WWE Elimination Chamber 2022: Recap & Results
What's up, wrestling fanatics! Get ready to dive deep into the brutal, unforgiving structure that is the WWE Elimination Chamber 2022! This event, guys, was an absolute barnburner, delivering some shocking moments, incredible performances, and setting the stage for WrestleMania. We saw champions defend their titles, new challengers emerge, and a whole lot of pain dished out inside those unforgiving steel pods. If you missed any of the action, or just want to relive the glory (and the gore!), you've come to the right place. We're going to break down all the major matches, the biggest surprises, and what it all means for the road to the biggest show of the year. So grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and let's get this recap started!
The Undisputed WWE Universal Championship Elimination Chamber Match
Alright, let's talk about the main event, the match that had everyone on the edge of their seats: the Elimination Chamber match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. This was a stacked field, featuring the reigning champion, Roman Reigns, alongside fellow superstars like Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, Finn Bálor, Austin Theory, Riddle, and Brock Lesnar. The stakes couldn't have been higher, with Reigns looking to solidify his dominance and Lesnar aiming to reclaim the gold he felt was rightfully his. From the get-go, the intensity was off the charts. The way these guys went at each other inside that chain-linked monstrosity was absolutely brutal. We saw high-flying maneuvers, bone-jarring slams, and strategic alliances that inevitably crumbled. Rollins, always the opportunist, made his presence felt early, showcasing his cunning and resilience. Riddle brought his unique brand of high-energy offense, and Bálor, as "The Prince," proved why he's always a threat. Austin Theory, the young up-and-comer, played his role perfectly, soaking up the experience and even managing to eliminate a few contenders. But the real story, the one everyone was talking about, was the inevitable clash between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. The anticipation for this showdown was immense. The physical battle between these two titans was everything we expected and more. Reigns, with the ever-present interference from his cousin Jey Uso, managed to survive, showcasing his champion's mettle. However, the surprise twist came when Brock Lesnar, surprisingly, did not win the match. Instead, a dominant performance saw Reigns retain his title, much to the chagrin of many fans and Lesnar himself. This outcome left the WWE Universe buzzing, questioning what's next for The Beast Incarnate and whether Reigns' reign will ever truly be challenged without outside help. The strategy, the power, the sheer will to survive – it was all on display in a match that will be talked about for a long time.
Raw Women's Championship Elimination Chamber Match
Next up, we had the Raw Women's Championship Elimination Chamber match, and let me tell you, the ladies brought the thunder! This match featured Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Doudrop, Nikki A.S.H., and the reigning champion, Becky Lynch. The goal? To determine who would walk out of Jeddah with the Raw Women's Championship. The eliminations started flowing, and each competitor brought their A-game. Bianca Belair was an absolute powerhouse, showcasing her incredible athleticism and strength. She looked like a sure bet to win, tossing opponents around with ease and delivering some breathtaking moves. Rhea Ripley, the "Mami," also made her presence known with her formidable power and intimidating aura. Liv Morgan, as always, was fighting with heart, proving she's a force to be reckoned with. Doudrop showed her immense power, and Nikki A.S.H. brought her unique brand of chaos. However, the match was primarily a showcase for Bianca Belair and Becky Lynch. Their back-and-forth was electrifying, with Belair looking incredibly strong and Lynch fighting with the desperation of a champion trying to hold onto her gold. The eliminations were strategic and impactful. The final showdown between Belair and Lynch was a masterclass in storytelling. Belair seemed to have Lynch beat multiple times, hitting her signature moves and coming agonizingly close to victory. But Becky Lynch, in true "Big Time Becks" fashion, found a way to survive and retain her championship. The finish was controversial, with some questioning the referee's count, but ultimately, Lynch stood tall. This result kept the Raw Women's Championship picture incredibly interesting and left fans wondering when, or if, Bianca Belair would finally get her hands on that title. The journey through the Chamber was intense and captivating, highlighting the incredible talent and determination of these women. The physical toll and the mental fortitude required to compete in such a match were evident, making Lynch's victory even more impressive, albeit hard-fought.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Goldberg
Before the Chamber even kicked off, we had a massive Universal Championship match on the card: Roman Reigns vs. Goldberg. This was a dream match for many, pitting two of the most dominant forces in WWE history against each other. Goldberg, a legend who has made a career out of destroying opponents in minutes, was looking to add the Universal Championship to his illustrious resume. Roman Reigns, the "Tribal Chief," was looking to prove that he is on another level, capable of defeating even the most feared legends. The air was thick with anticipation as these two behemoths squared off. Goldberg came out with his signature intensity, hitting his devastating spear early on. The crowd was electric, sensing a potential upset. Reigns, however, showed why he's been champion for so long. He weathered the storm, absorbing Goldberg's best shots and looking for an opening. The match was short but packed with raw power and hard-hitting action. Goldberg looked strong, but Reigns' resilience and strategic offense eventually took over. In the end, Roman Reigns secured the victory via submission with his guillotine choke, forcing the legendary Goldberg to tap out. This win further cemented Reigns' status as the dominant force in WWE and proved that even legends like Goldberg couldn't overcome the "Tribal Chief" in his current state. It was a powerful display of Reigns' championship reign and his ability to overcome any challenge put in front of him, even one as iconic as Goldberg. The image of Reigns standing tall over the fallen legend was a stark reminder of his unparalleled dominance.
