The John Report: WWE SmackDown 02/20/26 Review

This is WWE SmackDown, featuring more Elimination Chamber qualifying triple threat matches, Oba Femi in action, Rhea Ripley facing Giulia, and more.

The Elimination Chamber PLE is just 8 days away, and the card is taking shape with four official matches so far. Last week’s SmackDown saw Cody Rhodes qualify for the Men’s Elimination Chamber Match by defeating Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu, despite WWE Champion Drew McIntyre’s attempts to prevent Cody from qualifying.

This SmackDown episode is airing on Syfy in the US for the second week in a row due to the Winter Olympics. It will return to USA Network next week. I’m watching on Netflix in Canada.

From the Amerant Bank Arena in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this is SmackDown for episode #1383. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was superstar walking shown of Rhea Ripley with Iyo Sky, Giulia with Kiana James, Charlotte Flair with Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax with Lash Legend, Damian Priest being greeted by R-Truth, Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams.

A video package highlighted Cody Rhodes’ win over Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu on last week’s SmackDown. Drew McIntyre tried to interfere, but Cody still managed to win.

The commentary team is the usual SmackDown team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett. Mark Nash was the ring announcer.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

The former 2-time WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a big ovation from the crowd. It was tracksuit Cody with sneakers this week, instead of the dress-clothes version we often see.

Before Cody could say a word, the fans sang “Cody, Cody Rhodes,” so he posed for them. They were on fire for Cody, who asked them what do you wanna talk about? And here’s an interruption.

Jacob Fatu made his entrance, looking angry about what happened last week when Drew McIntyre put him through the commentary table during his match.

Fatu told Cody he wouldn’t be out here talking about Elimination Chamber if it weren’t for Drew. Fatu said he had Cody and Sami beat last week. Fatu told Cody he was walking out with a W, and they both knew it. Fatu said his concern isn’t Cody right now. Fatu said his concern is Drew McIntyre, the WWE Champion. Fatu called Drew to bring his ass out there so Jacob can dogwalk his ass all around Fort Lauderdale.

The SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, made his entrance, and the fans booed. Aldis said he gave McIntyre the night off. The fans booed that. Aldis said there’s too much at stake and that he cannot take any unnecessary risks. Aldis said this is supposed to be Cody’s mic time and that he can talk to Fatu about getting his hands on McIntyre.

Drew McIntyre was in the building in a private box, with the WWE Title on his shoulders. Drew said he appreciated being given the night off. Drew said he’s the champ and does what he wants. Drew said he loves SmackDown so much that he bought a suite to enjoy the show by himself. Drew said he’s there, so what is Fatu going to do about it? Fatu left the ring to go after Drew. Security went to ringside, and Fatu beat them up. There were some stiff clotheslines. Aldis tried to reason with Fatu, who said he needed to get a hold of McIntyre. Aldis told security to get McIntyre out of the building. McIntyre said everybody is jealous of him because he’s the champion. Rhodes said the whole world isn’t after Drew because he’s the champ; the world is after him because he’s an a**hole. The swear word was muted as the fans popped. Cody’s music played.

Analysis: It was an interesting start to the show, with Jacob Fatu showing a lot of fire while Drew McIntyre made his presence felt from a distance. This promo segment for Cody Rhodes didn’t lead to much from him, but the a**hole line at the end was well played and drew a good ovation. I think booking Fatu like a loose cannon is the perfect way to use him.

A video aired showing Solo Sikoa’s MFT team winning a 10-man tag team match on last week’s SmackDown. Tama Tonga pinned Carmelo Hayes, the US Champion. After the match, the Wyatt Sicks warned the MFTs from a distance.

Carmelo Hayes was getting ready for his match. Ilja Dragunov said that Melo is him and that he doesn’t miss. Ilja told Melo he’ll qualify for Elimination Chamber and go on to WrestleMania. Melo told Ilja to keep the same energy for his opponent tonight. Melo said he doesn’t miss. Ilja said he believes in him. Ilja said he’ll take that US Title from Melo before WrestleMania, but first, he has a match tonight. Dragunov made his entrance for singles action.

The WrestleMania 42 commercial aired.

(Commercial)

Jacob Fatu and Nick Aldis spoke backstage, with Aldis reminding Fatu how long it took them both to get to WWE. Aldis said he’ll give Fatu a match with Drew McIntyre, but he needs Fatu to wait. Fatu said he won’t wait much longer, and Fatu left.

