The WWE Elimination Chamber in Toronto was a spectacle of high-stakes matches and unexpected plot twists, culminating in a seismic shift in the WrestleMania landscape. The event’s climax, John Cena’s heel turn and alliance with The Rock, has dominated wrestling discourse.
It’s been a whirlwind for wrestling fans following Saturday’s WWE Elimination Chamber in Toronto. With WrestleMania coming up on April 19 and 20, 2025, the excitement continues to build. Fans have also been tuning in to this week’s RAW, SmackDown, and AEW programming, eager to see what happens next. The most talked-about moments include John Cena’s unexpected shift, The Rock’s involvement, Travis Scott’s cameo, and the heated angles on AEW Dynamite heading into Sunday’s AEW Revolution Pay-Per-View. This article looks at the most significant takeaways, featuring direct quotes from Dave Simon, Champion Pro Wrestler Johnny North, and the live audience, all while capturing the tone of the broadcast.
Dave Simon: “We got a big show. There’s a lot going on. We were not on after the Elimination Chamber, so there’s a lot to cover here tonight.”
Fans have been buzzing about everything from Cody Rhodes’ tough road to WrestleMania to John Cena’s new direction and AEW’s loaded Sunday event. Keep reading for the breakdown, fan reactions, and more. If you missed the live broadcast, catch the replay on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, or Kick. Audio listeners can grab the podcast on Spotify or wherever they get their podcasts.
Table of Contents
The Aftermath of WWE Elimination Chamber in Toronto
WWE’s latest Elimination Chamber left a mark on fans worldwide. Held in Toronto, the show featured title matches, a much-discussed angle at the end, and the usual wild spots inside the chain-linked structure.
Johnny North: “I thought overall the show was good, but I feel again, maybe I’m biased. I thought Montreal got a better chamber show overall. Still good. What it was.”
Highlights and Audience Reactions
- Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens continued their longtime rivalry with another grueling battle. The crowd was engaged, though some felt certain spots lacked the intensity of previous matches.
- John Cena’s new alignment with The Rock and Travis Scott was the big post-match shocker. Cena is now on a collision course with Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania.
- Title changes and close calls peppered the show. However, fans noticed that specific match outcomes were predictable until the sudden twist involving Cena.
The Shock of John Cena and Travis Scott
The final moments of Elimination Chamber saw John Cena standing shoulder-to-shoulder with The Rock and Travis Scott. Cena’s kick to Cody Rhodes broke one of the biggest unwritten rules in wrestling: John Cena doesn’t take the villain’s path. Hearing the crowd’s reaction was fascinating, as many were stunned and thrilled.
Dave Simon: “I was very happy with what happened. People hated Roman Reigns as a babyface, then he turned heel, and he became beloved. This could be the same thing with John Cena.”
As Dave Simon suggested, the audience’s reaction is mixed. Some celebrate the fresh angle, while others feel betrayed by Cena, who spent years as a hero. Regardless, everyone is talking about him once again, and that’s a major victory for WWE programming leading into WrestleMania season.
Toronto’s Crowd and Anthem Incident
Another moment grabbing headlines was the heated reaction when the U.S. national anthem was performed in Toronto. The crowd booed, and commentator Pat McAfee was vocal about his frustration. This led to discussions among fans and hosts on what it means when a live audience expresses itself so passionately.
Johnny North: “It’s incredible how people are more united and louder than ever. It’s a different WWE these days. They’re not about politics, but it happened in a wrestling environment.”
While the match outcomes delivered standard WWE fare, the anthem controversy and Cena’s shocking turn lifted the entire conversation around Elimination Chamber. Fans on social media either cheered the unpredictability or shook their heads at the swirl of unexpected drama.
WrestleMania Gears Up
With Elimination Chamber done, the road to WrestleMania is on fire. This year’s biggest sports entertainment weekend will stretch across two nights: April 19 and April 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
Dave Simon: “We are on the road to WrestleMania. We’re about a month away, so this is the big time of year for the WWE.”
Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena
Cody Rhodes is once again in the spotlight after surviving feuds and injuries. Yet, nobody predicted he would face a newly-turned Cena at WrestleMania. Cena’s alliance with The Rock and Travis Scott raises the stakes for Cody, who is battling not only John Cena’s star power but also The Rock’s presence and Travis Scott’s unpredictability.
Dave Simon: “Cody Rhodes owes Travis Scott one… He owes him a stiff shot. Travis Scott came in and punched Cody as hard as you can.”
At WrestleMania, fans will discover if Cody can defend his WWE Championship or if John Cena’s fresh villainous mindset steals the show.
The Rock, John Cena, and Travis Scott: A Dangerous Trio
Some fans compare this moment to Hulk Hogan joining the New World Order. Yet, The Rock, Cena, and Travis Scott aren’t exactly an NWO. It’s a modern twist, with each star bringing Hollywood flair, mainstream reach, and a rebellious spirit. Live audiences seem split. Are they hating it, or is it simply too cool to boo?
Johnny North: “Cena turn and heel after all this time is fun. Him in The Rock as a team is very strong, but I’m not sure he’ll get booed like Hogan did.”
Those picking up tickets for WrestleMania know that a returning legend, a newly-turned star, and an unpredictable rapper all aiming at Cody Rhodes is a wild scenario. It’s the must-see match that stirs conversation about who might walk out as champion.
Other Potential Matches at WrestleMania
- Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk: This rumored triple threat continues to swirl. Fans love each competitor yet also wonder if Reigns will defend his spot against these top names.
- AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul: The seeds for this match keep sprouting with backstage talk and social media barbs. The high-flying aspect of both wrestlers would add a different vibe to the card.
- Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, and Io Sky: After Rhea Ripley dropped her title, some wonder whether she’s out of the WrestleMania picture or due for a surprise comeback. Belair and Io remain top-tier. A multi-woman match for the Women’s Championship seems likely.
RAW, SmackDown, and Audience Buzz
Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown continued the Elimination Chamber fallout, though some fans felt the programs left big questions open. The top stories included LA Knight regaining the United States Championship from Shinsuke Nakamura, Rhea Ripley’s uncertain status, and continued hype for Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena.
Dave Simon: “LA Knight’s a new United States champion. Yeah, that’s the move. There you go.”
LA Knight’s Rise
LA Knight’s momentum soared once again. Fans were thrilled to see him pick up the United States title on SmackDown. Many felt Shinsuke Nakamura’s reign lacked spark so that this title change could freshen the midcard scene. LA Knight might go into WrestleMania with a lot of hype around him.
Rhea Ripley’s Rumoured Injury
Speculation flew about Rhea Ripley’s condition. Questions arose after she lost her belt. While nothing is confirmed, fans are worried that she might be sidelined. If so, it would remove a major star from WrestleMania’s Women’s Championship scene.
Johnny North: “That’s terrible if that’s true. I thought she looked fine, but now that she lost the belt, what is the match?”
Some think she’ll enter a multi-woman scenario if cleared in time, but her future remains uncertain.
Travis Scott’s In-Ring Impact
Though known primarily for his music, Travis Scott got physical at Elimination Chamber, and the discussions about his stiff shots on Cody Rhodes haven’t slowed down. Dave Simon voiced safety concerns, while others see Travis Scott as an entertaining but chaotic presence.
Johnny North: “That was the problem. If the guy isn’t trained for it, you hype him up, and he might go overboard.”
Fans will watch whether Travis Scott trains further or stays out of the ring to avoid more injuries. For now, his managerial role with The Rock and John Cena looks strong.
AEW Heats Up: Dynamite Review and Revolution Predictions
On the AEW side, Dynamite set the table for Sunday’s Revolution Pay-Per-View. The main stories included CM Punk’s microphone fireworks, MJF’s ongoing feud with “Hangman” Adam Page, and multiple top-tier matches that promise high-impact action.
Dave Simon: “CM Punk was going after The Rock and John Cena… That promo got me more excited than anything at Elimination Chamber.”
CM Punk’s Scorching Promo
CM Punk let loose during AEW Dynamite, delivering another trademark rant aimed at Hollywood stars. He blasted The Rock and John Cena, calling the latter’s new persona “fake.” Fans cheered Punk’s intensity, recalling the best parts of his “Pipe Bomb” style.
Matches to Watch at AEW Revolution
- Jon Moxley vs. Edge (Adam Copeland) for the AEW World Championship
Most are picking Moxley to retain. Edge’s arrival in AEW was a big moment, but the consensus is that his storyline hasn’t clicked enough to dethrone Moxley. - MJF vs. “Hangman” Adam Page
This might steal the show. Both cut exceptional promos, and this feud has personal fire. MJF’s willingness to break rules is matched by Hangman’s burning desire to shut him down. - Tony Storm vs. Mariah May (Falls Count Anywhere) for the AEW Women’s World Championship
Their ongoing rivalry heated up after multiple backstage run-ins. Storm’s cunning ways, combined with May’s determined spirit, promise a thrilling encounter. - Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher (Steel Cage)
High-flying stunts and brutal spots are expected. Their battles have been epic, and a cage will confine their movements, forcing them to get creative. - Kenny Omega vs. Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW International Championship
A major highlight. Kenny Omega’s attempt to regain gold is a huge draw. Takeshita has proven unstoppable lately, but Omega masters big-match moments. - Swerve Strickland vs. Ricochet for No. 1 Contendership
Ricochet’s new villainous character is blossoming, and Swerve Strickland’s underhanded approach adds to the spark. Expect them to turn up the violence, especially after Ricochet’s menacing promos.
Possible Surprises
- Christian’s Contract Cash-In: Rumours hint that Christian might use a deal to swoop in after the main event. A quick title flip would stun everyone.
- Return of Bryan Danielson: Some hope Bryan will resurface to set up a future match, but no hints have confirmed this.
Key Takeaways
- WWE Elimination Chamber in Toronto was highlighted by John Cena’s new alliance with The Rock and Travis Scott, plus strong fan reactions to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.
- WrestleMania 2025 is shaping up with Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena as a marquee match, while other big names like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and AJ Styles circle around the card.
- LA Knight recaptured the US Title, sparking excitement on SmackDown. Rhea Ripley’s mysterious status left fans worried about her involvement at WrestleMania.
- AEW Revolution promises intense matchups: MJF vs. Hangman, Tony Storm vs. Mariah May, Kenny Omega vs. Konosuke Takeshita, and more. CM Punk’s blistering Dynamite promo targeted Hollywood stars and fueled chatter about cross-promotional animosity.
Final Thoughts
Pro wrestling never disappoints in terms of drama and unpredictability. The countdown to WrestleMania hits full gear with a two-night extravaganza set for next month. Meanwhile, AEW is no slouch, rolling into Revolution with major bouts and fans speculating on title changes and heel swerves. Whether you cheer for John Cena’s new direction, root for Cody Rhodes, or mark out over CM Punk’s stinging lines, there’s no shortage of excitement on the horizon.
Keep up with these stories and more by watching replay clips on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, or Kick. You can also listen to the audio podcast on Spotify or wherever you usually tune in. Expect every rivalry to shift gears as WrestleMania draws near and AEW raises the bar for in-ring storytelling. With so many twists and turns, every wrestling fan has plenty of reasons to stay locked in.
