Elimination Chamber
{{short description|Professional wrestling match type}}
{{about|the professional wrestling match|the pay-per-view event named after this match|WWE Elimination Chamber|the song by Domo Genesis & Alchemist|Elimination Chamber (song)}}
{{Infobox Wrestling promotion|name=Elimination Chamber|image=Elimination chamber nyr06.jpg|caption=The original Elimination Chamber structure that was used between 2002 and 2015 at New Year's Revolution in January 2006.|acronym=WWE (2002; 2010–present)|established=2002|location=Stamford, Connecticut|style=6-person or more Elimination Chamber Cage Match|website={{URL|https://wwe.com}}|parent=WWE|founder=Eric Bischoff}}
The Elimination Chamber is a professional wrestling elimination-based match held in the WWE. The match was created by Triple H, and introduced by Eric Bischoff in November 2002.{{Cite web |last=Giri |first=Raj |date=2014-02-19 |title=Eric Bischoff On Who Created Elimination Chamber, Shane Helms Announces Jeff Hardy Match At OMEGA |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2014/02/eric-bischoff-on-who-created-elimination-chamber-570382/ |access-date=2023-02-05 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205192722/https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2014/02/eric-bischoff-on-who-created-elimination-chamber-570382/ |url-status=live }} It features a large chain-linked circular steel structure which encloses the ring.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/specialtymatches/eliminationchamber|access-date=2 February 2008|title=Elimination Chamber Description|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224045708/http://www.wwe.com/inside/specialtymatches/eliminationchamber|archive-date=24 February 2008}} The chamber's floor is platformed over the ringside area which elevates it to ring level. Within the chamber are four inner enclosures outside each ring corner.
Although similar in profile and nature to WWE's original large scale steel-structured match Hell in a Cell, the Elimination Chamber match is a multiple-participant match wherein two participants begin the match in the ring as the remaining four are held within each inner enclosure and are released into the match at five-minute intervals (in the event of a seven-person match, three participants begin, and in the event of a tag-team match, two teams begin for a total of four participants starting). The objective is to eliminate each opponent from the match via pinfall or submission. The winner is the last remaining participant (or team) after all others have been eliminated. As in the Hell in a Cell match, disqualifications do not apply. The original structure was {{convert|16|ft|m|abbr=on}} high, {{convert|36|ft|m|abbr=on}} in diameter, weighed over {{convert|10|ST|kg|abbr=on}}, and comprised {{convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} and {{convert|6|ST|kg|abbr=on}} of chain.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/mostextremematches/mostextremematches4|access-date=3 February 2008|title=The painful process of Elimination|last=McAvennie|first=Mike|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|date=21 May 2007|archive-date=2 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102104648/http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/mostextremematches/mostextremematches4|url-status=live}}
Before the establishment of the yearly Elimination Chamber pay-per-view (PPV) in 2010, the match was contested at other PPV events. There have been 36 Elimination Chamber matches in WWE since the concept's inception in November 2002. Every Elimination Chamber match has had a stipulation that the winner would win a championship or a future match for a championship (usually at WrestleMania, though one time the championship match occurred immediately after the Elimination Chamber match).
