The John Report: WWE SmackDown 02/13/26 Review

This is WWE SmackDown, featuring some huge matches including Cody Rhodes-Jacob Fatu-Sami Zayn in a triple threat, two big title matches, and more. 

Last week’s WWE SmackDown saw Randy Orton and Tiffany Stratton qualify for Elimination Chamber matches. This week, two more triple threat matches take place to add more wrestlers to the Chamber matches. In the US, this show is on Syfy instead of USA Network due to the Winter Olympics, so the television audience will likely be smaller. To WWE’s credit, they did promote this show well and set up some big matches.

From the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, this is SmackDown for episode #1382. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

They showed superstars before the show, including Cody Rhodes on his bus, Sami Zayn, Jacob Fatu, Alexa Bliss, Giulia with Kiana James, Zelina with Aleister Black, and Jade Cargill on a split screen with Jordynne Grace

The commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from Tiffany Stratton

The former WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton made her entrance for a promo. Stratton qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match last week on SmackDown.

Stratton asked Dallas what time it was, and they chanted “Tiffy Time” at her. Stratton claimed that last year was a “rookie year”  that anybody would dream of having. Stratton said she is expecting to win at the Elimination Chamber. Stratton said she thinks the WWE Women’s Championship misses her.

Nia Jax and Lash Legend interrupted in their wrestling gear since they were in a tag team match. They were booed heavily. Lash said that Stratton got lucky last week. Stratton wondered why they were so obsessed with her. Lash told “Bitter Betty” to calm down. Lash said she’s an upgrade as an ally of Jax. Lash said that they’ll win the Women’s Tag Team Titles, and Nia will win her qualifying match to get into the Elimination Chamber, and Jax will pin Stratton. The fans chanted “Tiffy Time.” Jax suggested they should just take care of this tonight. Jax said Startton remembers what she is capable of, and Stratton asked, “What? Losing another title match?”

Speaking of a title match, here’s Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky, aka Rhiyo, for their Women’s Tag Team Title defense. Ripley said she’s going to be in the Elimination Chamber, and soon, Iyo will be in there too, and they will work together until they are the last two standing. Rhea said first, they need to beat Jax and Legend, thinking they can leave with the Women’s Tag Team Titles.

Analysis: A quick promo from Tiffany Stratton to build up Elimination Chamber, and that was just used to set up the title match that was already advertised. Simple enough.

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

The SmackDown ring is full of ads like Raw is. SmackDown used to only have one or two logos in there, but now it has a lot. Sky tried with a dropkick on Jax, but Jax came back with a headbutt. Sky used her speed to avoid Jax attempting some moves and Sky hit a dropkick. Sky stomped on Jax’s midsection, and Ripley tagged in with a knee strike. Ripley dropkicked Jax out of the ring and sent Lash out of the ring. Sky tagged in and hit a moonsault off the middle ropes onto both opponents on the floor. Jax was able to take control with a Samoan Drop. The show went on a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too as the heels took control.

The match continued with Sky jumping off Jax’s back and hitting a dropkick on Lash. Ripley got the hot tag with a dropkick and Ripley tried a hurricanrana, but Lash was able to block that. Ripley managed to finish the hurricanrana. Ripley hit a DDT on Jax for a two count. Sky made the tag, but Jax stopped the momentum by knocking Ripley down. Ripley managed to get back up and she hit a Powerbomb on Jax. Sky was legal and she hit Over the Moonsault on Jax for a two count because Lash shoved Ripley onto the pin to break it up. Lash sent Sky out of the ring and Lash sent Sky into the ring post. The fans were chanting, “This is awesome” for them. Lash sent Sky’s head into the commentary table a few times. Ripley kicked Lash on the floor and referee Charles Robinson called for the bell after losing control. It went about 10 minutes.

Winners by disqualification: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky

Analysis: *** I liked the match before the sudden finish due to the chaos on the floor. The legal women were Sky and Lash, but since Lash kept attacking Sky on the floor, the referee threw the match out, so I think the Jax/Legend team was disqualified for that. The teams worked well together, and the fans got into the match.

