The John Report: WWE Elimination Chamber 2014 Review

This was written on the night of the show and remains unchanged.

WWE Elimination Chamber
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 23, 2014 (Twitter @johnreport)

I missed the first eight minutes of the Kickoff Show. When I started watching, Zeb Colter was giving a pep talk to his Real American buddies Cesaro & Jack Swagger. The announce team of JBL, Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler made their way to the commentary table.

The Elimination Chamber expert panel was made up of Mark Henry, newly married The Miz and Rey Mysterio. There was a WWE Network ad. I hit mute. I should be doing shots every time they do it, but I have 3 hours of writing ahead of me. It shouldn’t stop you, reader. You can do it.

The announce team of Cole, Lawler & JBL shilled the WWE Network by mentioning it starts at 9am on Monday. That’s only in America. I like to mention that as a bitter Canadian that will have to look up some illegal ways to access it. You forced me, WWE.

Goldust & Cody Rhodes vs. Curtis Axel & Ryback

Axel’s grandfather Larry “The Axe” Hennig accompanied the heels to ringside because he’s a local legend. The Rybaxel team worked over Cody in their corner. There was even an Axel chant for the Minnesota native. Cody cleaned house with a clothesline and avoided a Ryback attack. Cody hit a cross body off the top while Goldust hit a running body attack off the apron. They ran a commercial for the PPV.

After that break, the heels worked over Goldust in their corner with a nice corner splash by Ryback. Goldust was able to create some space after a back body drop over the top rope. Cody tagged in at the same time as Axel. Cody hit the moonsault press for two. Alabama Slam by Cody, then Ryback yanked him out of the ring and Cody hit a Disaster Kick on him. In the ring, Axel avoided an attack with a Powerbomb to counter a top rope move. Ryback fought with Goldust outside the ring and Ryback went into the barricade. Cody was able to finish off Axel with the Cross Rhodes. The match went 9 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Goldust & Cody Rhodes

Analysis: *1/2 A basic tag match with a good finish. I predicted the win for the Rhodes Brothers because I figured they were due for a win after some losses of late. It doesn’t look like that split is happening. Perhaps it will in late spring or summer. They can build them up for a potential multi-team tag match at WrestleMania.

Backstage, The Usos were interviewed by Byron Saxton. They said their uncles the Wild Samoans held the tag titles 35 years ago. They respected the Outlaws, but they have two words for them: “It’s over.”

The panel talked about Elimination Chamber again. Mysterio picked Cesaro, Mark Henry picked Sheamus and Miz picked Cesaro. I disagree with all of them. That’s it for the pre-show.

——–

ELIMINATION CHAMBER 2014 MAIN CARD

There was a video package focusing on the main event.

Jack Swagger and Zeb Colter entered first. I miss when Colter brought signs to the ring. He said that the “E” stands for “Enough” because “enough” with him as IC Champ. He somehow blamed Big E’s IC Title reign for various problems. The announcers Michael Cole, Jerry Lawler and John Bradshaw Layfield welcomed us to the show. Big E aka Big Enough walked to ringside. The Spanish announce team has Ricardo Rodriguez joining them again. Still don’t understand why they think that’s a better use of Ricardo than when he was Del Rio’s assistant.