History
= Origin =
Before the introduction of the Elimination Chamber match, WWE only promoted two matches in a caged environment, namely the steel cage and Hell in a Cell matches. The steel cage was the first type of cage-based match in professional wrestling and consisted of four fenced walls of steel surrounding the ring apron while the Hell in a Cell was a taller roofed version that surrounded the ring and ringside area on the ground rather than the apron. In 2002, WWE announced the creation of the Elimination Chamber, a match that combined elements of WWE's Hell in a Cell matches, Royal Rumble match, Survivor Series match, and World Championship Wrestling's (WCW) WarGames matches,{{Cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/mostextremematches/mostextremematches7|title=Ragin' Cagin' at War Games|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|first=Lennie|last=DiFino|date=21 April 2009|access-date=9 February 2011|archive-date=29 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629043214/http://www.wwe.com/inside/listthis/mostextremematches/mostextremematches7|url-status=live}} such as the countdown timer and time intervals from the Royal Rumble and War Games matches, the large enclosed cage format of both Hell in a Cell and WarGames and the elimination process from the Survivor Series contest and the Royal Rumble.{{Cite web|url=http://uk.sports.ign.com/articles/454/454029p1.html|title=WWE Smackdown Top 10: #10: The Elimination Chamber.|publisher=IGN|first=Jon|last=Robinson|date=9 October 2003|access-date=9 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004602/http://uk.sports.ign.com/articles/454/454029p1.html|archive-date=13 July 2011|url-status=dead}}
= Brand and pay-per-view designation =
File:Kane With A Sidewalk Slam.jpg in January 2006]]
To exploit additional on-screen talent after buying World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in March 2001, the following year WWE began a brand extension that divided the roster between the two brands of WWE, namely Raw and SmackDown.{{Cite web|url=http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_03_27.jsp |title=WWE To Make RAW and SMACKDOWN Distinct Television Brands |publisher=WWE |access-date=6 February 2011 |date=27 March 2002 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417115226/http://corporate.wwe.com/news/2002/2002_03_27.jsp |archive-date=17 April 2010 }} Former WCW President and then Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff formally announced the creation of the chamber during the October 21 episode of Raw and scheduled the match to feature participants from the Raw brand roster at the Survivor Series in November 2002.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news/1035288452.shtml|title=Full WWE RAW Results - 10/21/02 (24 hours after No Mercy)|publisher=Wrestleview.com|first=Christopher|last=Ouellette|date=22 October 2002|access-date=6 February 2011|archive-date=1 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001054028/http://www.wrestleview.com/news/1035288452.shtml|url-status=live}} The match was exclusive to the Raw brand for the first four matches and at joint-branded pay-per-view events, but upon the creation of the ECW brand in 2006 the match was instead promoted for the newly created brand at December to Dismember. Beginning in 2008, the match became exclusive to the No Way Out event and two Elimination Chamber matches were featured annually for two years among the three brands. In 2010, WWE replaced their No Way Out event with the self-titled Elimination Chamber, a new event which continued the tradition of its predecessor. From 2008 to 2014, the match had been featured in February events only. An Elimination Chamber event took place on May 31, 2015 exclusively on the WWE Network.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1255110127 |title=Name change for another WWE PPV |publisher=Wrestleview.com |access-date=6 February 2011 |date=9 October 2009 |first=Adam |last=Martin |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001054109/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1255110127 |archive-date=1 October 2012 }} After the second brand extension in 2016, it was announced that the brands would return to having separate events. In late 2016, it was announced that Elimination Chamber would return as a SmackDown-exclusive event in February 2017,{{cite web|title=WWE Elimination Chamber 2017 tickets available now|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2017/article/wwe-elimination-chamber-2017-tickets|publisher=WWE|access-date=December 12, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222102800/http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2017/article/wwe-elimination-chamber-2017-tickets|url-status=live}} but it switched to being Raw-exclusive in February 2018, which was the last brand-exclusive Elimination Chamber event, as following WrestleMania 34 that year, brand-exclusive pay-per-views were discontinued.
