Photo: WWE.com The Rock victorious at Elimination Chamber
HOUSTON, February 18, 2013 — On January 27, 2013, The Rock returned to the squared circle and defeated CM Punk to win the WWE Championship for the eighth time and for the first time since 2002. The two had their rematch last night at the WWE pay-per-view, Elimination Chamber, live from the New Orleans Arena, in New Orleans, LA.
The first time these two combatants met, it was a good match but not a great one. What made it exciting was the history that it presented. The Rock returned to the title scene after a decade-plus hiatus, and CM Punk held the Championship for 434 days. Lacking was continuity and chemistry between the two competitors. This rematch was much better than their former contest, and the best we are going to get out of these two competing together.
This was one of those matches where the crowd significantly added to the atmosphere, split down the middle; one could hear a “let’s go Rocky” chant immediately followed by a “CM Punk” chant.
The match was a seesaw battle leading up to the climax of the main event. Punk was able to deliver his trademark finisher, the GTS (Go to Sleep), and pinned Rock for a certain three count; but there was no ref to count the three mark and make it official. The referee was injured a few moments earlier and was sent flailing to the outside of the ring after he got caught between Punk and Rocky.
The two continued to battle, both competitors taking their turn of near falls but missing the three count by milliseconds. Each time, the rival would kick out of the others attempt at victory. In the end, Punk got rocked; the Rock caught CM Punk with the Rock Bottom, slamming Punk to the mat. Rocky pinned the former champion for the victory and retained the WWE Championship.
Between becoming the Champion, and the anticipated upcoming release of his sure to be hilt film GI Joe: Retaliation (co-starring Bruce Willis), The Rock has been on fire and has received great media attention. The road of success continues for the Brahma Bull as he is now set to headline Wrestlemania 29, and will defend the Championship against number one contender, John Cena. Minus the Championship being in play, this is a rematch from last year’s Wrestlemania, where the Rock defeated Cena. That match is five weeks away, leaving fans salivating for the match. As for last night; Rocky has millions, upon millions of fans asking yet again; do you smell what the Rock is cooking?
Wrestlemania promo photo via: Associated Press
Full Card Results
Alberto Del Rio defeated the Big Show to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
Antonio Cesaro defeated the Miz via disqualification to retain the United States Championship.
Jack Swagger won the Elimination Chamber match, making him the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship against Alberto Del Rio at Wrestlemania 29.
The Shield (Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins) defeated Ryback, John Cena and Sheamus.
Dolph Ziggler defeated Kofi Kingston.
Kaitlyn defeated Tamina Snuka to retain the WWE Divas Championship.
