The road to WrestleMania 42 is heating up, and the WWE Universe is buzzing after a blockbuster episode of SmackDown on February 6, 2026, which set the stage for a star-studded Elimination Chamber event later this month. With viewership and key demographic ratings on the rise, fans are clearly hooked as storylines intensify and rivalries reach a fever pitch. The blue brand’s latest offering not only delivered surprise attacks, dramatic confrontations, and high-stakes qualifying matches, but also provided clarity on who will be vying for championship glory at the Elimination Chamber in Chicago on February 28.
According to Wrestlenomics, last Friday’s SmackDown drew an impressive 1.459 million viewers on the USA Network—up from 1.26 million the previous week. The coveted 18 to 49 demographic also jumped to a 0.35 rating, compared to 0.29 for the January 30 episode. Clearly, anticipation for the upcoming pay-per-view and the ongoing drama has fans tuning in at record levels for this time of year.
SmackDown opened with a bang as Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre found himself ambushed by both Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu. The shocking attack left McIntyre reeling, but he quickly regained his composure and addressed the WWE Universe later in the show. However, his night was far from over. Trick Williams confronted McIntyre during his promo, adding yet another layer of intrigue to the championship picture. The champion’s resilience was on full display, but questions remain: can McIntyre hold onto his title with so many hungry challengers circling?
Meanwhile, "The Ruler" Oba Femi continued his dominant run by answering an open challenge and making quick work of Kit Wilson. Femi’s raw power and no-nonsense attitude have made him a force to be reckoned with, and his squash victory only served to reinforce his growing reputation. As the Elimination Chamber approaches, fans are left wondering if Femi will soon find himself in the title conversation.
The women’s division was no less dramatic. Former champion Tiffany Stratton punched her ticket to the Women’s Elimination Chamber match by outlasting Chelsea Green and Lash Legend in a high-octane Triple Threat contest. Stratton’s victory means she’ll join the likes of Rhea Ripley—who qualified by defeating Lyra Valkyria and Ivy Nile on Raw—in the Chamber, with four more spots still up for grabs. The stakes couldn’t be higher: the winner will earn a shot at one of the two women’s world titles at WrestleMania 42. With Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan still undecided on which champion she’ll challenge, the women’s title scene remains tantalizingly unpredictable.
Elsewhere, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY showed why they’re one of WWE’s most formidable tag teams, retaining their titles against the duo of Kiana James and Giulia. The chemistry between Ripley and SKY was undeniable as they overcame a spirited challenge to keep their gold. In singles action, Shinsuke Nakamura took on Tama Tonga but came up short, adding another twist to his ongoing quest for singles glory.
The tag team division also saw fireworks as Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez battled Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace following a heated verbal exchange. The match showcased the depth and competitiveness of WWE’s women’s roster, with all four superstars pushing each other to the limit. Morgan, fresh off her Women’s Royal Rumble victory, seemed especially motivated as she eyes her next big opportunity on the grandest stage of them all.
The night’s main event was a triple threat showdown with huge implications for the upcoming Elimination Chamber. Fourteen-time World Champion Randy Orton squared off against Solo Sikoa and Aleister Black, with a coveted Chamber spot on the line. Orton, ever the veteran, outsmarted and outlasted his opponents to claim his place in the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match. The Viper’s victory means he’ll join LA Knight—who secured his own spot by defeating Austin Theory and Penta—as well as four yet-to-be-determined superstars. The winner of the Chamber will earn a shot at the undisputed WWE title at WrestleMania 42, raising the stakes to dizzying heights.
Looking ahead, the confirmed lineup for the Elimination Chamber event in Chicago is nothing short of stacked. The World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line as CM Punk defends against Finn Balor. Punk, dubbed "The Second City Saint," returns to his hometown with the eyes of the wrestling world upon him. Balor, who re-entered the main event scene after being accused of complacency by his Judgment Day ally Liv Morgan, is hungry for redemption after falling short in their last encounter. The respect between Punk and Balor has all but evaporated after a heated attack, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic clash. If Punk survives, a showdown with Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42 could be next.
Also on the card, the Women’s Intercontinental Championship will be defended as Becky Lynch puts her title on the line against AJ Lee. Lee, making a triumphant return to action after a decade away, has already bested Lynch twice since coming out of retirement. The pair’s rivalry has captured the imagination of fans, and with Lee seeking to join her husband Punk as a reigning champion in Chicago, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Lynch, for her part, only agreed to the match after Lee refused to wrestle her otherwise—a testament to the challenger’s determination and the champion’s pride.
Qualifying matches continue to determine the final participants in both the men’s and women’s Elimination Chamber bouts. On the men’s side, upcoming triple threats—Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Sami Zayn and Gunther vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Je’Evon Evans—will fill out the field. For the women, Alexa Bliss vs. Giulia vs. Zelina Vega and Asuka vs. Bayley vs. Nattie are on deck to round out the Chamber lineup. With so much talent vying for a coveted WrestleMania spot, every match feels like a must-win.
Speculation is swirling about the Undisputed WWE Championship picture as well. There’s talk of a potential showdown between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania 42, though the path to that bout is far from clear. With Cody Rhodes still considered a favorite to challenge McIntyre, and Fatu possibly earning a separate title shot, the coming weeks promise plenty of twists and turns.
The 2026 WWE Elimination Chamber event will stream live on ESPN Unlimited on February 28, with the main card kicking off at 6 p.m. ET. With so many storylines converging and championship opportunities on the line, Chicago is set to host one of the most pivotal events on the WWE calendar. As the path to WrestleMania 42 comes into focus, fans can expect more surprises, more drama, and plenty of unforgettable moments before the dust settles.