After the match, the four women were fighting on the floor. Lash hit a pump kick on Ripley. Lash put Rhea on a table on the floor, and Jax teased a move off the turnbuckle, but there was no way that was going to happen. Ripley kicked Lash to break free. Sky hit a cross body block on Jax from the apron and through the table on the floor. That was followed by Lash tackling Ripley through the barricade on the floor. The fans chanted, “Holy S**t” in response to that.

Analysis: The table bump that Sky and Jax took looked like the table was too far away, but Jax managed to hit the mark, so it turned out okay. It should lead to another match for the teams, likely with a stipulation to allow them to use weapons.

Cody Rhodes was interviewed by Cathy Kelley outside his bus in the backstage area. Cody talked about the pressure and all the noise that goes on in WWE. Cody said he is just two matches away from main eventing WrestleMania. Cody said he’s down the road from the Reunion Tower, he’s near the Cotton Bowl, he’s in Texas and he thinks you shouldn’t bet against him here.

Carmelo Hayes was backstage with the US Title around his waist when he saw Apollo Crews and Matt Cardona. Crews and Cardona both said they were interested in a title shot since they are former champions. Melo said that the open challenge is closed for tonight, but they can get a shot in the future. Melo walked over toward The Miz, who claimed he’s a locker room leader, who said he’s about three words: Master, inspire, and zone-in. Miz said he’ll teach him a lesson in respect and Melo insulted him. Melo left. Cardona and Crews walked up to Miz to say zone-in was actually two words, so it’s more than three words. Miz argued that and left. Anyway, Melo has a promo up next.

(Commercial)

Aleister Black was featured in a video with Zelina. Black said that Randy Orton had a great performance last week, like 2009 Orton. Black wondered what Orton will do if Cody Rhodes wins tonight. Black warned Orton that he could see him real soon. Zelina did a promo about her match with Alexa Bliss and Giulia about how she will make sure she goes to Elimination Chamber and change will come.

Analysis: It makes me think they could have Aleister Black face Randy Orton at WrestleMania if Black costs Orton in the Elimination Chamber match.

Carmelo Hayes made his entrance as the United States Champion and he received “Melo” chants. The fans are getting behind him. Melo said that for the last 48 days, he’s been the US Champion who chose to bring prestige and honor to this title like the guys before him did. Melo said that it’s about having the best title defenses in all of WWE. Melo spoke about how he earned his opportunity at WrestleMania, so he might as well shoot for the main event. Melo said next week he’s going to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. Melo said when he shoots, he don’t miss. Melo said there’s a man coming after him, and he owes it to him, so Ilja Dragunov, you’re up now.

Ilja Dragunov made his entrance for a match. The announcers pointed out that The Miz cost Ilja in Melo’s last match with Ilja, so that’s why Melo is giving Ilja another shot.

Solo Sikoa walked out with the MFTs. Solo told Ilja to get his ass to the back of the line because the line starts with him. Ilja mentioned Solo’s family abandoned him last week. Solo said what happened to The Wyatt Sicks will happen to them. Ilja and Melo suggested that Solo’s group put the Tag Team Titles on the line. Solo said it didn’t have to be like this. The MFTs attacked Melo and Dragunov, so it was a 5-on-2 attack. Matt Cardona and Apollo Crews arrived to make the save to make it 5-on-4 in favor of the MFTs. Shinsuke Nakamura was up next to help the babyface side, so it was 5-on-5 at this point. Nakamura tossed Tonga Loa into the barricade and Nakamura helped clear the ring. The five babyfaces stood tall in the ring.

The SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, arrived in a suit to say he liked this intensity. Aldis told Ilja and Carmelo to have a rain check on that US Title match. Aldis booked the 10-man tag team match.

Analysis: There was a lot going on there with what looked like a US Title match for Melo and Ilja again, but instead it broke down into a tag team match. I don’t mind it because it’s a way to get some more guys on the show, and a big tag team match once in a while is a good thing.

