WWE: Ranking The 16 Elimination Chamber Matches

1. The "Awesome Smackdown!" Chamber (Elimination Chamber '11)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Oho_2Yr8AE What makes this such an odd choice for the #1 Elimination Chamber match of all-time is that, on paper, it looks like the weakest Elimination Chamber of all-time. Three years of history have done little to refute that. Yet, that night, every single participant had a standout performance. Drew McIntyre, he of 3MB infamy today, looked like a superstar ready to breakout back then. He took his opportunity and made the most of it, displaying an intensity and desire to be one of the top stars in the business that should have taken him much further than his current position. He was arguably the star of the match. Then again, most of the field could make an argument. Wade Barrett impressed in the early stages of his career, attempting to stay over after the conclusion of his debut feud as leader of the Nexus against John Cena. His cowardly act played out very well. Big Show had a great two year stretch in 2011 and 2012, beginning with his work in this match and extending through his matches with Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Championship. Kane excelled, as well. The match was already great through the eliminations of the aforementioned four wrestlers, but the incredible climactic sequence between Rey Mysterio and the defending World Champion, Edge, was seven of the most dramatic minutes of modern pro wrestling that seemingly no one ever talks about. Back and forth, near fall after near fall they went before Edge finally Speared Mysterio in mid-air to retain the title. Awesome match.
Contributor
Contributor

"The Doc" Chad Matthews has written wrestling columns for over a decade. A physician by trade, Matthews began writing about wrestling as a hobby, but it became a passion. After 30 years as a wrestling fan, "The Doc" gives an unmatched analytical perspective on pro wrestling in the modern era. He is a long-time columnist for Lordsofpain.net and hosts a weekly podcast on the LOP Radio Network called "The Doc Says." His first book - The WrestleMania Era: The Book of Sports Entertainment - ranks the Top 90 wrestlers from 1983 to present day, was originally published in December 2013, and is now in its third edition. Matthews lives in North Carolina with his wife, two kids, and two dogs.