Elimination Chamber 2017: The Dark Match Predictions
Sunday Night, WWE brings back the Elimination Chamber for it’s 20th match since the monstrous cage was first introduced back in 2002, and the first time since May 2015, for this Smackdown Live exclusive PPV. So why don’t we make a few predictions going into the big event, shall we?
The Kickoff Show
Mojo Rawley vs Curt Hawkins
Matt: You know I don’t get Hyped, I stay Hyped. It sort of sucks that they’re not really sure how to make use of Mojo without the other half of the Hype Bros, but at least he’s still getting used pretty regularly. Mojo comes out Hyped, stays that way, wins, then parties the night away in Phoenix.
Jeremy: I’m going with Hype. This is only happening because WWE was trying to get some cheap heat having Curt make fun of injured Gronk following the Super Bowl last weekend. It’s a thin feud but I’m happy both are on the card. I just listened to Curt Hawkins’ interview on Sam Roberts’ Wrestling Podcast and I like him a lot. Either way, Mojo is doing great. I’m glad they’re not keeping him off TV while Ryder is away. It’s also interesting that Mojo is fighting Curt, Zach Ryder’s former tag team partner when they were the Edge Heads. Anyway, this is way more back story than even WWE has given this match. Mojo stays hyped and shoulder blocks his way to a victory.
Elimination Chamber 2017
Apollo Crews and Kalisto vs Dolph Ziggler (2-on-1 Handicapped Match)
Matt: For some reason, I have to believe that Ziggler pulls off the win here. Heel Ziggler needs a reason to be super cocky, and pulling off the 2-on-1 upset win here makes that pretty easy for creative going forward. Ziggler
Jeremy: I agree. Ziggler goes over. I think he does something dirty, further solidifying his heel status.
Becky Lynch vs Mickie James
Matt: I don’t really know how to pick this one. I don’t think they let Becky lose because then you sort of stifle her momentum even further, but at the same time Mickie James is the most likely next competitor once Naomi takes the Women’s Championship, as Naomi against Becky is a harder story to tell since they’re both fan favorite face characters. I’m going to say Mickie James picks this one up.
Jeremy: Becky will win this one. I think there’s a lot of heels winning tonight, except American Alpha. But don’t Becky to escape unharmed. She’ll receive a post match betting that will make Mickie look vicious.
Tag Team Turmoil Match for the Smackdown Tag Team Championship:
Slater & Rhyno, The Ascension, The Usos, American Alpha (C), Breezango and The Vaudevillains
Rules: Two teams start the match. As one team is eliminated, another team will take their place until only one team is left.
Matt: I’m a big fan of storyline, and there is not much to go on here. The only real story that’s been told thus far is that American Alpha wants to prove their excellence. I imagine they’ll do that here. They’ve almost got to hold those belts until they issue the open challenge and we get either #DIY or The Revival call ups to accept. American Alpha retains
Jeremy: After putting the tag devision on pause going into Royal Rumble, I see why they’re doing this match. It seems like forever since I’ve seen most of these teams. That being said, I expect American Alpha to retain and possibly setup a tag match for Mania.
Nikki Bella vs Natalya
Matt: There’s an abundance of women’s matches on this card, which makes me happy. Little disappointed that there’s no Carmella here, but I think they may have moved back to the drawing board as the Ellsworth thing wasn’t really getting traction. I’m not really sure how to go here. I don’t like that Natalya basically stepped into the role that was previously Carmella, playing the “it’s not fair Nikki, John got you where you are” victim. For that reason alone, I’m going with Nikki Bella.
Jeremy: I actually think this match doesn’t happen for one reason or another. I really don’t have an explanation for my prediction. I’m just thinking a beat down or another reason will keep the bell from ringing. If the bell does actually ring, I think Nikki picks up the win.
Luke Harper vs Randy Orton
Matt: As much as I want to say that Luke Harper will get the win here, because I’m a huge fan of this guy when he’s actually given ample opportunity in the ring to show off, there’s little chance they let Orton go ahead and take a fall here being the one going to Mania as the Royal Rumble winner. Gif for my prediction:
Jeremy: This will be a much more competitive match than the casual fan will expect. Most will just think of the RKO out of nowhere and assume that Randy will dominate. I think this will be a 50/50 match…until the RKO happens. I expect to be impressed by Harper and to have more answers on the Wyatt family story. Perhaps Bray helps out here and chooses a side?
Naomi vs Alexa Bliss for the Smackdown Women’s Championship
Matt: I like what Alexa Bliss brings to the table, but Naomi has been on a role since she came back. I’m feeling the glow on this one. Naomi
Jeremy: I want Naomi to win here but I think Alexa will retain one final time between now and Mania. I expect her to do something sneaky to get the win. I wouldn’t be surprised if we have a Fatal 4-Way at Mania for the SmackDown Women’s Championship: Naomi vs. Mickie vs. Becky vs. Alexa (c).
The Elimination Chamber Match for the WWE Heavyweight Championship:
John Cena (C), Dean Ambrose, Baron Corbin, AJ Styles, Bray Wyatt and The Miz
Matt: Cena will not leave the match with the belt, but I am having trouble deciding who is. I’m torn mostly between Baron Corbin and Bray Wyatt. Corbin could make for a fascinating opponent for the Wyatt Family on the Road to Wrestlemania where he would face Randy Orton. On the other hand, I don’t know how long they are committed to Orton being part of team Wyatt, and one quick way to get to the end of that road is for Bray and Orton to face off at Mania. I’m going with Baron Corbin. They’ve been doing a great job since they got him out of that Kalisto mess they had him in for a bit of utilizing one of their fastest rising stars. And for the sake of this, I’m going to expect that it will come down to Corbin and Wyatt, just to facilitate the next six weeks of Smackdown programming going into Orlando.
Jeremy: WWE has been rewarding Bray for his patience. After a terrible 2015 and first half of 2016, he’s finally being used properly, post brand extension. At first, I rolled my eyes at the weird feud-turned-alliance with Orton. But it’s been the best and weirdest storyline (for me), since I’ve been watching. It reeks of classic Undertaker. So I think Bray is going into Wrestlemania with the Championship. And yes, it’s the Elimination Chamber, but Luke finds his way in. I wouldn’t be surprised if he pulls double-duty. The lights go out and Luke has replaced Dean. But yes, Cena isn’t leaving EC as champion. Bray Wyatt is.