For the second consecutive year, WWE Elimination Chamber will take place outside the U.S., with Toronto, Ontario, Canada, playing host to this exciting spectacle. Toronto has become a beloved WWE destination, previously welcoming events like Money in the Bank in July and Elimination Chamber 2023 at the Scotiabank Arena.
WWE recently confirmed that WWE Elimination Chamber 2025 will take over the iconic Rogers Centre on Saturday, March 1. This event marks a significant return to the venue, which last witnessed a WWE spectacle during WrestleMania 18 in 2002.
With its expansive seating capacity, Rogers Centre is set to create a thrilling environment for the WWE Universe. As the final Premium Live Event leading up to WrestleMania 41, WWE Elimination Chamber 2025 promises to deliver a memorable experience, paving the way for the biggest night in sports entertainment.
Backstage Update on WWE Elimination Draft and Potential Talent Trades
As previously reported by PWMania.com, WWE announced a new “transfer window” system during the post-Survivor Series: WarGames episode of SmackDown, allowing superstars to shift between RAW, SmackDown, and NXT.
Among those shown discussing potential trades was WWE World Heavyweight Champion, “The Ring General” GUNTHER, who had a conversation with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. Aldis also hinted at something special for Carmelo Hayes. Additionally, Chad Gable and American Made—Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, and Ivy Nile—appeared on SmackDown, expressing interest in moving to the blue brand.
In a new update, there’s speculation that NXT talents could be called up to the main roster by the end of 2024 or early 2025. There have also been ongoing rumors circulating within talent from all three brands regarding a potential WWE Draft taking place in early 2025. However, WWE has yet to make any official announcements confirming this.
John Cena will be back in Toronto
John Cena, the 16-time world champion, has officially announced plans to retire from WWE in 2025. Cena made the announcement during Money in the Bank 2024 in July, confirming that he will compete in key events, including the Royal Rumble, WWE Elimination Chamber, and WrestleMania 41. After WrestleMania, Cena will continue to perform in the ring but is expected to retire later in 2025.
As tickets for Elimination Chamber went on sale, Cena sent a heartfelt message to his fans, encouraging them not to miss the historic event. “Toronto, I was lucky enough to stand in your ring to announce my retirement. I said I’d be back. This is it! The last time is now! I’m so excited to stand in your ring one last time. Do NOT miss it and looking forward to an unforgettable event!!!” Cena wrote on X.
Original Plans for New Day Heel Turn
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods’ shocking heel turn on Big E during Monday night’s episode of Raw was a major surprise, but WWE’s original plans for the angle were reportedly different.
According to Dave Meltzer (h/t WrestleTalk), WWE initially planned for Odyssey Jones to be the catalyst for the heel turn, with Kingston and Woods choosing him over Big E. Back in August, Kingston brought Jones into New Day’s feud with The Final Testament, teasing tension between Kofi and Woods due to the move. However, Jones disappeared from WWE programming in September and was removed from the WWE roster on the company’s official website.
Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that Jones’ absence followed “domestic violence allegations” that came to light, prompting WWE to scrap the original storyline.
With Jones no longer involved, WWE had to adjust its plans, leading to the memorable 10th anniversary celebration of New Day on Raw. Leading up to the event, Kingston and Woods had shown signs of friction, and they appeared to be on the verge of announcing their split when Big E made a surprise appearance.
Big E, who has been sidelined since March 2022 after fracturing two vertebrae in his neck, offered to manage Kofi and Woods to help them reclaim the WWE Elimination Tag Team Championships. Instead, Kingston and Woods turned on Big E, blaming his absence for their recent troubles.
After a dejected Big E left the ring, Kingston and Woods showed a united front, signaling that they would move forward as a heel tag team. The expectation now is that they will continue their heel run, marking a new chapter for New Day.
