SmackDown pits the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber opponents against each other, in a Gauntlet Match! Who survives to win the best odds on Sunday?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Triple Threat Tag: The IIconics VS Fire & Desire VS The FABULOUS Glow; The FABULOUS Glow wins, Fire & Desire must enter the Elimination Chamber first.
• Gauntlet Match: Randy Orton wins and will enter the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match last.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE honors the memory of Pedro Morales.

BREAKING NEWS: Mustafa Ali is injured!

The Beacon of Light cannot compete at the Elimination Chamber for the WWE Championship. Therefore, taking his place in tonight’s Gauntlet Match will be a member of the New Day! Will it be Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston or Big E entering the high stakes, high endurance match?

SmackDown reviews Vince McMahon’s SHOCKING decision from Raw!

The Chairman didn’t want Becky Lynch getting away with her bad attitude. He wants someone better suited to facing Ronda Rousey, and that is Charlotte Flair!

And here comes The Queen!

Charlotte is much, much happier than all the fans are that she’s back in a title match without doing anything. “Since day one,” Charlotte has told us Wrestlemania is her destiny! And she wants to say that her heart does break for Becky, but it doesn’t. Charlotte mockingly cheers on Becky before saying she thought she taught Becky better than that. Becky should’ve been smarter than that, but no. Just like Survivor Series, when Becky attacked Raw and got injured, who did she choose to replace her? Charlotte! The Myth of the Man continues as the Queen goes to battle. Everyone knows Charlotte is the backbone of the Women’s Division! Charlotte is a Franchise Player and a winner.

Everyone thinks Charlotte is Vince’s favorite. But that’s not why she was chosen. Vince made a smart business decision. Vince chose a future Hall of Famer over “someone whose had a few good months.” Fans still cheer for Becky and Charlotte points at the sign. Maybe Becky will appear. Charlotte points, but no Becky. So to finish, Charlotte was chosen because the main event of Wrestlemania is the biggest match of the year. And no one is going to risk that on a “flash in the pan” like The Man. Fans may not be happy about this, but Charlotte promises them that Wrestlemania will be like every other PPV Charlotte main events: “This is Awesome!” Boo her now, but you’re welcome. Charlotte takes a bow before dedicating this coming Wrestlemania victory to her “best friend, Becky Lynch.”

Fans chant “You Suck!” and Charlotte counters with “What?” She’s main-eventing Mania! And Ronda, Charlotte also has a front row ticket at Elimination Chamber. Ronda doesn’t need to be nervous, Charlotte’s just scouting. But who knows, maybe Ronda loses and Charlotte has a new opponent, too. The Queen enjoys taunting the WWE Universe, but will she enjoy Wrestlemania if the Survivor Series rematch comes true?

Triple Threat Tag: The IIconics VS Fire & Desire VS The FABULOUS Glow!

Just like on Raw, the three teams of SmackDown will compete and the losers will have to start the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match! Will it be Peyton Royce & Billie Kay, Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville or Naomi & Carmella be the team to join The Boss & Hug Connection behind the 8-ball?

SmackDown returns as teams finish entering. Peyton & Billie are busy looking at the belts while their interview replays on the titantron. The teams sort out and Peyton starts against Carmella, but then she tags out to Mandy. Mandy and Carmella circle and tie up. Mandy gets a waistlock but Carmella standing switches. They go around but Mandy elbows out hard. Mandy mocks Naomi then tags out to Sonya. They double whip and kick, then give knees and throw Carmella down by her hair. Cover, TWO! Sonya keeps on Carmella but Carmella turns it around! Tag to Naomi, and they double mule kick Sonya in their corner. The FABULOUS Glow hit double suplexes, then Naomi covers, TWO!

Naomi drags Sonya up but Sonya powers her to the open corner. Sonya rams her shoulder in but backs off at 4. Sonya runs back in but into boots! Naomi runs but is dumped to the apron. Sonya shoulders out but gets a roundhouse! Naomi runs, big split leg drop! Cover, TWO! Naomi drags Sonya up to tag Carmella. Carmella goes to suplex but Sonya drives in knees. Sonya clubs Carmella down but fans boo as she toys with the former champion. Sonya drags Carmella up but Carmella handsprings through. Carmella leaps over the sweep, then moonwalks! Carmella runs and tilt-o-whirls to tag and headscissor! Naomi goes after Sonya but Sonya tags to Mandy. Mandy wants to avoid Naomi but Naomi gives chase. The IIconics leave her stranded so Mandy has to keep running.