Big E vs. Jack Swagger w/Zeb Colter

A shoulder tackle by Big E led to Swagger stepping out of the ring. Hey there’s a plug for WWE Network. Back in the ring, Big E hit two belly to belly suplexes. Swagger went to the floor again. Swagger was able to take control outside the ring with a clothesline after Big E was distracted. Note that I almost wrote “Langston” three times already. Swagger with a big boot followed by a leg drop for two. Hulk Hogan tribute time, brother. They did a double clothesline spot so they were both down for the count by the ref. Big E missed a corner charge, so he went shoulder first into the steel. Fans were chanting “we the people” as Big E made a comeback with a kick to the gut followed by some clotheslines. Cole said “Langston” a couple of times. Belly to belly by Big E, but Swagger caught him and hit a Spinebuster for two. Big E stopped the Swagger Bomb. Swagger was on the apron, so Big E ran the ropes and nailed Swagger with a shoulder tackle that sent both of them to the floor. Very cool spot right there. Big E got a two count from that and a two from a big splash as well. Big E went to the top and since he never does anything from there, Swagger hit a pop up overhead suplex off the top. That’s a Kurt Angle move that I love. Swagger went after the knee. Then he applied the Patriot Lock, but Big E kicked him off. Swagger hit him with a boot and then Big E came back with a running body attack. Straps are down exposing the man boobs. Patriot Lock by Swagger, but Big E got out of it with an enziguiri. Big Ending for Big E ends it after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Big E

Analysis: **3/4 I liked it. Competitive match that went back and forth although nobody really believed Swagger was going to win. Best part of the match was the shoulder tackle that sent them both to the floor. The enziguiri kick by Big E was not a spot we usually see from him, so it was good as a set up for the Big Ending. Big E was my pick. No reason for him to lose.

Bad News Barrett showed up on his podium by the apron with some bad news for America. He said Russia won more gold medals than America at the Winter Olympics and that America has to wait four years to try to beat them.

Analysis: These segments are often terrible. This was no different. It’s not Barrett’s fault. It’s the writing.

The announcers spoke over photos of all the media outlets mentioning Hulk Hogan’s return to WWE tomorrow on Raw. They included Examiner.com as a media outlet? That site is awful.

There was video from Raw and Smackdown last week when Kane was shown doing unfair things to Daniel Bryan. This led to Bryan getting interviewed by Byron Saxton. Bryan had his left shoulder taped up. Bryan said he gives 100% all the time. Will this match be painful? Yes. He mentioned his opponents going after his shoulder and giving it all he has to main event WrestleMania. Then he led the crowd in “yes” chants.

Analysis: Solid promo from the most popular guy in WWE right now. Crowd is hot too, so should make for an exciting main event.

Tag Team Championships: New Age Outlaws (Road Dogg & Billy Gunn) vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey)

Both teams have interactive entrances. Billy’s back to wrestling in the t-shirt as Jimmy was on fire against him. Both Outlaws bailed to the floor, then the Usos wanted a dive and the Outlaws moved. Nice hiptoss by Road Dogg that sent Uso into the turnbuckle. They isolated Jey in their corner as the crowd chanted “CM Punk” and the announcers talked about how Blackjack Lanza looked better than ever backstage. Everybody in wrestling looks better than ever. Jimmy received the hot tag for his team as Billy also tagged in. Jimmy hit a Samoan Drop on him after sending Road Dogg to the floor. Road Dogg saved Gunn and Jimmy hit a plancha over the top to take out Road Dogg. They smacked heads. Gunn hit a clothesline on the floor. Jimmy avoided the Fameasser and hit a superkick for two. Good nearfall right there. Jimmy hit a kick on Road Dogg as he was on the apron. Following the distraction, Gunn rolled up Jimmy and that was enough for the win after 9 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: New Age Outlaws

Analysis: ** The clean finish surprised me. I figured they might continue the feud by having a cheap finish, but it was pretty clean. Gunn did grab the tights, but it’s not like the announcers pushed that finish very much. I don’t think the Outlaws are going to have matches that go much longer than that. Gunn looked tired to me although I may be wrong about that. My guess for WrestleMania is a multi-team tag match. Put the tag titles on The Usos there. Since I picked The Usos to win by DQ, I get this one wrong and am 2-1 on the show so far.

There was another Bad News Barrett segment. His podium didn’t go all the way up this time. He insulted the fans for supporting Daniel Bryan.

WrestleMania 30 is 42 days away. I’ll be there. Looking forward to that trip more for the New Orleans adventure than for WrestleMania.

