Get ready for an explosive night of WWE SmackDown! The action-packed episode, airing live on February 13, 2026, from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. With the Elimination Chamber event just around the corner on February 28, tonight's show is a crucial stepping stone in the four-week build-up. However, there's a twist! Due to the ongoing Olympic coverage, SmackDown will be broadcast on the SyFy network, adding an extra layer of excitement.
The Main Event Mystery: Cody Rhodes' WrestleMania Fate
Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu are both eyeing the WWE Championship held by Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42. To achieve this, they must win the Elimination Chamber match. But here's where it gets controversial: they're facing each other, along with Sami Zayn, in a Chamber qualifier tonight. It seems like a setup to eliminate one of them from the main event. But is WWE really going to leave one of these superstars out of the Chamber match?
There are theories circulating. Some suggest WWE might book a "last chance" qualifier right before the PLE, giving both Rhodes and Fatu a second shot at securing the final Chamber spot. Alternatively, a double pin on Sami Zayn could see both men advance. Zayn's history of choking in big matches makes this scenario plausible.
But here's the real question: what if WWE has no plans to include either Rhodes or Fatu in the Chamber? Both babyfaces attacked McIntyre last week, and he's not one to forget a slight. Drew already interfered to eliminate Cody from the Royal Rumble, so a rematch is unlikely. McIntyre may try to repeat his strategy tonight, ensuring Rhodes misses out on the WrestleMania main event.
And why stop there? Drew could also take advantage of the situation to screw over the Samoan Werewolf, Sami Zayn. With Zayn's track record, McIntyre might ensure he qualifies for the Chamber over Rhodes and Fatu. There are no disqualifications in a triple threat match, giving the WWE Champion ample opportunity to influence the outcome.
Will Drew McIntyre's cunning strategy pay off, leaving Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu on the sidelines? Tune into SmackDown on SyFy to find out!
The Rest of the Card
- WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill defends her title against Jordynne Grace in a non-house show match. With over 100 days as champion, Jade can't afford to lose her belt to an underdog.
- Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY, RHIYO, put their WWE Women's Tag Team Championship on the line against Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Every win brings the Bella Twins closer to a title shot.
- In the women's Elimination Chamber qualifier, Alexa Bliss, Zelina Vega, and Women's United States Champion Giulia face off. Zelina is the underdog, while Charlotte Flair may have a role to play in neutralizing Kiana James at ringside.
- Trick Williams takes on Rey Fenix in a singles match. Williams' mockery of Sami Zayn and his commentary role last week suggest a victory tonight, setting him up for a Chamber qualifier.
Other Storylines to Watch
- Kit Wilson's anti-toxic masculinity routine last week was interrupted by Oba Femi. Can Wilson win over the fans again tonight, or will Matt Cardona put an end to his act?
- Randy Orton qualified for the Elimination Chamber last week. Will he get a night off, or is an RKO outta nowhere on the cards?
- Tiffany Stratton, who qualified for the Chamber, has yet to cut a promo since returning. Will she trash talk Jade Cargill?
- Carmelo Hayes, the United States Champion, defeated The Miz last week. Will Ilja Dragunov challenge for the belt again, or is there a new contender?
- Tama Tonga's victory over Shinsuke Nakamura last week was quiet. Is their feud over?
- Solo Sikoa failed to qualify for the Chamber. Will the Wyatt Sicks' mysterious powers help him recover a lost lantern?
- Drew McIntyre crossed paths with R-Truth and Damian Priest. Will one of them face the Claymore tonight?
- Johnny Gargano's career is in freefall. Can Candice LeRae motivate him, or will the Motor City Machine Guns be needed?
- Chelsea Green's foot injury may keep her off TV for a while. Will she annoy GM Nick Aldis until she's fully recovered?
- Aleister Black returns after a brutal ambulance incident. Who will he target tonight?
- And finally, where is Royce Keys?
What storylines are you most excited about on SmackDown? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