Tama Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, Tonga Loa & Talla Tonga) vs. Ilja Dragunov

The announcers noted that Tama Tonga is on a roll. Tama got the win last week in the tag team match and beat Shinsuke Nakamura in a singles match, so he’s getting a push of late.

Ilja hit a running kick on Tama, followed by chops. Tama came back with punches, beating down Ilja. After they exchanged strikes, Tama sent Ilja sternum-first into the turnbuckle. Ilja came back with a knee and a boot to the face. Ilja hit a German Suplex. Ilja kicked Tama out of the ring. They took a break for some fans as the action continued.

It was Tama in control after slamming Ilja off the top turnbuckle. Tama hit a twisting neckbreaker for two. Ilja and Tama exchanged palm strikes, with Ilja following with a kick, then hit a double clothesline spot that led to Ilja taking a hard bump. Ilja hit multiple chops. Tama wanted a move, but Ilja slipped out and hit a German Suplex. Ilja hit another German Suplex and a Constantine Special lariat for a two-count. Ilja went up top. Tama got back to his feet, and Ilja jumped off, so Tama hit a flatliner into the mat for two. Ilja lifted Tama, leading to a slam that was like a spinebuster. Ilja was distracted by guys on the floor, but he came back with headbutts. Ilja hit a senton splash off the top. JC was on the apron, so Ilja punched him, and Tama got a rollup for two. Tama hit a punch, but Ilja was back up with a kick to the head. Loa distracted Ilja on the apron, so Ilja went for a kick, and Tama capitalized with a Cutthroat elbow on Ilja for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Tama Tonga

Analysis: ***1/4 The push for Tama Tonga continues with another big win. Tama won thanks to the chaos at ringside. I enjoy watching Ilja’s matches so much because he goes at full speed and sells everything in a believable way.

Solo Sikoa did a promo saying this is his family tree. Solo said this is his show. Solo said they’ve got the Tag Team Titles, and Ilja attacked Solo from behind. The MFTs beat up Ilja, and Talla hit a Chokeslam on Ilja. Matt Cardona went to the ring and was beaten up easily. Apollo Crews tried to help, but Talla decked him with a clothesline on the floor. The lights went out in the building as The Wyatt Sicks appeared with a video message. Uncle Howdy said Solo uses his family as a crutch so he’s still standing. Howdy said it’s time for Solo to show he can stand alone. Howdy said the next time he’s in the ring, he will come alone. Howdy wondered if Solo will show up. There was a dark light, so we didn’t see much of Solo’s reaction other than a shocked look.

Analysis: It sounds like Uncle Howdy wants Solo Sikoa in a singles match, but it wasn’t officially announced that way.

Drew McIntyre was backstage when Nick Aldis approached him. Aldis was stressed out because of the chaos Drew had caused. Aldis told Drew that if he kept testing him, Aldis could show him what he could do. Drew said Aldis didn’t need this, so he was leaving the building now.

Randy Orton was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Orton said everyone in the Elimination Chamber is on edge. Orton said that when it comes to his friend Cody Rhodes, here’s Zelina to say that Orton knows there’s one road for him to take. Aleister Black said there was a time when nobody could get this close to Orton. Black said he wonders where that man is. Orton said the only version of him that can kick his ass is the one you’re talking to right now. Orton said he’ll talk to Nick Aldis so they can have a match tonight. Black said Orton might think it’s buried, but consider Black the shovel that will dig it back up.

Analysis: I like the idea of Aleister Black trying to get in Randy Orton’s head to make Orton go back to being a heel. It’s an interesting story that could play out over a few months if they are patient with it.

The WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

Nia Jax and Lash Legend were interviewed by Byron Saxton, and Jax said they are the Irresistible Forces. Jax talked about her Elimination Chamber Qualifying match tonight and said she’s going to win. They mentioned going after the Rhea Ripley-Iyo Sky for the Women’s Tag Team Titles on next week’s show. Lash said they are coming for it all. Lash bragged about how they run the women’s division.

