeRae and then knocked Jax off the apron. Stratton put LeRae down with an Alabama Slam and then followed up with a spinebuster on Jax. Stratton dropkicked both heels and then covered LeRae for a two count. Stratton set up for a her finisher, but LeRae tripped her up and it looked like Stratton’s foot getting caught in the ropes saved her from a nasty fall, though it’s possible she hooked it with her foot intentionally.
Stratus eventually tagged in and hit a top rope bulldog on Jax, which Cole called a Super Stratusfaction. LeRae went for a springboard moonsault to break up the pin that followed, but Stratus moved, causing LeRae to land on Jax. Stratton tagged in and cleared LeRae from the ring. Stratton hit Jax with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and pinned her clean…
WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Trish Stratus defeated Nia Jax and Candice LeRae in 11:40.
Powell’s POV: The match was fine for what it was. It wasn’t particularly memorable unless it ends up being Trish’s last match. Either way, it was nice to see Stratus have a match in front of a stadium crowd in her hometown.
After some ads, rapper Travis Scott was shown walking through the backstage area… Barrett thanked Poppy for the song “New Way Out” serving as the Chamber theme song…
Andrew Phung, who played Kimchee on Kim’s Convenience, was shown in the crowd. Robbie Amell of Code 8, and his wife Italia Ricci of Designated Survivor were shown in the crowd…
Powell’s POV: I love Kim’s Convenience. Okay, see you!
The Rock video package that aired on the countdown show was replayed…
Cole listed the attendance as 38,493. McAfee said he played a preseason game in the stadium and he didn’t think there were that many people in attendance…
Powell’s POV: A quick search lists the attendance of the 2010 Colts vs. Bills preseason game Rogers Centre being 39,583. However, reports say that while that was the listed attendance, the actual attendance was closer to 20,000.
A video package set up the unsanctioned match…
Alicia Taylor stood in the ring and announced that the following contest was unsanctioned. She said WWE absolves all responsibility for anything that would happen during the match. She said there were no count-outs, disqualifications, or rules. The referee’s only job was to count pinfalls or to accept a submission. Referee Rod Zapata was dressed in black and wore rubber gloves rather than the usual referee attire. Sami Zayn made his entrance first. Cole noted that Zayn was not medically cleared for a traditional match. Kevin Owens made his entrance wearing a “KO” shirt with a maple leaf in place of the O…
3. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn in an unsanctioned match. Cole said the match would be brutal and involves two men who want to hurt each other and end the other’s career. Owens and Zayn stared intensely at one another before the referee called for the bell. Owens dumped Zayn’s abdomen over the top rope and then hit him with a senton. Both men went to ringside. Zayn ran Owens into the ring post (no LED casing.
Zayn slid a chair inside the ring. Owens grabbed it and then slammed it over the back of Zayn once they were back in the ring. Owens swung the chair at Zayn’s head, but Zayn moved. The chair ricocheted off the ropes and struck Owens in the head (planned spot).
Zayn grabbed a chair and slammed it over the back of Owens, who rolled to the floor briefly. Zayn got Owens back inside the ring and placed a couple of chairs on Owens. Zayn went to ringside and pulled a hockey stick out from underneath the ring. Zayn returned to the ring and battered Owens with the stick. Cole said he couldn’t believe that Raw general manager Adam Pearce agreed to let this match happen.
Owens came back and hit Zayn with the hockey stick. Owens wedged side of the stick in Zayn’s mouth and wrenched back on it while also biting Zayn’s head. Owens stacked two tables on the floor. Zayn regrouped and hit Owens with the hockey stick, sending him over the barricade. Zayn hopped the barricade and then both men fought in the crowd.
Owens headed up the stairs off the main floor. Zayn followed and hit Owens with a trashcan. Zayn put the can over Owens’ head and then punched it. Owens ditched the trashcan and then returned to the main floor. Zayn went after Owens, who hit him with a can that was placed on a table that had other refreshments on it. Zayn gave Owens a Blue Thunder Bomb through the table. Zayn found a second table covered with refreshments and then performed another Blue Thunder Bomb to put Owens through it. A “this is awesome” chant broke out.