= Injuries =
File:Superplex (Professional wrestling aerial technique).jpg and CM Punk compete in the Extreme Elimination Chamber at December to Dismember in December 2006]]
Triple H suffered an injury during the 2002 Survivor Series match with swelling on the inside of his throat which put pressure on his esophagus and trachea.{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_1593.shtml|title=Triple H details his throat injury, doesn't blame Rob Van Dam|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=8 February 2011|date=20 November 2002|first=Jason|last=Powell|archive-date=8 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008024349/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_1593.shtml|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_1587.shtml|title=Triple H expected to be at Raw, update on his neck condition|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=8 February 2011|date=18 November 2002|first=Jason|last=Powell|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000209/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_1587.shtml|url-status=live}} This was caused after Rob Van Dam performed the Five Star Frog Splash off the top of one of the chambers. Triple H also expressed concern that he might have broken his wrist and noted anything could have caused it.{{Cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_1607.shtml|title=Afternoon Update: Triple H injury, Jericho's schedule, Flair's daughter|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=8 February 2011|date=20 November 2002|first=Jason|last=Powell|archive-date=8 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008024403/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_1607.shtml|url-status=live}} Sheamus reportedly suffered a concussion during the Raw Elimination Chamber match in 2010.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1266949533 |title=Report: Sheamus suffers concussion |publisher=Wrestleview.com |access-date=8 February 2011 |date=23 February 2010 |first=Adam |last=Martin |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929070507/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1266949533 |archive-date=29 September 2012 }} Also in 2010, The Undertaker was involved in a pyrotechnics accident during his ring entrance. He was temporarily engulfed in flames on three occasions when the pyrotechnics were mistimed and his jacket briefly caught on fire. He suffered first and second-degree burns to his neck and chest and according to a WWE spokesperson the injury "looked like a bad sunburn". He was only allowed to participate in the match after being cleared by a ringside doctor and was given bottles of water throughout the match to douse himself with to alleviate the discomfort. Acknowledging the concern, WWE now had padded the steel floor of the chamber.
Match
= Rules =
The Elimination Chamber match is a variation of elimination-based matches which draws elements from steel cage and Hell in a Cell matches in that the wrestling ring is surrounded by a large steel-fenced cage supported by girders. Originally, its design was a circular-like chain-linked structure, but since 2017 it is now square and encloses the ring. Its floor is platformed over the ringside area around the ring which elevates and levels it with the ring mat. Within the Elimination Chamber, four enclosures, referred to as inner chambers or pods, are encased in plexiglass and face the outside of each ring post. The match is contested by six or seven participants: two or three starting in the ring, while the other four are held within each inner chamber. The Elimination Chamber in February 2018 featured a seven-man chamber match in which three participants began. At regular intervals, one of the four participants within an inner chamber enters the match. This continues until all four have been released. The entrance intervals are typically five minutes, though four and three minute gaps have also been used.
The objective of the match is to eliminate each opponent from the match by scoring a pinfall or a submission. These can occur in the ring or on the chamber's elevated floor, but starting with the 2010 event all pinfalls and submissions must take place within the ring. Disqualifications and count-outs do not apply in the process of elimination. The winner of the match is the last remaining participant after all others have been eliminated (or after all members of the opposing tag team are eliminated in either the tag team matches or the twelve-on-twelve tornado tag team elimination matches). The same rules apply when the match involves six tag teams, where two teams start in the ring and a new team leaves the pod and enters the ring at regular intervals.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/specialtymatches/eliminationchamber|title=Specialty Matches: Elimination Chamber|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|access-date=6 February 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080224045708/http://www.wwe.com/inside/specialtymatches/eliminationchamber|archive-date=24 February 2008}}
= Structure =
File:WWE_Elimination_Chamber_2017.jpg and has been used every year since]]
According to a WWE Magazine article in 2009 by WWE's production designer Jason Robinson, who co-designed the structure, several designs for the Elimination Chamber were considered. The structure was manufactured in Colorado Springs, Colorado and took six to eight weeks to make from design blueprints. It cost US$ 250,000 to construct.{{cite journal|last=Robinson|first=Jason|date=January 2009|title=Cold Steel|journal=WWE Magazine|pages=49}}
The structure is made of black-painted steel with an outer structure of 16 frames, each weighing {{Convert|300|lb|kg}}. The chamber is {{convert|16|ft|m|abbr=on}} high and {{Convert|36|ft|m|abbr=on}} in diameter and weighs a total of {{convert|16|ST|kg|abbr=on}}, 10 of which consists of steel.{{cite news|title=2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts|work= Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher=Kappa Publishing|year=2007|pages=119}} Each inner chamber consists of three large steel framed sheets of plexiglass, costing US$225 per sheet. The chains that surround the chamber stretch {{Convert|2|mi|km|abbr=on}} long and weigh {{convert|6|ST|kg|abbr=on}}.
