WWE returns to Saudi Arabia this Saturday for Elimination Chamber. After a relationship between WWE and the Kingdom stretching back to 2018, this is the first time the company will stage one of their mainstream pay-per-views in the country. Elimination Chamber is an annual event dating back to 2010, rather than a specially-created show just for Saudi Arabia.
WWE owner Vince McMahon and his company have enjoyed a strange, uneasy relationship with the country. Their efforts in the Middle East have been controversial, with many fans questioning human rights issues and the treatment of women in the nation. There have been attempts to bridge these cultural gaps. In 2019, WWE staged the first ever women’s match in Saudi Arabia, pitting Lacey Evans against Natalya.
There have also been instances of wrestlers refusing to wrestle in the country due to Saudi Arabia’s relations with other nations, including Israeli grappler Noam Dar and Sami Zayn, who is of Syrian heritage. There was also the bizarre case of 175 wrestlers and staff being stuck in a grounded plane for six hours in 2019. Speaking diplomatically, WWE and Saudi Arabia have had a troubled marriage.
While the political climate and moral questions around the show are nuanced and complex, the company has put together an exciting card for this latest Middle East foray. There will be two matches inside the Elimination Chamber structure, with the WWE Championship and a shot at the Raw Women’s Championship on the line. Roman Reigns will defend the Universal Championship against Goldberg in a meeting between two masters of the Spear. This encounter was originally penciled in for WrestleMania 36 in 2020, before Reigns pulled out due to COVID concerns.
This year’s Elimination Chamber is a rare commodity for UK fans, as the time difference means the show will take place at a very reasonable hour. Here’s how to watch WWE Elimination Chamber 2022.
Where: Jeddah Super Dome, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
When: Saturday 19th February, pre-show 4pm, main card 5pm (UK time)
How To Watch: WWE Network
Full Card:
Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship: Bobby Lashley (c) vs. Brock Lesnar vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins vs. Austin Theory vs. Riddle vs. AJ Styles
WWE Raw Women's Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Lita
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship: The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) (c) vs. The Viking Raiders (Erik and Ivar)
WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) (with Paul Heyman) vs. Goldberg
Falls Count Anywhere match: Drew McIntyre vs. Madcap Moss (with Happy Corbin)
Elimination Chamber (Winner Gets A WWE Raw Women's Championship match at WrestleMania 38): Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Bianca Belair vs. Doudrop vs. Nikki A.S.H. vs. Alexa Bliss
Ronda Rousey and Naomi vs. Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville
Rey Mysterio (with Dominik Mysterio) vs. The Miz (with Maryse)
