The John Report: WWE SmackDown 02/06/26 Review

This is WWE SmackDown, featuring two Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan, and more.

The WWE Royal Rumble took place last Saturday, and the winners were Roman Reigns and Liv Morgan. Also at the Rumble, Drew McIntyre retained the WWE Title against Sami Zayn, which isn’t a surprising result. Next up for WWE, as far as PLEs go, is Elimination Chamber on February 28th in Chicago. The qualifying matches begin on SmackDown with triple threat matches.

From the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, this is SmackDown for episode #1381. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was a Royal Rumble video package to start the show.

They showed some pre-show superstar walking of Tiffany Stratton, Chelsea Green (with Alba Fyre), Lash Legend (with Nia Jax), and also Randy Orton, Solo Sikoa with MFTs, and Aleister Black with MFTs.

The Undisputed WWE Champion made his entrance to boos from the crowd. As Drew was in the aisle posing with the Undisputed WWE Title, Cody Rhodes attacked him from behind. Cody attacked Drew with punches and Cody threw Drew into the ring post. Cody threw Drew into the barricade, so Drew escaped and grabbed the WWE Title in the aisle. There were WWE Officials around to separate the two men. Cody went into the ring for a promo.

Analysis: There’s some payback for Cody Rhodes since Drew McIntyre attacked him in the Royal Rumble and cost Cody the match. It looked like it would be a Drew promo, but we never got to hear from him due to the attack.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes said if Drew McIntyre thinks things will be the same, Cody said that things will never be the same. Cody said that Drew eliminated Cody from the Royal Rumble in a match that Drew wasn’t even in. Cody said that he can’t, in good conscience, point to that WrestleMania Vegas sign. Cody said that he saw CM Punk and Roman Reigns declare their championship match. Cody said that as the biggest WWE fan, he was excited. Cody said people know what WrestleMania means to him and what he means to WrestleMania. Cody said that he heard it was a you know what measuring contest, and you don’t want to find out why he was given the nickname of Raheem. The fans popped for that! Cody mentioned being born in Charlotte, NC and talked about what it was like that night with wrestlers fighting in the hallway. Cody talked about the shame of returning here without the WWE Title. Cody said that Drew wasn’t mad about not being WWE Champion, but Drew was mad that Cody was the WWE Champion. Cody told Drew not to worry about a thing because you won’t make it to WrestleMania.

Analysis: The promo was very good, and the Raheem line generated a pop, so that was pretty funny. If you don’t get what he was referencing, just think about it a bit more, and you’ll figure it out. Anyway, the Cody-Drew promo has been going on since September and may carry all the way to WrestleMania with Jacob Fatu involved, so it’s going to be the longest storyline going into WrestleMania season. I was a bit surprised that Cody didn’t even mention Jacob, but perhaps that was by design, and that feud will pick up, too.

It’s Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary as usual. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

The Women’s US Champion, Giulia, and Kiana James were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Kiana said that the Women’s Tag Team Titles are a stepping stone for Giulia to become a triple champion. Giulia spoke in Japanese. James said that they’ll win the Tag Team Titles, then Giulia will win Elimination Chamber and go on to WrestleMania.

The Rhiyo team of Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley made their entrance as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions for a match up next. They got a huge pop. The fans love them.

(Commercial)

There was a replay of the Cody Rhodes attack on Drew McIntyre to start the show.

Cody Rhodes was backstage being held back by security, and SmackDown GM Nick Aldis told Cody to win the Elimination Chamber so that he could get a WWE Title shot at WrestleMania. Aldis said that Cody’s in a match next week and told him to control his emotions or else Nick may change his mind. Cody left and said he’d control his emotions.

Analysis: I think Cody Rhodes will absolutely be a favorite to win the Elimination Chamber match. It depends on who is in the match.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Giulia & Kiana James

Ripley and James started as they exchanged some holds, so Giulia tagged in to call for Sky to enter the match. Giulia hit Sky with a forearm and some kicks to the back. Sky tripped Giulia and hit a running dropkick. Giulia did a hair pull takedown. James cheap-shotted Sky and sent Sky throat-first across the top rope. James sent Sky into the apron a few times. Giulia jumped off the apron with a dropkick on Sky on the floor. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too, as the heels were in control.

