The B/R Wrestling Staff Predictions for WWE Elimination Chamber 2023 Match Card

We are well on the road to WrestleMania 39, but the last major stop before we get there is this weekend's Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

Here is a look at the final card for Saturday's show:

• Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn (Undisputed Universal Championship)
• Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. Finn Ballor and Rhea Ripley
• Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar
• Austin Theory vs. Seth Rollins vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Bronson Reed vs. Montez Ford vs. Damian Priest (Elimination Chamber, United States Championship)
• Asuka vs. Liv Morgan vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Nikki Cross vs. Natalya vs. Carmella (Elimination Chamber)

Here's our lineup of contributors:

• Chris Mueller (CM) (@BR_Doctor)
• Erik Beaston (EB) (@ErikBeaston)
• Graham Matthews (GM) (@WrestleRant)
• Jeff J (JJ) (@JeffJSays)
• Kevin Berge (KB) (@KevinBerge)
• Donald Wood (DW) (@RingRustRadio)

Graham Matthews

Edge and Beth Phoenix vs. Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley

Why do you think we don't have Dominik booked in this match instead of Finn Balor?

Edge and Finn Balor are the ones with the bad blood, and especially with Dominik's sights set on his father, Rey, it makes sense for Balor and Ripley to be teaming against Edge and Phoenix. It will also serve as a small preview of Edge vs. Balor at WrestleMania, and Balor's team winning here will only put more heat on him before that match.

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Women's Chamber

If Asuka doesn't win, which competitor would be the best choice?

Asuka is the only obvious choice, but Rodrigez would be a solid second choice. Morgan and Belair teased having a match last summer when Morgan became champion, but Rodriguez becoming the number one contender would allow her to turn heel, which has been long overdue. Ideally, that could get her to the next level and make her more interesting as a character.

Donald Wood

Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar

If you had to add a special stipulation to this match, which one would it be and why?

I wouldn't add a stipulation to Lesnar vs. Lashley because the match won't occur at Elimination Chamber. The two men are destined for a bout at WrestleMania 39, so giving it away this weekend isn't intelligent booking.

The two men should attack each other outside the ring before the bell, and the match shouldn't take place. Triple H can then say that since they can't be confined to the ring, they'll fight each other at WrestleMania with a Falls Count Anywhere stipulation.

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Men's Chamber

If Theory is going to lose the title, which of his five opponents would you like to see take it from him?

Ford. With Theory on an inevitable collision course with John Cena at WrestleMania, he can lose the title and help make a new top singles star if Ford manages to secure the win. As one of the most physically gifted men on the roster and an excellent mic worker, Elimination Chamber should be the perfect time for Ford's coming out party.

Erik Beaston

Men's Chamber

If this bout was for the IC title instead of the U.S., which five SmackDown stars would you book in the match against Gunther?

McIntyre, Sheamus, Ricochet, Strowman and Escobar. There is history with all five, and on top of that, the match would be fire.

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Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar

Do you think we get a Hurt Business reunion during this match to help Lashley win?

Yes. This is the official relaunch, as the group, potentially with Omos added, assists Lashley in winning and extending his streak against Lesnar. He sets up one more match at WrestleMania, with the potential for Lesnar to have to overcome the Hurt Business before then to earn the opportunity.

Mr. Jeff J

Women's Chamber

How would you book this match? Who would win and who would get the most eliminations? Elaborate.

I would book Asuka as the ultimate destroyer, mowing down competitors in her path to win the Elimination Chamber. I'd start Morgan and Nattie to get some instant action in the ring and then have Asuka exit the pod last.

While I wouldn't want Asuka to obliterate the competition with quick falls completely, I would book her as the dominant woman who's a credible threat to Belair's reign. One way to showcase Asuka as final boss material? Have her eliminate Rodriguez with no assistance as her first elimination.

Kevin Berge

Bonus question

This card only has five matches. Book one more match that would be the perfect addition based on current storylines.

While plenty of matches could be on the card, the women deserve one more spot on this show. Charlotte Flair is already booked up for WrestleMania, and Bianca Belair awaits her own challenger. Meanwhile, the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships have been forgotten.

Damage CTRL could face Becky Lynch and a mystery partner with the titles on the line. Assuming Lita cannot make it, The Man could get help from Candice LeRae, Mia Yim, Tegan Nox or even Bianca Belair to make for a big title match in a forgotten division.

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Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn

If Jey Uso shows up during this match, who should he help?

WWE rarely tells stories as layered as the one involving Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn and Jey Uso. While it would be an easier story for Jey Uso to turn on Zayn and return to The Bloodline, it would be far more interesting if Jey were to help Zayn.

The Head of the Table tortured Jey to make him join The Bloodline. Now is his time to get some revenge and help the man that stood with him.

Chris Mueller

Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn

Do you think WWE should call an audible and capitalize on Zayn's popularity by having him win?

As much as I personally want Zayn to win the title from Reigns, I don't think having him do it here is the best option. A reign as epic as the one The Tribal Chief has had needs to end at WrestleMania when the world is watching.

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Bonus Question

This card only has five matches. Book one more match that would be the perfect addition based on current storylines.

I would add Gunther vs. Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre for the Intercontinental Championship. The leader of Imperium has bested just about everyone worth fighting on SmackDown, but the combo of the Irish and Celtic Warriors would pose the biggest threat.

However, Sheamus and McIntyre wouldn't be able to stop fighting each other long enough to pin Gunther, so the champ would likely retain by capitalizing on those two paying more attention to each other than winning the match.

Predictions

Respondents' picks are represented by their initials:

• Reigns (EB, KB, JJ, GM, DW, CM) vs. Zayn
• Lashley (EB, KB, JJ, CM) vs. Lesnar (GM and DW voted No Contest)
• Edge and Phoenix vs. Balor and Ripley (EB, KB, JJ, GM, DW, CM)
• Women's Chamber: Asuka (EB, KB, JJ, GM, DW, CM)
• Men's Chamber: Theory (JJ, EB, KB), Gargano (GM), Ford (DW), Rollins (CM)