Let’s Hear from Jade Cargill

The WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill entered for a promo. Jade beat Jordynne Grace last week. Jade said she defends her title on her time. Jade said that Grace tried her best, but it wasn’t good enough. There were boos. Jade said when they step to her, they fold. Jade said she knows Liv Morgan is making her decision this Monday in Atlanta, where Jade resides, so Jade will hear Liv’s decision face-to-face. Jade said no matter who comes out of the Elimination Chamber – Charlotte, Iyo, Alexa, Tiffany, Nia, Rhea – at the end of the day, come WrestleMania, Jade is still coming out the WWE Women’s Champion because she’s still that bitch.

Analysis: That was the usual Jade Cargill promo, bragging about how great she is. It’s worth noting that as of this promo, Charlotte and Iyo haven’t qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match, but Charlotte can earn her spot later, and Iyo can earn hers on Monday. I’m just saying Jade may have spoiled the final contestants in the match. (Update: Nope. I’ll still keep in what I wrote initially lol.)

Charlotte Flair made her entrance as Jade Cargill was in the aisle with the WWE Women’s Title. Jade got in Flair’s face, so Flair told her to get out of her face and Flair did a “WOO” at her. Jade left after a referee told her to. Flair’s match is next.

(Commercial)

It’s official: Randy Orton will face Aleister Black on SmackDown tonight.

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

Flair and James are good friends who train together a lot, as you know if you follow them on social media. They both tore their ACLs around the same time (hence the knee braces), so they have bonded over that.

James wanted to work with Jax against Flair, but Jax didn’t like that. Jax hit headbutts on both opponents. Jax hit running hip attacks on both opponents. Jax hit the steel post with her shoulder, and the show went to a break for some fans. The action continued with James stomping on Flair in the ring. James grounded Flair with a chinlock. Jax was on the apron, so James kicked her down. Flair jumped over James by the turnbuckle, but James came back with a shoulder tackle. Jax was back in with a double clothesline to take control.

The babyface Flair gained momentum with a cross-body block off the top onto James. Flair hit chops on both opponents. Flair hit a cartwheel clothesline on James. Flair sent James to the apron and chopped Jax a few times. Flair went to the apron, and James hit a superkick on her. Jax had James on her shoulders, and Flair kicked Jax, who hit a Samoan Drop on James. Flair went up top and hit a moonsault onto both opponents. The knees hit Jax hard, and Flair covered Jax for a two count. Jax got a hold of Flair, and Flair hit a hurricanrana. Jax hit a Samoan Drop on Flair. James was back up with a Samoan Drop on Jax as she showed off her power. That drew a big reaction. Flair kicked James on the apron while Jax baled to the floor. Flair and James were on the top turnbuckle. They stood at the same time, and Flair hit a Spanish Fly on James for nearly a three count. That looked very close, but James barely got her left shoulder up. The fans were mad, and Flair reacted with frustration. Jax pulled Flair out of the ring and sent Flair into the ring post. James kicked Jax in the head. Jax was on the floor, and she charged at James, who moved, and Jax hit the steel steps. Flair kicked James into the ropes and hit a Powerbomb. Flair wanted Figure Eight, but Jax hit a leg drop on Flair to stop that. Jax set up James by the turnbuckle and hit the Annihilator splash on James. Flair was back up to dropkick Jax off the pin. The three women were down selling. The fans were getting into it. Jax sent Flair to the apron, and Flair did a necksnap across the top rope. Flair was able to hit a Powerbomb on Jax. Flair went for the Figure Eight, but James slid under Flair and hooked the arms in a crucifix pin for the win! Upset! It went about 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Kiana James

Analysis: ***1/2 That was a terrific triple threat match. There have been a lot of triple threat matches in the last month, but I still enjoyed this one. Flair is awesome in matches like this, James has impressed a lot in the last couple of months, and Jax knows her role well. The result was a surprise I certainly don’t mind, because Kiana has been so impressive since being given more opportunities in matches, and now she gets to be in a big match like the Elimination Chamber. I’m sure Flair had no problem putting her buddy over in a match like that.

The win means Kiana James has qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match. The Women’s Elimination Chamber Match now looks like this: Rhea Ripley vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. Kiana James vs. Iyo Sky/Raquel Rodriguez/Kairi Sane winner.

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky, were interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Ripley said she’s going to wipe the floor with Giulia, and Sky is going to qualify for Women’s Elimination Chamber on Monday’s Raw. Ripley said they are focused on Chamber, but they are the Women’s Tag Team Champions and are used to the pressure during WrestleMania. Sky said Lash and Nia don’t stand a chance, and as for Elimination Chamber, may the best woman win.