The heel side was in control, with James hitting a shoulder tackle on Sky. Giulia tagged in with a missile dropkick for two. Sky sent James out of the ring, then James was back in and Sky hit a flapjack. Ripley got the hot tag and the fans went crazy for her. James hit clotheslines, a kick to the ribs and a hard slam into the mat. Ripley hit a dropkick. Giulia saved James for a blind tag and Ripley kicked Giulia. Sky ran into the ring for a suicide dive on Giulia on the floor. Ripley put James on her shoulders and slammed her hard into the mat for two. I thought Giulia made the tag, but I guess not. Sky went up top, James broke free of Ripley and kicked Ripley. James gave Sky a Powerbomb onto Ripley. James hit the 401k flatliner and Giulia hit the Arrivederci knee for a two count. Ripley headbutted James out of the ring and Giulia hit a headscissors on Ripley. Sky countered a move, Ripley got the tag and hit a headbutt. Ripley hit a Riptide on Giulia. Sky went up top to hit Over The Moonsault and Ripley covered Giulia for the pinfall win after about 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a pretty good tag team match to give the champions a win over a solid heel team. I didn’t expect a title change, and I doubt most fans watching thought it would happen. With that said, Giulia and James do a very good job as a heel turn, so I’d love to see them get some tag team gold in the future. Ripley is so over with the fans. Any time Ripley does anything, the crowd goes crazy. Sky is loved too, but Ripley’s support is the loudest of the females.

Ilja Dragunov was shown walking backstage when The Miz was standing there, asking where he was going. Ilja said he’s going to get his US Title back. Miz said people need to use their heads around here. Miz claimed that the US Title open challenge is closed after he talked to GM Aldis. Ilja mentioned he beat Miz last week. Carmelo Hayes walked up with the US Title and told Miz he won’t defend the title on him since Ilja beat Miz last week. Miz told Melo he better not miss. Miz left. Dragunov told Hayes to get it done.

The Miz made his entrance for a singles match.

(Commercial)

Carmelo Hayes vs. The Miz

This was not for Melo’s US Title. Melo got some offense in the early going, including a springboard clothesline. Melo went for a springboard attack, but Miz stopped it with a kick to the back. Mick hit a running clothesline and Melo took a flip bump. The Miz was in control as the show went on a break for some fans. The Miz worked over Melo with some driving knees to the back. Miz hit a running splash to Melo’s back. Miz hit his backbreaker/neckbreaker combo for two. Miz hit a kick to the gut and a DDT for two.

The match continued with Melo fighting back against Miz with punches and kicks. Melo spun around Miz’s upper body, leading to a spinning facebuster into the mat. Melo hit a somersault dive onto Miz on the floor, and Melo landed hard on his lower back. Melo put Miz back into the ring, he went for a top rope Frog Splash, but Miz got the knees up to block. Miz got a cradle for two. Miz with kicks to the body, Melo broke free and got a cradle. Melo countered Miz with a superkick for a two count. Melo went up top, jumped off the top, Miz avoided him and Miz hit a slingshot Powerbomb for a two count. Miz went for a lift, Melo countered it and went for The First 48. Miz got out of that, Miz went for a Skull Crushing Finale, but Melo did an impressive counter to avoid that by rolling through. Melo hit a The First 48 double knee attack for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Carmelo Hayes

Analysis: ***1/4 A good back-and-forth match. The Miz lost as usual, which is not a surprise, but at least he put up a good fight and came close to winning a few times. That SCF counter by Melo was tremendous, and it was smart that it was done right before the finish. I liked that ending a lot.

Tiffany Stratton was interviewed by Cathy Kelley in the backstage area. Stratton talked about coming up short in the Women’s Royal Rumble, but she still has another shot to get a title shot at Elimination Chamber. Stratton mentioned it was Tiffy Time. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre arrived to talk some trash, so Stratton said she’ll beat Green, and Green’s WrestleMania dreams will be dead. Stratton left.

Lash Legend made her entrance, joined by Nia Jax.