A {{convert|50|ft|m|abbr=on}} flatbed truck is needed to transport the chamber. Assembly in the arena takes eight hours to complete and eight motors are used to suspend the structure over the ring before each event. When not in use, the structure is stored at a dock in Newark, New Jersey. Unlike standard steel cage matches and Hell in a Cell matches, Elimination Chamber matches cannot be held at several arenas due to the structure's massive size and weight, similar to how WarGames matches could only be held at certain arenas. This would play a factor in WWE dropping the annual Elimination Chamber event.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/543179-stephanie-mcmahon-reveals-the-real-reason-why-wwe-dropped-the-elimination-chamber-ppv|title=Stephanie McMahon Reveals the Real Reason Why WWE Dropped the Elimination Chamber PPV|last=Paglino|first=Nick|date=January 15, 2015|website=Wrestlezone|publisher=Evolve Media|access-date=February 5, 2017|archive-date=February 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206104245/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/543179-stephanie-mcmahon-reveals-the-real-reason-why-wwe-dropped-the-elimination-chamber-ppv|url-status=live}}
In 2017, the Elimination Chamber event returned (2017's event was SmackDown-exclusive while 2018's was Raw-exclusive). In addition, the chamber structure was redesigned, becoming square instead of circular. The pods were also changed from circular to square and feature sliding doors that referees slide open from outside the chamber. At the top of the chamber at its center which is now {{convert|26|ft|m|abbr=on}} tall is a large cutout of the WWE logo. The steel grates between the ring and the cage were also replaced with padding. LED lights also line the corners of the structure. The redesign was for practical purposes due to certain venues only being able to house the previous structure, allowing most venues to host the Chamber.{{cite web|url=http://heavy.com/news/2017/02/how-the-new-wwe-elimination-chamber-design-compares-compared-to-old-previous-one-photos-dimensions/|title=How the New WWE Elimination Chamber Design Compares to the Old One|date=February 12, 2017|last=Morrow|first=Brendan|work=Heavy.com|access-date=February 13, 2017|archive-date=June 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608140937/http://heavy.com/news/2017/02/how-the-new-wwe-elimination-chamber-design-compares-compared-to-old-previous-one-photos-dimensions/|url-status=live}}
= Variations =
The fifth match, held by the ECW brand at December to Dismember, was a slight variation called the Extreme Elimination Chamber.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/decembertodismember/matches/32934421/results/|access-date=2 February 2008|title=Mission Accomplished|last=Tello|first=Craig|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|date=3 December 2006|archive-date=9 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309220131/http://www.wwe.com/shows/decembertodismember/matches/32934421/results/|url-status=live}} In this variation, each chamber had one of four weapons for the competitors locked inside to hold on to. When each competitor's chamber opened, their weapon entered the match with them.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/decembertodismember/exclusives/37309721|access-date=2 February 2008|title=Chamber of Horrors|last=Tello|first=Craig|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|date=29 November 2006|archive-date=9 December 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209024805/http://www.wwe.com/shows/decembertodismember/exclusives/37309721|url-status=live}} The four weapons used in the match were a crowbar, a table, a steel folding chair, and a barbed wire-wrapped baseball bat.
The 2015 Elimination Chamber event saw another slight variation of the match, namely the tag team chamber match. Both team members were inside of their respective pods, for a total of six tag teams in the match. Two teams, totaling four individual participants, started the match. This match was for the WWE Tag Team Championship. This variation was repeated in 2019, but for women and to determine the inaugural holders of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. Another tag team chamber match happened in 2020 for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship.
The 2018 Elimination Chamber featured the first seven-man chamber match. Due to the extra person, three competitors started the match instead of two. The 2018 event also featured the first women's chamber match, but there were no variations in the rules.
