Smackdown Elimination Chamber Match: Khali v Show v Bryan v Orton v Barrett v Rhodes

[Mitch Henessey]

At WWE Elimination Chamber, World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan will defend his title against five other Superstars in the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match. With a chance to headline WrestleMania at stake, Bryan will be challenged inside the massive structure by Randy Orton, Wade Barrett, Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes, Big Show and The Great Khali.

The World Heavyweight Champion will truly have the odds stacked against him once again when he steps into the Elimination Chamber on Feb. 19. Each Superstar participating will draw a number from one to six. The competitors who pick one and two will start off the match, while the other combatants will be locked in individual pods, waiting to enter the melee at regularly scheduled intervals. Superstars will be eliminated if they are pinned or submit. The last competitor standing will walk into WrestleMania the World Heavyweight Champion.

Bryan has never been inside the Elimination Chamber. However, the champion has managed to escape every predicament he’s found himself in in recent months. At the Royal Rumble, Bryan was trapped inside a steel cage with Big Show and Mark Henry. The World Heavyweight Champion wriggled free from the grip of The World’s Largest Athlete and escaped, still in possession of the title. Unfortunately for him, there is no escaping the Elimination Chamber. Can the crafty champion still find a way to retain his title?

Randy Orton is the most experienced Superstar in this match, having already been a part of four Elimination Chamber Matches. The Viper has yet to win one, but is extra hungry for gold after returning from injury and settling his score with Wade Barrett, who will also be locked in the Chamber.

The Barrett Barrage is tailor made for this type of showdown. Barrett holds the ideal combination of ruthless nature, English tenacity and unbridled ambition. Having never won a World Title, the Elimination Chamber could be the perfect opportunity for him to finally rise above.

SmackDown’s Elimination Chamber Match features not one, but two giants. The presence of Big Show and The Great Khali will make winning a tall task for anyone in their path. The World’s Largest Athlete will be looking to get his hands on Bryan, who ended his most recent World Title reign in a mere 90 seconds and has not let him forget it since. Khali, a replacement for the suspended Mark Henry, has his eyes set on becoming a two-time World Heavyweight Champion and will try to demolish anyone brave enough to attempt stopping him.

Cody Rhodes may have the most to gain in this match. The Intercontinental Champion has made it known that he intends on simultaneously adding the World Heavyweight Championship to his trophy case. This may be his best chance to accomplish that goal, though he is also competing in his first Elimination Chamber Match.

Well, I think you can easily look past The Great Khali and Big Show as possible winners here. Khali going into Wrestlemania as WHC isn't a realistic possibility at all, and Big Show should be busy with Shaq at Wrestlemania, so there's no need for him to win the gold. Cody Rhodes is a wild card in all of this, but I can't see him going into Wrestlemania as the World Heavyweight Champion. Wade Barrett was dominated by Randy Orton during their No DQ match tonight, and WWE isn't ready to pull the trigger on him just yet. Barrett will probably win a World Championship in the future, but he isn't ready yet to rise to the level of a main eventer yet, and a championship run isn't going to happen anytime soon.

It's a hard choice between Randy Orton and Daniel Bryan, but I'm picking Bryan for the win here. WWE has put a good amount of effort into his heel turn. They have invested a good amount of time and energy building him up, as the obnoxious heel World Champion, and I don't think they'll pull the plug so soon. Orton has quickly regained a lot of momentum during his return, but we really haven't had a chance to see what a full blown heel version of Daniel Bryan could do. As I said before, Bryan's heel character is still evolving, and WWE has shown some faith in him. Bryan should go into Wrestlemania as the champion, but there's always a chance Orton could win. The WWE might want a bigger name to go into Wrestlemania as World Heavyweight Champion, so an Orton win wouldn't surprise me too much.

Who's your pick to win?

 

[ITALIAN NYC]

I believe that Orton and Barrett will have there final match at Wrestlemania. So I dont think either of those 2 will win. Truth is, Id say my pick is a long shot but Im going to go with Cody Rhodes. Maybe they were testing it out tonight on Smackdown. Cody was in the Rumble for a very long time and they are bringing him up to be a star. Apparently him and Goldest isnt happening, and maybe its for this reason. Sheamus Vs Rhodes can be a very good fued. If not Rhodes though, Id have to pick D Bryan

 

[JWGunslinger]

Khali......why? Aside from that this is gonna be a great chamber match, everyone but Cody has been in a chamber match so he'll be at a disadvantage there. I stil think that Cody has a pretty good shot in this match, Mitch said it well that we can count out Show and Khali, Barrett will be a world champion soon but not yet, the ones to watch are Cody Rhodes who I'm 50/50 on and the top two guys will be Daniel Bryan. Now Randy has always been billed as the perfect kind of guy for the Elimination Chamber and I've been expecting him to win one for some time now(I really expected it last year) and they might just make that happen this time. But also we have Daniel Bryan who seems to have a solid push behind him as a heel and I feel like that push wouldnt really have accomplished anything if they have him lose but stranger things have happened. So expect Bryan to defy the odds and win, be ready for Orton to hit his RKO for the win and know that there's a possibility Rhodes will win and continue the luck in this new push of young superstars.