(Commercial)

The Wyatt Sicks were featured in a video, and it was just Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas in the rocking chair. Howdy said that Solo Sikoa took the lantern because he’s scared of being left behind and scared of being in the dark by himself. Howdy said that Solo holds the light tight, hoping it keeps everyone close. Howdy said that it won’t keep them together. Howdy said that fear shows up not when you’re together, but when you’re all alone. Howdy laughed to end it.

Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Tiffany Stratton vs. Chelsea Green (w/Alba Fyre) vs. Lash Legend (w/Nia Jax)

Stratton was out since November 1st, when she lost the WWE Women’s Title to Jade Cargill. Stratton returned at the Royal Rumble, so she missed about three months due to an injury, and got some time off. The first fall wins a triple threat match. No countouts and no disqualifications.

Green slapped Stratton and Lash to start the match, so then Stratton and Lash took turns striking Green out of the ring. Lash hit Stratton with a back elbow. Stratton tripped up Lash and hit a dropkick to knock Lash out of the ring. Stratton hit a suicide dive onto Lash and Jax on the floor. Stratton hit a standing moonsault for two and Green broke up the pin. Lash went to the ropes, Fyre grabbed her leg and Stratton/Green hit a double clothesline to knock Lash out of the ring. Green with a rollup for two and Stratton got a rollup for two as well. Green kicked Stratton from the apron to the floor. Green jumped off the top with a cross body block on Jax and Stratton on the floor. Lash hit a pump kick to knock Green down on the floor. They went on a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too

Lash was dominating with a splash on both women against the turnbuckle at the same time. Lash was in control during the break. Lash hit a clothesline on Green and Lash press slammed Stratton onto Green. Lash hit a splash on both opponents for a two count. The fans chanted “Chelsea” for Green as Stratton hit a step on the back into a dropkick. Statton hit a cartwheel elbow and then a dropkick on Lash to knock her out of the ring. Green tripped up Stratton by the turnbuckle. Green went to the top rope, Stratton went to the turnbuckle and hit a superplex. Stratton let go of Green and almost hit a Falcon Arrow, but it wasn’t smooth. Lash was back in to try to kick Stratton, but Stratton avoided it. Lash gave Stratton a Buckle Bomb into the turnbuckle. Lash hit a Chokeslam on Stratton for two. Green went up top and hit a Coast to Coast dropkick on both women. Green covered Lash for two because Jax pulled Green out of the ring. Fyre went after Jax, who shoved Fyre down. Stratton and Green sent Lash over the barricade. Green and Stratton superkicked Jax. Green sent Stratton into the ring post. Green went for her finish, but Stratton got out of it with a rolling senton. Stratton went up top and hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Green for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton

Analysis: *** A solid triple threat match with Lash looking like she might win a few times, but I thought that Stratton winning was the right call here. Green was being cheered by the fans, which is nice for a heel because it shows the fans like her as a character. That one spot that Stratton did with Green looked nasty, but they got through it, so I think they’ll be fine. Lash was protected by having Green take the pin, which is how I expected the match to go.

Tiffany Stratton has qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match.

Randy Orton was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage, who mentioned that Orton was near the end of the Royal Rumble, but now he can earn a spot in the Elimination Chamber match. Orton said he wasn’t happy with his Royal Rumble performance. Orton said now it’s time for the Elimination Chamber, and it would be his 10th Chamber match, which is more than anybody. Aleister Black walked in with Zelina. Black said that we’ve said goodbye to two of the best wrestlers ever (John Cena and AJ Styles), but at least we have Orton. Then Black said at least we have a part of Orton. Black and Zelina left while Orton stared.

(Commercial)

A video aired showing highlights of the Royal Rumble when recent former NXT stars and current NXT stars competed in the two Royal Rumble matches.

Let’s Hear from Kit Wilson

Kit Wilson made his entrance to eliminate the toxic people from our world. The announcers put over the song, and I enjoy the song too. Kit said he’s the topic. Kit said he was at the Royal Rumble last weekend, and it disgusted him. Kit said that 30 chauvinistic pigs were toxic, and meatheads were toxic. Kit kept on saying toxic about the guys in the Royal Rumble. Kit said that they didn’t want him in the match because he’s the true, real man who has confidence. Kit said he is a man who moisturizes, and he’s a man who listens. Kit said you can’t handle a man who moves his hips like this, so Kit did some hip shaking. Kit told the fans they are toxic. Kit called out anyone who was in the Rumble to face him in a match. Kit said he’s the tonic to the toxic masculinity.

