WWE Raw: Asuka & Je’Von Evans Qualify for Elimination Chamber 2024
- The road to WWE’s Elimination Chamber event continued to take shape on Monday night, with Je’Von Evans and Asuka securing their places in their respective matches.
- Asuka’s win over Nattie and Bayley in a Triple Threat match was a display of her signature submission prowess.
- On the men’s side, Je’Von Evans’ victory over Gunther and Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio was arguably the more surprising outcome.
The road to WWE’s Elimination Chamber event continued to take shape on Monday night, with Je’Von Evans and Asuka securing their places in their respective matches. The victories, earned on ’s Raw, add further intrigue to the February event and signal a potential shift in momentum for both competitors.
Asuka’s win over Nattie and Bayley in a Triple Threat match was a display of her signature submission prowess. Locking Bayley in the Asuka Lock, she forced a tap-out, earning her spot in the Women’s Elimination Chamber. She joins Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley and Alexa Bliss in the structure, leaving two spots still to be determined. The match wasn’t without its drama, as Bayley nearly secured a win with an elbow drop, only to be thwarted by Nattie. A German suplex by Nattie on the apron and a subsequent sharpshooter attempt were also broken up, highlighting the competitive nature of the contest. Following the match, Maxxine Dupri attacked Nattie.
On the men’s side, Je’Von Evans’ victory over Gunther and Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio was arguably the more surprising outcome. The Triple Threat match saw Evans ultimately pin Mysterio after hitting the OG Cutter. The path to victory was far from straightforward, however. Early in the match, Mysterio attempted to avoid direct confrontation with Gunther, but found himself unable to escape “The Ring General’s” dominance. Evans briefly intervened, taking both competitors out with a leap over the ropes. The match took a chaotic turn when Dragon Lee, continuing his feud with Gunther following AJ Styles’ retirement, entered the fray and attacked Gunther with the ring bell. With Gunther temporarily incapacitated, Evans capitalized, securing the pinfall win over Mysterio.
Evans’ win is particularly noteworthy. While a relatively new face on the main roster, WWE appears to be investing in his potential, giving him a high-profile opportunity on a major stage. The Elimination Chamber is known for its brutal, high-spot-driven matches, and Evans’ athleticism and willingness to take risks could make him a standout performer. He will now compete alongside Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and LA Knight in the Chamber.
CBS Sports graded the developments a “B,” noting Asuka’s experience as a former Elimination Chamber winner and her ongoing storyline with Ripley and Iyo Sky. The outlet also highlighted Evans’ potential to shine in the high-stakes environment of the Chamber.
Beyond the Elimination Chamber Qualifiers
The February 16th edition of Raw featured several other notable moments. “The Vision” – a masked assailant who has been targeting various WWE stars – defeated The Usos and LA Knight in a Six-Man Tag Team match. The masked figure then attacked Logan Paul after the match, continuing a pattern of disruptive behavior. The motivation behind “The Vision’s” actions remains unclear, but the attacks are adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the WWE landscape.
In a curious backstage segment, Adam Pearce discovered a large, sealed box marked “Do not open until ” and instructed staff to send it to SmackDown for Nick Aldis to handle. The contents of the box and its significance remain unknown, adding another element of suspense to the ongoing storylines.
Pearce also extended a contract offer to Oba Femi to join the Raw roster, giving the rising star time to consider the opportunity. Elsewhere, Stephanie Vaquer interrupted an interview with Liv Morgan, delivering a scathing rant in Spanish that left Morgan in tears, with Dominik Mysterio offering consolation. The incident underscores the growing tension between the two competitors.
A confrontation between Finn Balor and CM Punk further fueled their rivalry ahead of their Elimination Chamber match. Balor challenged Punk’s claim to be “the best in the world,” arguing that his own global experience and the support of Judgment Day made him the more deserving titleholder. Punk, in turn, suggested that Judgment Day was holding Balor back. The segment ended with Punk refusing to engage in a physical altercation, throwing the microphone at Balor’s feet.
In other matches, Penta defeated El Grande Americano in a No. 1 contender match for the Intercontinental Championship, and AJ Lee continued to taunt Becky Lynch, attempting to goad her into a fight ahead of their Elimination Chamber bout. Lee questioned Lynch’s accomplishments and popularity, suggesting that fans simply prefer her. Lynch, however, refused to take the bait, stating that Lee was merely seeking an excuse to avoid their scheduled match.
With the Elimination Chamber event drawing closer, Raw continues to build momentum, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling night of action. The qualifying matches have added new contenders to the mix, while ongoing feuds and mysterious storylines are keeping fans engaged and anticipating the next chapter in the WWE saga.