On Saturday, I returned to Regal Cinemas in El Cajon, Calif., where I watched January’s Royal Rumble, to catch WWE’s Elimination Chamber with fellow fans.
About 40 people filled theater No. 13, where the smaller crowd kept things quiet early. Unlike my last experience, I went alone, as Mrs. Gomez had other plans, so I was also a bit more reserved at the start. But as the night wore on, fans shed their shyness, going full throttle by the end.
As the women’s Elimination Chamber kicked off the show, a smattering of attendees was firmly behind Raquel Rodriguez. “Big Mami Cool” literally broke the ice after power slamming Kiana James through a plexiglass pod.
The mood grew lighter as fans applauded Rhea Ripley after she defeated Tiffany Stratton to win the opener.
The Women’s Intercontinental title match held everyone’s attention from bell-to-bell. AJ Lee dethroning champion Becky Lynch was a pleasant surprise, gaining a wave of applause from attendees.
Lee’s husband, CM Punk, drew a slightly less favorable response after beating Finn Bálor to retain the World Heavyweight title. Many were genuinely upset at Finn’s loss, and some were not shy in cursing Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque and his booking.
The show’s surging momentum hit a wall as it came time to reveal what was inside the mystery crate. Similar to the backlash online and in Chicago, the Chamber’s host city, Danhausen’s debut drew a mix of silence, laughter, and boos.
Finally, it was time for the main event, the men’s Chamber match, which ignited the theater.
Trick Williams drew the loudest pop, with nearly everyone chanting, “Whoop that trick!” I couldn’t even contain myself, as I channeled my inner Booker T, standing and shouting, “Oh yeah, man!”
On the opposite end of Williams was Logan Paul, who got the most negative response after pinning three straight opponents. As frustration mounted inside the Regal, a roar went up as Seth Rollins unmasked after dashing Paul’s WrestleMania dreams.
Then came the finish: Randy Orton pinned Cody Rhodes with an RKO to win the men’s Chamber, and the theater erupted. Had I anticipated it, I would have recorded the reaction, as it felt like our beloved Padres had won the World Series.
After the show, I reconnected with a trio of friends we’d met in January. Soon, we found ourselves in a larger circle talking about storylines, ticket prices, and the consensus that LA Knight might be cooked. One first-timer said he’d absolutely return.
Despite the audio shortcomings that also plagued my first experience, the big-screen presentation remains my preferred method of viewing.
More than anything, though, the camaraderie throughout and after made it worthwhile. Those I spoke with said they planned to return for WrestleMania in April, even if only for one night. I’m hoping to return, too, ideally with my wife, to see Roman Reigns battle CM Punk.
Whether my Tribal Chief wins or loses, I want to feel that rush again in what should be a considerably fuller house. And if the night ends with Reigns standing tall, perhaps we’ll all celebrate across the way with a free truffle sample at See’s Candies as we acknowledge the new world champion, Roman Reigns.
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