Oba Femi was shown getting ready for his match up next.

A commercial aired for WWE Elimination Chamber on Saturday, February 28th, in Chicago.

(Commercial)

There was a clip of Royce Keys on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast. It was a long conversation, and Royce talked at length about his tough upbringing. I really liked the interview.

Kit Wilson made his entrance for singles action with his incredible theme song. I love how ridiculous it is. Pro wrestling theme songs can certainly be cheesy like that, in my opinion. Oba Femi was next, and the fans were shouting on cue. I love Oba’s song and entrance.

Oba Femi vs. Kit Wilson

The referee rang the bell while Kit was on the floor. Kit did a promo, going from feminist to “Feminist,” and said he wanted to read a poem. He read a poem sucking up to Femi, saying he was born to reign, while these people chanted his name. Kit claimed he thought Oba was a brute, but he now sees he’s a teddy bear. Femi said that was quite nice and told Kit to read another one. Kit said he only prepared one, so Oba yelled at him to read. Kit read “9 Things I Hate About Men,” saying some things he hates about men are toxic. He read a line about how he hates Oba, the ruler, and his toxicity. Femi brought Kit into the ring, followed by two running uppercuts. Femi tossed Kit across the ring. Femi picked up Kit and hit a Fall From Grace (sitout Powerbomb) for the pinfall win. It was 4 minutes after the bell rang, but the physicality was about 1 minute.

Winner by pinfall: Oba Femi

Analysis: * Squash match to put over Oba Femi, as you would expect in a match like this. I don’t think the poetry bit worked that well, but I like Kit, so giving him more screen time is a good thing.

Nick Aldis was backstage with the WWE crate labeled “do not open” on 02/28/26. R-Truth walked up and mentioned it was the date of Elimination Chamber. Truth told a story about winning a Grammy, and Nick said maybe he meant a Slammy, but Truth had never heard of those. Aldis said he wanted to send the crate to Raw. Damian Priest walked up to them. Truth was confused about the match Priest was having later, so they had to explain it to him. Anyway, Priest talked to Aldis about being in the Chamber qualifying match and said he’s going to win. Priest left. Aldis told a backstage employee to get the crate out of there.

Tiffany Stratton made her entrance for singles action.

A WWE 2K26 video game commercial aired. The game comes out next month.

(Commercial)

It was announced earlier this week that Clash In Italy will be on May 31st in Turin, Italy. There will be a European tour in late May and early June.

Tiffany Stratton vs. Alba Fyre (w/Chelsea Green)

Chelsea Green is in a wheelchair, and her right foot is in a boot. Green was walking without a boot at a WWE event on Thursday, but on television, she’s going to sell it a lot. It’s likely just an ankle sprain, rather than the “broken ankle” that Green claims. Also, Mark Nash announced Chelsea as one-half of the AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions, but she is no longer a champion, so that’s a mistake.

Stratton used her athleticism to flip over Fyre a few times and tripped Fyre into the ropes. Stratton hit a splash against the ropes, along with a running dropkick. Stratton tripped up Fyre, followed by a springboard senton on Fyre. Stratton got a backslide pin for two and a cradle for two. Fyre did an eye rake, followed by a Tornado DDT. They went on a break there, and I’ll take a break too.

The match continued with Stratton hitting a clothesline and a handspring back elbow against the turnbuckle. Fyre was on the apron and hit a kick. Stratton came back with a superplex from the middle turnbuckle, and it was a rough landing for Fyre. Stratton hit a Falcon Arrow slam onto the knees for two. Fyre came back with a Gory Bomb for a two count. Stratton hit an Alabama Slam. Stratton went to the turnbuckle, so Fyre shoved her down. Stratton nailed Fyre with a forearm. Green got out of the wheelchair, and Wade called it a miracle, so Fyre capitalized with a suicide dive on Stratton on the floor. Fyre went up top, jumped off with a senton, and Stratton blocked it with the knees. Stratton tried a back elbow, but Fyre blocked it. Stratton blocked a DDT attempt. Stratton hit a rolling senton into the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Tiffany Stratton

Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid TV match that gave Stratton a chance to continue her positive momentum after qualifying for the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match. This was one of those matches where, if SmackDown were 2 hours, it would be over in about 7 minutes, but with more time now, it went longer, and Fyre got more offense. I like Fyre. It’s just that she’s not booked to win very often.

