WWE Elimination Chamber: 6 Matches You Must Watch First

4. 2002 Survivor Series Elimination Chamber

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOJaJPwxrDM The First Ever Elimination Chamber At Survivor Series 2002 going into the event nobody knew what to expect. Eric Bischoff had announced the Elimination Chamber (which was actually created by Triple H himself) it would be the most brutal match in the history of pro wrestling. 2 miles of unforgiving steel, a combination of the Royal Rumble, Survivor Series and WCW's War Games matches that would almost certainly shorten careers. The excitement and curiosity that a new match type created with fans was certainly special at the time. The participants in the first ever Chamber contest were Champion Triple H, long time friend and rival Shawn Michaels, Rob Van Dam, Booker T, Chris Jericho and Kane. Van Dam was arguably the MVP of the Chamber delivering a stellar athletic performance in the grueling match from delivering a Rolling Thunder over the top rope onto Triple H, to his 'Spiderman' leap to his Five Star Frog Splash of the top of a pod. If Van Dam delivered the wrestling performance it was The Heartbreak Kid who gave the emotional performance and led us on a rollercoaster of emotions on his quest to become Champion after a 4 year absence. Let's not forget to mention the performances of Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler, Ross' concern for HBK mirrors the viewer and it is a display of empathy which adds another layer to the match. HBK spends the last 10 minutes being assaulted by long time rival and former friend Triple H. In terms of pure emotion and drama this might be the best Elimination Chamber of all time. Every kickout by Michaels makes your believe he can maybe stand a chance, but every time Triple H cuts him off your heart sinks. These two men were pioneers in putting drama into a match which could have just been a violent spot filled match, but they added drama and weight to the match which is maybe one of the reasons why the Elimination Chamber match has become so popular and spawned its own Pay Per View. Shawn Michaels' redemption in the Chamber is not only one of the greatest Chamber moments, but one of the greatest moments in wrestling history...it's just a shame about those tights...