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WWE Elimination Chamber 2020 Report Card: Grades Are In!

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Elimination Chamber Report Card

The last pay per view before WrestleMania 36 is the Elimination Chamber, which will help shape the biggest event of the year. So, let’s get to the report card.

3 On 1 Handicap Match For The Intercontinental Championship: Braun Strowman vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Cesaro & Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn has not competed in a while and he wanted to make a statement for his in-ring return. You knew Sami telling Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro to stay on the apron would not last. But, I thought it would last more than 30 seconds. This looked like the weakest match on the card and that is how it played out. The positioning of the match had no chance as the crowd seemed pleased if the show ended. I will say, Sami got a good amount of heat and the title change was a shocker. Grade: B-

The Viking Raiders vs. Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins

Elimination Chamber Report Card

A few hours before the pay per view began, we learned that a tag team match would be added to the pre-show. The strangest part was deciding if either team were the heels. It seems like WWE booked a pair of babyfaces to do battle. Not a bad match and I wish there some sort of storyline to go with the action. My biggest takeaway is that WWE has no plans for either team. That seems like a recurring trend for Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins, but The Viking Raiders were getting a big push up until two months ago. Grade: B-

RAW Tag Team Championships: The Street Profits vs. Seth Rollins & Murphy

In a rematch from RAW, Seth Rollins & Murphy tried to regain the titles from The Street Profits. The match was fine, but it seemed like the crowd was starting to lose energy. Nothing too memorable outside of a decent match. A good ending with The Street Profits catching Murphy on the outside and a powerbomb against the apron. Once Kevin Owens showed up, you knew the titles were staying put and are a stunner was coming. The most interesting note from the match, was Rollins berating Murphy after the loss. Grade: B

No Disqualification Match: Aleister Black vs. AJ Styles

When you think of a No Disqualification Match, you think lots of weapons will be used. While we got weapons, the gimmick rule was more about Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson getting involved. Aleister Black vs. AJ Styles could have been better, but there were other factors. Styles is coming off an injury and WWE is building towards his upcoming WrestleMania 36 match against Undertaker. After the one-off match with Undertaker, I want to see Black and Styles run this back. Also, no complaints with the quick appearance by Undertaker and that wicked black mass finish. Grade: B

United States Championship: Andrade vs. Humberto Carrillo

Elimination Chamber Report Card

Andrade and Humberto Carrillo have been feuding for what seems like forever. They usually deliver, but WWE needs to change things up. This match was missing the highflying spots early on. Once they went to their strengths, the match picked up and the crowd seemed to enjoy the product. I was wondering how Zelina Vega would get involved and then she exposed the concrete floor on the outside. Great sequence at the end and Andrade grabbing the tights was the right call. Andrade might have recently been suspended by WWE, but Humberto Carrillo is not ready for a title run. Grade: B+

Elimination Chamber Match With The Winner Facing RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch At WrestleMania 36: Natalya vs. Liv Morgan vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka vs. Ruby Riott vs. Sarah Logan

Even before the match was announced, it was obvious Shayna Baszler was getting the title shot at Becky Lynch. WWE had been hyping their tension since before Survivor Series; plus, there were not many legit contenders. This match should have never closed the show and fans let WWE know with their silence. The women did a fine job, but they were never going to top the insane spots from the men’s bout. The match’s only job was to elevate Shayna Baszler and she looked like a total savage. Grade: B

Daniel Bryan vs. Drew Gulak

Elimination Chamber Report Card

Out of nowhere, Drew Gulak has been inserted into a storyline with Daniel Bryan. We have someone associated with 205 Live and a former World Champion, who has won in the main event of WrestleMania. It is nothing against Gulak, who has always shown potential; but, he has never faced someone with the credentials of Bryan. Like I figured, we saw a good amount of chain wrestling. Yet, they also tossed in some stiff shots. Watching Bryan land on the back of his neck so many times was somewhat tough to watch. The idea of Gulak not passing out and never quitting, leaves the door open for a rematch. Bryan was already a known star and he helped Gulak take a big leap in his WWE career. I would not mind to see this program continue into WrestleMania 36. Grade: A-

Elimination Chamber Match For The SmackDown Tag Team Championship: The Miz & John Morrison vs. New Day vs. The Usos vs. Heavy Machinery vs. Lucha House Party vs. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode

Elimination Chamber Report Card

You knew this was easily going to be the better of the two Elimination Chamber matches. No bigger way to start than with The Usos and New Day reigniting their feud. Lucha House Party were able to use the Chamber to create some memorable moments as they hit crazy spots. Lince Doradoa hitting the shooting star press from the top of the Chamber was wild. Good booking decisions by WWE, from the entrants to eliminations. Heavy Machinery and Lucha House Party stole the match, which was refreshing. Otis running through a pod was a first. The Miz & John Morrison retaining seemed obvious, but what a story told by everyone. Grade: A

By Joe Lisnow
The lineage of pro wrestling dates back centuries, tying the world together through the art of storytelling. After decades ... More about Joe Lisnow
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