MFTs – Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & JC Mateo vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov, Matt Cardona & Apollo Crews

The five babyfaces have all held the US Title in their careers. The match started during the break, with Nakamura starting with Tama, who was able to take control. Loa tagged in with a chop and headbutt. JC tagged in with punches to Nakamura’s back. Nakamura broke free with a kick to JC, and Crews tagged in. Crews charged at JC, who caught him and Crews managed to hit an impressive dropkick.

Matt Cardona tagged in for his team with a flatliner on Loa. Matt got his knees up and he followed up with a dropkick off the middle turnbuckle. After Solo hit Matt with a cheap shot, Loa hit a clothesline on Matt to take control. Tama tagged in with a senton on Matt. Talla worked over Matt with punches and kicks. Talla hit a running clothesline on Matt, along with a running Samoan Drop. Matt slammed JC’s head into the mat and brought in Ilja. The fiery Ilja hit two kicks and a knee smash. Ilja hit a running kick on Loa. After JC went after Ilja on the turnbuckle, Loa punched him and Ilja bumped to the floor. Talla ran over Ilja with a clothesline on the floor. They went on a break and I’ll take a break too as the heel side MFTs took over with Ilja as the face in peril.

It was JC in control of Ilja, with a forearm to knock Ilja down. Solo tagged in, he knocked down some guys on the apron and Ilja was back up with a jumping kick to knock Solo down. Melo got the tag with clotheslines and Melo hit a springboard clothesline. Melo kicked Tama in the back of the head and a springboard leg drop followed. Melo spun around Solo with La Mistica into the mat for two, with Loa making the save. Nakamura, Tama, Crews, JC and Matt all hit big moves in a row. Matt also hit a Rough Ryder on Solo. Talla clotheslined Matt to knock him down. Ilja and Melo worked together against Talla, but Talla hit a double Chokeslam. Crews and Matt were in the ring illegally with strikes on Talla, so Nakamura joined in with a knee to Talla’s jaw. Matt kicked Talla down and Crews hit a somersault over the top onto Talla on the floor. JC hit his Tour of the Islands slam on Nakamura. Ilja hit a Torpedo Moscow headbutt on JC and an H-Bomb forearm on JC. Solo sent Ilja into the turnbuckle. Melo hit a superkick on Solo. Melo hit First 48 on Solo, but Tama made the blind tag that Melo never saw. Melo went up top, Tama shoved him off and Solo hit a Samoan Spike on Melo. Ilja hit a Torpedo Moscow on Solo to knock him out of the ring. Tama hit a Cutthroat elbow smash on Melo for the pinfall win after 15 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: MFTs – Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & JC Mateo

Analysis: ***1/2 This turned out to be a very good tag team match. The last few minutes had a lot of chaos, and they really didn’t enforce tag team rules because they wanted to do spots to clear the ring. I liked how the finish was done with Tama making the blind tag that was hard to see, but I certainly noticed it, and then that played right into the finish. Tama pinning Melo likely sets up Tama for a future US Title shot, especially since he beat Nakamura last week as well. I didn’t expect a Tama Tonga push coming, but I don’t mind it since he’s a talented veteran wrestler. Ilja Dragunov stood out to me a lot in this match, while it was good to see Apollo Crews back in action after missing a year with an injury.

After the match, the lights went out, and there was a spotlight on MFTs in the ring. The Wyatt Sicks were in the upper deck with a spotlight on them. They left MFTs know aren’t done with them as Solo held up the Wyatt lantern.

Charlotte Flair approached Alexa Bliss in the backstage area. Flair said that she’s sorry about the Royal Rumble. Bliss said that Nia Jax eliminated her from the Rumble rather than admit that Flair did. Flair said today is Galentine’s Day and she gave Bliss some flowers and a signed picture of Flair for Bliss. Alexa said Royal Rumble is every woman for herself and Flair said she knows, just like Elimination Chamber. Flair said that she was going to be ringside for Bliss, and Bliss told Flair to bring the picture. Flair said she knew Bliss would love the picture.

