With the WrestleMania 40 showdown between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns officially set, WWE has shifted its focus to determining Seth Rollins’ next challenger. In a major revelation on SmackDown, Nick Aldis dropped the bombshell announcement that a Men’s Elimination Chamber match would be the battleground for selecting Rollins’ opponent at WrestleMania.
The road to the Elimination Chamber match would involve a series of qualifying bouts to decide the participants. The first qualifying match of the night featured a high-stakes clash between AJ Styles and Drew McIntyre.
Before the match, McIntyre took the spotlight, mocking Randy Orton and emphasizing his determination to claim the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania by triumphing in the Elimination Chamber. The intensity escalated as McIntyre made his bold statement, setting the stage for a heated encounter.
The match unfolded with Styles and McIntyre engaging in a grueling back-and-forth battle, showcasing their in-ring prowess. However, the dynamics took an unexpected turn with the interference of LA Knight, who joined the commentary team for the match. Knight’s presence added an extra layer of complexity to the proceedings.
In a crucial moment, Knight’s involvement escalated, with him pouring water on Styles and causing a distraction. The subsequent chaos saw Styles attacking McIntyre, but the distraction proved costly. Seizing the opportunity, McIntyre rallied back and delivered a decisive Claymore kick to secure the victory.
With this hard-fought win, Drew McIntyre became the first contender to qualify for the Men’s Elimination Chamber Match, marking a significant step in his journey to potentially face Seth Rollins at WrestleMania.
The unfolding developments on SmackDown set the stage for an intense and unpredictable path leading to the grand event. Stay tuned to Ringside News for live coverage and updates on WWE SmackDown.
