WWE Elimination Chamber 2025: Review and Reactions
The 2025 Elimination Chamber lived up to its brutal reputation as a premium live event. The night’s expected winners were overshadowed by one historic moment: John Cena’s long-awaited heel turn.
Women's Elimination Chamber Match – Bianca Belair Punches Her Ticket to WrestleMania
The Elimination Chamber match for a shot at the Women’s World Championship featured Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan, Alexa Bliss, Bayley, Naomi, and Roxanne Perez.
The opening match set the bar high. The crowd erupted into “This is awesome!” chants, and for good reason—this was one of the best matches of the night. Just as the match was about to begin, Jade Cargill’s surprise return instantly shifted the energy in the arena. I wasn't surprised that she attacked Naomi instead of Morgan. The tag team Belair/Cargill had run its course before Cargill’s time away. Moreover, her attack also set up Bianca as the distraught underdog. As expected, she triumphed and earned her WrestleMania title shot.
With Rhea Ripley set to defend her championship against Iyo Sky on RAW, there’s a strong chance this will lead to a Triple Threat match at WrestleMania. Potentially, a Fatal Four if they involve Cargill.
Trish Stratus & Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax & Candice LeRae – A Filler Match at Best
This match had no real stakes and felt unnecessary. Trish Stratus, the Canadian hero, was clearly booked for a home crowd pop, but the action itself was forgettable. Tiffany Stratton pinned Nia Jax, but beyond that, it did little to add excitement to the show.
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Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn – A Brutal, Unsanctioned War
Anytime Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn face-off, it’s a guaranteed spectacle. However, given their long history, some might say it’s a match we’ve seen too many times. Still, the commentator’s “This is not a match, this is a fight” prediction rang true. The two used everything from chairs and tables to the ring bell, a field hockey stick, and a barbed wire-wrapped chair. It was brutal, unrelenting, and had the expected level of violence.
After Owens secured the victory, Randy Orton made his return. The Viper stormed the ring, confronted Owens, and hit a lightning-fast RKO on a weakened KO. The expression on Owens’ face afterward was priceless.
Men’s Elimination Chamber Match – John Cena Shocks the World
The Men’s Elimination Chamber featured John Cena, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Logan Paul, Damian Priest, and Seth Rollins, but the match itself was somewhat disappointing. While the action was solid, it lacked true unpredictability. At least until the post-match segment changed everything.
The night built toward the highly anticipated Cody Rhodes vs. The Rock confrontation. As expected, Rhodes declined The Final Boss’ offer to join him. Though, his blunt “Hey Rock, go f** yourself”, surprised me.
Then, in an unbelievable twist, John Cena turned heel. After over two decades as WWE’s ultimate babyface, Cena shocked the world by attacking Cody Rhodes. In one moment, WWE transformed the landscape of professional wrestling again. The Road to WrestleMania is now a must-see.
Finishing move
Elimination Chamber set up WrestleMania’s title matches, but beyond that, it also laid the groundwork for new feuds. The event delivered the brutality expected from an Elimination Chamber PPV, aside from the lackluster women’s tag team match. The women’s chamber match provided great moments, while Owens vs. Zayn delivered insane violence.
Of course, Cena’s shocking betrayal all stood out. Fans have begged for a Cena heel turn for years, and he delivered in his last run. The moment was powerful, shocking, and created pure chaos in the crowd.
Cena’s heel turn is arguably the biggest since “Stone Cold” Steve Austin joined forces with Vince McMahon and Triple H in 2001. It could have been as big a deal as Hulk Hogan forming the NWO in 1996 if it had happened during Cena’s prime. Still, Cena’s partnership with The Rock could mirror Austin and Triple H’s infamous Two-Man Power Trip. With two of the best talkers in the business now facing off, WWE seems ready to let them go off the leash in promos.
I’m grateful that we don’t have to endure weeks of dull, babyface promos between Cena and Rhodes during the Road to WrestleMania. Ironically, CM Punk was once denied a WrestleMania main event in 2012-2013 because of the Rock vs. Cena feud. It was a major reason for his so-called ‘pipe bomb’ and subsequent ‘retirement’. Now, he lost out again in 2025 for the same reason. I expect some verbal confrontations, probably fights.
Nonetheless, I doubt Cena will stay heel for long. I expect the story will eventually lead to Cena turning on The Rock for another match. Probably his retirement match.
Cena hyping Cody up overly dramatic in the background during the Rock vs. Rhodes conversation, then kicking him below the belt? Genius! Love it or hate it, this segment proved WWE’s top spot in sports entertainment. It’s the one everyone is talking about today. And that’s the most important thing because, ultimately, for WWE, entertaining their fans is "Best for Business."