Carmella gets in Mandy’s path, and Naomi slingshots out! Fans fire up with The Glow while we go picture in picture. Naomi drags Mandy up and into the apron! She then puts Many back in the ring, but Mandy quickly tags out. Sonya runs at Naomi but into an arm-drag. Tag to Carmella and the Fabulous Glow grind in their boots. Carmella moonwalks and runs in for the bronco buster! Cover, ONE! Carmella keeps her cool but Sonya shoves her. Carmella kicks but Mandy grabs her hair! Sonya SPEARS and covers, TWO! Sonya keeps her cool as she looms over the Princess of Staten Island. She drags Carmella up and into the corner, tag to Mandy. Fire & Desire stomp a mudhole in, then Mandy drags Carmella up for a standing abdominal stretch.

Carmella endures as Mandy digs in her elbow. Fans rally up and Carmella works her way out of the hold. Carmella hip tosses Mandy down, but Mandy catches her to toss her back. Golden knee from Mandy! Cover, TWO! Mandy can’t believe it, so she covers again, TWO! Carmella keeps surviving so Mandy wraps on a straitjacket stretch. Fans rally again as Carmella endures. Carmella fights her way up but Mandy throws her down. Tag to Sonya and Mandy snap suplexes Carmella. Sonya adds her sliding knee! Cover, TWO! Sonya drags Carmella into body scissors and puts on the squeeze. Carmella endures as Sonya also puts her weight on Carmella’s back. Carmella works to make the hold a cover, TWO and Sonya thrashes Carmella around. Sonya squeezes tighter as we go to single picture.

Sonya taunts Carmella as she endures. Fans rally up again and Carmella pries free to throw hands! Carmella runs and dodges, but double crossbodies take both women out! Both Sonya and Carmella are down but crawling for corners. Sonya heads for Mandy but Carmella keeps a hold of her foot. Carmella brings Sonya over so Mandy blindsides Naomi! Mandy helps Sonya reach their corner, and then tags in. Carmella hot tags Naomi, and Naomi springboard crossbodies Mandy! Naomi fires off forearms on Mandy, then shoves to a jawbreaker! Mandy staggers about and Naomi hist a springboard enziguri! Sonya runs in but gets a forearm! Naomi throws Sonya out and a FABULOUS Kick finishes her off!

Naomi hits the split-leg moonsault! Cover, the FABULOUS Glow wins!

Winners: Naoim & Carmella, Naomi pinning; Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville must start the Elimination Chamber

And then the IIconics attack Naomi & Carmella! Peyton & Billie stayed out of the match but now they’re softening up their opponents! Naomi gets thrown into a post, Carmella gets the IIconic bulldog knee combo! And then they throw Carmella into a post! The IIconics want the titles by any means necessary, but will they still survive to the end? And what of Mandy and Sonya going up against the #LegitHuggable best friends to start?

WWE has exclusive interview footage of the Raw Women’s Elimination Chamber teams.

Speaking of the Boss & Hug Connection, Bayley has more faith that Sasha Banks will be able to compete. Sasha’s bad shoulder won’t stop her, so she will be there the same way Bayley would be for her.

The Samoan Dynasty is confident no other teams will be walking out of the Chamber. Nia Jax and Tamina are not worried about any of those other teams working together. And they wish them luck if they try.

Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan would do anything for each other. They don’t see that in any other team. The Riott Squad stands together. Sunday will see a different side to the Juvenile Delinquent and Kentucky Viking.

Mustafa Ali speaks.

“I’ve been taking a lot of big hits lately. And I just took another one.” The Beacon of Light is not cleared to compete for the WWE World Championship. Nothing hits harder than his body giving up before his heart. Ali isn’t sure what to feel, but he knows this is not the end. Ali still writes his story, so it’ll take a lot more than Smaoa Joe running him over, Randy Orton stomping his face in or Eric Rowan slamming him through a desk. They can try to keep him down, but he will not stay down. Will Ali have a second chance on the Road to Wrestlemania?

It’s time for McMiz TV!

Yes, it’s not just the Hollywood A-Lister but Shane O’Mac hosting the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show! The SmackDown Tag Team Champions meet with their Elimination Chamber PPV opponents after the break.

