The final WWE Raw episode before Saturday’s Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event featured Brock Lesnar’s unexpected return, accompanied by his longtime advocate, Paul Heyman, who delivered a significant WrestleMania Open Challenge on Lesnar’s behalf. This appearance set the tone for the night, further elevating anticipation for WWE Raw WrestleMania updates heading into the event. Meanwhile, Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan declared her contender for the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42, surprising fans with her selection.
AJ Styles’ Retirement and Emotional Pittsburgh Tribute
The show began with an interrupted retirement tribute for AJ Styles, the “Phenomenal One,” in his hometown of Atlanta. Gunther disrupted the ceremony shortly before it began, continuing their recent rivalry following Styles’ loss at the Royal Rumble. As security and WWE General Manager Adam Pearce escorted Gunther away, Dragon Lee attacked him, adding further tension to the scene. Later, The Undertaker made a special appearance to announce AJ Styles as the inaugural inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026, honoring Styles’ long and impactful career.
Tributes and Interruptions Involve SmackDown’s Cody Rhodes and The Vision
Cody Rhodes, a former world champion and an Atlanta native on the SmackDown roster, paid a short tribute to AJ Styles. His moment was interrupted by The Vision’s group—comprised of Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Austin Theory, and Logan Paul—introducing additional storylines and conflicts shaping WWE Raw‘s current landscape.
Qualifying Matches Finalize Elimination Chamber Rosters
The show’s card was shaped by decisive qualifying matches for both the men’s and women’s Elimination Chamber bouts. In a notable development, Bronson Reed sustained an injury attempting to break a pinfall, leading to an unexpected match outcome. Despite initially being favored to win a triple-threat match against Jey Uso and El Grande Americano, Reed’s injury forced him out, and Jey Uso took his place in the Chamber.
Liv Morgan confirmed Stephanie Vaquer as her challenger for the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42, solidifying a key upcoming matchup after she delivered an Oblivion move to Vaquer.
Nattie secured a referee stoppage victory over Maxxine Dupri after attacking her former ally relentlessly. Additionally, Je’Von Evans won against former world champion Kofi Kingston, aided by a distraction from Grayson Waller, earning his spot in the Chamber match.
The final finalist for the women’s Elimination Chamber was decided in a triple-threat match where Raquel Rodriguez, representing The Judgment Day faction, defeated IYO SKY and Kairi Sane to book her place at Saturday’s event.
World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk Prepares for Title Defense
Before the event’s conclusion, World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk reflected on his impending defense against Finn Balor, a member of The Judgment Day. This defense is set to be one of the major highlights of the upcoming Elimination Chamber, adding to the intensity heading into WrestleMania week.
Implications for WrestleMania and What to Expect Next
Brock Lesnar’s return with Paul Heyman’s high-profile challenge signifies a potentially explosive encounter at WrestleMania, raising the stakes for the event. Liv Morgan’s choice of Stephanie Vaquer as her opponent adds fresh intrigue to the Women’s World Championship picture, especially following their heated interactions. The completed Elimination Chamber lineups and the confirmed retirement and Hall of Fame induction for AJ Styles highlight this period as one of transition and buildup, promising compelling storylines for fans in the coming weeks.
