Last-Minute Elimination Chamber Thoughts: Surprises, Title Changes, More

By Chris Featherstone

WWE presents its fifth Elimination Chamber pay-per-view of the series live from the old AWA stomping grounds of Minneapolis, MN. The featured match, in which the PPV got its name from, will included the WWE World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton, along with five other former world champions John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Sheamus and Christian. The sixth participant, in what many is calling the darkhorse, is former United States champion Cesaro. This is the final PPV before WrestleMania, and should further shape feuds leading to the biggest PPV of the year.

Surprises

I do not see many surprises coming out of this PPV. There was an initial rumor that Christian was just thrown in the match as a spot-filler with the possibility of him getting ousted if there was a better option. That topic faded for a couple weeks, but it is once again at the forefront. This leaves the WWE with a few options to replace him. There are four realistic options, one possible but not probable, and one far-fetched. The realistic options would be one of the three preshow commentators, which comprises of Rey Mysterio, the Miz and Mark Henry, or the Big Show. The possible but not probable option would be Brock Lesnar, and of course the far-fetched option is CM Punk. Other than that, nothing else appears to be deviating from what should be expected. One thing I am looking forward to is Cesaro being highlighted in the chamber match. This could be a good launchpad for an even bigger push.


Title Changes

Batista vs. Randy Orton is still slated for WrestleMania 30, so expect Randy Orton to retain the title. Especially after looking weak during his gauntlet against the chamber participants. As far as the tag team and Intercontinental titles, the Usos have a better chance of winning than Jack Swagger does. Swagger just does not have enough momentum to hold the IC title, but the Usos are the hottest tag team on the roster right now. If the Usos do not win, I can see them winning a number one contender's match on a Raw leading to WM 30 and having their big moment at the PPV. The other thought that has been discussed is having Swagger defeat Big E, leading to a title match against Cesaro at WM. Although that could work, Big E's push should not be thrown out, as he should be invested in more than Swagger.


WrestleMania Feuds

As aforementioned, Randy Orton will probably retain the title, setting up for his match against Batista. Also, expect the Wyatt Family to cost John Cena the match in some fashion to set up for their WM match. I can see Cena being the last person in with Orton, and after a few minutes of back and forth close-calls, the lights go off and either Rowan and Harper are in the ring, or John Cena is looking toward the ramp and turns around to an RKO. I also see some major dissension in the Shield after a mistake that costs them the match. We may not see a complete break-up tonight, but most likely we will see some seeds planted for a triple threat match for the US title at WM 30.


Sound off with your thoughts on these three topics below.

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