 

[nxtgeneration]

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if barrett or orton walk out as champion. This gives them the option of creating a Bryan/Barrett/Orton/Sheamus fatal four way match at wresltemania. I dont think wwe holds enough stock in any of these guys bar orton to carry a title match at wrestlemania, but this would be a perfect way of putting these guys on the card to see how everyone reacts, yet not putting the pressure of a typical main event with three other main events already scheduled (wwe/taker/rock v cena).

I would actually love to see rhodes in ortons place, and have four of the future top guys in this, but as much as there are rumours of orton being in a MITB match, i cant see that happening. When was the last time WWE had nether orton nor cena in title matches at WM.

On another note, I dont think Khali will be in the match, i still think that there will be more said about this, and in the end it will be either mcintyre or christian taking his spot. The same can be possibly said for the big show

 

[Richard Blonoff]

Faces typically have a better chance of pulling out a win they don't deserve so I'm not ruling out Orton winning despite just coming back. I still think that DB will walk out with the strap still around his waist though. Maybe he can finally win a match clean.

While I'm glad they are letting Henry get some time off to finally try to properly heal his injuries I don't like the Khali choice to replace him. I know they don't really have much else in the way of a replacement but really? I've always been outspoken on how I hate guys getting put right back in the main event picture after a lay off but Khali has mediocre skills at best and barely speaks English.

What I hope happens is Cody could eliminate him to continue the momentum boost he has had recently

 

[Mustang Sally]

Khali going into Wrestlemania as WHC isn't a realistic possibility at all....

That's for sure; in fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see Khali get "injured" and someone having to replace him, just as he replaced Mark Henry......but it's Henry I wanted to talk about. It surprised me to see him penciled in for this match in the first place. He was injured badly enough that they had to take the title belt off him prematurely.....and yet, he's been around ever since, which is a radical departure from the old days, when Mark would get injured and be gone for up to a year. I was doubly surprised when he fought in the triple-threat contest at the Rumble. True, Big Show and Daniel Bryan did most of the work, and Mark didn't really have to move around much, but it's obvious the guy's mobility is still limited and it comes as no surprise they never had any intention of having him fight in the Elimination Chamber.

In fact, it makes even more sense that Teddy Long indefinitely suspended him last night. Perhaps this is Mark's chance to get some real rest and heal his injuries. Got to admire how dedicated these wrestlers are, huh? We have no idea how much pain they work through. Hell, try and tell Mark Henry that wrestling is "fake."

As to the E.C. match, I see no logic behind Randy Orton winning......how much of a hero do they have to make him out to be? I see it coming down to Barrett and Rhodes, with one finally breaking through to the top. This is a great opportunity to let one of the young guys shine.

 

[closet_fan]

As to the E.C. match, I see no logic behind Randy Orton winning......how much of a hero do they have to make him out to be? I see it coming down to Barrett and Rhodes, with one finally breaking through to the top. This is a great opportunity to let one of the young guys shine.

I worry about this. I can see them going with Orton because he is the safe direction. DB has been getting good heat with all the VEGAN stuff, so I'd rather he or someone else Barrett/Rhodes win instead. It'd be different and fresh.

 

[Pedigree1]

Khali is not winning the WHC no way he headlines WM!! Big show will be busy facing shaq at WM poor guy all he gets lately at WM is celeb matches!! That leaves Orton,Barret,Rhodes,and D bryan!! Wow tough choices but i dont think Cody will win here the E IMO is not ready to pull the trigger on him quite yet soon but not this soon. My pick is Orton winning the EC!! he dominated Wade on smackdown that will carry over IMO to EC where he will dominate him!! RKO to bryan to win the title and he will face Sheamus for the WHC title at the grandest stage of them all!! Two big time faces going against each other!! Orton is over not huge over but he gets huge pops everywhrere he goes and thats the match in my opinion that will be the money maker

 

