The WWE universe gathered at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio, as Monday Night Raw went live on Netflix at 8/7c. This week’s episode promised a night of intense action, with two Elimination Chamber Qualifying matches, a highly-anticipated tag-team title bout, and more.
Elimination Chamber Qualifier 1: Ricochet vs. Finn Bálor
The first Elimination Chamber Qualifier saw Ricochet take on Finn Bálor in a thrilling contest. Bálor dominated the early going, but Ricochet managed to mount a comeback, hitting a series of high-flying moves. In the end, Bálor’s experience paid off, as he secured the pin after a beautiful 1916.
“I’m not going to lie, I was a bit worried about Ricochet’s chances going into this match,” said a WWE insider. “But he showed a lot of heart and determination. He’s definitely got what it takes to compete with the best in the company.”
Bálor’s victory moved him one step closer to a spot in the Elimination Chamber, while Ricochet will have to wait and see if he’ll get another chance.
Tag-Team Championship: The Usos vs. The New Day
The night’s main event saw The Usos put their tag-team titles on the line against The New Day. The Usos, who have been on a tear as of late, looked to continue their winning streak against the challenger duo.
In a back-and-forth match that saw both teams trading near-falls, The Usos ultimately emerged victorious after a well-executed splash from Jey Uso. The win marked the 7th successful title defense for The Usos as champions.
“We’ve been working tirelessly to improve our skills and strategy, and it’s paying off,” said Jimmy Uso in an interview after the match. “We’re not going to let anyone take our titles away from us.”
Elimination Chamber Qualifier 2: Sheamus vs. Matt Riddle
The second Elimination Chamber Qualifier saw a battle between Sheamus and Matt Riddle. The match was marked by a series of hard-hitting moves, including a vicious Brogue Kick from Sheamus.
Despite Riddle’s valiant effort, Sheamus’ brute strength ultimately paid off, as he secured the pin after a vicious 10 Beats of the Bodhran. Riddle will have to wait and see if he’ll get another chance to qualify for the Elimination Chamber.
Other Notable Moments
In other news, WWE Superstar Braun Strowman made a surprise appearance on Raw, setting up a potential feud with current United States Champion, Austin Theory. Strowman, who has been out of action for several weeks due to injury, looked fierce and focused as he made his way to the ring.
The night also saw a showdown between The Miz and Damian Priest, with The Miz emerging victorious after a well-executed Skull Crushing Finale. The victory marked The Miz’s first win in several weeks and could be a sign of things to come for the veteran Superstar.
Conclusion
Monday Night Raw was a night to remember, with several upsets and surprises throughout the evening. The Elimination Chamber Qualifying matches set the stage for what promises to be an exciting Pay-Per-View event, while The Usos’ successful title defense solidified their position as one of the top tag-team duos in the company.
As the WWE universe looks ahead to the upcoming weeks, one thing is clear: the competition is heating up, and anyone can emerge victorious on any given night.
Will The Usos be able to continue their winning streak, or will The New Day finally dethrone them? Will Ricochet and Matt Riddle be able to qualify for the Elimination Chamber, or will they fall short? Stay tuned to find out.