Top 10 times WWE got the Elimination Chamber winner wrong
Since its inception, the Elimination Chamber has remained one of WWE’s most captivating matches, known for its intensity and unpredictability. With its unique structure and high stakes, the Chamber has become a pivotal event on the Road to WrestleMania, offering fans thrilling brawls and unforgettable clashes.
While a victory in the Chamber is meant to be a significant accomplishment, there have been instances where the wrong superstar emerged triumphant. Whether due to questionable booking decisions or fan dissatisfaction, these victories have left a sour taste in the mouths of many WWE faithful.
Despite the memorable moments the Chamber has provided over the years, these instances serve as reminders of the match’s imperfect history. Let’s delve into ten occasions where Elimination Chamber winners fell short of deserving their victories, casting a shadow over the match’s legacy.
Here are the wrong winners of Elimination Chamber:
10. John Cena – Elimination Chamber 2011
In 2011, with a WWE Championship opportunity at WrestleMania on the line, the stage was set for a potential star-making performance. However, instead of elevating a fresh talent like CM Punk or John Morrison, WWE opted for John Cena as the victor. Despite the presence of fan favorites like Punk, Morrison, and Randy Orton, Cena emerged victorious, leading to a lackluster WrestleMania main event with The Miz. A victory for Punk would have added more intrigue to both the Chamber match and WrestleMania.
9. Triple H – New Year’s Revolution 2005
At New Year’s Revolution 2005, the vacant World Heavyweight Championship was up for grabs in a star-studded Elimination Chamber match. With contenders like Randy Orton, Batista, and Chris Jericho in the mix, Triple H’s victory felt uninspired and predictable. The decision to crown Triple H as champion again so soon missed an opportunity to elevate a rising star or create a more compelling storyline.
8. Shawn Michaels – Survivor Series 2002
The inaugural Elimination Chamber match at Survivor Series 2002 showcased some of WWE’s top talents vying for the World Championship. Despite memorable performances from the likes of Chris Jericho and Rob Van Dam, the decision to have Shawn Michaels emerge victorious felt predetermined. While Michaels’ win added drama to the match, it overshadowed the deserving contenders who could have carried the title with equal gusto.
7. Triple H – No Way Out 2009
Triple H’s victory at No Way Out 2009 came at a time when other contenders, such as Jeff Hardy, were garnering significant fan support. With Jeff poised for a potential title win, Triple H’s triumph felt anticlimactic and failed to capitalize on the momentum of other superstars. The decision to have Triple H retain the title ultimately led to a lackluster WrestleMania showdown, tarnishing the significance of his Chamber victory.
6. Roman Reigns – Elimination Chamber 2018
Roman Reigns victory at the 2018 Elimination Chamber drew widespread criticism from fans who felt that other competitors, particularly Braun Strowman, were more deserving of the win. Despite overwhelming fan support for Strowman, Reigns emerged victorious, leading to a backlash from the WWE Universe. The decision to push Reigns over fan favorites further fueled discontent among viewers, highlighting the disconnect between WWE’s booking decisions and audience preferences.
5. Alexa Bliss – Elimination Chamber 2018
The first-ever Women’s Elimination Chamber match in 2018 offered a historic opportunity for the female superstars to showcase their talent. Despite a strong showing from contenders like Bayley and Sasha Banks, Alexa Bliss emerged victorious, retaining her title in a decision that left many fans disappointed. With other competitors garnering more fan support, Bliss’ win felt like a missed opportunity to elevate a different superstar to the top of the women’s division.
4. Triple H – SummerSlam 2003
Triple H’s victory at SummerSlam 2003 came at the expense of fan-favorite Goldberg, leading to widespread backlash from the WWE Universe. Despite Goldberg’s arrival generating immense excitement, Triple H retained the World Championship in a decision that felt uninspired and predictable. The missed opportunity to capitalize on Goldberg’s momentum left fans feeling disillusioned with WWE’s booking decisions.
3. Ryback – Elimination Chamber 2015
Ryback’s victory at the 2015 Elimination Chamber for the vacant Intercontinental Championship failed to resonate with fans, who felt that other contenders, such as Dolph Ziggler and King Barrett, were more deserving of the title. Despite a lackluster reign as champion, Ryback’s win highlighted WWE’s tendency to push certain superstars at the expense of more deserving talent, detracting from the significance of the Chamber match.
2. Bobby Lashley – December To Dismember
Bobby Lashley’s victory at the ill-fated December To Dismember pay-per-view in 2006 was met with widespread criticism from fans and critics alike. Despite a lackluster match filled with uninspired booking decisions, Lashley emerged victorious, further tarnishing the already maligned event. The decision to push Lashley as ECW Champion over more deserving contenders underscored WWE’s disconnect with audience expectations.
1. Jack Swagger – Elimination Chamber 2013
Jack Swagger’s victory at the 2013 Elimination Chamber match for a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity at WrestleMania failed to resonate with fans, who felt that other contenders, such as Daniel Bryan, were more deserving of the win. Despite a push for Swagger leading up to the match, his subsequent legal issues and loss of momentum rendered his victory meaningless in the long run, highlighting the pitfalls of WWE’s booking decisions.
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