The announcers hyped WWE Network with Lawler using his iPad and JBL using his laptop. They’re watching stuff. People paid money for this show to watch other people watching older matches. It launches Monday at 9am.

There was video of Titus O’Neil turning heel on Darren Young to set up this match.

Titus O’Neil vs. Darren Young

Young hit a clothesline that sent O’Neil over the top to the floor. Back in the ring, O’Neil whipped Young into the corner and Young did that impressive bump where he goes flying over the top to the floor. O’Neil drove Young back first into the steel post. O’Neil hit a backbreaker followed by a slam. Abdominal stretch by O’Neil. The crowd was dead as Young made his comeback with a back body drop. Young hit a neckbreaker while they were on the apron, which got a two count. O’Neil came back with a kidney shot, then a whip to the ropes and the Clash of the Titus (Sky High) for the win after 6 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Titus O’Neil

Analysis: * It was a boring match. O’Neil winning was not a surprise. They seem to be high on him and will give him a shot as a heel. I’m not sure where Young goes now, but don’t see him getting pushed hard as a face because there are a lot of faces right now. I picked O’Neil, so I’m 3-1 in picks so far.

Bad News Barrett time again. He said Minnesota’s electricians are as bad as their NFL team, so that’s why he’s staying down there (his podium wasn’t working). He mentioned Hulk Hogan hosting WrestleMania, but that Hogan’s spotlight will be dim in comparison to his.

The Elimination Chamber panel recapped the Kickoff Match and they talked about other stuff that’s happened on the show. Video package for The Shield vs. The Wyatt Family. Good. It should be an awesome match.

The entrances for The Shield and The Wyatt Family drew a big reaction. The crowd is ready for this.

The Wyatt Family (Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper & Erick Rowan) vs. The Shield (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose)

“This is awesome” chant before the match even began. They started brawling with The Shield owning the ring for now. The bell finally ring. If you’re wondering, The Shield was on the side of the ring facing the camera where the face team usually is. Rowan knocked down Rollins with a shoulder tackle. Wyatt faced off with Reigns, which led to a big reaction from the fans. They’re the dominant members of these groups. The fans know it. Back elbow by Reigns, then Wyatt brought in Harper and Reigns hit a suplex on him. Plenty of quick tags by the members of The Shield. Running dropkick by Ambrose as Harper was trapped in the corner. After some Wyatt distraction, Harper hit a dropkick on Ambrose to give them control. Bray hit a running splash on Ambrose in the corner. There were dueling chants for both teams as Rowan hit a sidewalk slam on Ambrose. Ambrose as able to break free, tag in Rollins and he nailed Harper with a dropkick. Cole calling him a mechanic in the ring is still weird to me. Harper gave Rollins a German Suplex off the top rope, but Rollins landed on his feet. Wow! He knocked Harper outside the ring and Rollins hit a dive outside the ring. Back in the ring, he hit a flying knee off the top. Harper came back with a spinning slam for two. Rollins is amazing. When he breaks free as a babyface he’ll be a huge star. Wyatt hit a running back splash outside the ring on Rollins.

The crowd was chanting for tables as The Shield beat on Rollins in their corner. Harper gave Rollins a slingshot type maneuver into the middle rope. Wyatt gave Rollins a full nelson into a slam for two as Ambrose made the save. Harper nailed Ambrose with a boot to the face. Reigns was stuck on the apron forced to watch it. More athleticism by Rollins as he landed on his feet after another attack by Harper and a jump kick to the head led to the hot tag to Reigns. Leaping clothesline on Rowan, who was now legal. Samoan Drop by Reigns on Rowan. Reigns hit his leaping dropkick on Rowan while he was on the floor and Rowan was in the ring. Slam by Reigns for two, but Wyatt made the save. Ambrose went after him. Harper hit a flying dive on Ambrose outside the ring in between the top/middle rope! Rollins with a somersault plancha took out Harper outside the ring! The crowd loved it! Double clothesline by Reigns and Harper put both guys down. Rollins cleared the Spanish announce table, but Wyatt went after him. Ambrose saved Rollins and he went brawling with Wyatt into the crowd. Rowan threw Reigns shoulder first into the steel post. Reigns came back with a leaping clothesline. Rollins hit Harper in the gut with a monitor. Wyatt came back and they double teamed Rollins. Rowan hit a fallaway slam on Reigns that sent him outside the ring so he was on the side opposite of Rollins. The Wyatt Family stood on the English announce table and gave Rollins a double chokeslam through the Spanish table. Huge spot! Big crowd reaction to that.

