WWE Elimination Chamber 2017: Thoughts & Predictions

The latest PPV for SmackDown comes this Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona. There is a great deal of action slated for the show and WWE definitely needs a good showing from SmackDown going into WrestleMania.

Randy Orton vs. Luke Harper

There has been a bit of dissension within the Wyatt Family as of late. Royal Rumble Winner Randy Orton is looking to get as much momentum as he possibly can going into a title match at WrestleMania. He especially needs to recover from a loss against WWE World Champion John Cena on the most recent SmackDown. These two will put on a fantastic match, but Orton will take the W.

Prediction: Randy Orton by pinfall

Dolph Ziggler vs. Apollo Crews & Kalisto

This is a match that just feels thrown together and a way to give a few people something to do. Ziggler is coming off of a heel turn, so he needs to look as strong as possible. What better way to do that than a handicap match? I do hate that this comes at the expense of Kalisto and Apollo Crews, but I digress.

Crews and Kalisto have all of the talent in the world, they just haven't been able to connect for whatever reason. All things being said, Ziggler makes quick work of Crews and Kalisto.

Prediction: Dolph Ziggler by pinning Kalisto

Becky Lynch vs. Mickie James

Revenge is one of the oldest stories in the wrestling book. Mickie cost Becky the Women's Championship in her rematch against Alexa Bliss. So naturally, Becky is out for blood.

Prediction: Becky by pinfall

SmackDown Tag Team Championship (Tag Team Turmoil): American Alpha (c) vs. The Usos vs. The Vaudevillains vs. Breezango vs. Heath Slater & Rhyno vs. The Ascension

A Tag Team Turmoil match is the same way that American Alpha won the SmackDown Tag Team Championships to begin with. Suffice it to say this match will be a tad chaotic. Essentially, two teams start off and when one is eliminated, another team comes out. The last team standing will be the new/still Tag Team Champions of the Blue Brand.

Prediction: American Alpha

SmackDown Women's Championship: Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Naomi

This match came about as the result of Alexa being pinned by Naomi at the Royal Rumble PPV in a 6 Woman Tag Team Match. What will be the X-Factor of this match is Alexa's friendship with Mickie James. I think Mickie helps out Alexa here.

Prediction: Naomi by DQ

Nikki Bella vs. Natalya

This has been going since just after Survivor Series, when it was revealed that Natalya was behind the attack that took Nikki Bella out of the Survivor Series match against Team RAW. This has gone on back and forth for some time. Look for Natalya to work Nikki's neck quite a bit, as she has a history with injury. Despite this, I think Nikki will power through. I'm picking Nikki to get the W here and potentially move into the Women's Championship picture.

Prediction: Nikki by pinfall

WWE World Championship (Elimination Chamber match): John Cena (c) vs. A.J. Styles vs. Baron Corbin vs. The Miz vs. Bray Wyatt vs. Dean Ambrose

In terms of experience, John Cena undoubtedly has the advantage. John Cena has won three matches in five appearances. Of the other five participants, only one of them (The Miz) has even stepped inside The Chamber. What will be interesting to me is to see how Dean, Bray, and Baron will use the environment to their advantage. What will also be interesting will be seeing just how A.J. uses the Chamber. Despite everything, I believe it is Bray Wyatt that has the metal to win the belt. Bray Wyatt wins this match, setting up Wyatt vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania.

Prediction: Bray Wyatt pins John Cena to win the WWE Championship

Order of Elimination: Miz, Corbin, Ambrose, Styles, Cena