WWE Elimination Chamber 2012: Predicting Winner of Each Match on Card

While it's not nearly as star-studded as the WrestleMania card is shaping up to be, the list of Elimination Chamber matches isn't too bad for a second-tier pay-per-view. It should help the show serve as a perfect link between two marquee events.

With that in mind, here are my predictions for each of the matches that have been announced for Sunday night's show.

Beth Phoenix vs. Tamina Snuka

Tamina has actually been pretty impressive after being thrust into spotlight, but in the Divas division, they come and go in the blink of an eye unless they're the champion, like Phoenix. There just hasn't been enough time to develop meaningful storylines to push multiple Divas at once.

That might finally be ready to change, though. You have to figure Phoenix's extended title reign has been to set up a feud with Kharma, who is finally nearing her full-time return after months away. So there's no reason for her to drop the belt now.

Predicted Winner: Beth Phoenix

Kane vs. John Cena

There have been mixed opinions about the success of the storyline between Cena and Kane. One thing's for sure–it needs to end soon. The Rock is nearing his return to the company following a media blitz to promote his newest movie, which will start taking up all of Cena's time.

Since Kane has no obvious direction once Cena moves on, it wouldn't make any sense for him to go over on Sunday. I expect the Cenation leader to pick up a convincing victory as he begins a dominating run leading up to his epic encounter with Rocky.

Predicted Winner: John Cena

World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber Match

If there was any doubt Bryan was going to retain his belt on Sunday, it was eliminated when Randy Orton suffered a concussion on Raw. Orton would have been the obvious choice to take over the belt if Vince McMahon wanted to abort Bryan's reign and go a safer route leading up to WrestleMania.

That's actually a good thing, though. Bryan deserves a chance to hold the belt for a handful of more weeks, likely with a feud against Sheamus. Nobody else in the match has made a large enough impact in recent weeks to think they are suddenly going to become champion.

Predicted Winner: Daniel Bryan

WWE Championship Elimination Chamber Match

This is the toughest match to predict on the card for obvious reasons. Everybody can narrow it down to two choices, either CM Punk or Chris Jericho, but it's basically a coin flip at that point. It's been tough to get a read on which way the creative team is leaning.

I think Punk will retain for the simple reason that he's on such a roll right now. The storyline won't be impacted either way, so they shouldn't let the title switch hands at a bridge PPV for no reason. Let Punk remain the face of RAW for a while longer and see how it goes.

Predicted Winner: CM Punk