Other Notable Matches and Moments
Beyond the Chamber matches and the colossal clash between Reigns and Goldberg, Elimination Chamber 2022 delivered several other must-see bouts and memorable moments that deserve a shout-out. The United States Championship match saw Damian Priest defend his title against Finn Bálor. This was a fantastic display of skill and athleticism from both competitors. Priest, the powerhouse champion, went head-to-head with the technically sound "Prince." The match was fast-paced, with both men hitting impressive offensive sequences. Ultimately, Damian Priest retained his United States Championship, showcasing his dominance in the mid-card and proving he's a fighting champion. This victory kept his reign going strong and solidified his place as a top star on Raw. Another match that had the crowd buzzing was the SmackDown Tag Team Championship match featuring The Usos defending against The Viking Raiders. This was a hard-hitting tag team affair, with The Usos continuing their impressive reign as champions. Their chemistry as a team is undeniable, and they put on a solid performance against the rugged Viking Raiders. The Usos emerged victorious, further solidifying their status as one of the greatest tag teams in WWE history. But perhaps one of the most talked-about moments of the night, outside of the Chamber itself, was the unexpected appearance of Ronda Rousey. After the Raw Women's Championship match, Rousey appeared, and to everyone's shock, she pointed to the WrestleMania sign and seemingly declared her intention to challenge Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania. This sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe and instantly created one of the most anticipated matches for the biggest event of the year. The crowd's reaction to Rousey's return was immense, highlighting her star power and the excitement surrounding her comeback. The implications of this appearance alone made the event incredibly significant. These additional matches and surprise appearances ensured that Elimination Chamber 2022 was more than just a one-match show; it was a full package of WWE action that left fans buzzing and eager for what was to come next. The performances across the board demonstrated the depth of talent on the WWE roster and the exciting direction the company is heading.
What's Next for WWE? Road to WrestleMania Heats Up!
So, what's the takeaway from WWE Elimination Chamber 2022, guys? It's clear this event was a massive stepping stone on the road to WrestleMania 38. The outcomes have reshuffled the deck and set up some truly epic clashes for the "Show of Shows." Roman Reigns retaining his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship means his historic reign continues, but the question of who can possibly dethrone him, especially with Brock Lesnar still in the mix, looms large. Will Lesnar pursue Reigns directly, or will he face another path? The WWE Universe is buzzing with speculation, and that uncertainty is fantastic for business. On the women's side, Becky Lynch's hard-fought victory keeps her championship reign alive, but Bianca Belair's performance proved she's still a top contender, and that rematch is practically inevitable. And then there's the bombshell: Ronda Rousey is back, and she's got her sights set on Charlotte Flair and the SmackDown Women's Championship. This is a main event-level feud that has the potential to steal the show at WrestleMania. The addition of Rousey immediately elevates the women's division and creates a dream match scenario. The United States and SmackDown Tag Team Championships also remain hotly contested, with the respective champions proving their worth. Elimination Chamber 2022 wasn't just about the matches; it was about the stories it propelled forward. The twists, the turns, and the shocking returns have all amplified the excitement for WrestleMania. We've seen champions solidify their dominance, challengers prove their mettle, and new rivalries ignite. The WWE landscape has been significantly shaped by this event, and the anticipation for WrestleMania 38 is now through the roof. Get ready, wrestling fans, because the road ahead is going to be wild!