A former WWE referee recently provided insight into a memorable mishap that occurred during Elimination Chamber 2019.
Daniel Bryan held the WWE Championship as he entered the 2019 Elimination Chamber match, where he faced tough competition from Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Kofi Kingston, and Jeff Hardy inside the unforgiving steel structure.
Emerging victorious, Bryan retained his title by eliminating Kingston last with a devastating Busaiku Knee.
However, astute viewers at the time observed referee Mike Chioda calling for a rope break when Bryan had Kingston ensnared in the LeBell Lock.
This decision baffled many, given that Elimination Chamber matches typically adhere to No Disqualification rules, meaning Bryan wouldn’t have faced disqualification for maintaining the hold.
In response to a fan inquiry regarding the rope break incident, Chioda shed light on the situation, mentioning they exercised “creative liberty” during the match. Commentary during the bout also lent clarity, suggesting that Bryan’s release of the LeBell Lock was attributed to exhaustion, allowing him to regather his composure.
“Creative liberty!” Chioda remarked.
#OnThisDayInWWE 5 years ago at Elimination Chamber:
KofiMania erupts – and Daniel Bryan can't believe it!
But The Planet's Champion still comes out on top in the Elimination Chamber pic.twitter.com/mOFJ25eAbw
— On This Day in WWE (@OTD_in_WWE) February 17, 2024
Despite the controversy surrounding the Elimination Chamber match from five years ago, it catalyzed the phenomenon known as “KofiMania,” culminating in Kofi Kingston’s historic WWE Championship victory at WrestleMania 35, ending an 11-year wait on the main roster.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming 2024 Elimination Chamber event, scheduled to take place at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia, fans are gearing up for two high-stakes Chamber matches to determine the challengers for the World Heavyweight Championship and Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 40.
Here’s a glimpse of the confirmed match card:
– Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax for the Women’s World Championship
– Finn Balor and Damian Priest of The Judgment Day vs. Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
– Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Liv Morgan vs. TBA to determine the No. 1 Contender for the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 40
– Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Logan Paul vs. Kevin Owens to determine the No. 1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40
– Special guests Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins of The Grayson Waller Effect
Additionally, WWE RAW this Monday will feature a last-chance Battle Royale to determine the final participant in the women’s Chamber match, adding another layer of excitement to the already thrilling event.