SmackDown returns and the Best Tag Team in the World welcomes the WWE Universe to not Miz TV, but MCMIZ TV! This teamwork has not only made them the Best Tag Team in the World, but into the SmackDown Tag Team Champions! The Usos sent a strong message, message received. But champions look, talk and walk like champions. They’re always in demand, which is why Miz was doing a photo shoot for the second season of Miz & Mrs, while Shane was… Getting ready for NCIS: LA! Shane said not to tell anyone outside of the family. But the WWE Universe IS family!

To business, Shane introduces one of the most decorated tag teams in WWE History, it is Jimmy & Jey Uso! The Usos head out to the ring but they are fine standing. Whatever they prefer. Fans chant “Uce! O!” for Jimmy & Jey, but the Usos want Toledo to show some respect to The Best Tag Team in the World. Or are they? They’re just a couple of wannabes wanting to be the Usos. Shane says they’re not trying to be Jimmy & Jey, but they are the Best Tag Team in the World. Then let’s ask them something. Do they ride together? No. Do they train together? No. Do they eat together? No. If one gets hurt, can’t reach his back, does the other jump in the shower with him? It’s okay for the Usos, they’re twins.

Jimmy decides to try the Tag Team Test. Jey agrees. What’s his favorite color? Red. His favorite food? Pepperoni pizza. His favorite team? San Francisco is the 49ers! Oh, okay then. Miz asks Shane his favorite color. But he also whispers it really quickly to him. Blue. And his favorite minor league baseball team? Another quick whisper. The Toledo Mud Hens. Big pop for the Hens! HOLY TOLEDO~! And his favorite food. Quick whisper. Quiche. Wait really? Yes, Maryse makes great quiche. Who cares about that? No one was talking about Maryse and no one was talking about the Usos’ dad, ‘Kishi. No, no one is. But what about Mandy Rose? Shane keeps the peace but Jimmy shoves him aside. Is that how it is? Then maybe the twins will be put to a test. Shane will hit Jimmy so hard, Jey will feel it.

Now Miz keeps Shane calm and they’ll save this for Sunday. But then Jey snatches the mic! How about doing us a favor, Miz? Shut up! Because when their hands go up, your mouths go shut. Best team in the world? That’s disrespectful to true tag teams. The Usos are coming for the sixth reign, welcome to the Uso Penitentiary! Mic drop, nice touch. But the only thing real right now, are the belts. Shane and Miz hold them up high. “Ya dig, Uce?” The Usos hold each other back while the champs clink belts. DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Jimmy & Jey don’t just drop mics, they drop the champs! But will the champs drop those belts to the Usos? Or will Miz & Shane prove they are a real tag team on Sunday?

WWE and SmackDown celebrate Black History Month.

Segregation was a major issue but the protests to end it were not segregated. Many people of many cultures shared Martin Luther King’s dream. And now, anyone is allowed to go anywhere and socialize with anyone. #LongLivetheDream.

Elimination Chamber Gauntlet Match!

The New Daniel Bryan, with Rowan behind him, heads to the ring as the first competitor in this high-stakes lead-in into this Sunday’s WWE World Championship Chamber match! But before the match begins, Bryan picks up a mic to speak.

“I know there are a lot of people here who want me to lose my WWE Championship this Sunday at the Elimination Chamber.” Fans chant “YES! YES!” Bryan says the truth is, they’re just lying to themselves. The fans are all fickle. They need someone like him to show them how to live their “pathetic lives.” Fans need Bryan as the champion! Bryan says he doesn’t want to be in the Elimination Chamber because it is painful, horrible and likely shorten his career. But Bryan must sacrifice. He is no martyr, but his sacrifice is necessary. It is necessary to win and stay the WWE Champion-

Awwww~ Toledo~! Don’t you dare be sour! Clap for the New Day, and feel~ the power~! The New Day heads out, with pancakes and what appears to be a huge sausage. But only one of them will be in this match. Woods takes Big E’s sausage and Big E starts heading to the ring. But it’s not Big E. Woods gives Francesca to Kofi, but it’s not him, either. Kofi fires up and is the man to start the Gauntlet! Will it be the high-flyer of flapjacks or the Planet’s Champion that makes it all the way to the end?

Daniel Bryan w/ Eric Rowan VS Kofi Kingston w/ The New Day!