[phoenixphreek]

i think cody, much like at the rumble, will have a very impressive showing and prolly eliminate khali. then he'll be eventually squashed by randy. i think the final two will be randy and d bri, and that brian will win but not clean. then with randy getting screwed over, he'll get to be thrown into the WHC match at Mania

 

[IrishSpring]

Personally I think that Randy Orton is gonna be champ before EC...I think the same crap that happened to Christian losing the belt to Randy Orton is going to happen to DBry also...So I think it's gonna be Orton walking into EC with the belt and walking out of EC with the belt......hope I am wrong

 

[Paralyzer Z]

I think the same crap that happened to Christian losing the belt to Randy Orton is going to happen to DBry

Really? If I recall correctly Christian had a 5-day nothing title reign. Bryan has held the title for over a month and has scored a win over 2 giants inside a steel cage. Why not compare a possible Bryan title lost to Miz since he lost the belt or anybody else that lost the belt after a good reign. You're claiming that Orton will take the belt from Bryan thus foreshortening an irrelevant title run.

Anyway I feel that this match will be quite enjoyable, from my personal preferences I believe as of right now I will enjoy the Raw chamber more but that's due to my love faster paced action. Unlike the Raw chamber I am sure this will be slower paced and more focused on Bryan's underdog aspect. That doesn't mean it will be bad in fact I think this one will may have better storytelling than Raw's EC but again I enjoy a Raw line up more.

As to who will win this match I see it narrowing down to Bryan or Orton. Khali will most likely be the first eliminated, and I see Orton finishing Barrett off in this match as well. Rhodes has a decent chance of winning but is he ready to main event Wrestlemania? I don't think so, he won't win this either. From this point the World Heavyweight title match seems to inevitably be Bryan vs Orton. Much like Punk/Jericho on the Raw side, whichever of the 2 wins I still see the match going down. A win for DB can give him yet another reason to brag about his ideal "role model" character and get him more heat. For that sole reason I see Bryan doing some sort of under-handed tactic to get the win in this match.

 

[Skinsley]

Wade Barrett vs Sheamus anyone ?
I think Wade should win but my money is still on Daniel Bryan. There will not be a 1 on 1 WHC match at mania.
I just hope Big show is not involved.

 

[Hardymania]

I personally think Daniel Bryan will win mainly because of the same reasons Mitch Henessy said unless the wwe pulls some sort of "unpredictability" bullcrap on us.

 

[mrpops]

The real question is "Who cares?".

Either Bryan, Barret or Orton wins for the month to lose to sheamus at mania. Its WWE's pick which they can pick at the last second because... either of the 3 must lose it by then.

So who cares?

 

[XXJJ]

It doesn't make sense for Orton to win. I think most people agree Sheamus will win the title at WM. So whats the point in giving Orton the title for only a month so he can drop it to another babyface?

If they want to turn it into a triple threat match. Daniel Bryan and Orton need to be the last two at the elimination chamber, and DB does something to screw Orton out of the title.

Why the hell is Khail in this match? I'm hoping Drew or Christian somehow replace him.

 

[BlueLightning]

If Orton were heel, I'd say that he'd be a lock to win and go on to face Sheamus at Wrestlemania, allowing Jericho and Punk to fight for the WWE Title. But with Orton as a Face, I'm not so sure. We'll see I guess.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

Each year I like to look at the Chamber matches are guess which of that month's title contenders won't be valued highly enough to feature in a preliminary match at Mania. Khali is a definate and Barrett, if he isn't lumped in a MITB match, could find himself with nothing to do. This doesn't really mean anything other than I think two Chamber matches is one too many. So yeah, Bryan should face Big Show on this show instead. Another Chamber match should be made featuring the elite from the rest of the promotion. Or have one title belt. Whatever, I don't really give a shit. Bryan to win.

 

[TheUndertaker-0]

i love the elimination chamber matches theyre always great, and this one should be no different, well we all know khali nor big show will come up with the victory, im choosing wade barrett winning this one, just because hes been on a roll as of the past few months with his fued with orton, and with him winning it can lead up to an amazing match at mania with bryan (rematch clause), sheamus(rumble winner), and barrett (champ) that will be awesome. but if not wade barrett winning i say d. bryan retains

 

[#1Dobz92]

It doesn't make sense for Orton to win. I think most people agree Sheamus will win the title at WM. So whats the point in giving Orton the title for only a month so he can drop it to another babyface?

If they want to turn it into a triple threat match. Daniel Bryan and Orton need to be the last two at the elimination chamber, and DB does something to screw Orton out of the title.

