WWE Elimination Chamber 2012: Shockers You Won't See Coming

Elimination Chamber hasn't received much of a build up because the WWE has already turned its focus toward what's going to be an unforgettable WrestleMania, but the February pay-per-view will still leave a lasting impact on storylines moving forward.

Here are three unexpected events that will occur during Sunday night's show.

Zack Ryder Heel Turn

The WWE Universe waited for what seemed like decades until Ryder finally got a push and once he did a lot of fans stopped caring. That's what happens a lot with low-level characters. People want more of them until it actually happens and then they move on to the next fad.

Ryder has recently been playing up a “sellout” angle for allowing his YouTube show to move to the WWE's official channel and is still working his way back from kayfabe injuries given to him from Kane during a recent match.

Since John Cena and Kane will face off in an ambulance match at Elimination Chamber, don't be surprised if Ryder is waiting inside the vehicle and pops out. Instead of helping Cena like people might expect, however, he will help Kane and start the wheels turning on a heel turn after the events involving Eve on RAW.

It's about time Ryder becomes fed up with leaving on a stretcher each week and develops the mean streak Cena is supposed to be showing.

Big Kofi Kingston Push

People were wondering what would happen to Kingston after his Air Boom partner Evan Bourne was suspended for a second time because of a wellness violation. Instead of getting buried, it appears the WWE is actually rewarding Kingston for staying out of trouble.

He recently picked up a key victory over The Miz on RAW, which proves the company still has faith in him. That means he'll stay in the main event match much longer than most people are anticipating. At least until the final three, as evidenced by his narrow defeat to Chris Jericho on Monday.

Kingston would provide a little flair to the match alongside Jericho and CM Punk. Since the WWE won't want to give away too much between Jericho and Punk before WrestleMania, look for Kingston to be involved in a funky, unexpected three-way finish which results in CM Punk retaining the belt.

Cody Rhodes Makes Final Two

Most fans probably aren't expecting a lot from Rhodes since he's already the Intercontinental Champion, but his character has gone through several different gimmicks and none of them have led to much in recent months. It's really time for him to get elevated to a main event level. If not now, when?

Allowing him to pick up a couple eliminations while making the final two with Bryan would be the start of something bigger. He could go on a Smackdown tear that continues until WrestleMania, so once a spot opens up in the main event picture on the blue brand he's ready to assume it.

It also wouldn't hurt the other members of the match to let Rhodes shine. Randy Orton and Wade Barrett's feud will continue either way while Big Show has to start preparing for his rumored match against Shaquille O'Neal. The Great Khali is a non-factor.

Now's the perfect time for a Rhodes move up the card to begin.