Zayn battered Owens with a trashcan lid on the floor and then followed him into the timekeepers area. Owens grabbed the ring bell and struck Zayn with it twice. Owens picked up the trashcan lid and beat Zayn with it. Owens grabbed a small monitor from the broadcast table and hit Zayn with it. Owens sent Zayn back inside the ring and went up top, but Zayn cut him off and joined him on the ropes. Both men fought for position.
Owens eventually slipped under Zayn and then shoved him off the top rope and through the two tables that were stacked on the floor. A “holy shit” chant broke out. Cole pointed out than Zayn was clutching his neck, which Owens damaged with a package piledriver. Owens rolled Zayn back inside the ring and then fisherman suplexed him on top of a chair that was set up in the ring. Owens covered Zayn for a near fall.
Zayn battled back and suplexed Owens, and then performed another onto a chair that was set up. Zayn went for a Helluva Kick, but Owens pulled the referee into the corner to take the kick instead. REF BUMP!!! Owens kicked Zayn and gave him a Stunner. Owens covered Zayn, but referee Zapata was down. Referee Charles Robinson ran out and made the count, but Zayn kicked out. Owens stood up and clotheslined Robinson. REF BUMP 2!!! A third referee, Ryan Tran, came out.
A short time later, Zayn fought back and joined Owens on the ropes, but Owens used a fisherman’s buster suplex to put Zayn through a table in the ring. Owens covered Zayn for a near fall. WWE producer Petey Williams stood at ringside and pleaded with Owens to stop. Owens blew him off and got in Zayn’s face in the corner and told him that it was all his fault. Owens ran to the other corner, but Zayn followed and hit him with a Helluva Kick. Zayn covered Owens for a near fall.
Zayn went to ringside and pulled chairs out from underneath the ring and tossed them inside the ring. Zayn pulled out a chair wrapped in barbwire. Zayn entered the ring with the barbwire chair. Owens backed off, but then charged Zayn, who kicked him. Zayn slammed the barbwire chair over Owens back twice. Zayn set up the barbwire chair and ended up performing a drop toe hold that drove the face of Owens onto the barbwire chair. Owens covered his eye and cried out in pain. Zayn set the barbwire chair on top of two other chairs and then Blue Thunder Bombed Owens onto the barbwire chair. Zayn covered Owens, who kicked out at two. A “this is awesome” chant broke out. “This is sickening,” Cole said in response.
Zayn charged Owens for a Helluva Kick, but Owens cut him off and powerbombed him. Zayn rolled to the floor and sold neck pain. Owens went to ringside and wrapped a chair around Zayn’s neck and then ran him into the ring post. Owens picked up Zayn and ran him into the post again with the chair still wrapped around his neck. Owens powerbombed Zayn on the ring apron. A group of producers pleaded with Owens, who blew them off and set up for another powerbomb, but Zayn fought back. Owens kicked Zayn and then powerbombed him on the apron again. “There’s gotta be something somebody can do, right?” Cole asked. Owens rolled Zayn back inside the ring and covered him for the three count.
Kevin Owens beat Sami Zayn in an unsanctioned match in 27:35.
Cole said he hoped that Owens was happy for possibly ending a man’s career. A group of security guards entered the ring and surrounded Owens while EMTs checked on Zayn. Owens exited the ring and the security guards escorted him up the entrance aisle. Owens stopped and turned around. Owens disposed of a few security guards and then pulled back the mat at ringside to expose the concrete floor. Owens pulled Zayn to ringside while Cole said Owens wanted to cripple Zayn. Owens set up for a move, but he stopped when he heard entrance music.
Randy Orton slowly walked out of the entrance area and grabbed the back of his neck, then made his way toward the ring. “Kevin Owens, welcome to your worst nightmare,” Barrett said. Owens stood in the ring and yelled at Orton to bring it. Owens removed his vest and played to the fired up crowd before entering the ring.
Orton worked over Owens with punches. Owens caught Orton with a punch and then went for a pre-Stunner Kick, but Orton blocked the kick and put Owens down with an RKO. A “Randy” chant broke out. Orton picked up a chair and then looked down at Owens, who was lying motionless on the mat. Orton approached Owens and stood over him. Orton looked at the chair in his hand and then tossed it to ringside. Orton adjusted his kneepad and then backed up.
