7 Match Star Ratings For WWE Elimination Chamber 2021
5. Roman Reigns Vs. Daniel Bryan - Universal Championship Match
In effect, WWE spent an hour cultivating anticipation for a WrestleMania match that isn't going to happen. That's suboptimal booking. But SmackDown is the great show, so that can't be!
A heel stunt that doubled as a thrilling glimpse into an alternate reality that Edge closed shut, Reigns Vs. Bryan was short, exhilarating and rather depressing. At least, like so much else in WWE, it wasn't numbing. Bryan's Spear reversal was a super-dramatic preview of the probable match at Fastlane, and Roman's excellent TV character work informed the drama here. He is usually so unflappable in a challenging, understated role that requires much unteachable presence to pull off that, when he does sell panic, it actually means something.
Daniel Bryan is a genius. In the ring.
His stint with the pen has proven noble - even if you don't think Cesaro has "it," it's a joy to watch him perform - but flawed. He has been so keen on doing jobs that Fastlane feels like a mere formality, albeit a great one.
Star Rating: ★★¾