Why the hell is Khail in this match? I'm hoping Drew or Christian somehow replace him.

Because Orton's the only guy in the match over enough to successfully put over Sheamus and push him into the elite group of faces along with himself, Punk and Cena.

 

[Diet Soda]

I like the idea of having a multi-superstar match for the WHC at WM, as it would give a bit more star power to the match. Then again, compared to the other 3 main events we're having so far, the WHC is not going to be the biggest seller on the card.

That being said, I think the WWE could take a risk with how this match is booked, but then again it's awkward to set up a 'controversial' finish to a match the nature of the Elimination Chamber, that is, a finish that would lead to a triple threat or fatal 4 way match occurring at WM.

I do think Bryan should hold on to the strap until WM. As I've said in another thread, now is not the time for Barrett to be winning his first world title and having to defend it weeks later at the biggest PPV of the year, it doesn't make sense.

If Orton won solely to put Sheamus over at WM it would just add to the already long list of forgettable world title reigns he already has.

I don't think Cody should win it for the same reason as Bryan, plus it would mean that the IC title would not be defended at WM, which it really needs to be.

Bryan should scrape though again I imagine, it would feed his flukey heel persona a lot more and give him the momentum he needs going to Wrestlemania. Barrett would suit being in the Money in the Bank match more (if it is indeed returning), as would Orton, because for the life of me I cannot think of any other type of match he's been in apart from one on one matches recently, some variety would surely dispel the complaints that he is becoming stale.

 

[Khalifa]

Has Khali even been on a card this year? Hell I haven't noticed the guy since 2010. Just seems silly to throw him in this match. He will be eliminated in a matter of seconds which is just a waste for a spot. Unless they are trying to make Bryan look like the giant killer and make him eliminate Khali.

As for the winner, I think you have to go Bryan. His title run hasn't been all that big and for him to lose the belt already would be disappointing. He is in the middle of his heel turn, and even though they could make him a heel quicker with him losing the title, I think it would be best for him and his future that he holds onto the title until the heel turn is complete. I also think Bryan is capable of holding a world title match at Mania but hopefully not against Sheamus or Randy and Barret. I don't know, the world title is too hard to book .

 

[BlueLightning]

Just thought, Orton/Sheamus/Bryan would be an interesting main event for the Heavyweight Title. If done right, it could be pretty damn entertaining. And beating two guys would put Sheamus over even more.

 

[stephenjpunk317]

I like Daniel Bryan to win with Wade Barrett screwing over Randy Orton somehow. Orton eliminate Barrett, but Barrett stays in and hits the wasteland on Orton to give the pin to Bryan. I wouldn't have thought Bryan would retain the title till WM, but now I say how can he not have the title till then?

 

[¡Roján!]

No matter what the outcome, I know for a fact that this match will be great. The fact that you have Orton/Barrett and Bryan/Show all in this match, makes Khali and Rhodes afterthoughts, though. They really have no chance, especially with it being so close to Wrestlemania. But, come one let's face it, Khali probably won't even make it to the event, anyway. Remember how awesome Drew was last year in the chamber and how he's supposed to be unpredictable? Attacking Khali and forcefully injecting himself into the match would do the trick. Plus, it would kickstart a much needed push for him too.

Anyway, as for winners, I'm a tad confused. I believe that the only two that have a shot of winning here are Orton and Bryan. If Orton were to win, I don't believe Sheamus is going to go after the WHC championship. I think the WWE are going to swerve us completely. I believe that a heel Jericho could end up facing a face Randy Orton in a match to get retribution for when Orton took him out. With a face Sheamus facing off against a heel Punk on the RAW side. I just don't see everything falling into place like it is leaning towards now. A face vs. face scenario can't happen twice at Wrestlemania, surely.

Then, if Bryan were to win, the most likely scenario would be him facing off against Sheamus. This to me would be sort of disappointing. It doesn't seem like a Wrestlemania main event. Main event for a random Smackdown... yes. Main event for Bragging Rights... you're pushing it. Main event for Wrestlemania... forget about it! Maybe if the match were made into a triple threat or a fatal foru-way with either Barrett and/or Randy Orton being placed in the match, I'd buy it as a viable main event. Still though, it will probably end up opening the show, so it's not exactly a main event in the first place

Anyway, Bryan will probably end up retaining but, I think I'll end up much preferring it and the aftermath if Randy won. I'm torn!

 

[Shotaro]

Bryan is going to win in my opinion. The thing I'm really interested in is HOW he's going to win. I don't know how he's going to get away from the match with his title, but I am confident he will manage it.