Orton set up to punt kick Owens, but a group of producers and security guards cut him off. The fans booed. Owens rolled out of the ring and headed to the back with a couple of security guards. Orton hit four security guards with RKOs and then went to the ropes and played to the crowd. Cole said Owens has major problems as Orton looked up at the WrestleMania sign. Orton went to the ropes and posed for the crowd…
Powell’s POV: Owens and Zayn worked a violent match. I don’t think it lived up to the hype of being their most violent match ever, but I’m not complaining. I was surprised they didn’t go with blood during this match. Cole did a nice job on commentary of expressing concern and outrage while calling the key spots. Orton’s return was expected and it obviously sets him up with a match against Owens for WrestleMania. I thought there was a chance that Orton would accidentally cost Zayn the mach to set up a Triple Threat for WrestleMania. That didn’t happen, so it will be interesting to see what Zayn ends up doing at WrestleMania.
Footage aired from the Stephanie’s Places talkshow with Stephanie McMahon interviewing Pat McAfee. Cole listed the show as coming to ESPN+ this month. The broadcast team spoke at their desk and McAfee thanked Stephanie for having him on the show… Cole hyped the TKO Takeover shows for Kansas City…
Dion Dawkins of the Buffalo Bills was shown in the crowd holding a Bills championship belt… Cole hyped upcoming WWE programming, including the WWE Evolve premiere for Wednesday on Tubi…
Separate backstage shots aired of Logan Paul and CM Punk while Cole hyped the Elimination Chamber match. The Chamber music played while the structure was lowered around the ring. A video package set up the match…
Ring announcer Alicia Taylor set up the men’s Elimination Chamber match. Logan Paul started to make his entrance. Paul stopped and headed to the back for a moment and then came back waving an American flag. “Told you I liked Logan,” Cole said. McAfee added, “Me too.” Cole said Canadians made headline news in the United States.
Damian Priest’s entrance followed. Cole noted that Chris Jericho holds the record for most eliminations and credited him with inventing the match. CM Punk made his entrance. Once in the ring, Punk stood on the ropes and looked down at Paul, who was inside his pod.
John Cena made his entrance. He stood in front of the small entrance set and said there’s a vibe in here and then said it’s on fire. Cena held up a towel with the Canadian flag that read, “The Last Time Is Now.” Cena looked into the camera and said let’s pave the way to the dance. He said he had to go to work and then headed to the ring. Cole said Cena has ten months of his career left and this will be his final Elimination Chamber match.
Drew McIntyre made his entrance while a graphic noted that he has two Elimination Chamber wins. The graphic also noted that McIntyre won Money in the Bank in Toronto. Once inside the Chamber, McIntyre walked over to Punk’s pod and went face-to-face with him before punching the glass.
Seth Rollins made his entrance wearing a jacket and shades that only he would wear. Rollins went to the ropes and taunted Punk, who was seated crosslegged inside his pod. Barrett said it bothers Rollins even more that he couldn’t get to Punk…
4. John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Logan Paul vs. Damian Priest vs. Seth Rollins in an Elimination Chamber match for a shot the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41. Workhorses Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins started the match while the other entrants were in pods. Rollins avoided a Claymore to start, and then McIntyre avoided a Stomp.
McIntyre dumped Rollins over the top rope and onto the area outside the ring. Rollins sold back pain. McIntyre ran Rollins back first into the Chamber wall. McIntyre jawed at Punk, who jawed back. McIntyre tried to run Rollins into the side of Punk’s pod, but Rollins reversed it and sent McIntyre crashing into the pod glass. Rollins slammed McIntyre’s head on the glass several times before tossing him back in the ring.
Rollins hit a springboard knee strike and followed up with a kick that led to a two count. McIntyre came back and dumped Rollins outside the ring again. McIntyre caught Rollins with a kick to the gut. McIntyre removed the lower turnbuckle cover and then did a slingshot to send Rollins’ throat into the exposed turnbuckle.
Damian Priest was the third entrant at 5:20. Priest hoisted up Rollins and gave him a Razor’s Edge launch onto McIntyre, who was in the area outside the ring. McIntyre caught Priest with a Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre set up for his finisher on Priest, but Rollins cut him off with a superkick. Priest went for his finisher on Rollins, who avoided it. McIntyre put Rollins down with a spinebuster and then picked him up and powerbombed him onto Priest. McIntyre covered Rollins for a two count.
