United States Champion Jack Swagger def. Justin Gabriel

MILWAUKEE – Despite an extremely hard-fought effort by Justin Gabriel, United States Champion Jack Swagger successfully defended his title against the South African high-flyer in an impromptu showdown at Elimination Chamber.

Hot off his strong showing in the Elimination Chamber Wild Card Battle Royal two days earlier, Gabriel gave Swagger an intense challenge from the word go. But despite his turbo-charged attack, once his former World Heavyweight foe cinched in his dreaded ankle lock, the Cape Town competitor had no choice but to tap out. (MATCH PHOTOS)

The explosive surprise contest was created as the result of an altercation in the back during the monumental pay-per-view, in which Gabriel stood up to The All-American American and Vickie Guerrero on behalf of Hornswoggle. With earlier suggestions by Alberto Del Rio, Mark Henry and Christian that WWE Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Interim Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis become the permanent GM of both Raw and SmackDown still ringing in his ears (PHOTOS), the assertive Theodore Long wasted no time making the blockbuster encounter for the U.S. Title.

Following Jack Swagger’s conquest at Elimination Chamber, who will step up to become the next road block to the United States Champion on the Road to WrestleMania?