Analysis: The Flair-Bliss pairing is still good, and I don’t want to see them break up soon, so hopefully it continues for a while.

(Commercial)

Damian Priest and R-Truth were backstage talking to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. Nick informed Priest that next week he’s against Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams in an Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match. Kit Wilson walked in with a book, and he read a poem. Kit complained about Aldis saying he was toxic and his poem didn’t rhyme. Wilson said that Priest laughs because he can’t enjoy a poem by a real man. Truth laughed about Oba Femi putting Kit on his head. Truth mocked Kit for losing his manhood and something about a camel toe. Aldis and Priest laughed. Anyway, Kit left and said they are all toxic.

Analysis: I enjoy Kit Wilson’s antics.

Alexa Bliss was up first, joined by tag team partner Charlotte Flair. Zelina was next, and she got husband Aleister Black’s music as opposed to her own song in the past. The Women’s US Champion Giulia was last, and she was joined by her buddy Kiana James.

Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Giulia (w/Kiana James) vs. Zelina vs. Alexa Bliss (w/Charlotte Flair)

The winner will join the Women’s Elimination Chamber match with Rhea Ripley and Tiffany Stratton. A triple threat match has no countouts and no disqualifications. The first fall wins.

The three women exchanged holds without hitting big moves. Zelina sent Bliss into the turnbuckle. Giulia Suplexed Zelina. Giulia stomped on Zelina’s back to send her into the mat. Zelina hit an elbow smash on Giulia. Bliss did a STO trip to Giulia and a senton splash. Bliss jumped off the apron onto Giulia. Zelina hit a Meteora knee smash on Bliss on the floor. They went on a break for some fans, and I’ll take a break too.

Bliss was against the turnbuckle as Giulia and Zelina took turns attacking her. Giulia hit a forearm on Bliss, but Zelina kicked Giulia down. James distracted Zelina, so Giulia got back into it and Giulia gave Zelina a Butterfly Suplex off the top. Bliss came back with a dropkick on Giulia and a dropkick on Zelia too. Bliss hit another dropkick on Giulia. Bliss hit a double neckbreaker for a two count. Bliss went up top, so Giulia stopped her with a punch. Zelina joined them, hitting a belly-to-back suplex on Giulia for two. Giulia and Zelina exchanged strikes. Bliss got back into it with a punch on Zelina while Giulia hit her knee against the turnbuckle. Bliss went up top and went for Twisted Bliss, but Giulia got her knees up. Zelia hit Code Red on Giulia for two. That looked like a nasty landing, but I think Giulia was okay. Bliss hit a DDT on Zelina for two because Giulia broke up the pin. Giulia hit a Northern Lights Bomb on Bliss for two because Zelina broke up the pin. James was on the apron, so Zelina punched her. Zelina sent Giulia out of the ring. Bliss was back in, and she hit Sister’s Abigail on Zelina for the pinfall win because Giulia was a step too late to make the save. It went about 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Alexa Bliss

Analysis: *** A solid TV match to put over Alexa Bliss as the veteran of the group who found a way to win clean. After Zelina sent Giulia to clear the ring, it set up Bliss to be alone with Zelina, and that was enough for Bliss to finish her off. I thought maybe Giulia would win as the Women’s US Champion, but I don’t mind seeing Bliss in the Women’s Elimination Chamber. It wouldn’t surprise me if Charlotte Flair is also in the match and one of them accidentally hits the other one. I know I said earlier I don’t want Flair/Bliss to split, but perhaps they are on their way to do that. The finish also protected Giulia as the Women’s US Champion since Zelina took the pin rather than Giulia, which makes sense to me.

The win means Alexa Bliss is in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match with Rhea Ripley, Tiffany Stratton and three more women.