McIntyre set up for a superplex on Priest, who crotched McIntyre and then got him in a tree of woe. Rollins ran over and set up for a superplex. McIntyre sat up and sent both Rollins and Priest to the mat.
Logan Paul was the fourth entrant and left his pod to boos at 8:50. Paul performed a springboard crossbody block on McIntyre and got a two count. Paul walked over Priest and then hit him with a standing moonsault for another two count. Paul smirked as he got up and then worked over Rollins with a series of punches and kicks before putting him down with a neckbreaker that led to a two count.
John Cena was the fifth entrant at 12:10. Cena was cheered as he hit Attitude Adjustments on multiple opponents. McIntyre drilled Cena with a Claymore Kick. McIntyre knelt down and jawed at Cena. Priest hooked McIntyre into a pin and got the three count. Drew McIntyre was eliminated at 13:10.
McIntyre was fuming when he stood up. McIntyre put Priest down with a Claymore Kick. Paul jumped from the top of a pod and frog splashed Priest before pinning him. Damian Priest was eliminated at 14:25.
CM Punk was the sixth and final entrant at 15:15. Paul was waiting for Punk, who went right at Paul and suplexed him on the area outside the ring. Cena and Punk ended up in the ring together. Cena pointed to the WrestleMania sign and said only one of them could main event. Rollins drilled Punk with a boot to the head. Rollins threw punches at Punk. Cena pulled Rollins off. Rollins shoved Cena and told him that Punk was his and added that he should stay out of it.
Cena and Rollins traded punches while the fans cheered Cena’s punches and booed the Rollins punches. Paul clotheslined both men simultaneously. Paul set up for a Buckshot Lariat on Punk, who avoided it and then slapped Paul. Punk hit Paul with the GTS and then pinned him. Logan Paul was eliminated at 18:30.
Cena and Punk took turns punching Rollins. Cena grabbed Rollins and then Punk ran the ropes and hit Rollins with a Hart Attack clothesline. Punk said now he and Cena could get down. Cena offered a handshake. Punk hugged Cena, who returned the favor. Punk punched Cena and then they traded punches. Cena fought off a bulldog attempt and then did the “you can’t see me” over Punk, who tried to kick Cena.
Moments later, Punk hoisted up Cena for the GTS, but Cena countered into an STF. Punk escaped the hold and put Cena in the Anaconda Vice. Cena rolled Punk into a pin to force him to release the hold. Punk caught Cena with a swinging neckbreaker. Punk went up top for an elbow drop, but he spotted Rollins standing outside the ring and dove onto him instead. Punk went back up top and dove at Cena, who rolled through and then powered up Punk and hit him with the Attitude Adjustment, which led to a great near fall.
Cena to the top rope and was cut off by Rollins, who then gave Cena a Buckle Bomb against the side of the Chamber wall. Rollins ran Cena toward a pod and then Cena crashed through the plexiglass. Punk rolled up Rollins for a two count. They both went for finishers and Rollins eventually hit the Pedigree and covered Punk for a two count.
Moments later, Punk went up top and was caught by Rollins, who set up for a superplex, but Punk shoved him down to the mat. Punk hit a top rope elbow drop. Punk motioned for his finisher. Punk hoisted up Rollins, who slipped away. Rollins powered up Punk and gave him a Buckle Bomb. Rollins followed up with a Stomp and then covered Punk for a good near fall. Rollins threw a fit over not getting the pin.
Rollins went to the ropes for a Super Stomp, but Cena pulled him down into AA positon. Rollins threw elbows at Cena and then slipped away, but Punk grabbed him and hit the GTS. Rollins stayed on his feet and stumbled toward Cena, who gave him the AA. Punk covered Rollins and pinned him. Seth Rollins was eliminated at 30:00.
The match came down to Punk and Cena. Cena offered a handshake. Punk pulled him in and hit a GTS for a near fall. Cena came back with an AA for a near fall of his own. Cena grabbed Punk’s leg. Punk kicked Cena away, but then Rollins hit Punk with a Stomp. Cena ran over and put Punk in the STF. Punk faded and the referee called for the bell.