The match reached the 20 minute mark as Reigns was left alone against The Wyatt Family. Still no sign of Ambrose. Rowan hit a splash and then Harper hit a big boot to the face. Wyatt tagged in, did his upside corner pose and he wanted Sister Abigail, but Reigns powered out of it. Reigns hit a Samoan Drop. He threw Harper outside the ring. Superman Punch on Rowan. Superman Punch on Wyatt. Spear on Harper, who ran into the ring. Wyatt hit a running body attack on Reigns. Sister Abigail by Wyatt on Reigns leads to the Wyatt Family win after 22 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Wyatt Family

The Wyatt Family posed after the win. The announcers praised the match.

Analysis: ****1/2 It was an outstanding match that was built perfectly. Credit to all six guys for doing a great match. The pacing was perfect, the violence was just right and the ending was magnificent. Slow in the beginning with different guy getting a shot in the ring and then the last 7 minutes were off the charts. Reigns was phenomenal as the lone man on his team. It was weird that Ambrose was basically written out of the match after the brawl with Harper. I like how Rollins was taken out. It was a huge bump to have him put through a table with a Double Chokeslam. It seemed like Reigns might pull it off, but I’m glad he didn’t because a win for Wyatt really helps him. Since Wyatt is rumored to face John Cena at WrestleMania, it makes sense for him to get the pin here. I want to watch it again. Loved that match. I picked the Wyatt Family so I’m 4-1 so far.

There was a WWE Network ad that featured Hulk Hogan as well as John Cena and they hit on all the key points.

Backstage, Christian was interviewed by Renee Young. He said nobody was going to remember his losses after he wins the WWE WHC.

Divas Champion AJ Lee entered with Tamina. She bragged about being Divas Champion for 252 days. She mocked Naomi’s broken face. Nobody cared. Then Cameron walked out for this match.

Divas Championship: AJ Lee vs. Cameron

AJ got control early on. AJ missed a corner charge and Cameron got a rollup for two. Cameron hit some clotheslines. Dropkick by Cameron for two. Sloppy Thesz Press by Cameron with a lot of screaming thrown in. AJ mocked Cameron with her pom poms and she threw them into the ring. Cameron went after her on the floor. Tamina accidentally hit a superkick on AJ after Cameron moved. In the ring, Cameron went for a cover. Tamina saved right in front of ref. Then she hit a clothesline on Cameron on the floor. Ref called for the DQ after 3 minutes.

Winner by DQ: Cameron (AJ Lee is Divas Champion)

Post match, AJ had a look of disdain on her face as she stared at Tamina.

Analysis: -* Yes that’s a minus. They were in a tough spot following that six man tag match. This match wasn’t very good. It could lead to the AJ Lee/Tamina split soon. I don’t think the audience is clamoring for that. Divas division is not well booked.

Bad News Barrett mentioned the podium not going up again. He said that the problem with WWE Network launching tomorrow is that adults will lose their jobs and kids will miss school. You won’t have time to remove the garbage from your houses. Rats will move in. Then the government will condemn your homes, so you’ll be homeless.

Analysis: I don’t know what to say about these segments. I like his delivery. I just think the content could be better.

There was a backstage segment with Santino, Emma, Khali, Los Matadores and El Torito playing with some WWE toys. This was also bad.