= Interference =
Despite the structure, interference has become common inside the Elimination Chamber. At New Year's Revolution in January 2005, Ric Flair distracted guest referee Shawn Michaels allowing Batista (who had been eliminated) to attack Randy Orton so Triple H could win the match.{{Cite web |date=2018-03-11 |title=TJR Retro: WWE New Year’s Revolution 2005 Review (Elimination Chamber) – TJR Wrestling |url=https://tjrwrestling.net/review/tjr-retro-wwe-new-years-revolution-2005-review-elimination-chamber/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=tjrwrestling.net |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926131629/https://tjrwrestling.net/review/tjr-retro-wwe-new-years-revolution-2005-review-elimination-chamber/ |url-status=live }} At No Way Out in February 2009, Edge attacked Kofi Kingston during his entrance and locked himself in one of the pods becoming a participant in the match for the World Heavyweight Championship after losing the WWE Championship earlier in the night.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-06 |title=WWE Elimination Chamber Match Review #9: No Way Out 2009 – World Heavyweight Title (Raw) – TJR Wrestling |url=https://tjrwrestling.net/review/wwe-chamber-9-no-way-out-2009-raw/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=tjrwrestling.net |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926131628/https://tjrwrestling.net/review/wwe-chamber-9-no-way-out-2009-raw/ |url-status=live }} At Elimination Chamber in February 2010, Cody Rhodes passed Ted DiBiase Jr. a metal pipe which he used to eliminate Randy Orton in the match for the WWE Championship.{{Cite web |date=2009-02-21 |title=The John Report: WWE Elimination Chamber 2010 Recap – TJR Wrestling |url=https://tjrwrestling.net/review/the-john-report-wwe-elimination-chamber-2010-recap/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=tjrwrestling.net |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305140053/https://tjrwrestling.net/review/the-john-report-wwe-elimination-chamber-2010-recap/ |url-status=live }} Later in the night, Shawn Michaels broke into the chamber to cost The Undertaker his World Heavyweight Championship to Chris Jericho.{{Cite web |date=2009-02-21 |title=The John Report: WWE Elimination Chamber 2010 Recap – TJR Wrestling |url=https://tjrwrestling.net/review/the-john-report-wwe-elimination-chamber-2010-recap/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=tjrwrestling.net |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-03-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305140053/https://tjrwrestling.net/review/the-john-report-wwe-elimination-chamber-2010-recap/ |url-status=live }} At the Elimination Chamber event in February 2013, Mark Henry took out the remaining participants in the chamber for a World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania 29 after being eliminated until SmackDown General Manager Booker T broke it up.{{Cite web |date=2013-02-17 |title=The John Report: WWE Elimination Chamber 2013 Review – TJR Wrestling |url=https://tjrwrestling.net/review/the-john-report-wwe-elimination-chamber-2013-review/ |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=tjrwrestling.net |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926131631/https://tjrwrestling.net/review/the-john-report-wwe-elimination-chamber-2013-review/ |url-status=live }} At the Elimination Chamber for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in February 2014, The Wyatt Family interfered by attacking John Cena, leading to his eventual elimination by Randy Orton. Kane would then come out to help escort The Wyatt Family out of the chamber, but would then interfere to cost Daniel Bryan the match to Orton.{{Cite web |last=Hanstock |first=Bill |date=2014-02-24 |title=What we learned from WWE Elimination Chamber |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2014/2/24/5441930/wwe-elimination-chamber-2014-results-review-recap |access-date=2023-09-26 |website=SBNation.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926131627/https://www.sbnation.com/2014/2/24/5441930/wwe-elimination-chamber-2014-results-review-recap |url-status=live }} At the Elimination Chamber event in February 2023, Logan Paul interfered by sneaking into the chamber and attacking Seth "Freakin" Rollins, which subsequently allowed Austin Theory to retain the WWE United States Championship.
