The Usos & Roman Reigns defeated Bobby Roode, Dolph Ziggler & King Corbin
5.75/10
- I love seeing the Usos and Roman Reigns together. If they had a hotter trio to go against, I'd want them to do a tag team Elimination Chamber match with some stakes next month.
- Jimmy Uso gets taken out and slammed into the steel stairs. He's carried off by security. Jey gets Deep Sixed by Corbin.
- There's a lot of cutting the ring in half for the heels. Reigns gets sent into the crowd before the commercial.
- Corbin is avoiding Reigns at all costs. Wonder if he remembers they have a match in two days.
- This match is very much a "let's get to Sunday, Brother" match. I can't say I personally care about the match, but they've spent a lot of time building it up, and the wrestlers themselves are working hard and the crowd is into it.
- Reigns gets worked over for what feels like an eternity and he has nobody to tag out to.
- Jimmy Uso returns on one leg to help out. He almost gets the win with an Uso Splash.
- Reigns and Corbin effectively preview their match this weekend by brawling all over the place.
- Uso Splash win over Roode.
- Backstage, Corbin tough talks an interview.
Bayley and Evans
- This Lacey Evans promo about her upbringing is delivered really well, but it went from 0 to 100 super fast.
- She talks about her dad losing his battle with depression and addition, and that upbringing may have led her to joining the military.
- This goes back to 0, back to 100, back to 0. Lacey clearly feels really passionate about this, but I think it would have been better utilized in a backstage interview or a sit down.
- Bayley attacks her.
- Backstage, Carmella and Dana Brooke announce for the Royal Rumble, but Lacey and Bayley brawl into the shot.
- Sonya apologizes to Mandy backstage for getting Otis involved last week. They're set to face Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross but Bayley and Lacey brawl through that match, too.
- I love Lacey/Bayley brawling through everything. I've thought this was something that should be done with someone for weeks if not months. Any time they get near each other, they brawl.
Elias & Braun Strowman defeated The Artists (w/ Sami Zayn)
5./10
- Braun Strowman sees a nervous Elias backstage and says it's time for them to go to work. Elias tries to do a duet with Braun, who agrees, but The Artists interrupt.
- This feels like the 800th time we've seen Braun against some combo of these guys.
- Elias gets worked over and tags to Braun. Zayn tries to distract, but it doesn't matter.
- A Braun powerslam and an Elias flying elbow gets the win.
John Morrison (w/ The Miz) defeated Kofi Kingston (w/ Big E)
6/10
- Big E is oiled up so he can't get eliminated from the Royal Rumble. Miz and Morrison both enter the Royal Rumble.
- Johnny dives over the top, but comes up empty so we get our "IF THIS WAS SUNDAY" spot.
- Pendulum tope lands for Kofi Kingston.
- A Trouble in Paradise is countered with a huge wheel kick from Morrison. Amazing.
- Spanish Fly hits for Morrison, SOS for Kofi.
- Morrison beats Kofi with a Starship Pain. I do not like him beating both members of New Day in back-to-back weeks.
Contract signing
- Daniel Bryan is in the ring and Bray Wyatt appears on Firefly Funhouse.
- He says Bryan won't be facing him this Sunday, so the Fiend should sign the contract.
- The sounds hit and Michael Cole hits the bricks.
- Bryan attacks and gets put in a Mandible Claw and hit with Sister Abigail.
- Bryan is beaten with a strap and The Fiend signs the contract in his own blood.
Rating Guide
10- Perfect, 9- MOTY Territory, 8- Excellent, 7- Great, 6- Good, 5- Average to above average, 4- Slightly below average, 3 or below: Poor
Each match starts at a 5 and slides up and down based on entertainment, execution, time, environment, reaction and stakes. The ratings are in no way an indication of a "star rating," which is a completely different system. A standard, non-offensive "TV match" lands at a 5. The gap between 5.75-6 is generally the largest, with anything reaching 6 being recommended viewing.
These are opinions, and incredibly inconsistent ones that may change upon a second viewing, or sitting on the match for a period of time. Don't take them too seriously, and have (and share) your own!
