WWE Raw: Results, Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for January 29

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Elias vs. Woken Matt Hardy

Result: Elias defeated Woken Matt Hardy via pinfall

Rating: 2.75 out of 5 stars

If I’m being honest, the concert portion of this segment wasn’t anything special. Elias is usually money, and this one wasn’t bad, but after a while it becomes tricky to keep topping yourself.

I have friends who work in sales who have to do this a lot – they need to improve by a certain percentage over the previous month to be considered successful. Well, how do you top a record-setting month? Regression is common, and you shouldn’t be viewed as “bad” because things even out.

Anyway, this is the next of the Elimination Chamber qualifiers, taking place while the set crew does some redecorating. The commentary booth moved to ringside after Braun’s little adventure, which says to me something else is happening before the night is through.

The match is rolling right along, with Hardy looking like he’ll pick up the victory when Bray Wyatt makes SPOOKY SOUND EFFECTS – but doesn’t materialize. The distraction is enough for Elias to capitalize with a vicious big boot, and a Drift Away secures the victory.

Is it just me, or is WWE trying to “re-break” Matt Hardy? He lost in rather unspectacular fashion on Raw 25 to Bray Wyatt, and his Royal Rumble appearance was similarly uneventful. Now he’s losing qualifying matches due to interference from sound effects. Great job, Matt.

So while it’s a bit disappointing to keep the relatively dull feud between Wyatt and Hardy going, at least we get Elias into the Elimination Chamber. Dude absolutely deserves the chance to shine, and even if he’s the first to be eliminated it’s the best thing for him.