The Star Power Deficit: Why the Women’s Chamber Lacked That "Big Match" Feel

The Elimination Chamber is historically where legends are made and WrestleMania paths are carved in stone. But after the dust settled on this year’s Women’s Chamber match, I was left with a nagging question: Was that it?

While the athleticism of the six women involved was undeniable, the atmosphere felt uncharacteristically quiet for a match with such high stakes. Don't get me wrong—seeing Rhea Ripley punch her ticket to face Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42 was the right call considering that several stars are currently out—but the journey to get there felt like it was missing its soul.

The Missing "X-Factor"

Every great Chamber match needs an anchor—a superstar whose presence creates a sense of inevitable drama. Think last year with Bianca and Naomi in the Chamber but without certain heavy hitters in the mix, the gravity of the match felt significantly lighter.

I touched on this during our Main Event Mamas live broadcast, noting a distinct lack of "big fight" energy. I’ll be honest: I wasn’t as excited about this Chamber. I just felt like it lacked the top-tier star power we’ve come to expect. I specifically pointed to the absence of a certain Queen as a factor in the flat atmosphere:

“There’s a drama that Charlotte [Flair] brings to it. Whether you love her or hate her, her entitlement and championship pedigree create a tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat.”

Kiana James actually qualified by pinning Charlotte in a Triple Threat a few weeks back, which was a huge "moment," but in the long run, losing that "final boss" energy left a vacuum the match couldn't quite fill.

Underdogs vs. Star Power

On the flip side, the absence of veterans like Charlotte or Nia Jax did provide a platform for rising talent. My co-host Tanesha observed the sheer physicality of the contest, noting how the "brutality" of the Chamber is always a factor, but she found herself gravitating toward the newer faces.

Tanesha was openly pulling for the underdogs, specifically highlighting Kiana James. Despite a mid-match wardrobe malfunction, Kiana’s performance was a standout; she looked comfortable and confident, proving she can hang in the most dangerous structure in the business.

However, when the audience is rooting for an "upset" rather than witnessing a "clash of titans," the narrative changes. It shifts from a premier championship-level event to a "let's see what they can do" audition.

The Media Take: A Need for Better Stakes

The talent in the ring worked their tails off—you can’t deny the hustle. But between Asuka blinding Alexa Bliss with the mist (only for Alexa to be rolled up immediately) and the predictable early exits, the booking felt a little too "safe" for a road-to-Mania stop. To elevate the Women’s Division to the prestige it deserves, the "Star Power" needs to be managed like the currency it is. You can’t lose a bankable name like Charlotte Flair and not fill that vacuum with high-stakes drama.

We love seeing the "underdogs" get their flowers, and Kiana James certainly proved she belongs, but a Premium Live Event demands that "Big Fight" magnetism. Rhea Ripley is a once-in-a-generation force, but a titan only looks as large as the mountain she climbs. By the time it got down to Rhea and Tiffany Stratton, the result felt like a foregone conclusion rather than a struggle for survival.

As we head toward Las Vegas, the creative team needs to lean into the tension. We finally have the powerhouse clash we’ve been begging for—Rhea vs. Jade Cargill—but for the Chamber to maintain its legacy, it can’t just be a pit stop. It needs to feel like a war of icons where anyone could realistically walk out the winner.

What’s your take?

Did the match suffer from a lack of "Queen-sized" drama, or were you happy to see Kiana James and Tiffany Stratton take the spotlight? Drop a comment below and let's get into it!