PPV PREDICTIONS – WWE Elimination Chamber: Early betting lines, Thomas’s predictions, Likely Follow-up to each match

Elimination Chamber 2017 Predictions – Tom Gets It Wrong

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So it’s possible, even likely, that I’m going to get all of these wrong.

1. Mojo Rawley vs. Curt Hawkins (Pre-Show)

If there was a build for this then I wasn’t privy to it. Was it all on Twitter or something? Anyway, these 2 have had a match recently on Smackdown with Ryan Philippe involved, kinda. The result seems unlikely to be any different. Keeping Mojo Rawley’s star rising is the purpose here and Curt Hawkins has been treated like a nobody the whole time that he’s been back.

Winner: Mojo Rawley

2. Luke Harper vs. Randy Orton

This is about as solid an outcome as could be. While Luke Harper is being built well as the next big face ready to break into the top scene (or, as is more likely, the IC title scene) Randy Orton needs to start building momentum independent of Bray Wyatt before his big Wrestlemania match. Orton has been on a major losing streak recently but he’s simply too big to suffer for it. At least that should be the case but Wrestlemania season is coming and Orton needs to look strong.

Face vs. face, in this instance, does not suit an outcome in which Harper wins. Expect possible shenanigans from Bray Wyatt to protect Harper.

Winner: Randy Orton

3. Apollo Crews and Kalisto vs. Dolph Ziggler

Handicap matches exist for the underdog to win. That’s how it works. Dolph Ziggler, as a heel, should not be the underdog. However, he is in a handicap match. Ziggler has been up and down a lot but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s been very interesting as a character since the brand split. Apollo Crews and Kalisto are absolute nobodies right now. A win in this match will do nothing to change that because if it takes 2 of then to beat one guy then they’re effectively just bullies.

Wherever Ziggler goes next – and I’m hoping it’s straight into a feud with Heath Slater – it needs to be something major for Wrestlemania. To do that he needs momentum for this whole new attitude. Ziggler has done enough favours now. It’s time for him to get some positive attention.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

4. Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James

This is potentially the sleeper hit of the show. The 2 best female wrestlers on Smackdown go one on one in what should be a great match. It’s fairly cut and dry though. Before the brand split, 3 women were built up to an unassailable level in Charlotte, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch. Becky can lose this match and lose no momentum because she’s a legitimate star.

Mickie James was a huge star. In my opinion on a par with Trish Stratus for wrestling talent and far beyond her for character work. That was then and this is now. The audience needs to be reminded.

Winner: Mickie James

5. Alexa Bliss vs. Naomi (Women’s Championship)

This match is a little deceptive. On one hand it seems almost certain that Alexa Bliss will win. On the other, Naomi could definitely take the title into Wrestlemania as champion and face Alexa in a rematch. Naomi has been practically anonymous since the brand split but the nature of smaller divisions means that they move in cycles. With Carmella in the background we now have 3 women’s matches on one show.

Is Naomi fit to be their champion as it stands though? No. Should Naomi pick up the win she lacks storyline with any other opponent and she certainly doesn’t have the necessary drawing power to deserve a Wrestlemania match as it stands. Alexa has blazed a trail for herself since coming into the main roster and that should continue into Wrestlemania.

Winner: Alexa Bliss

6. American Alpha vs. Heath Slater and Rhyno vs. Breezango vs. The Usos vs. The Ascension vs. The Vaudevillains (Tag Team Championships)

Okay. Yes, a lot of matches seem very cut and dry on this card. This is most definitely not one of them. The tag division needs a major overhaul and American Alpha will probably receive better development towards the star power that they could have if they were chasing the title rather than holding it.

I would expect a heel win if they’re going to lose the title. That said, there’s only one heel team in the right position for it. In fact, The Usos are the only team with any momentum behind them. That said, if you want to rebuild a division you could easily start from the ground up. The Vaudevillains could claim the titles and effectively just heel their way to keeping them.

My prediction here, as with many, is based on Wrestlemania being in sight. American Alpha vs. The Usos is the best possible match in this division, so that’s what I see happening.

Winner: The Usos

7. Nikki Bella vs. Natalya

The build was horrendous and this match isn’t even a No DQ. What’s the point in having such a vicious build if you’re expecting this to stay in the ring? No chairs? No 20 minute fire extinguisher blast? Eurgh. Do not want. You know what I do want? A No DQ match between these 2. Here’s hoping that this match goes absolutely nowhere and just has the 2 beating on each other constantly to set up a No DQ rematch.

Winner: Double DQ/Countout unless No DQ stipulation added, in which case Nikki Bella

8. John Cena vs. AJ Styles vs. Dean Ambrose vs. The Miz vs. Baron Corbin vs. Bray Wyatt (WWE World Championship)

The headline match should be absolutely epic and there are stories everywhere on this one. The most predicted winner remains Bray Wyatt but I don’t see that happening and I’ll tell you why: I think Bray Wyatt will take on Luke Harper at Wrestlemania to cement Harper’s face turn. Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton does not headline Wrestlemania. Raw are throwing Brock Lesnar vs. Goldberg for the UV title (near as definite) and Reigns vs. Undertaker. Those are some big draw singles matches. Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton does not belong in that company unless Wyatt receives a lot more development between now and then.

If Wyatt wins, who is left without a match at Wrestlemania? Cena and Styles. Ambrose and The Miz are fit to fight and Corbin is bound to find someone to beat up. Cena and Styles could certainly have one more match at Wrestlemania and nobody is going to complain about that but let’s add a third party to it, shall we? How does Cena vs. Orton vs. Styles sound for a main event? Wyatt and Orton then continue their story, with Wyatt in the background of a Styles vs. Orton feud leading up to the moment that Wyatt beats Orton for the title.

As with Orton vs. Harper, expect shenanigans involving Harper and or Rowan to eliminate Wyatt as the runner up and protect his push.

Winner: AJ Styles

I’ll be watching live and tweeting about the event. Send any questions or comments to @Colohue

NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS PREDICTIONS ARTICLE: PPV PREDICTIONS – WWE Roadblock End of the Line: Early betting lines, Thomas’s predictions, Likely Follow-up to each match