Batista made his entrance as they showed a clip from Raw when he put Del Rio through the announce table with a Powerbomb. Alberto Del Rio entered the arena in a track suit along with a crutch and a neckbrace.

Del Rio said he wasn’t going to be able to compete. Then Del Rio attacked him with the crutch he had. Cole said “he doesn’t look injured to me.” Gee, ya think? Del Rio took off his track suit and he had his ring gear on. Batista said he was ready, so the ref rang the bell.

Batista vs. Alberto Del Rio

Del Rio tossed Batista shoulder first into the turnbuckle. There was a “Bootista” chant, then a “Daniel Bryan” chant and a “CM Punk” chant. The announcers didn’t mention any chants. Del Rio even got some chants. Double foot stomp by Del Rio got cheered as some fans were chanting “boring” during Batista’s comeback attempt. Dropkick by Del Rio sent Batista to the floor. Fans were chanting “we want Lesnar” which was acknowledged by JBL. Del Rio rolled Batista back in the ring, then Batista hit a Spear and the crowd booed him. Clothesline by Batista…more boos. Backstabber by Del Rio for two. Del Rio attack off the ropes missed, so Batista hit a Spinebuster. Del Rio fought out of a Batista Bomb and hit a kick to the head for two. Batista fought off the Cross Armbreaker and he hit a Batista Bomb for the win after 7 minutes. More boos from the crowd.

Winner by pinfall: Batista

Analysis: * They tried, but it was not an exciting match at all. It’s time to listen to the fans, WWE. They’re booing Batista. You tried to give him sympathy heat by having Del Rio do a cheap attack, but the fans didn’t care. They still booed the guy. They’re rejecting what you’re doing with Batista. There’s absolutely no way you can put Batista in a WrestleMania main event as a babyface challenger. Turn him heel. Make it a triple threat depending on who the opponent is. This was the most predictable match on the show and the Batista win makes me 5-1 on my predictions so far.

After the match, it looked like Batista said “deal with it” to the fans that were booing him. He’s not a fan of the reaction. I am. Let your voices be heard. Minnesota crowd is great.

Another WWE Network ad aired.

The PPV panel made their picks: Miz picked Daniel Bryan, Henry picked Sheamus and Mysterio picked Cesaro. The idea is they’re all doubting Orton, who is my choice. I would love to be wrong.

As the Elimination Chamber was being lowered, a video aired looking at the history of the Elimination Chamber match.

Here’s the order of entrants in the Elimination Chamber: John Cena, Christian, Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan. Huge “yes” chants. Sheamus and Cesaro are starting out the match.

Elimination Chamber Match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Randy Orton vs. John Cena vs. Christian vs. Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus vs. Cesaro

It’s 10:13pmET as the match begins. Most Chamber matches get about 30-40 minutes, so they’ve timed it well. Fans were chanting “We the People” for Cesaro early on as Sheamus hit a shoulder tackle for two. Sheamus hit a clothesline that sent Cesaro over the top and saw him land on the cage. Sheamus hit his ten clubbing forearm blows. Cesaro came back by causing Sheamus to hit the post and then Cesaro hit a double foot stomp. Huge uppercut by Cesaro in the corner of the ring. After five minutes, it was time for another competitor.

The third man in the match is Daniel Bryan as the crowd chanted “yes” for him. He hit a double missile dropkick. Knee to the ribs of Cesaro. Running clothesline by Bryan on Sheamus. He hit both guys with a barrage of kicks with the fans chanting “yes” and he hit a roundhouse kick on Cesaro. Bryan had Sheamus in a leg submission and hit a bridging suplex on Cesaro at the same time. Backbreaker by Cesaro for two. Clothesline by Cesaro on Sheamus sent Sheamus outside the ring and onto the steel railing. Outside the ring, Cesaro whipped Bryan into the pod and Bryan was favoring his bad left shoulder. Sheamus gave Cesaro a forward roll onto the steel grating outside the ring.