= Match history =
The Elimination Chamber debuted at WWE's event Survivor Series at Madison Square Garden in November 2002.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/10-best-elimination-chamber-matches|title=Which brutal Elimination Chamber Match stands above the rest?|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=2020-03-26|archive-date=2020-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326181656/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/10-best-elimination-chamber-matches|url-status=live}} Since the inaugural match, there have been 35 other matches (36 overall) as of Elimination Chamber in March 2025. The Raw brand has been featured the most with 21 matches, including six joint-branded matches with SmackDown. ECW has been featured in two matches, including its joint-branded match with SmackDown. The SmackDown brand has been featured in 14 matches, including the joint-branded matches with both ECW and Raw. The Elimination Chamber event has featured more Elimination Chamber matches than any other WWE pay-per-view event, with 27 matches being held. Triple H and John Cena have the most victories with 4. Randy Orton holds the distinction of being involved in the most Elimination Chamber matches to date with 9. Chris Jericho has eliminated the most wrestlers with 10.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/by-the-numbers|title=Elimination Chamber: by the numbers|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=2020-03-26|archive-date=2020-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326184206/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/by-the-numbers|url-status=live}} Braun Strowman and Shayna Baszler have the most eliminations in a single Elimination Chamber match (5); Baszler is also the only winner to eliminate all other opponents in a single match (Strowman's five eliminations occurred during the seven-man Chamber match).
The majority of matches have been contested for a top-tier championship with the WWE Championship (once as the WWE World Heavyweight Championship) being contested for the most in nine matches. The original World Heavyweight Championship was contested the second-most in seven matches, while the ECW World Championship, WWE Tag Team Championship, SmackDown Tag Team Championship, Intercontinental Championship, Raw Women's Championship, and United States Championship were contested in one match each. Twelve matches (two in 2008, one in 2011, 2013, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2023, two in 2024, and two in 2025) have awarded the winners the number-one contendership for the WWE Championship, original World Heavyweight Championship, WWE Universal Championship, Raw Women's Championship, current World Heavyweight Championship, and Women's World Championship, respectively, at those years' WrestleMania; in 2021, SmackDown's Chamber match awarded the winner the number-one contendership for the Universal Championship that same night, which happened immediately after the Chamber match itself.