Sami Zayn spoke to Cody Rhodes backstage. Cody said he has nothing to be ashamed of. Zayn said if anybody should be ashamed, it’s Cody. Zayn said he tried to help Cody deal with Drew McIntyre, and Cody hit Cross Rhodes on Zayn to win. Cody said it was an opportunity, and he took advantage of it. Cody said you have to take advantage of those opportunities, and that’s why Zayn hasn’t been WWE Champion. Zayn said there it is. Zayn said Cody got to finish his story, but Zayn has tried to finish his story for 10 damn years. Cody shouted at Zayn about how he lost the WWE Title when he tried to do the right thing. Cody told Zayn that the only thing in his way is him. Cody left. Zayn knocked a water bottle down. Trick Williams walked up to Zayn, saying, with friends like Cody Rhodes, we don’t need enemies. Trick said he’s going to get the job done, like Zayn couldn’t. Trick laughed and left. Zayn walked up to Cody and said he was sorry. Zayn said everybody knows Cody is going to be WWE Champion again. Zayn said this time around, don’t forget that you had a little help along the way. Cody said he wouldn’t forget and left.

Analysis: That was a long backstage segment, leaving us feeling sorry for Sami Zayn again. The story of Zayn not winning the WWE Title continues. I hope it happens, and when it does, I can see it happening in Montreal or Saudi Arabia. The Trick Williams-Sami Zayn interactions continue, which makes me think they’ll have a match at WrestleMania.

The US Champion, Carmelo Hayes, made his entrance for a triple threat match.

(Commercial)

This Monday on Raw in Atlanta: A tribute to AJ Styles.

Damian Priest was up next and he got a pretty good reaction from the crowd. Trick Williams has the catchy “Whoop That Trick” entrance, so the crowd loves chanting that for Trick’s entrance. Trick has got all the charisma, and having a cool entrance certainly helps too.

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

The first pinfall or submission wins. There are no countouts and no submissions in a triple threat match. There’s a long history between Melo and Trick as allies and rivals in NXT. Melo’s US Title is not on the line here.

Priest spiked Melo into the mat with a slam, sending Melo face-first into the mat. Priest connected with shoulder tackles on both opponents. Priest hit a flatliner on Trick. Priest tossed Melo onto Trick. Priest hit a bulldog headlock on Melo into the mat. Melo hit a springboard clothesline on Trick. Melo hit a spinning facebuster on Priest, but Priest hit a Black Arrow slam for a two-count. They took a break for some fans as the action continued. Priest charged at Trick, who ducked, so Priest bumped to the floor. Melo and Trick had a delayed face-off, and there were NXT chants for them. Melo and Trick each got rollups for two, followed by each man connecting with a punch at the same time. Priest sent Melo into the ring apron. Trick hit a neckbreaker on Priest. Melo worked over Trish with punches and hit a jumping DDT on Priest. Trick tossed Melo out of the ring.

There was an impressive springboard attack by Melo with DDTs for both opponents. Melo went up top and hit a somersault dive onto Priest on the floor. Melo dropkicked Trick into the barricade. Melo jumped off the top with a Frog Splash on Priest for two. Trick was back in the ring with a spinning kick on Melo. The fans chanted “Whoop That Trick” for Williams. Trick hit a Book End on Melo for two. When Melo tried a springboard move, Trick knocked Melo over the top to the floor. Priest sent Melo onto the commentary table. Trick gave Priest a flatliner into the commentary table. Back in the ring, Trick hit a spinning kick on Melo, who did a great flip bump and it got a two count. Trick tried a move on Melo, but Priest got into it with a Razor’s Edge on Trick. Melo jumped off the top and hit the Nothing But Net leg drop to the back of Priest’s head for two because Trick made the save. All three guys were down selling. Trick and Melo exchanged punches. Priest hit jumping kicks on both opponents and spin kicks on both guys. Trick and Melo kicked Priest at the same time. Melo hit a cross body block on Priest and Trick broke up the pin. Melo countered a Trick move into an armdrag. Melo hit a superkick for two. Trick covered Melo for two. Melo hit the First 48 double knee attack on Trick. Melo went up top, so he jumped off the top and Priest punched him. Priest lifted up Melo, so Trick hit a Trick Shot knee and Melo bumped to the floor. Priest was dazed and Trick hit a Trick Shot knee on Priest for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Trick Williams

Analysis: ***1/2 It was also a very good triple threat match and I’m giving it the same rating as the women’s triple threat earlier. It really could have gone any way and it wouldn’t have bothered me at all. Having Trick win will make his ego grow even more, while Melo and Priest put up a good fight, but it was all about giving Trick that positive momentum moving forward.