The fourth man in the match (10 minutes into it) is Christian. He focused his attack on Bryan’s left arm by throwing him into the side of the cage repeatedly. He ripped off the protective tape from Bryan’s arm. Heel Christian is great. He slammed a pod door into Bryan’s left arm. In the ring, Tornado DDT by Christian on Bryan earned a two count. Bryan with an enziguiri kick to the head, but his corner dropkick didn’t work as Christian moved. Sheamus slammed Christian into the cage repeatedly, but Christian countered him with a reverse DDT on the steel. Cesaro wanted his uppercut outside the ring, but Christian held onto the cage. Cesaro gave him a Powerbomb into the pod. Two count for Cesaro on Christian. Sheamus threw Cesaro into the cage and Cesaro came back with a gutwrench suplex onto the pod outside the ring.

It’s John Cena as the 5th man in the match. Cena didn’t get much offense in as Bryan hit a hurricanrana on him. Christian hit Killswitch on Bryan, which Bryan kicked out of. Cesaro wanted a Cesaro Swing, but Cena broke it up and it led to a slingshot into the corner. Suplex by Cena on Christian. Sheamus hit the White Noise on Cena. Cesaro threw Sheamus into the corner, Christian hit Sheamus with boots to the face. Sheamus fought off the Neutralizer and Christian sent Sheamus outside the ring. Tornado DDT by Christian on Cesaro. Cena threw Christian into the cage. Cesaro tossed Cena into the air and hit the uppercut for two. Great nearfall right there. Cena was going after Cesaro, but Bryan broke that up and attacked everybody. Sheamus slammed Bryan into the steel. Cesaro did his super strong superplex on Sheamus for two. No eliminations as the last entrant made his way into the ring.

Randy Orton is the 6th and final man. Orton stomped away at everybody. Then he did his pose. Everybody cornered Orton on one turnbuckle. Orton went back into a pod. Only Sheamus faced off with him while the others paired off. Sheamus stepped back, then hit a Brogue Kick through the pod and that knocked down Orton. Great spot right there. The crowd loved that. Clothesline by Sheamus sent Orton into the ring. Cesaro sent Sheamus into the steel. Cena with the spinning suplex and Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cesaro threw Cena over the top. Cesaro Swing by Cesaro on Orton with the crowd counting along with him for most of the 20+ rotations. Bryan hit a rolling German Suplex on Cesaro. Great move. Powerslam by Sheamus on Christian. Sheamus wanted a Brogue Kick on Christian, but he moved and Sheamus hit Cena. Christian got two counts on Sheamus and Cena. Christian tried to escape from Sheamus, so he went on top of one of the pods. Orton hit a superplex on Sheamus. Christian hit a Superfly Splash off the top of a pod on Sheamus and he covered him to eliminate him. That’s the first elimination after 27 minutes.

Sheamus eliminated by Christian

The doctors checked on Sheamus as he was escorted out. Christian gave Orton a back body drop over the top onto the cage. Bryan hit the flying knee on Christian to eliminate him after 28 minutes.

Christian eliminated by Daniel Bryan

The final four all stood in a corner: Bryan, Cesaro, Orton and Cena.

Orton and Cesaro were dumped outside the ring, so there was a big Bryan/Cena face off. Neither guy really had an advantage. Cena put Bryan on his shoulders in AA position and Cesaro suplexed Cena backwards so both guys went down. Very impressive. Cesaro knocked Orton down outside the ring. Cena hit a hurricanrana to counter a gutwrench. Cena gave Cesaro an Attitude Adjustment over the top rope and into the broken pod that was on the steel outside the ring. Cena covered to eliminate Cesaro after 31 minutes.