The Elimination Chamber match has been contested only in indoor arenas in the United States, twice in Canada and once each in Puerto Rico and Saudi Arabia, with the 2024 event in Australia being the first to be held in an outdoor venue. From 2008 to 2014, the match had been featured in February pay-per-view events only. An Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event took place on May 31, 2015, exclusively on the WWE Network and would also mark the first time the Chamber was used for a match that was not for a world championship or a future world championship match (although it would include the first ever tag team Elimination Chamber match). The Elimination Chamber in February 2018 featured the first seven-man Elimination Chamber match as well as the first Elimination Chamber match for women with the Raw Women's Championship contested. The Elimination Chamber in February 2019 featured a tag team Elimination Chamber match, the second overall tag team chamber match, but this time for women to determine the inaugural holders of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
List of Elimination Chamber matches
| class="wikitable" style="margin: auto" |
| style="background:#FBB; width:2em"|
|style="background:#BBF; width:2em"| |style="background:#DDD; width:2em"| |
= Participant list =
== Males ==
File:Shawn Michaels WM24 shot.jpg was the inaugural winner in November 2002]]
{{Multiple image
|perrow=1
|total_width=190
|image1=TripleH WrestlemaniaRevenge2.JPG
|image2=John Cena 2010.jpeg
|footer=Triple H (top) is tied with John Cena (bottom) for the most Elimination Chamber wins at 4}}
File:Orton_Royal_Rumble_2009.jpg holds the record for the most Elimination Chamber appearances at 9]]
File:Chris_Jericho_Wrestlemania_28.jpg holds the record for the most cumulative eliminations at 10]]
{{Multiple image
|perrow=1
|total_width=190
|image1=Braun March 2018.jpg
|image2=Baszler_TakeOver_NOLA.jpg
|footer=Braun Strowman (top) is tied with Shayna Baszler (bottom) for the most eliminations in a single Elimination Chamber match at 5
}}
File:Alexa_Bliss.png won the inaugural women's Elimination Chamber match in February 2018]]
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Wrestler
!Victories !Appearances !Eliminations |
|---|
| Triple H
|4 |6 |7 |
| John Cena
|4 |8 |6 |
| Daniel Bryan
|3 |5 |5 |
| Drew McIntyre
|2 |4 |5 |
| Edge
|2 |4 |4 |
| Brock Lesnar
|1 |1 |4 |
| Ryback
|1 |1 |2 |
| Bray Wyatt
|1 |1 |2 |
| Jack Swagger
|1 |1 |1 |
| Xavier Woods
|1 |1 |1 |
| Roman Reigns
|1 |1 |1 |
| Austin Theory
|1 |2 |2 |
| Big E
|1 |2 |1 |
| The Undertaker
|1 |3 |6 |
| John Morrison
|1 |3 |4 |
| Bobby Lashley
|1 |3 |2 |
| Shawn Michaels
|1 |4 |3 |
| The Miz
|1 |4 |3 |
| CM Punk
|1 |5 |7 |
| Kofi Kingston
|1 |6 |4 |
| Chris Jericho
|1 |8 |10 |
| Randy Orton
|1 |9 |8 |
| Braun Strowman
|0 |1 |5 |
| Goldberg
|0 |1 |3 |
| Carlito
|0 |1 |3 |
| Test
|0 |1 |2 |
| Santino Marella
|0 |1 |2 |
| Konnor
|0 |1 |2 |
| Darren Young
|0 |1 |2 |
| Montez Ford
|0 |1 |2 |
| Booker T
|0 |1 |1 |
| Chris Masters
|0 |1 |1 |
| Finlay
|0 |1 |1 |
| Ted DiBiase
|0 |1 |1 |
| Cody Rhodes
|0 |1 |1 |
| Christian
|0 |1 |1 |
| Viktor
|0 |1 |1 |
| Dean Ambrose
|0 |1 |1 |
| Otis
|0 |1 |1 |
| Robert Roode
|0 |1 |1 |
| Jimmy Uso
|0 |1 |1 |
| Kevin Nash
|0 |1 |0 |
| Chris Benoit
|0 |1 |0 |
| Kurt Angle
|0 |1 |0 |
| Hardcore Holly
|0 |1 |0 |
| Big Daddy V
|0 |1 |0 |
| Montel Vontavious Porter
|0 |1 |0 |
| John "Bradshaw" Layfield
|0 |1 |0 |
| Umaga
|0 |1 |0 |
| Vladimir Kozlov
|0 |1 |0 |
| Mike Knox
|0 |1 |0 |
| Diego
|0 |1 |0 |
| Fernando
|0 |1 |0 |
| Kalisto
|0 |1 |0 |
| Sin Cara
|0 |1 |0 |
| Tyson Kidd
|0 |1 |0 |
| Titus O'Neil
|0 |1 |0 |
| Elias
|0 |1 |0 |
| Finn Bálor
|0 |1 |0 |
| Samoa Joe
|0 |1 |0 |
| Lince Dorado
|0 |1 |0 |
| Gran Metalik
|0 |1 |0 |
| Tucker
|0 |1 |0 |
| Sami Zayn
|0 |1 |0 |
| Riddle
|0 |1 |0 |
| Bronson Reed
|0 |1 |0 |
