On February 16, at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, WWE Monday Night Raw featured a much-anticipated Triple Threat Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match between Asuka, Bayley, and Natalya. Fans witnessed a match that was fraught with mistakes and awkward moments, lacking the smooth flow expected at such a high-profile event. Despite the numerous errors, the match fulfilled its purpose by deciding a competitor for the Women’s Elimination Chamber scheduled for February 28.
Ultimately, Asuka secured her place in the Elimination Chamber by forcing Bayley to submit to her signature Asuka Lock in Chicago, advancing her on the path toward a WWE World Championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42.
Reactions to the Awkward Bout and Elimination Chamber Qualifications
Although the contest was widely regarded as disastrous, reports from Fightful Select indicate that Asuka, Bayley, and Natalya did not face significant criticism or backlash for the multiple botches during their match. The focus remains on the overall buildup toward the Women’s Elimination Chamber, where Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, and Kiana James have already earned their spots.
On the men’s side, the participants locking in their positions for the Men’s Elimination Chamber match include Randy Orton, LA Knight, Cody Rhodes, Je’Von Evans, and Trick Williams. The winner from that match will receive a title shot for the WWE Undisputed Championship at WrestleMania.
The remaining qualifying bouts are scheduled for the February 23 edition of WWE Raw. For the men, Jey Uso, Bronson Reed, and El Grande Americano will battle in a Triple Threat match. Meanwhile, Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane, and Raquel Rodriguez face off in the women’s qualifier, intensifying the competition for a WrestleMania opportunity.
Upcoming Qualifiers and What They Mean for WrestleMania
The final Elimination Chamber qualifiers are critical steps toward determining which wrestlers will compete for championship opportunities at WWE’s biggest event, WrestleMania 42. Each participant is vying for a chance to secure momentum heading into the grandest stage of them all, making these matches highly consequential despite occasional in-ring mishaps.
Wrestling fans remain attentive as the road to WrestleMania continues to develop, with star power and rivalries intensifying across both the men’s and women’s divisions.
Additional Wrestling Industry Updates and Storylines
Besides the attention on the Elimination Chamber matches, other wrestling news has surfaced. Ex-WWE writer Vince Russo has disclosed a scrapped and controversial storyline concept called “ICE.” Meanwhile, AEW’s returning star received a stark warning from Thekla, who said,
“I Can’t Wait To Injure You Again.”
Britt Baker, a prominent AEW figure, has moved on from a significant chapter in her career, remarking, “They Wanted To Kill Me.” Furthermore, Triple H faces serious accusations of racism from a former WWE wrestler, adding tension behind the scenes.
The wrestling world is also abuzz with speculation over whether The Rock vs. Roman Reigns will ever take place at WrestleMania. Brock Lesnar, a feared figure backstage, recently encountered shocking allegations, with one source stating, “Have Him Arrested.” John Cena‘s former tag partner, released during the COVID-19 budget cuts in 2020, remains open to returning to WWE or possibly moving to AEW. Additionally, Triple H is reportedly considering a character overhaul for a beloved WWE Raw star, signaling significant changes ahead.