SmackDown returns and the bell rings to truly start the Gauntlet! Fans are strongly behind Kofi but Bryan gets behind the ropes. The ref keeps Kofi back and Bryan takes his time returning. Bryan and Kofi tie up and Kofi gets a headlock. Bryan powers out but Kofi runs him over. Kofi goes after Bryan but he scrambles to a corner. Fans are fired up for Kofi as he dares Bryan to come back. Bryan circles with Kofi and ties up again. Kofi brings Bryan to the mat but Bryan kips up and spins to a headlock. Kofi powers out but now Bryan runs him over. Bryan gets a headlock takeover then traps an arm. Bryan palm strikes Kofi while keeping him down. Kofi pries free and gets a headscissor, but Bryan moves around to turn Kofi over. Bryan rolls back to a Queen Angelito, then the Bow ‘n’ Arrow!

Kofi endures the stretch, pops out to a cover, TWO! Bryan gets out of the ring and regroups with Big Red Rowan. Woods and Big E taunt Bryan but Bryan and Rowan talk strategy. Bryan takes his time returning while Toledo cheers Kofi on. They tie up and Kofi gets a waistlock. Bryan gets a wristlock to counter, then wrenches through. Kofi rolls and handsprings to wrench Bryan back! Kofi has Bryan on the mat again, but Bryan gets up to put Kofi in a corner. The ref counts but Bryan throws body shots and uppercuts! Bryan wrenches and whips Kofi corner to corner, but Kofi goes up and over to arm-drag Bryan back! Another arm-drag to a cover, TWO! Kofi still has the arm, then puts it down to drop the knee on it. Kofi keeps on Bryan with a chinlock that he turns into a keylock.

Bryan endures as fans rally behind the New Day. Bryan gets up and they end up on the ropes. The ref wants them to break but Bryan mule kicks! Bryan wrenches and whips again, to hit Kofi with a kitchen sink knee. Bryan keeps on him with another whip, and kitchen sinks Kofi again. Fans still rally for Kofi as Bryan whips and knees him a third time. Kofi gasps for air while Bryan soaks up the heat. Bryan drops a knee on Kofi’s back and then fishhooks the nose. He lets up at 4, then goes after the legs. Bryan laces legs together then goes for the arms. Kofi resists but Bryan still gets him up for the surfboard! Kofi endures as he’s held high overhead, but then Bryan brings him to a cover! TWO and Bryan gets a headlock. Kofi powers out but Bryan runs him over.

Things speed up and Kofi hits a back elbow! Cover, TWO! Kofi gets a headlock but Bryan powers out. Things speed up again, and Bryan tosses Kofi out. Kofi skins the cat, then he dumps Bryan out! Kofi builds speed to FLY! The Trust Fall takes out Bryan! The New Day is fired up while we go to break.

SmackDown returns and Bryan gloats while Kofi is down. Bryan covers, TWO! The New Day is relieved but Bryan stays on Kofi at the ropes. Bryan threads Kofi through the ropes to pull him backwards! He lets up at 4, then runs to dropkick Kofi down! Bryan drags Kofi back up and goes to suplex him up and over. Kofi resists and fans rally. Kofi hits Bryan back and then steps in, only for Bryan to throw hands. Bryan goes to throw Kofi at a corner but Kofi turns it around on him! Kofi throws body shots of his own, then whips corner to corner. Bryan reverses and knees low. Bryan hangs Kofi out to dry! Then he kicks away on Kofi’s chest! Bryan goes to the nearby corner and drops a guillotine knee! Cover, TWO! Kofi lives and Bryan is shocked!

Bryan drags Kofi around and goes back to the corner. Bryan climbs again and aims at Kofi. He leaps, but the headbutt flops! Fans rally up with “New! Day Rocks!” while Kofi and Bryan stir. Bryan stands first but Kofi follows. Bryan runs in but Kofi rallies with lariats and chops! Kofi dropkicks and hits a leaping lariat! Kofi hits the Boom Drop! And a somersault senton! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps his cool while Bryan scrambles to a corner. Kofi staggers over and whips corner to corner. Bryan goes up and over but runs into a mule kick. Kofi goes up, springboard for a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Kofi gets up again while Bryan returns to the corner. Kofi runs in but into a drop toehold!

Bryan drags Kofi up and hoists him up top. Bryan puts Kofi in the Tree of Woe for No Kicks! Then corner to corner, basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Kofi barely survives but Bryan just hoists him back up. Bryan climbs up now, and stands Kofi up, for a SUPER BACK SUPLEX! But Kofi made it part crossbody! Both men are down while we go to picture and picture! The referee checks on Bryan and Kofi but they’re both okay to continue. A standing 10 count begins as Kofi crawls towards The New Day. Woods and Big E coach him up, and both he and Bryan stand. Bryan CHOPS Kofi but Kofi CHOPS back! Bryan falls down, Kofi covers, TWO! Kofi keeps moving and goes up top. He keeps his eyes on Rowan as he springboards, but into Bryan’s butterfly suplex, into the armbar!