Tiffany Stratton was shown walking backstage when she saw Jordynne Grace. Stratton said that things are different around here. Grace said she’d love to see Stratton at WrestleMania. Chelsea Green walked up to Stratton while in a wheelchair and was joined by Alba Fyre. Green had her right foot in a boot because she suffered a broken ankle last week. Stratton and Green exchanged words with Stratton telling Green to step up, which was a joke since Green is hurt. Stratton left.

Analysis: Best wishes to Chelsea Green as she recovers from that ankle injury.

Still to come: Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Sami Zayn.

(Commercial)

A video aired about the Cody Rhodes-Jacob Fatu situation, also involving the WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.

Rey Fenix was backstage getting ready for his match when Sami Zayn walked up to him. Zayn told Rey to kick Trick Williams’ ass. Zayn said that Trick need somebody to teach him a lesson. Fenix said he’s got this. Zayn said tonight is his chance to punch a ticket to WrestleMania. Zayn said it meant a lot to him when Fenix said that Zayn inspires a lot of people. Fenix said tonight, Zayn has got this.

Let’s Hear from Trick Williams

The response to Trick Williams’ entrance continues to be loud, with the fans chanting “Whoop That Trick” for him even though Trick is a heel. It’s one of the better theme songs and there’s nothing complex about the song, but it works so well for him.

Trick mentioned Sami Zayn and said nobody here in Dallas wants to hear Zayn tell another sob story since he can’t get the job done. Trick mocked Zayn having Skechers on his feet, he hasn’t combed his hair and he’s begging for another opportunity, which makes Trick sick. Trick said that Zayn has a qualifying match with Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes, so if Zayn is moping around, they will eat his ass alive. Trick talked about next week, he’s in a qualifying match, and mentioned his “lemon pepper steppers” as usual. Trick said he’ll do what it takes to get into Elimination Chamber. Trick insulted Rey Fenix, who made his entrance for their match.

Analysis: Since I don’t expect Sami Zayn in the WWE Title match at WrestleMania, I think they might go with Zayn against Trick. It’s still two months away, but they have had issues since they did a promo exchange after Trick joined SmackDown.

(Commercial)

Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix

It started with Trick hitting a shoulder tackle to knock Rey down. Fenix kicked Trick a few times, followed by a jumping back elbow to knock Trick down. Rey hit a jumping kick to the head, followed by a springboard missile dropkick to knock Trick down. Rey charged right into a spinning kick to the jaw to knock Rey down. Trick hit a body slam. Rey got a rollup for two. Trick hit a backbreaker, and a jumping neckbreaker. Trick hit a clothesline, leading to Rey doing a flip bump to sell it. The match went to a break for some fans as the action continued. They left the ring with Trick slamming Rey’s head into the commentary table a few times. Back in the ring, Rey countered a move and got an inside cradle for two. Trick sent Rey out of the ring. Trick put Rey back into the ring for a suplex for two. Trick sent Rey hard into the turnbuckle.

Rey got some offense going with repeated chops to the chest. Rey hit a clothesline, but Trick didn’t go down. Trick tossed Rey into the air to put him down. Trick hit a backhanded slap to the face. Rey hit a spinning back heel kick to knock Trick down. Rey hit a spinning kick by ropes and Rey hit a running kick to the head for two. Rey went up top and hit a cross body block. Rey jumped off the top with a Frog Splash for two. The fans thought that was it, while Wade called it a late kickout, but Trick did get the right shoulder up. Rey went up top, jumped off the top and hit a cross body block on Trick on the floor. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Rey went up top, Trick went after him, Rey punched Trick in the back and Rey jumped off the ring post with a double foot stomp to Trick’s back to knock Trick down for a two count. Rey went for a moonsault off the top, but Trick avoided it. They each ran the ropes, Trick avoided a move and Trick hit a Trick Shot knee for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Trick Williams

Analysis: ***1/2 It turned into a great match, especially in the second half when Rey Fenix got his offense going and it got a lot more competitive until Trick Williams found a way to get the win. The push of Trick continues with another big win, which isn’t that surprising since Fenix rarely wins matches. I don’t mind the Trick Shot knee as a finish, but I think a guy as big and strong as Trick should have a better move as a finisher. Other than that, Trick has improved a lot in the ring and he’s a well-rounded performer now. I think WWE will turn Trick babyface as the year goes on because he’s really likable, especially with that theme song. Trick also had success as a face in NXT too, so he can thrive in either role.

