WWE fans were thrilled by the surprise return of Alexa Bliss at the Royal Rumble, marking her comeback to the ring and WWE television after over two years away. Bliss entered the Royal Rumble match to massive applause, signaling her highly awaited return, and immediately made her presence felt. Following this momentous event, many speculated about where she would land, considering previous rumors linked her return to Monday Night Raw. Nevertheless, WWE officially confirmed her alignment with SmackDown, leading to her much-anticipated match on February 7.
On tonight's episode of SmackDown, it was officially announced there would be two Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, one of which featured Alexa Bliss facing off against Candice LeRae. Bliss's match was particularly notable as it marked her first singles action since her last bout over two years ago, when she fought against Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship at the Royal Rumble 2023.
The build-up to this episode heightened expectations, especially as Bliss’s return had garnered considerable buzz. Social media lit up with announcements prior to the match, culminating in WWE's tweet: "After her SHOCKING return at #RoyalRumble, @AlexaBliss_WWE will go one-on-one with @CandiceLeRae in an #WWEChamber Qualifying Match TONIGHT on #SmackDown!" During the match, the atmosphere was electric as Bliss and LeRae squared off for the chance to participate in the Elimination Chamber event slated for March 1, 2025, at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario.
During the contest, Bliss’s performance impressed, showcasing both her tenacity and ring prowess. LeRae proved to be formidable opposition; she challenged Bliss effectively at various instances throughout the match, pushing her to deliver her best. The anticipation peaked with the match's intensity wavering; moments featuring glitches on the screen hinted at possible interests from the enigmatic Wyatt Sicks, leaving fans wondering how this storyline could develop.
Despite the tough challenge posed by LeRae, Bliss managed to regain control, overcoming her opponent and sealing her victory with her iconic finishing maneuver, the Sister Abigail DDT. Following her win, Bliss joined fellow competitors Liv Morgan and Bianca Belair as confirmed participants for the Elimination Chamber match. Bliss’s return not only marked personal triumph but also opened various avenues for narrative exploration, particularly her potential alignment with The Wyatt Sicks, who have been absent from WWE television since their move to SmackDown.
The buzz around Bliss's return was accompanied by reports indicating her last-minute contract negotiations with WWE. Prominent wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer offered insights on the situation, noting, "The commentary team played up the surprise to get one over on those who reported Bliss wouldn't be coming back." It became evident how WWE sought to maintain audience intrigue and leverage her star power effectively after her absence due to giving birth.
Adding to the evening's excitement, SmackDown also featured additional events, with Drew McIntyre confirmed for the Blue Brand and competing in his own Elimination Chamber qualifying match against LA Knight and Jimmy Uso. This shake-up indicated WWE’s intent to reinvigorate SmackDown's roster, now brimming with new opportunities as the brand prepares for WrestleMania.
With her victory over LeRae, Bliss’s resilience and ability to adapt after her time away from the ring set the stage for what lies ahead. The anticipation grows around how her storyline with The Wyatt Sicks might capture audiences once they return to television. Fans eagerly look forward to seeing how the dynamics of these characters will evolve leading up to WrestleMania.
The women’s Elimination Chamber is rapidly filling up, and with Bliss’s return punctuated by her significant victory, the wrestling community’s interest has never been higher. Discussions surrounding the upcoming matches, including who will prevail and how the ensuing narrative will develop, promise to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
There's no denying the sense of excitement surrounding Bliss’s return and her immediate impact within the WWE universe. Fans across the globe are buzzing about her next moves, making the upcoming weeks pivotal for WWE's storytelling as WrestleMania approaches.