John Cena defeated CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, and Damian Priest in 32:40 to win the Elimination Chamber match to earn a shot at the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41.
Cole said Rollins screwed Punk. He also said Cena tied Triple H by winning four Elimination Chamber matches. Cole said the face of “that generation” will meet the face of this generation at WrestleMania. Pyro shot off as Cena held up his arms.
Powell’s POV: Well, it’s not the WrestleMania main event that I was hoping for. Cena’s final WrestleMania match sells itself as far as I’m concerned, and I’d much rather see Punk challenge Cody Rhodes. But let’s see where things stand after the final segment. Cena showed no hesitation in going after Punk after Rollins attacked him. Perhaps the idea is that Cena missed what Rollins did, but…
Cody Rhodes’ entrance music played and he made his entrance while Cena was still standing in the ring. Cena held open the ropes for Cody, who then joined him inside the ring. Cena looked to the WrestleMania sign and spoke about facing Cody there. They shook hands.
“If You Smell…” played and then cut into different music. Travis Scott walked out. The music shifted back to The Rock’s theme and then he walked out in Final Boss mode. Rock shook hands with Scott and then they walked to the ring together while Scott hand a belt draped over his shoulder.
Rock stood at ringside and looked up at Cody, while Barrett said there were consequences for Cody wherever he turned. Rock slowly made his way up the steps and entered the ring along with Scott. Rock and Cody stood in the middle of the ring and looked at one another while Cena and Scott stood in a corner of the ring. Rock put his hand out and touched Cody’s face and tapped it lightly.
“Cody Rhodes, the moment has arrived,” Rock said. “I will open my arms, you will come to me, you will embrace me as your brother, and I will embrace you as my champion. I want it all, Cody. I want your mind. I want your soul. And God have mercy, I need your soul. If the answer is yes, then the American Nightmare will live forever. Look me in the eyes. If the answer is no, then tonight the dream dies…again.”
Rock opened his arms. “I want it all, Rock,” Cody said. “My soul no longer belongs to me. Do you know why? Because I gave my soul to this ring and to these people a long time ago. Hey, Rock, go fuck yourself.” Cody was uncensored. Cena did the open mouth reaction and then pointed his finger approvingly at Cody. “Yes,” Cena said before clapping his hands together. Scott leaned in the corner and smiled.
Cody looked up at the WrestleMania sign and then looked back at Rock. Cena approached Cody and hugged him. Cena’s smile turned serious as he looked at The Rock, who gave him the throat slash gesture. Cena kicked Cody in the balls. Cena picked up what Cole said was a pair of brass knuckles and hit Cody twice. McAfee said the object was a gold Rolex. Cena hit Cody with the mic.
Cena picked up the WWE Championship belt, waited for Cody to stand up, and then hit him with it. Rock looked up. “Why does he need to sell out?” Cole asked. Cena held up the WWE Championship belt while looking to the crowd. Cody bled from the forehead. Cody stood up and then Cena blasted him with another belt shot. Cena ripped Cody’s jacket and shirt off and then choked Cody with his own necktie (insert your own Daniel Bryan and Justin Roberts jokes here).
Cena held Cody’s legs and then Scott pushed Cody up by the neck. Cena placed Cody back down on the mat. Scott threw one punch and then Rock whipped Cody with the weight belt he had made for him. Rock and Cena stood side by side. A “you sold out” chant broke out. Rock rubbed Cody’s blood on the weight belt and then whipped Cody with it. Barrett said nobody was coming to help Cody because no one wanted to switch places with him. Rock dropped the WWE Championship belt on Cody. Cena and Scott left the ring, and then Rock followed. Rock, Cena, and Scott stood at ringside. Rock smiled while looking into a ringside camera. The producers credits aired and the screen went black for a second.
They went back to a bloody Cody, who slowly got back to a seated position. Cody got to his feet and there were cheers. Cole and Barrett entered the ring. A referee and McAfee held the ropes open for Cody, who went to the apron and looked to the crowd and then at the WrestleMania sign. Cody walked down the steps while holding his title belt and was escorted to the back by Cole and Barrett while McAfee walked behind them. The screen went black again and then they cut right back to the shot of the group making their exit while Joe Tessitore started the post show…
Powell’s POV: Hopefully this means Cena can afford a spray tan before WrestleMania. Well, it finally happened. I spent a long time hoping that Cena would turn heel and then I eventually threw in the towel and assumed it would never happen. I have mixed feelings now that it’s happened on his retirement tour, but I definitely think it makes the Cody vs. Cena match that will headline WrestleMania a lot more interesting than it would have been as a babyface vs. babyface match.