Kofi clasps hands but Bryan pulls hard! Bryan almost gets full extension but Kofi scrambles around. Kofi reaches with his legs as we return to single picture, ROPEBREAK! Bryan lets Kofi go, but comes back with a chop. Kofi chops back, and now it’s a chop fight! Bryan gives a European Uppercut so Kofi returns it. Bryan headbutts and headbutts and then gives more No Kicks! The buzzsaw connects! Cover, TWO!! Kofi survives again! But Bryan is right on him with a back suplex. Kofi slips out, huricanrana but Bryan sunset flips it! TWO, high stack, TWO! Sunset, TWO, and Kofi swings. But Bryan catches it! Bryan wants the Labell, and gets the lock! Kofi endures but keeps moving around! Ropebreak! Bryan lets go but then dropkicks Kofi to the floor!

Bryan goes out and takes aim from the apron. Kofi slowly stands, and Bryan hits a flying knee! Bryan drags Kofi up and into the ring, then climbs up top. Bryan leaps, but into a dropkick! Fans fire up as Kofi stands. Kofi takes aim from a corner, but Rowan trips him up! So Big E goes after Big Red! The heavy hitters brawl, and then Woods wrecks Rowan with a dropkick! The referee says the NEW DAY are ejected?! Rowan stays but he is the one who started it! Bryan rolls Kofi, TWO!! Bryan kicks away on Kofi in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Kofi swings and kicks Bryan, but Rowan attacks again! He tosses Kofi into the timekeeper’s area! Fans boo as Rowan gets away with it again! Or does he? The referee can tell this time, and EJECTS Rowan!

Bryan hurries to get Kofi back in and takes aim from the corner. Kofi slowly stands and Bryan runs out, TROUBLE IN PARADISE!! Cover, Kofi ELIMINATES Bryan!! Kofi moves on and now Bryan has no insurance policy! But the action doesn’t stop here! Kofi’s opponent is… Jeff Hardy!

Kofi Kingston VS Jeff Hardy!

The Charismatic Enigma is the third man in the Gauntlet and Kofi is already exhausted. Will it be easy for Hardy to DELETE Kofi? Or can Kofi gut it out a little longer?

SmackDown returns and Kofi has Hardy in an armlock. Hardy jawbreakers free then runs but Kofi dodges. Kofi dropkicks Hardy out, and goes out the side. Kofi manages to build speed to LEAP! But Hardy dodges and sends Kofi into barriers! Hardy then borrows Kofi’s idea and LEAPS to kick Kofi into barriers! Hardy puts Kofi in and takes off the shirt. He climbs up high and SWANTON BOMBS, to flop! Kofi got clear but he’s still exhausted. Hardy gets up first but is stinging from the crash landing. Hardy whips but Kofi reverses, but Hardy runs him over. Fans chant along with “DELETE! DELETE!” and Hardy gives Kofi the atomic drop. Hardy also hits the leg-splitting leg drop! Dropkick countered to a sunset flip! TWO, and Hardy hits the back spin kick! Hardy goes for Hardyac Arrest but Kofi gets clear!

Kofi climbs while Hardy is in the drop zone. Hardy trips Kofi up and throws hands. Hardy climbs up but Kofi resists. Kofi hits Hardy back and sends him down with a headbutt. Hardy staggers back up and goes for the superplex again. Kofi still resists and throws more body shots. Kofi clubs Hardy down, then leaps! Big crossbody! But Hardy rolls through! TWO, Trouble In Paradise misses! But SOS hits! Cover, Kofi ELIMINATES Jeff Hardy!! Kofi manages to defeat the fresher man, but now he has to face… SAMOA JOE!

Kofi Kingston VS Samoa Joe!

The Destroyer is already dangerous, but he’s even more dangerous when you’re less than 100%! Does Kofi stand a chance of surviving?

