-I’m surprised WWE is going to the first Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee singles match at Elimination Chamber rather than WrestleMania 42. It’s Chicago, so I get it, but that’s a marquee match that is made for WrestleMania, so it’ll be interesting to see what they have in mind. I’m fine with a Lynch vs. Lee 2 match at WrestleMania, but what this doesn’t need is other women involved. This is a Lee and Lynch feud. Let it be that.
Becky Lynch is carrying big responsibility
-Speaking of Becky Lynch, man, she was tremendous this week. Her body language and mannerisms really conveyed an element of losing it and it set the table perfectly for AJ Lee to look like a calm and collected babyface. All Lee had to do was go out there. Because of the work Lynch does to set everything up, Lee can just lay up her part and it’s gold. Glad they got in a little physicality between the two with Lynch attacking Lee. After all, this is pro wrestling.
-A fine world tag team title match between The Usos and Alpha Academy this week, but it was hard to invest. These are both supremely likable teams. Not sure why WWE makes it’s audience have to choose like this.
-What was up with Jimmy Uso telling Jey to go after another WrestleMania spot by way of Elimination Chamber? WWE hasn’t picked a lane yet with the reuniting of these guys. You can’t be all in as a tag team if the priority is wrestling for singles gold at the biggest show of the year. Seems like WWE wants to have their cake and eat it too with this.
From The Takedown on SI
-Well, at this point Liv Morgan has to choose Stephanie Vaquer for WrestleMania. Hopefully it stays a singles match. Those two have more chemistry together than Morgan did with Jade Cargill on Friday night. Plus, there is more of a story to tell between them. Both women stayed in their lanes this week and it made for a strong segment.
Ripley’s night, but Nile delivered
-When Ivy Nile was shown on the graphic for the Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifier match this week, my immediate reaction was that there was the jobber. Nile wasn’t that in the triple threat this week along with Rhea Ripley and Lyra Valkyria. She didn’t win, because Rhea is gonna Rhea. However, she had her moments, looked strong when she needed to, and didn’t take the fall. Not a bad night. Ripley needed thi win because she’s such a massive star, but like Jey Uso, it’s odd seeing her try for singles gold at the biggest show of the year when she’s holding one of the tag team championship belts and has spent the majority of the last year tagging with Iyo Sky.
-If you’re Triple H, you have to be downright thrilled with what you’re getting from CM Punk on a weekly basis. Punk was fantastic opposite Finn Balor this week. He was able to balance pushing back on the authority figure in a likable way that was different than how the heels do it. He also gave strong background on why he wanted to face Finn Balor again, why that match should get booked with all that’s going on around him (Roman Reigns), and Balor’s lack of a credible argument for a title shot. Punk was confident, intense, and seems determined to shine brighter than everyone else on the show.
-We didn’t get a finish to Nattie vs. Maxxine Dupri. I maintain that this is too big a push for Dupri. So far, she hasn’t shown an ability to deliver on the expectations the storyline is setting up.
OG
-Damn. The OG Cutter top rope splash counter by Je’Von Evans sure was something. Crazy athletic. Once Evans hones in on what his character is, the wild athleticism will be can’t miss. If WWE is smart, they make people pay for it and keep integrity on it by not putting it out there every week.
-I’m here for El Grande Americano vs. El Grande Americano at WrestleMania. I know I shouldn’t be, but sue me.
-Because of the strong last year that Gunther has had, it just isn’t right to not be able to forecast a suitable WrestleMania match for him this year. Bad business and a bad use of a top star.
Breakker will be back
-Based on the field of talent in the triple threat Elimination Chamber qualifier, it was pretty easy to see that LA Knight was going to win and get the spot. It was a fun match with plenty of action and the continuation of the masked man storyline. WWE must be confident that they’ll get Bron Breakker back in time for a WrestleMania match with Seth Rollin. Otherwise, I’m not sure why you keep the masked man story front and center.
What did you think of this week’s episode of WWE Raw? Let us know in the comments!
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