Overall, this was certainly a newsworthy show and I really enjoyed both Chamber matches. I guess bloody Cody explains why there was no blood during the Owens vs. Zayn match. Here’s hoping that Rock’s appearance on the post show won’t be him snapping out of character to show that he’s a nice guy again. I will have a lot more to say about this show when Jake Barnett and I get together for our same night audio review for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let us know what you thought of the show by voting for the best match and grading the overall show.
If the cooperate champion ends up being Logan paul I be mad. rather see Punk or cena turn heel and become Cooperate champ.
They’re all cooperate champs.
LOL, True
Cudos to McAfee for calling out the canadian scumbags for booing a real countrie’s national anthem!
There was no reason to sing it. They’re in Canada. They wouldn’t sing the Canadian national anthem if it was taking place here
Exactly!
@Sweet Lu WWE is an American company. There’s plenty of reason to sing America’s national anthem.
@Johnny Wal Mart is an American company too. But we don’t stand for the national anthem before every grocery shopping trip. We also don’t sing the anthem before movies or plays. So why do it before sporting events at all?
Why the hell was the chamber door open when the bell had already rung?!
So Jade Cargill could get in
Bianca needs to be heel going into Wrestlemania so it will be found she knew that the glow was the one whom did it. She knew all along. Only thing that makes sense. heh
The Dump Truck Express would be a fun thing to run back for a short run as tag champs at a later time.
Please make Pat STFU. He is so bad I wish for Booker
“Tell me you did NOT just say that!”
Aw shucky ducky!
I’m not a huge McAfee stan. He draws a certain demographic, and I get it.
But he has been off his game tonight, just annoying.
He clearly hates Canada and that’s why he’s off his game!
Lol
That or he’s being fed what to say and doesn’t agree with it
Jason you will be disappointed at the Rock on the post show lol
That was a really good showing for everyone in the women’s chamber. But especially the Liv/Alexa/Roxanne stuff. All three women are smaller, yet managed to deliver tight/snug offense, bump and sell like hell, and run things at speed with offense that looks like it would hurt.
(My long-running beef is pushing women like Raquel, who has the look and potential, but runs things at 96% speed, telegraphs cooperation, and often seems a shade lost.)
None of the women I mentioned are Will Osprey or Jacob Fatu, but they all have improved and truly highlight the depth of that division.
Rant over. KO and Sami are about to murder each other.
That’s the first time I’ve watched Roxanne and liked her in ring work. Hope she stays that snug and finds a better finisher.
And speaking of finishers, Alexa’s twist on Sister Abigail (she adds a rotation) really makes it so much better. It’s sudden and violent.
Why are the lights off? I thought it was an unsanctioned match not a lights out/house show match.
It wasn’t the lights that were out — it was everything with the branding that was darkened out.
Honestly, that was a nice production touch. You really didn’t see the logos and stuff everywhere.
I was actually enjoying this brawl more than most Sammy/KO stuff and then they went and ruined it with the stupid barbed wire chair.
Argh. That got so uncomfortable to watch. I just hope they’re both ok after all that.
Netflix picture is the worst ever keeps going fussy
For whatever it’s worth, I had no issues with Peacock, but a friend with a VPN did and said that the Netflix feed was much better tonight.
2025 and we’ve got Mr ego Rock boring us to sleep and Mr over-rated Cena back in main events. Ouch. I feel for today’s stars.
Virgins still saying WM is boring this year?
Wow. I never saw that coming from Cena. The main event just went from nothing to a whole lot – although it will rely a LOT on the lead up to really get over.
I literally called this happening although I thought Cena would turn at Mania with Rock’s help.The two questions I have is did all the other faces go home for the night or were they that chicken too help Cody and what if Cena hadn’t won the chamber?