Oba Femi made his entrance, and he got a big reaction. The arena lights going dark help and the chanting during his song also helps his presence as well. The fans chanted “Oba” as Femi strutted to the ring.

Analysis: I enjoy the Kit Wilson character a lot. It’s silly and over the top, but it works for him. We need characters like that.

Oba Femi vs. Kit Wilson

The referee called for the bell. Kit called Femi “toxic” so Femi chopped him. Femi hit three running uppercuts. Femi tossed Kit across the ring. Femi hit Fall From Grace for the pinfall win in about 30 seconds.

Winner by pinfall: Oba Femi

Analysis: A squash match to put over Oba Femi quickly. That’s the right way to book him. Build up Femi as a monster.

R-Truth and Damian Priest were watching on a TV backstage. Truth was doing Femi’s dance. Truth talked about Femi’s performance in the Royal Rumble. Priest tried to say something, but Drew McIntyre walked by Truth and bumped into him. Priest got in Drew’s face, saying they’ve done this enough. Priest said that you’ve got enough problems. Drew left.

Let’s Hear from Drew McIntyre…or not

The Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntrye made his entrance for a promo. Drew was posing with the WWE Title, but Jacob Fatu showed up to attack Drew. Fatu hit a running hip attack on Drew against the turnbuckle. Fatu clotheslined Drew out of the ring. Fatu hit a suicide dive on Drew on the floor. Fatu beat up Drew with punches. Security guys and referees showed up, so Fatu beat up some of the security guys. Drew tried to leave, but Fatu hit him. Drew left while WWE Officials kept Fatu away. Fatu stood on the commentary table and cheered.

Analysis: That’s why I think Cody Rhodes didn’t mention Jacob Fatu earlier. I alluded to that when talking about Cody’s promo because I figured he didn’t mention Fatu since it would lead to Fatu showing up later in the show to go after Drew. That worked well because it showed Fatu was a wild man, and the fans love him for that unpredictability. That’s the right way to book Fatu.

(Commercial)

Jacob Fatu was backstage with security guys trying to hold him back. GM Nick Aldis told Fatu the same thing he told Cody Rhodes, which was that he had to win the Elimination Chamber to earn a shot at the WWE Title. Aldis told Fatu his qualifying match was next week. Fatu said that he’ll dogwalk their ass.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tama Tonga (w/JC Mateo & Tonga Loa)

This has been building for a while since Nakamura and Tama go back a long way to their New Japan days. I missed a few minutes of action. Tama hit a knee smash on Nakamura on the back by the commentary table. Tama took control during a break for some fans.

The return from the break saw Nakamura hit some kicks and the sliding German Suplex off the ropes for two. Nakamura hit a jumping kick off the middle turnbuckle. Tama hit a double underhook neckbreaker and a splash. Tama hit a double underhook facebuster for a two count. Nakamura got a snapmare and a kick. Nakamura hit an overhead suplex and Tama landed on his stomach. JC pulled Tama out of the ring. Nakamura went after JC Mateon, so Tama hit a jumping DDT. Tama went for a lift, Nakamura blocked that and hit a belly-to-back suplex. Nakamura and Tama exchanged forearms. Tama headbutted Nakamura, who came back with a knee and a spin kick to the head. Tama charged at Nakamura, who caught him and hit a sitout slam for a two count. Nakamura set up for Kinshasa, but JC distracted the referee, Loa grabbed Nakamura’s leg, so then Tama hit a Cutthroat elbow on Nakamura. Tama hit another Cutthroat on Nakamura for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Tama Tonga

Analysis: *** The match was okay between two veterans who know eachother well. I don’t think it was great at any point, but they got through it fine. It was the classic “numbers game” booking with the MFT’s interfering on behalf of Tama and Nakamura couldn’t stop it, so he lost the match.

