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It's that time of the week again, folks. Here is our post-show 'Best and Worst' analysis. This was definitely an interesting go-home show, heading into Elimination Chamber. What did we think of this week's episode overall?
Well, we changed our opinion midway. While the prospect of the longest match in WWE history seemed tiresome at first, the performers and the creative team did manage to tell a great story through the match. The third hour did not feel as important as the first two.
What did you guys think of the change in format, readers? Let us know in the comments section.
Here's our own take on the events that transpired during the show.
#1 Best: Changing the usual format
We always commend WWE when they think outside the box. This was one such week, where they decided to break the mold, and focus on the in-ring action over what has come to be known as 'sports entertainment'. We know not everyone was a fan of this format. However, it was a welcome change of pace and a step in the right direction, we felt.
Kurt Angle has not been the best promo recently and to watch him flubbing his lines can be a tad embarrassing. He was not featured in this week's show, and that's okay, because he does not always need to be featured. The show felt like a breath of fresh air.
#1 Worst: A match without stakes
As great as the Gauntlet match was, it was quite disappointing to note that it was a meaningless match. There was absolutely no reward for the winner, except maybe bragging rights. Rights that would soon be forgotten as soon as the match was over and done. And let's be honest... the match did deserve far better.
We also wonder if WWE gave away the excitement of the match by having them clash before the pay-per-view takes place this Sunday! Maybe it would have made more sense to have the men only lock horns on the day of Elimination Chamber.
#2 Best: The return of The Architect
It is easy to forget that Seth Rollins is one of the best wrestlers in the world. After all, he's not been booked as strongly as he once was since his return from injury.
Remember how good his run as WWE Champion was when he was the top guy in the company? He showed a semblance of the Seth Rollins of old, on this week's show.
As he lasted over an hour in the Gauntlet match this week, Rollins reminded us why he has the capability to be a top guy in the company. As good as he was in the Tag Team Division, it's time for The Kingslayer to rise once again. To be honest, we dig it!
Chris Jericho became a top-tier Superstar when he defeated Steve Austin and The Rock on the same night. Rollins entered the conversation again when he defeated both Roman Reigns and John Cena, on the same night.
#2 Worst: A very silly sequence
For someone as wily and crafty as The Miz, a man who sent his Miztourage as a decoy at the start of his match against Finn Balor, to forget that Strowman was the next competitor who would come forth, seemed quite silly to us.
If anything, The Miz should have been prepared with a contingency plan, for the 'Monster Among Men', in line with his character.
Instead, we were subjected to a goofy segment where The Miz had a jubilant look on his face after he eliminated Finn Balor, when Braun Strowman's music hit. You may think that we are nitpicking, but it's the little details that make the larger picture!
#3 Best: Gripping mid-match promos
Even while the action was underway in the ring, Renee Young caught up with the eliminated superstars backstage while they cut promos about the Elimination Chamber match.
We thought this was a great touch, not only enhancing the overall story of the match, but providing a nice distraction during what was an immensely long match in the ring.
At the same time, does John Cena really not have a road to WrestleMania, if he loses the Elimination Chamber match?
He's the only person allowed to be on two different brands, so it's impossible to assume, even in storyline, that he'd be left without a real WrestleMania feud.
#3 Worst: Asuka's promo
We all know that English is not Asuka's first language. It was difficult to see Asuka fumble with her promo, forget words and generally make a mockery of herself in front of the camera, when she didn't really need to.
All Asuka really needs to do is go to the ring and look indestructible, something she can do quite easily indeed. We felt it was a pretty poor decision to have her come out and deliver this promo.
#4 Best/worst: The main event
There was nothing really wrong with the main event. Okay, maybe there were a few botches from Absolution, but nothing beyond that. It was your typical WWE 6-woman tag team match. It even had an incredible sequence from Banks.
Moreover, it was great in establishing the James-Bliss alliance. It'll be interesting to see how this alliance plays out, at the Elimination Chamber. Right now, there are three groups of two friends each.
In some ways, this is almost like a War Games match, in that regard. The match just seemed a little underwhelming, after the excitement of the Gauntlet.
Oh well, we saw The Goddess and that's never a bad thing, really.