The win means Trick Williams has qualified for the Men’s Elimination Chamber Match. The Men’s Elimination Chamber Match looks like this now: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams vs. Bronson Reed/Jey Uso/ “Original” El Grande Americano winner.

The WWE crate was backstage as WWE tag teams were talking. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis was there, so Candice LeRae said that Aldis needed to fix Johnny Gargano being on top of the crate. Jordynne Grace walked up to LeRae, they argued, and Aldis booked a Grace-LeRae match for next week. Gargano was still emotionless on top of the crate.

The Women’s US Champion, Giulia, made her entrance for singles action.

Monday on Raw: AJ Styles tribute and two more Elimination Chamber matches. Brock Lesnar is also back.

(Commercial)

Jade Cargill was backstage with the WWE Women’s Title. She was confronted by B-Fab and Michin, both of whom said that they won’t back down against Cargill. Michin had a kendo stick. Jade left.

Rhea Ripley vs. Giulia

I missed a few minutes at the start of this. This was originally going to be Iyo Sky vs. Giulia, but it got changed. Ripley delivered a vertical suplex for two. Giulia got out of a big move and did a hair pull. Giulia hit a dropkick across the ring. Ripley hit a shoulder tackle and threw Giulia into the ring post. Ripley charged, Giulia moved and Ripley hit the ring post again. Giulia sent Ripley into the apron. They went on a break with Giulia in control.

The match continued with Giulia remaining in control, but Ripley took over with a kick while Giulia was on the turnbuckle. Ripley hit a slam on Giulia for two. Giulia hit a headscissors and the running knee for a heel turn. Ripley headbutted Giulia. Nia Jax appeared at ringside, so Ripley kicked her. Lash Legend was in the ring and kicked Ripley to cause the DQ finish. It went about 11 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Rhea Ripley

Analysis: *** They were on their way to a potentially great match when it was ruined by Femi/Jax. I’d love to see a longer, proper Ripley/Giulia match and feud because they are two of the best women in WWE right now. For sure.

After the match, Lash Legend and Nia Jax attacked Ripley. Iyo Sky made the save, and Ripley/Sky cleared the ring.

Analysis: I had some technical difficulties, so I missed a bit during this match and after the match, but I got the gist of it in the review.

Oba Femi was shown walking backstage, where he saw The Miz. The Miz said it’s up to him to get the next generation ready. The Miz bragged to Femi about being the locker room leader and wanted to give Femi advice. Femi took it as if Miz wanted a match, so Femi said he’d talk to Aldis about it. Miz shouted: “Not a match!” Poor Miz.

(Commercial)

Charlotte Flair was in the locker room when she spoke to Alexa Bliss. Flair said that she is fine and her best friend, Bliss, is in the Elimination Chamber. Kiana James and Giulia interrupted. James said that this is a working relationship. James said Flair and Bliss are best friends, so James said she and Giulia are the most powerful duo on the roster. Bliss told them to prove it. Giulia and James left while screaming. Flair assured Bliss shew as fine.

Next week on SmackDown:

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

* Uncle Howdy vs. Solo Sikoa

Solo Sikoa was with the MFTs while holding the lantern. Solo said he was proud of Tama Tonga for his win tonight, but they needed to focus on the Wyatt Sicks. Solo left. Shinsuke Nakamura told Tama he needed help to win, so Shin wanted Tama to leave his family tree in the forest so Tama could prove he could win without them. Nakamura left, leaving Tama to think about it.

Aleister Black and Zelina made their entrance for his match up next.

(Commercial)

Randy Orton made his entrance to a big ovation as the crowd sang along with his “Voices” song.