The team of Fraxiom was talking to Motor City Machine Guns. Candice LeRae showed up with Johnny Gargano, lying down on some equipment case, looking sad. LeRae tried to get Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley to talk to him, but they refused. Candice tried to get Johnny back up, but he remained down.

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Riley spoke about how they are on the road to WrestleMania. Ripley said she’ll continue the momentum in the Elimination Chamber match, and they don’t mind having more gold. Nia Jax and Lash Legend interrupted, so they exchanged some words. Jax said that Rhea and Iyo have ducked them long enough, so Jax said she’ll speak to Nick Aldis, and they left.

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez stared at Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. They walked toward the ring.

A commercial aired about SmackDown coming to Syfy for those of you in the US for the February 13 and February 20 episodes of SmackDown. That’s because of the Winter Olympics on USA Network.

(Commercial)

Kit Wilson was shown walking backstage, where he saw Matt Cardona and Apollo Crews. Kit complained about how toxic Cardona is and he’s not finished with him yet. Cardona said he’s always ready. Wilson said he had to go have a warm bath.

Let’s Hear from Liv Morgan

The SmackDown Nick Aldis was in the ring to introduce Liv Morgan, the Women’s Royal Rumble winner. Liv and Raquel Rodriguez went down to the ring for a promo. They were in their wrestling gear. Liv Morgan claimed she’s the greatest Royal Rumble winner of all time. Liv said she’s the hottest, smartest, funniest, most charismatic, most talented and she’s the most iconic woman in the history of WWE. Liv said that comes with a lot of power and with great power comes great responsibility. Liv said she had a big decision to make. Liv said she could face Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship or Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship. Liv said that WrestleMania is not the only thing that has been on her mind. Liv said there’s a huge elephant in the room that she’d like to address. Liv was about to say something, but Raquel took the microphone. Raquel wanted to address the elephant in the room…and here’s the interruption.

The WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill made her entrance in her wrestling gear. Jade told Liv she didn’t care that she won the Rumble, and Jade didn’t care that Liv was on SmackDown. Jade said that if you choose her, then she’ll beat that ass at WrestleMania. Jade asked Raquel what is she looking at? Liv laughed about what Jade said. Liv warned Jade to watch what she says. Liv suggested she could pick Vaquer, and Raquel could go after Jade.

Jordynne Grace walked out to join the promo party, saying that if she gets a title shot, then it might be her at WrestleMania. Liv trashed Grace for interrupting her. Liv bragged about being the greatest and Jade/Grace said, “Shut up, bitch.” Liv shut up. Nick Aldis booked a tag team match.

Analysis: It was fine as a promo exchange. Liv is obviously going to pick Stephanie Vaquer at WrestleMania 42, but at least they are teasing the idea that it might be Jade.

The Judgment Day – Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan vs. Jade Cargill & Jordynne Grace

The match started with Grace hitting a spinebuster on Liv, and Jade hit a spinebuster on Raquel. They went on a quick break, and I’ll take a break too.

Liv and Raquel were in control, splashing Grace against the turnbuckle. Raquel hit a body slam on Grace for two, and an elbow drop. Raquel gave Grace a back body drop, but Raquel missed a splash. Liv was back in with two suplexes and Grace powered up Liv into a suplex of her own. Grace sent Liv into the turnbuckle a few times and three clotheslines followed. Grace hit Liv with three body slams in a row. Grace punched Raquel and tossed Raquel out of the ring. Grace tried a move on Liv, but Liv landed on her feet and hit a double knee attack. Raquel punched Jade off the apron. Jade was back in and superkicked Grace because Raquel moved. Raquel kicked Liv by accident because Jade moved out of the way. Grace tackled Raquel into Jade and Grace did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Raquel for the pinfall win.

Winners by pinfall: Jade Cargill & Jordynne Grace

Analysis: **1/2 A decent tag. It was a bit awkward of a match since Jade and Jordynne teamed up to get the win as teammates who didn’t get along. Grace getting the win gives her some momentum go get a title shot against Jade.

A video aired about Drew McIntyre beating Sami Zayn to retain the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble.

