10 WWE Elimination Chamber 2018 Impulse Reactions

3. Drowned By The Crowd

roman Reigns
WWE.com

While not as visceral or violent was the women's match, the men's Elimination Chamber bout largely delivered, albeit with a couple of caveats.

Quiet throughout the night, the Las Vegas crowd were at their most sterile during the main event's first half. They warmed up after Braun's introduction, but never turned the building into a cauldron of noise, even when jeering Reigns. This was likely down to the bout's predictability, as it's tough to get completely invested in a forgone conclusion, but whatever the case, the lack of atmosphere soured the viewing experience.

The Miz and Finn Balor were largely ineffective, too, but other than these complaints, the Chamber delivered. It felt more like an actual wrestling match than the all-out brawl that was the women's bout, which was a good decision. The contrasting layouts helped differentiate one match from the other, and while the opening stages felt routine, Strowman's rampage made up for it.

Remove all the external bulls***, and you'd be left with a quality Chamber. Not one of the stipulation's finest, but a good, solid bout regardless. Sadly, it's said bulls*** that will forever define this match's legacy, and that's a shame.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.