While the Royal Rumble was just two days ago, SmackDown has the Elimination Chamber Pay-Per-View in two weeks. Tonight, we find out the Chamber match participants, some developments in the Wyatt Family turmoil, and Dean Ambrose squares off with AJ Styles in the main event.
Opening Segment
We start SmackDown off in the office of Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan, and they announce the participants for the Elimination Chamber match: John Cena, AJ Styles, The Miz, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, and Baron Corbin. AJ Styles wants a one-on-one rematch for the title, but that’ll be addressed later. Dean Ambrose walks in with unfinished business on his mind, and he wants a match with AJ Styles tonight.
In-ring Segment
John Cena returns to SmackDown Live with the WWE World Championship in hand after capturing it from AJ Styles just two nights ago. Before The Champ talks about the Elimination Chamber, he apologizes to Styles for calling him “just a guy,” and calls him an “elite talent.” Since Cena is champion again, he lays down the weekly challenge, and The Wyatt Family answers.
Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton warn Cena that the title is coming to them, and they start approaching the ring to attack the Dr. of Thuganomics. The lights go out, and when they’re back on, Luke Harper appears standing behind Cena. Harper has some unfinished business with Wyatt and Orton, and Shane McMahon makes a very unlikely tag team match.
Bray Wyatt & Randy Orton vs. John Cena & Luke Harper
There is clear animosity between Luke Harper and Randy Orton. However, Harper is still on the fence abot his current/former leader, Bray Wyatt. While John Cena can very well take on the Eater of Worlds, having a partner who only wants to face half of the opposing team is a bit of a handicap.
All three members of the Wyatt Family clash in the center of the ring, and John Cena tries to interrupt by attempting an Attitude Adjustment on Wyatt. Orton breaks up the move, then hits Cena with an RKO to pin his potential WrestleMania opponent. Winners: Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper
Carmella (w/James Ellsworth) vs. Delilah Dawson
In the most recent development of the Carmella/James Ellsworth relationship, Carmella continues her quest to take down unsigned wrestlers. Ellsworth gives Carmella an introduction a la Lana for Rusev, and with Ellsworth’s help, the Princess of Staten Island picks up the win. Winner (via submission): Carmella
Kalisto vs. Dolph Ziggler
Just a week ago, Kalisto lost to the Showoff in just 46 seconds. Ziggler has had a problem with Kalisto since the Lucha Dragon tried to save him from Baron Corbin. Ziggler snapped, and attacked Kalisto since he doesn’t want any help.
With one swift superkick, Dolph Ziggler quickly beats Kalisto yet again. After the match, Ziggler tries to remove the mask of Kalisto, but Apollo Crews (Kalisto’s friend) rushes down to the ring and sends Ziggler retreating. Winner: Dolph Ziggler
Becky Lynch & Naomi vs. Alexa Bliss & Mickie James
A few weeks ago, Mickie James interfered in a cage match to cost Becky Lynch the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Lynch tried to attack James last week, but the numbers game would get the best of her. Two nights ago, however, Lynch, along with Naomi and Nikki Bella, would defeat the team of Alexa Bliss, Mickie James, and Natalya. The most notable part about that six-woman tag team match was that Naomi scored a pinfall over Bliss, potentially putting her in the title picture.
Becky Lynch tackles Mickie James out of the ring, and Naomi hits Alexa Bliss with a split legged moonsault, pinning the SmackDown Women’s Champion twice in three days. Winners: Becky Lynch & Naomi
SmackDown Tag Team Championship Open Challenge
American Alpha won the SmackDown Tag Team Championships from the Wyatt Family several weeks ago, and they haven’t had competition since. The Usos, The Ascension, The Vaudevillains, Breezango, and Heath Slater and Rhyno all answer the challenge. Immediately, all six teams start brawling. Instead of finding a #1 Contender, the segment ends after the brawl subsides.
Dean Ambrose vs. AJ Styles
The Miz joins the 4-man commentary team to presumable scout his Elimination Chamber opponents. In the middle of the match, Baron Corbin (who is also in the Chamber match) makes his way down to ringside to scout as well.
Miz and Corbin are going back-and-forth on commentary, which leads to them fighting at ringside. Dean Ambrose sees that this is distracting the referee, and the Lunatic Fringe attacks both of them. Styles takes advantage of the distraction to hit the Styles Clash and get the pin. Winner: AJ Styles
After the match, Baron Corbin hits Miz and Ambrose with the End of Days, standing tall to end the show.
