John Cena’s unexpected beatdown of Cody Rhodes was the standout moment from WWE’s Elimination Chamber premium live event on Saturday night. However, fans were also treated to two significant returns, hinting at a tumultuous path leading to WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas next month.
The event kicked off with the women’s Elimination Chamber match, where the winner would earn a chance to compete for the Women’s World Championship against either Rhea Ripley or Iyo Sky at WrestleMania 41. Naomi and Liv Morgan were set to begin the match when Jade Cargill’s music played. Cargill made her way to the ring and targeted Naomi, taking out her supposed ally before the match could start. Cargill had been sidelined due to an on-screen injury storyline, and the mystery surrounding her attacker—either Naomi or Bianca Belair—had lingered for weeks, costing her valuable time and a tag-team championship opportunity. It seemed that the mystery had finally been resolved.
Belair emerged victorious in the match and faced off with Ripley and Sky at the top of the set, but now she must contend with Cargill re-entering the picture.
Randy Orton also made a surprise appearance, thrilling the Toronto crowd after Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn in an unsanctioned match. As Owens prepared to deliver a package piledriver to Zayn on the exposed concrete, Orton’s music hit. A fit-looking Orton rushed to the ring, and the two engaged in a fierce exchange of punches. Orton had been on-screen injured due to Owens’ previous actions during his quest for revenge. Orton ultimately delivered an RKO to Owens before making his exit.
These two major returns appear to set the stage for exciting matchups at WrestleMania, with Cargill and Naomi on a collision course, as well as Orton and Owens gearing up for a showdown.