SmackDown returns again, and Kofi throws forearms on Joe. Joe throws knees back and then dares Kofi to get back on. Joe slaps Kofi around then drags him up by his hair. He throws forearms and rocks Kofi to a corner. Kofi elbows back then throws headbutts. Joe walks into a back kick then a front kick. Kofi keeps throwing forearms and kicks to back Joe down! Kofi whips but Joe reverses to back elbow and PELE Kofi down! Joe drags Kofi over to a cover, TWO! Kofi somehow survives and it infuriates Joe. But Joe is also amused, as he gets to drag Kofi up again. Joe throws more knees, then puts Kofi in an abdominal stretch. Kofi endures as fans rally up. Kofi fights out of the hold but can’t hip toss Joe over. Joe clobbers Kofi with a clothesline! Cover, TWO!

Kofi passes the 40 minute mark while Joe grimaces. Joe drags Kofi up and traps one arm while pulling Kofi back in a chinlock. Kofi endures while fans rally again. Joe clubs away on Kofi then puts the chinlock back on. Fans rally up and Kofi feeds off the energy. Kofi elbows out of the hold, and manages to put Joe on the apron. Slingshot plancha wipes Joe out! But Kofi is also down, and a ring count begins! Kofi and Joe slowly stand up, and get back in at 8! Joe suddenly clobbers Kofi again! Cover, TWO!! Joe grows further annoyed but he still looms over Kofi. Joe drags Kofi up and throws hands, but Kofi dodges and counter punches! Kofi backs Joe down then climbs to rain down rights. Joe brings Kofi out for the atomic drop!

Joe stalks Kofi to the ropes as fans duel. He snapmares Kofi into an arm Bow ‘n’ Arrow. Kofi endures the new stretch. Fans rally again and Kofi powers up. Kofi dropkicks Joe back but Joe stays standing. Joe staggers but comes back with a back senton! Cover, TWO! Joe is furious that Kofi survives again. Kofi gets to ropes but Joe is on him with haymakers. Kofi counter punches then slingshots, but Joe shoves him down to the floor! Joe lets the ring count take care of Kofi as it climbs past 5. Kofi stands up at 7, and gets in at 8! Joe is almost in awe of Kofi’s resilience. But Joe drags Kofi up again with a scowl as he starts on a neck wrench.

Kofi endures as Joe leans on him and puts him into the mat. Kofi refuses to quit, and again feeds off a new fan rally. He gets to his feet and pries Joe’s hands away. Kofi throws hands and dropkicks Joe down! Kofi gets Joe with a leaping lariat! He grinds an elbow in on the cover, TWO! Kofi leaps again, but Joe gets him with the Coquina Clutch! Joe has the sleeper hold but Kofi uses ropes to make it a cover! Kofi ELIMINATES Joe!! This is incredible! Kofi nears 50 minutes in this match, and has eliminated three other superstars!

Joe is furious, and he goes after Kofi with a BIG urenage! Joe shoves Kofi out of the ring and puts the Coquina back on! The referee tells Joe to stop, but more are needed to get Joe to stop. Kofi is out but Joe keeps squeezing the life from him! But here comes AJ Styles! The Phenomenal One still has beef with Joe and he stomps Joe off Kofi! Styles punches Joe and gets him to run away, and then checks on Kofi. Can Kofi even continue to face Styles after the break?

Kofi Kingston VS AJ Styles!

SmackDown returns, and Kofi is somehow back on his feet! Toledo cheers him on while Styles waits to see if this is even happening. Kofi wants to continue, but Styles isn’t one for beating a beaten man. Styles thinks Kofi should quit, but Kofi gets fired up! Kofi says he’s been here 11 years, and he’s never quit! He shoves Styles, so Styles punches Kofi! Styles drags Kofi up and into the corner to throw off haymakers! Styles unleashes his own frustrations, but the referee backs him off. Kofi stands and Styles gives him a pendulum backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Kofi has past 52 minutes but he refuses to quit. Styles drags him up and whips him hard into buckles! Styles covers, TWO! Now Styles grows frustrated with Kofi’s resilience.

Styles drags Kofi up but Kofi kicks back! Styles catches a kick, trips Kofi up and drops an elbow on the knee! The Phenomenal One wrenches the leg from ankle to knee, then drops another elbow on it! Kofi endures as Styles wrenches, but he gets the ropebreak. Styles lets Kofi go but comes back for more. He drags Kofi up but Kofi throws hands! Kofi backs Styles down but Styles kicks the leg out! Styles is clearly still reluctant but he drags Kofi up for a snap suplex! Float over cover, TWO! Styles keeps his cool as he stands over Kofi. He tells Kofi to just stay down, but Kofi refuses. Styles drags Kofi up but Kofi throws body shots! Styles throws knees and suplexes again, but Kofi slips out and gets a roll up! Cover, TWO! Another try, TWO! Kofi rolls Styles to a ghost pin, TWO!!