Sami Zayn was shown walking backstage, where Rey Fenix checked on his friend. Fenix told Zayn he’s an inspiration for him and others. Trick Williams walked in to trash Zayn, saying he makes the playoffs, but he can’t get the ring. Trick said it’s about getting the job done, and he gets the job done. Fenix said that Trick has a big mouth, so Fenix will knock his teeth out if Trick keeps talking. Trick said any time, anywhere. Zayn said nothing.

Analysis: Poor, sad Sami Zayn. I like Trick being an egotistical jerk there.

(Commercial)

Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace argued in the backstage area. Jade said she’s still the WWE Women’s Champion. Nick Aldis told Jade she’s defending the title next week against Jordynne Grace. Jade didn’t look happy about it.

Analysis: That will be Jade’s first televised title defense since winning the title over three months ago.

A video package aired about the great CM Punk-Roman Reigns promo exchange from Raw. They exchanged words to set them up for WrestleMania 42. Here’s the official graphic.

Let’s Hear from Drew McIntyre…Finally

The Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, showed up for a promo as he stood on the commentary table. Here’s a full transcript of what he said.

“CM Punk and Roman Reigns, I heard what you had to say and quite frankly I was disappointed. The OTC and CM Punk, for such big superstars, came across to me as very insecure. They would take a dig at me and the other one would defend me just by telling the truth, and talking about me doesn’t upset me, talk about me all day long.

“What frustrated me was trying to make this brand and this title feel second rate. For the SmackDown roster if you didn’t see that as a declaration of war, and you don’t wrestle every match as if it’s your last, I’ll show your arse the door.

“As for this title, what did you say Punk, the title makes the man? This man has been through hell to get this title. This man never quit when times got tough, or went part time, was there when the world shut down, ate banquets of crap and I’ve earned this title.

“How about the men that made this title. The Sammartinos, the Hogans, the Bret Harts, the Shawn Michaels, the not Dusty Rhodes, the Triple Hs, the Stone Colds, the Rocks, real men! If you tried to lie to yourself and say this ain’t the number one title, they’d look you in the eye and call you a bold face liar.

“And Roman, I know why you picked Punk. On one hand you have a 280 pound Scottish War Machine, on the other you’ve got that tattooed sociopath Fragile Phil, who’s always one fall away from his career being over. Without your Samoan army, I’d kill ya, you made the best choice for you, so good luck at WrestleMania.

“When you two are out there acting like a couple of little boys, and aura farming, I got the entire rosters climbing over each other to get in that Chamber for the right to face the number one champion, the Undisputed Champion, the real best in the world in the main event of WrestleMania!” (H/T Wrestletalk)

Analysis: I enjoyed that. Loved the “Fragile Phil” name for Punk and what he said about Reigns needing help to beat him in the past. Drew speaks the truth as the character that he is and that makes him such an elite performer in my eyes. Drew is one of my favorite talkers in WWE these days, and he delivered there, too.

Trick Williams walked out to say he was going to watch the main event and kick up his lemon pepper steppers. Trick said he’s worried about the wrong things – Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, Raheem (lol) – and told Drew he needs to focus on Trick. Trick said he’ll take the title from Drew at WrestleMania. Drew told Trick to walk before you run. Drew warned Trick about how he talks to the chant and Drew claimed he’ll stick the lemon pepper steppers where the sun don’t shine. Drew left.

This Monday on Raw: Elimination Chamber qualifying matches continue.

(Commercial)

Next week on SmackDown on Syfy for those of you in the US:

* Rey Fenix vs. Trick Williams

* WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill vs. Jordynne Grace

* WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Liv Morgan vs. Giulia vs. Zelina

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Sami Zayn

Analysis: That’s a strong lineup for next week. I’m a bit surprised seeing Rhodes-Fatu-Zayn in the same match, but hopefully it makes sense after seeing it.

Solo Sikoa was backstage looking for his family. There were technical difficulties on screen to tease the Wyatt Sicks. Solo walked out with the Wyatt lantern to the ring.

Analysis: The idea is that Uncle Howdy’s message earlier in the show was a warning shot for Solo, so it likely meant that the Wyatt Sicks attacked the MFTs, and Solo was on his own for this match, even though he usually has his “family” by his side.