Aleister Black (w/Zelina) vs. Randy Orton

There were “Randy” chants as the match started with about 12 minutes left in the show. Orton knocked Black down with a shoulder tackle. Black jumped over Orton’s back, Orton teased an RKO, and Black sat in the ring to counter it as the minigames continued. Orton worked over Black with the 10-punch combo, followed by a clothesline out of the ring. They took a break as the match continued. Orton left the ring. Black stopped Orton from doing a move and kicked Orton. After going into the ring, Orton dumped Black out of the ring. Orton hit a belly-to-back suplex on Black on the commentary table. The fans chanted “one more time,” so Orton hit another belly-to-back slam on Black onto the commentary table. Orton went back into the ring, then back out, and hit a third belly-to-back suplex on the commentary table. Orton sent Black into the ring for a two-count. Black finally got some offense going with punches and kicks while on the floor. Orton suplexed Black ribs-first onto the commentary table.

Randy Orton was in control with stomps to the body. Vega was on the apron, so Orton hit a knee to the back, knocking him out of the ring. Black hit a running kick on Orton on the floor. Black sent Orton into the ring post. Back in the ring, Black hit a running kick for a two count. Black grabbed a chinlock, Orton broke free and Black hit a knee to the head. Black hit another knee and a forearm to knock Orton down. Orton hit an uppercut to send Black to the apron. Orton went for a draping DDT, but Black blocked it and hit a necksnap on the ropes. Black was on the apron where he delivered a kick. Black grabbed a chinlock as the fans supported Orton again. Orton hit a belly-to-back suplex. Orton hit two clotheslines and a scoop powerslam. Orton hit a draping DDT off the ropes that is so vintage. Orton wanted the RKO, Black got back up, Black shoved Orton away and Black went to the floor. Black hit a roundhouse kick to stun Orton on the floor. They battled on the floor with Orton tripping Black on the table and Black went crashing onto the table. Orton set up Black on the floor with a draping DDT from the commentary table to the floor. The referee was checking on Black, so Drew McIntyre showed up at ringside and hit Orton with a WWE Title to the head. The referee never saw it. Cody Rhodes ran down to the ring and chased Drew out of there. Aleister Black hit a Blass Mass kick on Orton for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Aleister Black

Analysis: ***1/4 Big win for Aleister Black thanks to the assist from McIntyre, who continues to target top babyface contenders for his WWE Title. It’s something Black can brag about while building to another match, while Orton has something to complain about regarding Drew McIntyre. The fans were into everything Orton did and he also put over Black, so I respect Orton a lot for doing that.

After the match, Drew McIntyre held up the WWE Title in the crowd while Cody Rhodes checked on Randy Orton in the ring. End show.

A graphic said In Loving Memory of Kerwin Silfies to end the show. He was a longtime WWE director.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Trick Williams
2. Kiana James
3. Aleister Black/Randy Orton

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2026 Average: 7.38

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Final Thoughts on WWE SmackDown

It felt like a pretty good show this week, which is consistent with how SmackDown has been to start the year in the 3-hour format. The matches are given plenty of time. What I liked this week is that some young talent got big wins, like Trick Williams and Kiana James, moving on to the Elimination Chamber. Trick’s win wasn’t a huge upset, but Kiana’s was a nice surprise. She’s proving herself every week and doing a good job.

The main event, in which Aleister Black beats Randy Orton (thanks to a cheap shot from Drew McIntyre), will likely lead to more Black-Orton matches. I wonder if that’s a WrestleMania match. Since Black won, he can brag about being better than Orton, and Orton will want to get revenge on him and on McIntyre. Simple enough.

Most of the matches were entertaining, and I liked the finishes for nearly all of them. The non-finish between Rhea and Giulia was frustrating, but it was set up to have Iyo and Rhea face Lash and Nia next week. Promos were strong. Jacob Fatu showed a lot of fire against Drew McIntyre, who is great as the lying heel WWE Champion. I like the Sami Zayn story, with a bit of tension between Zayn and Cody Rhodes, who basically trashed Zayn for never being WWE Champion, and Zayn decided to be a nice guy by showing respect. Overall, I enjoyed the show.

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

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams vs. Bronson Reed/Jey Uso/Original El Grande Americano winner.

* World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk vs. Finn Balor

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Rhea Ripley vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. Kiana James vs. Iyo Sky/Raquel Rodriguez/Kairi Sane winner.

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

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