The road to WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 is officially heating up, and Friday night’s episode of WWE SmackDown from Dallas, Texas, delivered a wild ride that has fans buzzing with anticipation. As the American Airlines Center filled with electricity on February 13, the blue brand set the stage for next week’s high-stakes pay-per-view with a mix of championship clashes, Elimination Chamber qualifiers, and dramatic showdowns both inside and outside the ring.
SmackDown kicked off with a determined Tiffany Stratton taking center stage. The former WWE Women’s Champion addressed the crowd, reflecting on her recent title loss but making it clear her eyes remain firmly set on championship gold. "I’m on the hunt for the Women’s Title, and I intend to get one step closer by being the woman who wins the Chamber in Chicago," Stratton declared, her confidence undimmed. But before she could finish, Lash Legend and Nia Jax crashed the party, reminding Stratton—and everyone watching—that their ambitions were just as fierce. Jax, in particular, laid down a warning: she’s gunning for her own spot in the Chamber and plans to emerge as the number one contender.
The tension quickly spilled over into the night’s first match: the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship bout pitting champions Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY—collectively known as RHIYO—against the powerhouse duo of Jax and Legend. Early on, Ripley and SKY seemed to have the upper hand, dazzling the crowd with IYO’s high-flying Asai Moonsault and Ripley’s raw power. But the challengers wouldn’t be denied, and soon chaos erupted. Jax caught SKY with a crushing Samoan Drop, isolating the champion, but SKY managed a desperate tag to Ripley, setting up a near fall after a Powerbomb and Over the Moonsault combo. Just as it looked like RHIYO might retain, the match degenerated into a brawl. Legend battered SKY outside, and the referee had no choice but to rule a no contest as bodies flew and tables came into play. The most jaw-dropping moment came when SKY launched herself into Jax, sending both crashing through a table, while Legend speared Ripley into the barricade. The Dallas crowd roared as the dust settled, signaling that this rivalry is far from over.
Backstage, the focus shifted to the men’s side of the Elimination Chamber equation. Cathy Kelley caught up with Cody Rhodes, who exuded confidence as he discussed his path to WrestleMania 42. "I’m in my element tonight in Dallas, and no one should bet against me," Rhodes told Kelley. The American Nightmare’s swagger would be put to the test later in the night.
Meanwhile, United States Champion Carmelo Hayes was also plotting his ascent. Hayes announced he’d compete in next week’s Chamber qualifier, but first, he wanted to settle unfinished business with Ilja Dragunov. Before their match could begin, Solo Sikoa and the menacing MFTs stormed the ring, derailing the planned title bout. Sikoa made it clear the line for opportunities starts with him, and soon the ring was engulfed in a melee as Matt Cardona, Apollo Crews, and Shinsuke Nakamura rushed to even the odds. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis made a snap decision, transforming the chaos into a ten-man tag match: Hayes, Dragunov, Cardona, Crews, and Nakamura versus the MFTs.
What followed was a Texas-sized showdown. Both sides traded momentum, with Dragunov nearly sealing the win after an H-Bomb, only for Sikoa to send him crashing into the ring post. Hayes tried to rally, but Tama Tonga seized the moment, shoving Hayes from the top rope into a waiting Samoan Spike from Sikoa. Tonga then landed the Cutthroat for the decisive pin, giving the MFTs bragging rights and, perhaps, a future title shot. The Wyatt Sicks made a chilling post-match appearance, observing from the rafters but holding back—at least for now.
The women’s division continued to shine as Alexa Bliss, Giulia, and Zelina Vega battled in a triple threat Elimination Chamber qualifier. With Charlotte Flair cheering her on backstage, Bliss weathered the storm of two hungry opponents. In a match with few outside distractions, Bliss secured her Chamber spot by hitting Vega with her signature Sister Abigail. The clean finish surprised many, given WWE’s usual penchant for interference in high-stakes qualifiers.
Elsewhere, Trick Williams and Rey Fenix squared off in a singles match that showcased athleticism and heart. Williams, brimming with confidence, started strong but soon found himself reeling from Fenix’s aerial assault, including a springboard dropkick and a Frog Splash. Still, Williams’ resilience shone through. As Fenix hit the ropes late in the match, Williams delivered the Trick Shot, scoring the pin and sending a message to the rest of the roster: he’s ready for bigger things.
The night’s championship spotlight belonged to Jade Cargill, who put her WWE Women’s Title on the line against the formidable Jordynne Grace. The match was a hard-hitting affair, with both women trading power moves and near falls. Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Dominik Mysterio watched from ringside, adding a layer of intrigue as Morgan eyed a potential WrestleMania challenge. Despite Grace’s impressive feats of strength, Cargill retained with a decisive one-armed Jaded finisher, extending her reign and warning Morgan that a title challenge would not end well for her.
Finally, the main event brought the house down: Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, and Jacob Fatu clashed in a triple threat Elimination Chamber qualifier. The stakes were sky-high, and all three men fought with desperation and pride. Early on, Fatu and Rhodes tried to neutralize Zayn, but the Underdog from the Underground wouldn’t stay down, hitting a huge dive to the outside. The action was relentless, with each man taking turns in the spotlight. Just when it seemed Fatu might pull off the win, Drew McIntyre appeared out of nowhere, nailing both Fatu and Rhodes with Claymore kicks. McIntyre then placed Zayn on top of Rhodes, but Rhodes kicked out at the last second. In the chaos that followed, Zayn took out McIntyre with a Helluva Kick, only for Rhodes to capitalize with Cross Rhodes, earning his spot in the Chamber. The result was controversial, but Rhodes’ victory sets up a tantalizing scenario for the pay-per-view.
As the show wrapped, it was clear that SmackDown had succeeded in building anticipation for the Elimination Chamber. With championship gold on the line, personal vendettas simmering, and new contenders emerging, the blue brand’s road to WrestleMania is paved with drama, athleticism, and unpredictability. Next week’s Chamber matches promise fireworks, and if this Dallas show is any indication, fans are in for a memorable ride.