Aleister Black was next joined by wife, Zelina. Randy Orton got by far the biggest pop of the match with some fans singing his “Voices” song.

Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Randy Orton vs. Aleister Black (w/Zelina) vs. Solo Sikoa

The first fall wins. No countouts and no disqualifications. Trick Williams was watching at ringside.

Black kicked Orton in the ropes, so Solo pulled Orton out of the ring and sent Orton into the ring post. Black hit an apron onto Solo on the floor. Black blocked Orton from doing a slam, and Black kicked Orton to take control. They went on a break as the action continued with Solo running over Black with a shoulder tackle. Solo headbutted Black and headbutted Orton on the apron. Black kicked Solo in the head to put him down. Black hit Solo with a knee to the back. Black slammed Orton’s head into the commentary table. Solo was back up with a punch for Black. Orton was on the apron, so Solo knocked him down. Black kicked Solo in the leg. Solo came back with a suplex on Black.

It was Black in control with a leg lock to ground Solo. Orton got back into it with a stomp on Black’s chest, so Orton stomped on the limbs of both guys. Orton worked over Solo with punches until Black hit Orton with a forearm to the back. Orton sent Black into the turnbuckle. Orton with some punches, but Black tripped Orton by the turnbuckle. Solo pulled Black out of the ring and Solo sent Black into the barricade. Solo chopped Orton a few times and did the Orton arm pose, leading to boos. Orton got some offense going with two clotheslines on Solo. Black was back in with a basement kick on Orton. Solo hit a popup Samoan Drop on Black for a two count. They went on another break in this match, and I’ll take a break this time.

Orton got some offense going with a superplex on Black. Solo capitalized on that with a Superfly Splash off the top onto Orton for a two count. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Black and Solo exchanged punches and kicks. Soo missed a running hip attack when Black moved. Black hit a knee on Solo. Orton was back in with two clotheslines on Black and a powerslam. Solo pulled Orton out of the ring. Orton got a hold of Solo and gave him a belly-to-back suplex on Solo two times on the commentary table. Orton did a poke to Black’s eye and hit another belly-to-back suplex on the commentary table. Orton hit the draping DDT on Solo. Orton set up for the RKO, but Black was back in with a boot to the head. Solo hit a Spinning Solo on Black for two. Solo teased a Samoan Spike, Black avoided it, hit a knee and a German Suplex for two. Black hit a running knee on Solo for a two count. Orton was back up, Black got a counter with a rollup for two. Black hit a knee, but when he wanted Black Mass, Orton avoided it and Orton hit an RKO on Black, who rolled out of the ring. Solo teased a Samoan Spike, but Orton didn’t even turn around because Orton jumped right into it with an RKO on Solo for the pinfall win. The fans popped big for it. It went about 17 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Randy Orton

Analysis: ***1/2 That was very good. I liked the match with Randy Orton doing a nice job as the lone babyface while Black and Solo had plenty of offense in the match and nearly won. This was all about Orton’s big comeback, which led to The Viper finishing off Solo for the win. I like how the finish was done with Solo looking like he’d hit the Samoan Spike, but Orton jumped back because he was ready for it and he dropped Solo with an RKO to win. That was clever. Orton winning made the most sense here. I would have been surprised if he lost. Good effort by all three guys.

The win by Randy Orton means that he’ll be in his 10th Elimination Chamber at the Elimination Chamber PLE. That’s on February 28th in Chicago. Orton posed for the fans. That was the end of the show.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Randy Orton
2. Drew McIntyre
3. Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2026 Average: 7.33

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

A solid show with good matches most of the way, but the three hours felt too long this week. Maybe it’s on me for being tired when the show was on. I just felt like parts of the episode dragged a bit. The Drew McIntyre angle with Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu going after him worked well, I think. I enjoyed Drew’s promo a lot.

In terms of matches, the main event was probably the best of the bunch, with Randy Orton getting the big win. I really liked that last RKO he did on Solo Sikoa to end it. Other matches were solid, too. When the show is three hours, they are going to get time, but sometimes that’s not always a good thing either.

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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: [email protected]

Twitter/X: @johnreport