Styles gives Kofi a backbreaker! Kofi is down by the bottom rope but Styles goes after him again. The referee backs Styles off so that he can check on Kofi. Fans duel as Kofi wills himself to his feet. Styles goes after Kofi again to bump him off buckles. Styles runs in but Kofi puts him on the corner. Kofi gets rocked by a right but he sweeps Styles’ legs! Kofi joins Styles on the apron for more kicks. Then he backs up to run over, but Styles dodges! Kofi collides his knees with the post! Styles leaves Kofi down and out while the ring count climbs. The count passes 5 but Kofi doesn’t stand. Kofi stirs and gets to his feet at 9, to get in at 9.9! Kofi will not die!

Styles drags Kofi up and whips him to the corner. Styles runs in for a big clothesline! Then he hoists Kofi up and climbs to join him. Styles stands up and SUPER STEINER, but Kofi holds on! Kofi adjusts, leaps, crossbody splash! Cover, TWO!! Kofi almost eliminated another superstar, but he wants another SOS. Styles spins through, rolls, Calf Crusher!! Kofi flails, reaches, but Styles wrenches! Kofi taps, Styles ELIMINATES Kofi! The New Day hurry out to help their friend to the back. Kofi gave it all he had and then some, will he be in any shape to compete on Sunday? As for Styles, he has one more opponent to face in Randy Orton!

AJ Styles VS Randy Orton!

The Phenomenal One is ready for the Viper, but where is he? RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!! No one is ready for that! Cover, Orton wins!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall; will be the last superstar in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber

The Viper strikes fast and ends the match just as quickly! Orton didn’t even break a sweat tonight. Will he be a shoe-in to take the world title from the New Daniel Bryan?

My Thoughts:

An amazing episode for a go-home! And with only two matches! But starting the night with Charlotte addressing Becky’s situation was a natural move. Charlotte is clearly THE Heel in all this, but her teasing Ruby Riott winning and truly derailing everything seems pointless. No offense to Ruby but we know Ronda is winning to keep this story on track. Again, I don’t feel the Triple Threat is the problem, it’s just the way we’re getting to it. If anything, Charlotte should be the one competing against Ruby Riott and the winner goes after Ronda at Wrestlemania. Charlotte would still win that match, but at least she’d earn the rematch with Ronda.

The Triple Threat Tag to parallel Raw from last night as good, especially because of how tables were turned. The IIconics let it be more like a 2v2 match and in that way, Sonya and Mandy take the pin. This is actually pretty good, because they, Bayley and Sasha are the four with Chamber experience, and it will be a story of experience versus stamina. Again, hopefully Sasha is okay so the Boss & Hug Connection can actually compete. Otherwise, them being the inaugural champions won’t work out. But at the same time, Boss & Hug struggling and chasing can be a good story for them on the Road to Wrestlemania, too. They can even be the team to figure out this cross-brand contender system.

The “McMiz TV” segment was great. Jimmy & Jey are always great in their promos, and even Shane and Miz did great in response. Their match is going to be another instant classic for SmackDown’s tag team division, but again I’m thinking Miz & Shane retain to push this towards Wrestlemania. Mustafa Ali does a great job with his promo, too, as he always does. It’s a damn shame he’s out of the Chamber, but he really does need to take it easy, that was a thing in 205 Live. But Ali being out is great for Kofi Kingston as he gets to enter both the Gauntlet and the Chamber. Kofi put on the performance of a lifetime, probably in parallel to what was planned for Ali. I still can’t believe Kofi got to eliminate half the field!

And it made perfect sense for Orton to finish this so suddenly, that’s just the power of the RKO. Orton entering last means he’ll get to pick the bones, but I’m still sticking with Bryan winning because he’ll find a way to stay out of the way, and perhaps Rowan even finds a way in. If Kofi continues to take up the role Ali was meant to fill, I would hope Kofi gets a shot at Fastlane just to elevate himself again. Like he told Styles, 11 years here and no direct world title shot? Kofi needs that badly to help complete the resume. Heck, even give us something between Rowan and Big E/Woods on the side so that the New Day can keep Rowan away from Kofi like they did tonight.

My Score: 8.7/10