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky were backstage talking about how they were attacked. Ripley said they’ll be okay, but Iyo has to focus on her Elimination Chamber qualifying match. Giulia and Kiana James showed up as Giulia ranted in Japanese. Ripley mocked Giulia for losing and Sky said maybe she’ll take the Women’s US Title from Giulia. Jade Cargill walked up to Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Jade stared at them, said nothing and kept on walking.

A video aired to set up the Jade Cargill-Jordynne Grace match. That’s up next.

A commercial aired for the WWE 2K26 video game with CM Punk on the cover.

(Commercial)

Jacob Fatu was featured in a video saying that the odds have been stacked against him his whole life. Fatu said that he has never been in an Elimination Chamber, but he knows what it’s like to be locked into a cage, while talking about being in jail earlier in his life. Fatu spoke with confidence about how he’s going to win.

Jordynne Grace was up first, and she got some cheers, but it was not a huge ovation. Jade Cargill got her spectacular entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion and she’s the confident heel champion. Ring announcer Mark Nash did the championship introductions. Grace got a big reaction when Nash mentioned she’s from Austin, Texas. As Nash introduced Jade, the Women’s Royal Rumble winner, Liv Morgan, arrived with “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio and Raquel Rodriguez.

Liv said “excuse me” before the match began. Dominik said he knew Liv wanted to watch this title match closely. Liv mentioned Jade has reached 100 days as champion. Dominik has arranged a Valentine’s Day date for them and a table was set up at ringside. Liv mentioned she could be watching her potential WrestleMania opponent. Liv and Dom sat at ringside with chicken nuggets, and there were flowers. Raquel was there with them, too.

Analysis: A romantic chicken nugget dinner. How cute. The best Valentine’s Day dates are the ones between married guys and their girlfriends at work. Just saying.

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

This is Jade Cargill’s first televised title defense since winning the WWE Women’s Title on November 1st. That’s a long time, but Jade did defend it at live events. Anyway, WWE needs to be better at booking title matches.

Jade and Grace locked up as the fans chanted “Dirty, Dirty Dom” for Mysterio at ringside. Grace jumped onto Jade’s back to try to weaken her, but Jade fell back onto the mat. Grace held onto Jade’s back. They left the ring, Jade went for a strike with her left hand, Grace avoided it and Grace slammed Jade onto the floor. Grace hit a Vader Bomb-style splash on the floor. Grace tried a move on the floor, but Jade hit a back body drop onto the barricade. Jade broke the referee’s count and confronted Liv at ringside. They went on a break for some fans as Jade sent Grace into the steel steps. Jade was in control with kicks to keep Grace down. Jade sent Grace into the turnbuckle. Grace kicked Jade’s left arm. Jade gave Grace a fallaway slam across the ring. Jade hit two elbow smashes, but Grace blocked another attempt. Grace stomped on the left arm. Jade came back with belly-to-back suplex for two. Jade grabbed a chinlock.

The match continued as Dom showed a bottle of wine that had his picture on it, so Wade called it a “Bottle of Dom.” Grace hit some headbutts as they battled by the apron. Grace hit a spinning back fist and a Jackhammer for a two count. Grace hit a spinebuster that wasn’t that smooth, but it was effective enough. Grace tried a lift, Jade landed on her feet and Jade hit a spinebuster for two. Grace got two pin attempts for two counts each time. Grace picked up Jade and hit a powerslam for a two count. Grace hit a spinning back elbow. Grace went for a slam off her shoulders, but Jade got out of it and Jade hit a pump kick to the face. Jade hit a single-arm Jaded slam while favoring the left arm injury and Jade sat on top for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jade Cargill

Analysis: *** That went longer than I thought and it was more competitive than I thought. That doesn’t mean I expected Jade to win a squash match or something like that, but I figured that Jade would win more decisively than she won. Grace’s power moves are impressive to watch. Even though it wasn’t a quick victory, it put over Cargill decisively even as she fought through a left arm injury. There were some sloppy moments, but it was still a good match.