Cesaro eliminated by John Cena

Final three are Cena, Orton and Bryan. As Cena applied the STF on Orton, the Wyatt Family’s graphic showed up. The Wyatt Family was in the ring. Announcers wondered how they got in there. Probably when Cesaro was taken out. It’s not like we’re supposed to think the announcers are smart. Harper hit a boot on Bryan. Splash by Rowan and clothesline by Harper on Cena. Wyatt hit Sister Abigail on Cena. Crowd was chanting “thank you Wyatts” for that. Orton slithered in the ring and covered Cena to eliminate him. Cena’s out 33 minutes into the match.

John Cena eliminated by Randy Orton

Kane entered the ringside area and was standing in the cage. Bryan hit Kane in the head with a flying knee attack. Orton tried to capitalize, but Bryan attacked him with running dropkicks while Orton was upside down in the corner. Bryan hit a back suplex off the top rope. Bryan went to the top, Orton tripped him up and Orton hit the DDT off the middle ropes. Bryan hit Orton with the running knee attack. Kane pulled the ref out of the ring when he was counting the pin. Bryan kicked Kane. Orton hit the RKO. Bryan kicked out. Did not expect that. Inside cradle by Bryan for two. It looked like Bryan had gained the momentum back, but Kane punched him in the head. Orton hit the RKO again. He covered for the win and that was it for Bryan. The match ended after 41 minutes.

Daniel Bryan eliminated by Randy Orton

Winner and Still WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Randy Orton

They showed fans in the crowd. They all looked shocked. Bryan was frustrated in the ring as Orton posed with his titles and that was the end of the show at about 10:53pmET.

Analysis: ***3/4 I’m not sure if there’s been a Chamber match with that much interference before although other matches have had interference. It was also booked in a way that was different from past years because there were no eliminations in the first 20+ minutes. The work in the match was really good as expected. One thing that bugged is that the announcers were shocked about how the Wyatts got into the chamber. Probably because the door opened when Cesaro was taken out. Why do the announcers have to treat the audience like idiots? Then they wondered why they went after Cena. It’s not like it was the first time since they cost Cena at the Rumble. Obviously they have a reason. Bryan and Cesaro were the best guys in the match, which isn’t a surprise. They had the most memorable moments. I thought Christian performed very well too. Sheamus’ Brogue Kick into the pod was a cool move as well. I’m glad Orton wasn’t in the ring as long and it was a cheap win for him. He pinned Cena after Wyatt help and he pinned Bryan after Kane help.

If they do Orton vs. Batista at WrestleMania it’s a mistake. What should they do? Since Hulk Hogan is the host of WrestleMania, he should book a match on Monday’s Raw that puts Daniel Bryan against Kane. If Bryan wins, he gets to be in the WWE Title match at WrestleMania to make it a triple threat. If Bryan loses, he doesn’t get a title shot for a year. It doesn’t matter what the “if Bryan loses” stipulation is because he should win. Then Bryan is inserted into the WWE Title match and wins the WWE Title at WrestleMania. You can’t do Orton vs. Batista at WrestleMania. People don’t want to see that. It will get booed big time. If not Hogan doing it, have Vince McMahon do it. Something has to change.

Five Stars of the Show

It goes to the six guys in the six-man tag match. I’m not going to rank them although if I had to I would go Reigns, Wyatt, Rollins, Harper, Rowan and Ambrose. Has anybody seen Ambrose? He just disappeared!

Final Thoughts

I’m giving it a 6.5 out of 10. In terms of predictions, I finished with a 6-1 record. The only mistake was the tag match where I thought Usos by DQ, but even then I had the Outlaws still as champs.

All I’m going to remember about this show is the Wyatt Family vs. The Shield match. It was spectacular. Those six guys put on a show. It’s my pick for WWE match of the year at this point although I really liked that Cesaro/Cena match from Raw. I don’t know if it will hold for the year, but it’s the best for now.

The main event featured a lot of good work by some of the best workers in the company. It’s just that all that work is forgotten quickly when you are mad about the outcome. Hopefully they correct things to get Bryan involved in the WWE Title match at WrestleMania somehow.

Everything else was pretty average and predictable.

Thanks for reading.