WWE’s final premium live event before WrestleMania, Elimination Chamber, goes live from Chicago today, with our staff nearly unanimous on the match outcomes. This suggests a predictable offering from WWE, though that might not be a bad thing.
Since 1966, several Batman films have been released in theaters. From the Joker’s chaos to Ra’s al Ghul’s supernatural schemes, the Caped Crusader always claws out a win, even if it’s a Pyrrhic victory.
Yet, fans still keep lining up to see the next installment
of Batman’s latest adventures. Why? A love of the character and his story.
As a fan who may be on the fence about watching Elimination Chamber, ask yourself: which character’s story intrigues you the most?
Me? I’m focused on four superstars across two matches.
CM Punk
Perhaps the most predictable match on the card: World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk defends his title in his hometown of Chicago against Finn Bálor, who has just two singles TV wins in the past two years.
What keeps me on edge is the real risk of Punk getting injured, potentially ruling him out of the main event at WrestleMania against Roman Reigns. WWE has been hit hard by injuries since October, losing Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed — the original “Vision” trio — at critical times. While Rollins may return soon, whatever plan WWE had for him at Mania has presumably been scrapped.
Now it’s on Punk to deliver a show in front of his fans while escaping unscathed. Any other time, I might not be fixated on the risk, but with WWE’s recent streak of misfortune, it’s impossible to ignore.
Godspeed, Punk.
Tiffany Stratton, Raquel Rodriguez, and Rhea Ripley
On Friday, I wrote about how Elimination Chamber is a big night for all three women.
The gist: Stratton’s presentation may hint at how she’s booked for the rest of 2026. Rodriguez is steadily improving, and a strong showing could set her up for a world title program soon. Ripley, arguably WWE’s most popular star, will most likely return to world title contention at WrestleMania, revitalizing the women’s division across Raw and SmackDown.
Best of the Rest
As a longtime combat sports fan, I’ve often found that cards that look underwhelming or predictable on paper can produce the most excitement. Whether due to adjusted expectations or performers pulling magic out of a hat, such shows often deliver the best results.
If nothing else, Elimination Chamber has the potential to be a fun night of programming. Finn Bálor, win or lose, rarely disappoints, and is poised to have a hot storyline with his Judgment Day brethren heading into WrestleMania.
Based on their encounters at Wrestlepalooza and Survivor Series, Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee has all the trimmings for a very sports entertaining performance in front of a Chicago crowd that will be hot for Lee.
The men’s Chamber match carries similar risks as Punk’s, though I’m slightly less concerned. With rumors that Drew McIntyre could defend the Undisputed WWE Title in a multi-person match, there’s at least one backup if the intended winner ends up sidelined.
Unfortunately, I’ll be flying solo without my life’s tag team partner, but somehow I’ll muster the fortitude to enjoy it. I’m sure Mrs. G wouldn’t want it any other way.
Now, let me ask you: which superstar or story are you most excited about tonight, Cagesiders? Sound off in the comments.
