- Vivek Ganapathy
- Vivek Ganapathy
The last episode of Raw in the build‑up to Elimination Chamber featured a three‑way battle in the men's and women's category, while the Beast Incarnate had an announcement to make.
Honestly, I was sitting on my couch with a plate of samosa and watching the whole thing unfold as if I was right there in the arena. The vibe was electric, just like a cricket stadium in Delhi when a big match is on. The entire episode felt like a countdown, every match pushing us closer to the Elimination Chamber event scheduled in Chicago.
When the show began, the commentary team reminded us that these were the final qualification matches. In other words, the wrestlers were fighting for a chance not only at the Elimination Chamber but also for a possible route to WrestleMania later in the year. The stakes were clear and the excitement was real.
Men's Elimination Chamber Qualifier – A Triple Threat Gone Wild
I could see the tension in the air as Jey Uso, Original El Grande Americano, and Bronson Reed stepped into the ring. Jey Uso looked focused, Original El Grande Americano was doing his usual flamboyant gestures, and Bronson Reed seemed determined, his eyes fixed on the prize.
Right from the start, the three men went at each other with intensity that reminded me of a local kabaddi match – everyone lunging, tackling, and refusing to back down. The action quickly escalated into a chaotic brawl. At one point, Bronson Reed attempted a powerful move, but it went sideways and he landed awkwardly on his wrist and forearm. The medical team rushed in, and you could see the concern on their faces. They tended to Bronson Reed right there in the ring, which forced the match to continue with only Jey Uso and Original El Grande Americano.
Now it was a one‑on‑one showdown. Original El Grande Americano tried to use his size advantage, throwing Jey Uso around, but Jey Uso kept coming back with quick counters. The crowd, especially the Indian fans watching from home, started chanting his name. Jey Uso finally hit his signature Uso Splash, a high‑flying move that landed perfectly on Original El Grande Americano. The referee counted to three, and Jey Uso's hand was raised. He secured the win and earned his spot in the Elimination Chamber cage.
Honestly, watching Jey Uso's comeback felt like watching a Mumbai dabbawalla navigate traffic – you think he's stuck, but somehow he finds a way to deliver.
Je’Von Evans vs Kofi Kingston – A Backstage Feud Settles in the Ring
Next up, Je’Von Evans and Kofi Kingston faced each other in a singles match that had a lot of personal history behind it. The two had been exchanging words backstage for weeks, and finally, the audience got to see the dust settle in the ring.
Kofi Kingston, known for his high‑energy style, tried to dominate early, even poking Je’Von Evans in the eye to gain an advantage. The move was sneaky, and I could see the crowd gasp – a bit like when a Bollywood villain pulls a sudden trick.
But Je’Von Evans didn't stay down. He fought back fiercely, landing a big OG Cutter that stunned Kofi Kingston. The impact was so strong that the audience could hear the thud as if a train had passed by a railway crossing. The cutter gave Je’Von Evans the momentum he needed, and he managed to pick up the win, keeping his qualification hopes alive.
This victory was important because it meant Je’Von Evans stayed on the path to the cage match on the following Saturday.
Maxxine Dupri vs Nattie – A Battle of Strength and Will
On the women’s side, Maxxine Dupri took on Nattie in a hard‑hitting singles bout. From the opening bell, Nattie showed why she had once held the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. She controlled the pace, delivering powerful strikes that seemed to echo the thunder of monsoon rains.
Maxxine Dupri tried to answer back, but Nattie’s aggression was relentless. The fight continued until Nattie landed a series of blows that left Maxxine Dupri unconscious on the mat. The referee, seeing that Maxxine Dupri could not safely continue, stopped the match and declared Nattie the winner.
Watching Nattie’s dominance reminded me of a seasoned cricketer playing a death over – precise, powerful, and unyielding.
Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier – Tight Triple Threat Action
The women’s tribal battle featured Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane, and Raquel Rodriguez. All three were known for their speed and technical skill, and the three‑way match lived up to the hype.
Iyo Sky started strong, using her aerial ability to keep both opponents on the defensive. Kairi Sane, with her pirate‑inspired charisma, responded with striking combinations that kept Iyo Sky guessing. But Raquel Rodriguez, the powerhouse, showed her resilience by absorbing the attacks and delivering crushing slams.
As the match progressed, the action became more frantic. At one point, Iyo Sky hit a swift corkscrew move on Kairi Sane, but Raquel Rodriguez countered with a thunderous powerbomb that left both opponents reeling.
In the end, Raquel Rodriguez managed to pin Kairi Sane after delivering her signature spine‑buster. The referee counted to three, and Raquel Rodriguez earned the victory, securing her entry into the women’s Elimination Chamber cage.
Seeing Raquel Rodriguez win felt like watching a strong Indian wrestler in a local akhada, using sheer strength to dominate the competition.
Special Tribute to AJ Styles – A Respectful Farewell
Mid‑show, the arena dimmed and a video montage of AJ Styles’ greatest moments rolled on the big screen. The crowd gave a standing ovation, and you could feel the emotion across the stadium. As an Indian fan, I remembered watching AJ Styles’ high‑flying moves on TV back when I was a teenager. It was a fitting tribute to a wrestler who had just announced his retirement.
After the tribute, the commentators spoken about AJ Styles’ impact on the industry, mentioning how his style inspired many upcoming wrestlers in India, especially those training in gyms across Delhi and Bengaluru.
Brock Lesnar’s Surprise Return – The Beast Incarnate Announces an Open Challenge
Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any hotter, Brock Lesnar’s music hit the speakers. The arena erupted, and the massive wrestler made his way to the ring, looking as intimidating as ever.
He took the microphone and, in his deep voice, declared an open challenge for WrestleMania. He said anyone who thought they could take him on was welcome to step forward. Paul Heyman, sitting beside him, confirmed that one of the three main‑event matches at WrestleMania would indeed belong to Brock Lesnar, the Beast Incarnate.
The announcement sent waves of excitement through the crowd, especially among the younger fans who see Brock Lesnar as the ultimate tough guy. It also added another layer of anticipation for the upcoming WrestleMania, as the open challenge could bring in a surprise opponent from anywhere – maybe even a popular Indian wrestler someday.
Summary of the Night’s Results
Here’s a quick recap of the key outcomes that mattered for the Elimination Chamber build‑up:
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier – Jey Uso defeated Original El Grande Americano (Bronson Reed withdrew due to injury).
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier – Raquel Rodriguez defeated Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane.
- Je’Von Evans defeated Kofi Kingston in a singles bout.
- Nattie defeated Maxxine Dupri via referee stoppage.
These results set the stage for the Elimination Chamber event in Chicago, and the excitement is now building for WrestleMania. As a fan who follows WWE closely, I can’t wait to see how these qualifiers perform in the steel‑caged environment, and whether Brock Lesnar’s open challenge will bring a fresh face onto the WrestleMania card.