| Johnny Gargano
|0 |1 |0 |
| LA Knight
|0 |1 |0 |
| Batista
|0 |2 |3 |
| Jey Uso
|0 |2 |3 |
| Mark Henry
|0 |2 |2 |
| Damian Priest
|0 |2 |2 |
| Rob Van Dam
|0 |2 |1 |
| Kevin Owens
|0 |2 |1 |
| Logan Paul
|0 |2 |1 |
| The Great Khali
|0 |2 |0 |
| Baron Corbin
|0 |2 |0 |
| Rey Mysterio
|0 |3 |3 |
| Dolph Ziggler
|0 |3 |1 |
| Cesaro
|0 |3 |1 |
| Wade Barrett
|0 |3 |0 |
| Big Show
|0 |4 |2 |
| Jeff Hardy
|0 |4 |2 |
| AJ Styles
|0 |4 |2 |
| R-Truth
|0 |4 |1 |
| Seth Rollins
|0 |4 |0 |
| Sheamus
|0 |5 |5 |
| Kane
|0 |5 |2 |
== Females ==
| class="wikitable sortable" |
| Wrestler
!Victories !Appearances !Eliminations |
|---|
| Bianca Belair
|2 |3 |4 |
| Shayna Baszler
|1 |1 |5 |
| Becky Lynch
|1 |1 |1 |
| Sasha Banks
|1 |2 |3 |
| Asuka
|1 |2 |3 |
| Alexa Bliss
|1 |3 |4 |
| Bayley
|1 |3 |2 |
| Tamina
|0 |1 |2 |
| Mickie James
|0 |1 |1 |
| Billie Kay
|0 |1 |1 |
| Peyton Royce
|0 |1 |1 |
| Nia Jax
|0 |1 |1 |
| Rhea Ripley
|0 |1 |1 |
| Tiffany Stratton
|0 |1 |1 |
| Ruby Riott
|0 |1 |0 |
| Doudrop
|0 |1 |0 |
| Roxanne Perez
|0 |1 |0 |
| Carmella
|0 |2 |2 |
| Mandy Rose
|0 |2 |1 |
| Sonya Deville
|0 |2 |1 |
| Natalya
|0 |2 |1 |
| Raquel Rodriguez
|0 |2 |1 |
| Sarah Logan
|0 |2 |0 |
| Nikki Cross
|0 |2 |0 |
| Naomi
|0 |3 |0 |
| Liv Morgan
|0 |6 |5 |
= Compilation release =
In July 2010, WWE released Satan's Prison: The Anthology of the Elimination Chamber, a DVD featuring every Elimination Chamber match as of the 2010 Elimination Chamber.{{cite web|url=http://www.wweshop.com/item/satans-prison--the-anthology-of-the-elimination-chamber-dvd/DvdCDs/35-00704|title=Satan's Prison- The Anthology of the Elimination Chamber DVD|publisher=WWE Shop.com|access-date=3 February 2011|archive-date=16 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100716170027/http://www.wweshop.com/item/satans-prison--the-anthology-of-the-elimination-chamber-dvd/DVDCDs/35-00704|url-status=live}} The European release of the DVD is titled Iron Will, primarily over the name change of the structure, match type and pay-per-view in Germany to avoid a brand blunder with the Elimination Chamber name as it may create imagery of gas chambers during The Holocaust (the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, structure and match are called No Escape in Germany).{{cite web|url=http://www.silvervision.co.uk/products/Iron-Will-The-Anthology-of-WWE-s-Toughest-Match-DVD-3-Discs.html|title=Iron Will: The Anthology of WWE's Toughest Match DVD|publisher=Silver Vision|date=24 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100625043517/http://www.silvervision.co.uk/products/Iron-Will-The-Anthology-of-WWE-s-Toughest-Match-DVD-3-Discs.html|archive-date=June 25, 2010}}
See also
= Notations =
- {{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/exclusives/chamberhistory/|access-date=14 February 2008|title=WWE Elimination Chamber History (2002–2008)|publisher=WWE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217131524/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/exclusives/chamberhistory/|archive-date=17 February 2008|url-status=dead}}
Notes
{{reflist|group=A}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20080224045708/http://www.wwe.com/inside/specialtymatches/eliminationchamber WWE.com – Elimination Chamber match description]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20130129010909/http://www.mondaynightwarriors.com/elimination-chamber-statistics.php Elimination Chamber Statistics]
Category:WWE Elimination Chamber