As an Australian watching the commentary pro USA speech was, frankly, incredibly tone deaf and embarrassing. Americans are really that insular that you dont realise your country has completed a Bret hart style international heel turn? The good guys in your own mind only. Boy oh boy. Wowee.
For the record, half the country agrees with you, Nathan.
Amen…Agreed, I’d say the better half not that the others are so much bad people just seriously and easily misguided.
And more are realizing it finally.
“Fool me once… Fool me 237 times…”
As the owner of this site, Jason. Please refrain from smug comments with anyone you may disagree. I didn’t vote for the current president, but if I want politic commentary I wouldn’t come here, I would go to politic websites, same as I wouldn’t go to a politic website for wrestling commentary. It’s a free country and you can run your site how you deem necessary, but making remarks regarding one half of the country can’t be good for business.
It’s a smug commentary to say that half the country agrees with this person? That’s about as tame as I could get, as I didn’t even get into my personal opinion. Did you reach out to WWE to request that Pat McAfee refrain from making political comments during a wrestling show?
I’m very aware 50% (or more now) don’t endorse what’s going on. My punchline about the heel turn is less effective though if I acknowledge that. And you’re right, my point actually stands. Pats commentary was political and tone deaf so the convo belongs.
It’s funny how fans spent 15 years booing Cena. WWE finally convinced their audience he’s the GOAT and NOW they turn him heel lol. Doesn’t do much for the long term but it makes the WrestleMania match infinitely more interesting, although I suspect there will be even more bells, whistles, kick outs and run ins than last year’s main event.
Goofy Good Guy John Cena has spent years putting over guys who weren’t worth it (Theory lol) so Cody beating him would have meant nothing. This at least feels like a mountain for him to climb.
Okay, gang. With the shock and awe stuff in the rear view mirror…
Where will Roman Reigns fit into this Final Boss storyline?
(And how much of a nod to WWE’s new chaotic creative is it that we’ve all but forgotten about him?)
A very astute comment, and a great question.
I found it weird that he wasn’t in the chamber match myself, but had he been he would’ve had to win it because WWE certainly wasn’t going to beat him in that format( as common sense would dictate and my one source also indicated) but you are correct it is interesting that nobody was talking about it going into this match. That was probably the genius of the story line that it works with whoever you put in that role.
I think we all know Roman will be inserted into this story line at some point after a ton of shenanigans somewhere down line perhaps at wrestlemania or shortly thereafter.
I think the one thing we can all be certain of is that John Cena isn’t ending his retirement tour as a heel… so perhaps Roman plays a part in that who knows but I’d be willing to bet the house that Cena will be a face again before this is all over, and maybe Roman is the real corporate champion…
So many great memories watching Cena Punk call back their classic MITB Chicago match – and building on it, with Cena scouting the kick after the shuffle, then foreshadowing Cena’s heel turn by taking advantage of the stomped Punk, since good guy Cena wanted no help/a fair fight, beating Punk prior. Great stuff, all.
Sadly, 20 years on, some internet basement fungus is rejoicing, “I TOLD them they should’ve turned Cena heel!” Like that guy in the front row, wearing the “Cena still sucks” shirt.
Poor Randy Orton, though, huh? Always a secondary headline, never the lead.
Oooh Good call back. Vince tried to ring the bell during that same submission in Chicago and Cena himself broke the hold to stop him.
That and Cena declaring himself for the match as ‘best for business’ very much an ‘authority era’ tagline. The poster also has him surrounded by darkness. The bread crumb stuff they leave is top notch right now.
On a tangent, Cena Punk Chicago really is, without hyperbole, one of the greatest matches of all time. The characters were firmly established, they really left it all in the ring, the crowd was insane, and the story had consequences.
I think its the 3rd greatest match in WWE history. Since, you know, Bret and Perfect wrestled TWICE.
To earlier points regarding tonight’s PLE, listen to the commentary on Hart Perfect I and II for how to put over a match. You could tell those veterans knew they were watching something special.
On the point of where Roman fits in if anywhere – it’s more connected to Seth and CM right now after the Rumble. It’s pretty clear that it will be Seth v CM II at Mania 41, but it was Seth who put out Roman. I’m just wondering if the favour Heyman owes Punk might play into this. It might end up having nothing to do with the Rock/Cena/Rhodes dynamic.