7 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE Raw (17 Feb - Results & Review)

2. Seth & Finn Get Fans To Bite

The outcome of the Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor qualifier match for the Elimination Chamber was such a foregone conclusion that it could be seen from outer space, but after a janky period where they seemed to struggle a bit and elicit “CM Punk” chants, Rollins and Balor hit their stride and delivered a really solid final third of the match.

Everything from the double down after Finn’s Pele kick built nicely, with both men countering each other’s signature spots and reversing various holds. For example, Finn blocked a stomp, but Seth caught a kick attempt, hoisted Balor up and hit a buckle bomb, but his frog splash hit knees for a two-count.

The match did have one egregious mistake – by the referee. Rollins put Balor down with a Pedigree for a two-count that really was three – everyone in the arena knew it, and WWE never showed a replay. That’s how bad it was. Rollins played it off by arguing with the ref and then crotch-chopping him.

The finish saw Balor hit the Coup de Grace for a two-count, only for Rollins to roll him up for two, only for Finn to grab a crossface that Rollins escaped when Balor tried to roll to the center of the ring. One stomp later and Seth had punched his ticket to the Elimination Chamber.

Great finish to the match, and the near-falls actually worked as you couldn’t help but be sucked in at a couple of points. Really good effort for a match with an obvious finish.