WWE RAW Go-Home Show Delivers Thrilling Prelude to Elimination Chamber
The State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted a monumental edition of WWE RAW, serving as the go-home show for the upcoming Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event. The night was packed with emotional returns, intense qualifying matches, and dramatic confrontations that set the stage for one of WWE's most anticipated events of the year.
AJ Styles' Emotional Tribute Night Interrupted by Gunther
As announcers Michael Cole and Corey Graves introduced AJ Styles' tribute night, the atmosphere was abruptly shattered by the entrance of Gunther. The Intercontinental Champion berated WWE for celebrating what he called "a loser" whom he had retired. This confrontation led to Adam Pearce ordering Gunther's removal from the building, but not before Dragon Lee launched a surprise attack on the champion, adding fuel to their ongoing rivalry.
Men's Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Jey Uso Secures Spot
Before the match, Cody Rhodes delivered a passionate promo about the significance of the Elimination Chamber. The triple threat qualifier featured Bronson Reed, Jey Uso, and Original El Grande Americano in a hard-hitting contest. Uso emerged victorious after executing a devastating spear and splash combination on Americano, earning his place in the Elimination Chamber match. The bout took a toll on Bronson Reed, who suffered an injury during the action.
Women's Division Showcases Explosive Action
In a brief but brutal encounter, Nattie dominated her former protege Maxxine Dupri with a series of punishing punches. The referee was forced to stop the match, awarding victory to Nattie via stoppage as Dupri sustained multiple injuries.
The women's Elimination Chamber qualifying match delivered fireworks as IYO Sky, Kairi Sane, and Raquel Rodriguez battled in a triple threat showdown. In a dramatic climax, Rodriguez escaped Sane's Insane Elbow and countered with a powerful Tijuana Bomb to secure the win and her spot in the Elimination Chamber match.
Rising Star Je'Von Evans Upsets Veteran Kofi Kingston
The emerging talent Je'Von Evans faced a stern test against veteran competitor Kofi Kingston. The match saw outside interference from Grayson Waller and popular musician Offset, creating chaos at ringside. Evans capitalized on the distraction, delivering a decisive OG cutter on Kingston in the final moments to claim an impressive victory.
AJ Styles' Emotional Return and Hall of Fame Induction
In one of the night's most poignant moments, AJ Styles returned to WWE for the first time since his retirement at the 2026 Royal Rumble. The former champion reflected on his illustrious wrestling legacy and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the WWE Universe. Styles announced his intention to focus on family life, noting the poetic symmetry of retiring at the same event where he debuted in 2016.
In a symbolic gesture, Styles removed his jacket and gloves, leaving them in the ring as the entire locker room emerged to give him a standing ovation. The emotional tribute reached its peak when The Undertaker made a surprise appearance to announce Styles as the newest inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2026.
Brock Lesnar Issues WrestleMania Challenge
Adding to the night's excitement, Brock Lesnar made his return to WWE RAW, issuing an open challenge for WrestleMania 42. The Beast Incarnate's declaration sent shockwaves through the WWE landscape, setting the stage for what promises to be a monumental showdown at The Grandest Stage of Them All.
With Elimination Chamber matches now solidified and WrestleMania storylines taking shape, this edition of WWE RAW successfully built anticipation for the upcoming premium live events while delivering memorable moments that will resonate with the WWE Universe for weeks to come.