Jade Cargill walked up to Liv Morgan to tell her that if she challenged Jade at WrestleMania then that will be your ass. Liv said nothing in response.

The Motor City Machine Guns and Fraxiom were backstage talking. Johnny Gargano was backstage with Candice LeRae. Gargano said it’s not about the stupid mask, saying he has lost his partner, no title and he has nothing left. LeRae was mad that he didn’t mention her. Gargano laid down on an equipment case. LeRae pushed Gargano down a hall, saying she would fix this. Solo Sikoa and MFTs walked down the hallway. Solo told them to get in line if they want a shot at the Tag Team Titles. Solo walked down the hallway until he saw a drawing of his face with the lantern in his mouth. The Wyatt Sicks graphics appeared afterward to show it was them.

(Commercial)

A video package aired about Oba Femi, who is joining Raw or SmackDown soon. Femi said that change is here.

Oba Femi was backstage talking to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who handed a contract to Femi, saying he would love him to be on SmackDown. Kit Wilson walked in with his book of poems. Aldis read a poem about Femi saying he’s insecure and he’s not a match for a real man like Kit. Aldis read they’re laughing at Oba, who is a sad, little clown. Femi said they can have a match next week to discuss their feelings. The fans booed because they wanted it tonight. Kit said, “Toxic,” and left.

Analysis: I doubt WWE loves the crowd booing reaction, but that was only because they wanted the match on SmackDown tonight, and not next week.

Next week on SmackDown, it’s on Syfy in the US again. Here’s the lineup:

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax vs. Kiana James

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Carmelo Hayes vs. Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams

* Oba Femi vs. Kit Wilson

The Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Drew said that Randy Orton can’t win the big one and LA Knight is a guy with catchphrases. Drew said Cody Rhodes won’t be coming after the WWE Title again and Drew mocked Jacob Fatu for being behind bars earlier in his life. Sami Zayn walked up to Drew, who said that on the night Drew won the WWE Title, Zayn admitted there was a small part of him that wanted Drew to win. Drew said Zayn is a good man who has paid his dues and Drew had a feeling he was going to win the big one tonight. Drew wished Zayn good luck. Zayn was confused by Drew’s kindness and made his entrance.

Analysis: What Drew said was interesting, but also a way for him to play mind games and tease the idea that he might help Zayn win this match.

(Commercial)

The entrances of Jacob Fatu and Cody Rhodes were next. The fans were loud for both, but it was especially loud for Cody, as the fans sang along with his “Kingdom” these guys.

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

The first pinfall or submission wins. No countouts and no disqualifications in the match.

Fatu superkicked Zayn out of the ring, so Cody got into a slugfest until Fatu was able to overpower him. Cody went for a Cody Cutter, but Fatu avoided it and hit a superkick. Fatu messed a senton splash, so clothesline knocked Fatu out of the ring. Fatu did a leapfrog over Zayn and clotheslined Cody out of the ring. Zayn hit a somersault dive over the top onto both opponents. There was a break for some fans as the action continued. Zayn hit a double axhandle to knock Cody down in the ring. Cody hit a delayed vertical suplex on Zayn. Fatu was back in to knock Cody down with a forearm to the head. Fatu headbutted Zayn and splashed Cody against the turnbuckle. Fatu headbutted Zayn down again. Fatu hit an uppercut punch on Cody. Fatu sent Zayn hard into the turnbuckle and he did the same to Cody.

