Written By: Mark Armstrong
Running Time: 371 Minutes
Certificate: 15
Number Of Discs: 2
Studio: Fremantle Home Entertainment
Released: May 7 2018
(Thanks to Fetch Publicity for arranging this review.)
Just over 18 months after the second brand extension led to the re-introduction of Raw-exclusive and SmackDown-exclusive PPVs, WWE has already decided to go back to the old model of one supershow a month (or thereabouts) featuring stars from both brands, beginning with Backlash this Sunday (unless you count the abruptly-announced Greatest Royal Rumble from Saudi Arabia). Before that, though, there was one last round of single-brand events, which is the basis for this (presumably last) Double Feature DVD set.
Elimination Chamber, a Raw exclusive, took place first, and opened with the first ever all-women Chamber match. It’s a really good match; it’s not quite a classic, but it’s a logical, physical battle, and there are some great spots (such as Twisted Bliss off a Chamber pod) and strong storytelling (Sasha blindsiding Bayley again; neither has yet to turn heel on the other as of this writing, amazingly). Alexa’s post-match promo, where she teases a babyface turn, is a good swerve, but it was almost too effective; despite her dislikeable character, Bliss is becoming harder and harder to boo, meaning that a real face turn over the summer is likely.
The Bar vs. Titus Worldwide built off the upset victories by Titus O’Neil and Apollo Crews over Sheamus and Cesaro on recent Raw episodes, but the chances of a title change were so low that it impacted the crowd heat, despite the good action on display. Next up is a really exciting battle between Asuka and Nia Jax, where the Empress Of Tomorrow’s undefeated streak was put in real jeopardy. I’m not sure what the post-match assault by Jax really did for either competitor, but the match itself is well worth watching.
Matt Hardy vs. Bray Wyatt is unfortunately spoiled by the crowd ignoring much of the action, which negates anything that was going on in the ring. Before the main event, we get Ronda Rousey’s official contract signing, which (of course) becomes an angle to help set up Rousey/Kurt Angle vs. Triple H/Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 34. Angle’s attempts to make The Authority sound evil are hilarious. Rousey slamming HHH through a table was an unexpected treat, too.
The men’s Chamber match – the first to feature seven wrestlers – headlines the show. It’s a lengthy battle, and it’s a fine effort by virtually everybody, but at the same time it’s unmemorable, partly because it had the result that most expected and few wanted, unfortunately for the victor Roman Reigns, whose every step is seemingly criticised despite him clearly being one of WWE’s best performers. Braun Strowman’s destruction of Roman after the match, like Jax on Asuka earlier, feels like an unnecessary add-on, considering that it didn’t change Mania plans in any way. So, overall, Elimination Chamber is just okay; the females definitely steal the show, but the other matches are forgettable.
Fast Lane is a better show overall, opening with a strong battle between Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev. Though the result is never in doubt, the leader of Rusev Day puts forth a great effort to make Nakamura – the men’s Royal Rumble winner – look as good as possible. Bobby Roode vs. Randy Orton is enjoyable too, though my favourite moment came from Byron Saxton on commentary, who randomly and unusually asks Kevin Dunn to show a replay of a top rope suplex (Dunn obliges).
Becky Lynch/Naomi vs. Carmella/Natalya is unfortunately a step down, in part due to the last minute or two seeming like a commercial for Botchamania. Better is The Usos vs. The New Day, but even this is disappointing, as The Bludgeon Brothers interrupt what looks set to be a classic battle by destroying everybody involved. At least this happens for a logical reason, but it’s disappointing nonetheless.
Charlotte vs. Ruby Riott is a good effort; again, the result is predictable, mainly because of the time of year (Ruby holding a women’s title heading into WrestleMania seemed too soon), but Ruby puts forth a commendable effort, making the match better than expected. Post-match, Charlotte finds out her opponent for WrestleMania (hint: she appeared at Elimination Chamber). Finally, the WWE Championship Six-Pack Challenge is non-stop action, and has a few Mania-related story arcs which lead to a memorable finishing sequence. This is definitely better than the top-line bout from Chamber.
Only one of the two Kick-Off Show matches is included here: Breezango & Tye Dillinger vs. Shelton Benjamin, Chad Gable & Mojo Rawley prior to Fast Lane. For unknown reasons, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. The Revival prior to EC isn’t present here.
WWE television hits an annual peak on the Road To WrestleMania, but it often means that the PPV event or events between Royal Rumble and WrestleMania feel second-rate. That seems to be the case here, because while there are some excellent matches, the results are very predictable, and it’s the angles and Mania-related developments which stand out the most. It’s a good job that this is a Double Feature set, because either show as a single release would be a tough sell. So, the Double Feature format makes this a more worthwhile investment, but while you’ll definitely enjoy aspects of each card, it may be more advisable to wait until the show that these cards helped to set up, WrestleMania 34, hits DVD instead.
Overall Rating: 6/10 – Reasonable
