Watch: Ariel Helwani receives star-studded introduction at WWE’s Elimination Chamber
WWE Elimination Chamber provided many memorable moments for fans and MMA journalist Ariel Helwani received one of his own.
During the broadcast, Helwani received a star-studded introduction along with UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre. The pair cheered fellow Montreal native Sami Zayn as he attempted to dethrone WWE Universal champion Roman Reigns in the main event.
Legendary WWE announcer Michael Cole praised Helwani during the broadcast for his journalistic integrity. Cole's comments were in response to AEW President sending a tweet calling The MMA Hour host a biased journalist.
Cole said:
"On your right, there's Georges St-Pierre, one of the greatest MMA stars of all time. On the left, the unbiased, world renowned combast sports journalist Ariel Helwani, who asks all the hard questions whether you want to answer them or not!"
Michael Cole with the drag of the night directed at Tony Khan...
"The unbiased, world renowned combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani who asks all the hard questions whether you want to answer them or not!" - Michael Cole
#WWEChamber #EliminationChamber https://t.co/QFHErwj4AX
The Canadian MMA journalist even responded to Khan with a tweet of his own, where he mentioned that he looks forward to their next conversation, writing:
"Thanks for watching, old friend! Can’t wait for our next chat. (Also, don’t listen to the snowman, Schiavone. You’re a legend in my books.)"
It will be interesting to see whether the Canadian MMA journalist addresses this further on The MMA Hour, which he tends to do when others including Dana White, Paddy Pimblett, Dillon Danis, and Brendan Schaub have taken shots at him in the past.
Ariel Helwani compares Sami Zayn reception in Montreal to Georges St-Pierre's UFC bouts
While describing the anticipation and excitement surrounding the Universal championship match between Roman Reigns and Sami Zayn at WWE Elimination Chamber, Ariel Helwani compared it to those when Georges St-Pierre headlined UFC events in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
While recapping the event, The MMA Hour host mentioned that the main event felt like a big fight and compared it to 'Rush's bouts, saying:
"It felt like a big fight feel. I compared it yesterday to a GSP fight. It felt like a GSP fight and wouldn't you know it, GSP himself was here. His first time seeing a WWE event in person, which is pretty darn special as well."
Fans were invested in the match throughout as they cheered on the Montreal native on his quest to become a world champion. Reigns ended up retaining the title, but the show ended on a positive note as Zayn received an ovation from the crowd as his theme song played in the arena.