It was Cody in control with snap powerslams on both opponents. Cody worked over Zayn with punches, along with a Disaster Kick for two. Zayn tried a suplex on Zayn, but Fatu splashed both guys against the turnbuckle. Fatu bounced off the ropes and hit a moonsault on Zayn for two. Cody elbowed his way out of a move, and Fatu did a snapmare on Cody, leading to Zayn getting a two count. Cody tried a jackknife pin on Zayn, but Fatu hit a splash to stop that. Fatu was in control with splashes against the turnbuckle. They did a sequence where all three guys were knocked down at the same time. This is a long match, so I’ll take a break as the show went on a break for some fans.

The match kept on going with about 10 minutes left in the show. Fatu was set up on the top rope, so Cody and Zayn hit a double team superplex on Fatu. The fans got into it with, “This is awesome” chants. Zayn and Cody got into a slugfest, but then Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Fatu was back in with a superkick on both opponents. Zayn hit Fatu with a kick to the back while Fatu was going for a move. Zayn countered Cody for a two count. Cody went for a Cody Cutter, but Zayn countered it and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Zayn and Cody exchanged forearms and strikes. Cody hit an elbow smash to knock Zayn down. Fatu was back up with a forearm to knock Cody down. Fatu sent Cody out of the ring. Fatu clotheslined Zayn against the turnbuckle. Fatu charged with a running clothesline. Fatu ran across the ring, Zayn charged and Fatu avoided a Helluva Kick. Fatu jumped off the top, but Zayn countered it with knees and a rollup for two. Cody was back into it with a Cody Cutter off the top onto Zayn for two. Fatu tossed Cody out of the ring. Fatu went up top and hit Mighty Moonsault off the top onto Zayn. It was just a two count because Drew McIntyre showed up to hit a Claymore Kick on Fatu. Drew tossed Fatu over the commentary table. Cody tried to dive onto Drew on the floor, so Drew caught him and sent Cody into the ring post. Drew gave Fatu a Powerbomb through the table. Back in the ring, Drew hit a Claymore Kick on Cody and put Zayn on top for 1…2…no! Just a two count. That drew a huge pop. Drew worked over Cody with punches, and Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on Drew. Cody grabbed Zayn and hit Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win after 21 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Cody Rhodes

Analysis: ***1/2 They were on their way to having a four-star level match when it was derailed by Drew McIntyre attacking Rhodes and trying to help Zayn win, but it was still Rhodes finding a way to win. I’m not surprised by the result since it puts Cody in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, and that seems like the right move. Fatu was moving well and hitting a lot of big moves, while Zayn and Rhodes always deliver, especially in a big match like that.

The win means that Cody Rhodes is in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match with Randy Orton, LA Knight, and three more competitors.

Cody Rhodes celebrated the win while Joe mentioned that Drew McIntyre tried to do anything he could to prevent Cody from winning. Cody continued to celebrate. That was the end of the show.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Cody Rhodes
2. Alexa Bliss
3. Trick Williams

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2026 Average: 7.36

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

I thought it was a pretty good SmackDown this week, and similar to last week. While I wouldn’t say any particular match was outstanding, all of the matches were certainly fine. They get a lot of time because the show is three hours, and that helps. As I said in the review, I didn’t expect Jade Cargill’s match with Jordynne Grace to go as long as it did, but it’s not like it was a super long match.

The 10-man tag team match was a lot of fun, and I liked the two triple threat matches. The women’s match was booked well, with Alexa Bliss getting a crafty win. I thought the Cody Rhodes-Sami Zayn-Jacob Fatu match was on its way to being great, but then Drew McIntyre ruined it like the heel that it is. I still enjoyed the story of Drew trying to cost Cody the win, yet Cody found a way to win, and now Cody’s in the Chamber match.

The next WWE PLE is Elimination Chamber on February 28th in Chicago. Here’s the lineup so far:

* World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk vs. Finn Balor

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Cody Rhodes vs. 3 more wrestlers

* Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Rhea Ripley vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Alexa Bliss vs. 3 more wrestlers

You can watch WWE Elimination Chamber, streaming live on Saturday, February 28, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ESPN in the United States and Netflix everywhere else.

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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