Stars and gold all shine on a Friday night!

On the SmackDown before Elimination Chamber, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Je’Von Evans, Jey Uso, LA Knight and Trick Williams all meet for a summit!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Uncle Howdy VS Solo Sikoa; Howdy wins.
• Asuka w/ Kairi Sane VS Tiffany Stratton; changed to…
• Tiffany Stratton VS Kairi Sane w/ Asuka; Tiffy wins.
• Oba Femi VS The Miz; Oba wins.
• WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS Matt Cardona; Melo wins and retains the title.
• Jordynne Grace VS Candice LeRae w/ Johnny Gargano; Grace wins.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend; Nia & Lash win and become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
• Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Logan Paul w/ The Vision VS Jacob Fatu; Logan wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.

PLAY BY PLAY

Someone’s hurt!

It’s chaos backstage as JEY USO is on a stretcher! Jey is being loaded into the ambulance while everyone is in an uproar! Jacob Fatu shouts you better find out who did this to his Uce! The Samoan Werewolf goes with the ambulance to the hospital and Cody Rhodes asks what is even happening! Nick Aldis says he has no idea, and Cody says they can’t keep letting this happen! They can’t let another person go down on the Road to WrestleMania! Aldis knows that, but then Trick Williams says, “Daaang~! What happened to Jey? Well, better him than me. One man down, four more to go. Y’all making this too easy for Trick Willy.”

Je’Von Evans takes offense, saying Trick must think it’s so funny Jey got hurt. Trick should watch himself or he’ll need one. Trick says Je’Von needs to mind his business while grown folks is talking! Aldis says hey, everyone needs to calm down! Then we hear Drew McIntyre on the speakers! “Four letters, one word, uh, uh… DREW!” The Undisputed Champion says he knows people like to put two and two together to get five, but he has NOTHING to do with what just happened to Jey, as hilarious as it is. But Drew knows how it goes: he tells the truth, yet he is guilty ’til proven innocent. The fans boo as Drew goes from crowd to ringside.

Drew says he has to buy a suite just to be at his own show! He’s like an outlaw champion! All he wanted to do was check out the competition for Elimination Chamber! Is that too much to ask? Cody is riled up hearing all this, but Drew says he’s the champion! He should be able to do what he wants when he wants, so he does! Aldis hurries to the stage to tell Drew not to get involved, to stay away, especially right before Elimination Chamber. And now, Drew needs to go to Aldis’ office. Not just because Aldis said so, but because there’s about 20 guys backstage who wanna rip Drew apart. And Aldis is this close to saying go for it.

Drew says he has a right to scout the competition! There’s six- Well, five men gunning for his title and- CODY RHODES storms out here! The fans fire up but Drew bails out of the ring. The American Nightmare shouts, “ENOUGH! ENOUGH! Drew, let’s just fight right here and right now!” The fans like that, but Drew says oh, that’s what Cody wants? Does Louisville want them to fight right now? “YES!” Then NO! This won’t benefit Drew, he’s already champion. But Cody, unlike you, Drew’s not a troublemaker. He follows the rules. He promised he’d leave, so he’s gonna leave. Drew is already at the back row of the floor level as he turns around.

Cody shouts, “You disengaging, recreant, witless, Scottish oaf! Your entire championship reign has been spent running like a little B*TCH!” That got Drew to turn back around! The fans go nuts, and Cody tells Drew that “no rematches,” right? Well, after Elimination Chamber, Cody- is interrupted by RANDY ORTON! The fans fire up as The viper makes his way out to the ring! Orton says check it out, okay, what happened to Jey, we saw it, it sucks. But Orton’s only concern is that at Elimination Chamber, Orton wins that sumbish, goes to WrestleMania, kicks Drew’s ass, and becomes a FIFTEEN-TIME WORLD CHAMPION!

And Cody, as far as they go when it comes to Chamber, Orton- is interrupted by TRICK WILLIAMS! The fans all chant, “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” as he makes his way out to the ring. Trick hast hem cut his music and says excuse him, he hates to do this, but you gotta understand. Trick Willy is the hottest thing int he business today, you feel him? That’s why Bruno Mars shouted out ya boy in his brand new album, makes Trick wanna cha-cha all the way tot he Chamber. But as for tonight, Trick sees these two, and since we are in the KFC Center, Trick figures he can add something to the menu. A little flavor!

So Trick brought his lemon pepper- Je’Von Evans interrupts! And he bops Trick on his way to the ring. The Young OG heard Trick talking crazy, so let’s talk crazy! They got history, but Evans is here to make a statement! He wants to be the youngest world champion, even beating Randy’s record! But then L A KNIGHT is here! The fans fire up as The Megastar makes his way to the ring! “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight asks if they’re down talking, cuz he hears empty promises and big talk, nightmare this, bouncy that, Viper this, lemon pepper moron idiot! But at the end of the day,  we have less than 24 hours until Elimination Chamber!

And every sorry soul, they all belong to the man they call the Megastar! And then DREW, that mush-mouth moron, it’ll be Knight VS Drew, that title belongs to Knight! With everybody saying- “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” The fans are torn but Knight takes his sunglasses off. Knight asks Trick if he said “Whoop Dat Trick.” “YEAH!” Well okay. Knight DECKS Trick! The fans fire up for that, but then Trick drags Knight out! They brawl, and Knight sends Trick into barriers! They brawl up the ramp while the fans fire up! They even take this backstage! Evans likes that. Then R K O from Orton to Evans! Cody gets on his guard while the fans fire up!

Orton and Cody stare down, but The Apex Predator leaves it at this. Could they be the last two standing in the Chamber? And assuming Jey Uso can’t compete now, who will take his spot to complete the six pack?

Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.

Cathy Kelley is waiting on an update for Jey Uso, but speaking of Elimination Chamber, Cathy is now with the Wrestling Barbie. Cathy asks Tiffy that with the level of violence and brutality it takes, what are her thoughts on entering the Chamber tomorrow? Tiff says what happened to Jey sucks, but every woman in the locker room knows better than to come after her right now. It is WrestleMania season, and Tiff is ready to get her WWE Women’s Championship back, starting with winning Elimination Chamber. And she doesn’t have to look over her shoulder- Wait, The Kabuki Warriors step in, so Cathy steps out.

Asuka mocks Tiff in Japanese and Tiff says maybe she spoke too soon. Can she help Asuka? Asuka says Tiffy Time is over. Tomorrow night, no one is ready for Asuka! Oh, is that so? Well, Tiff feels like she’s ready. Is Asuka be ready to prove that Tiffy Time is done tonight? Asuka says, “Always.” Kairi also taunts Tiff’s outfit, “Are you a jellyfish?” Asuka then shouts for Kairi and Kairi follows. Will the Empress of Tomorrow reset Tiffy Time to zero just 24 hours before Elimination Chamber?

Uncle Howdy VS Solo Sikoa!

While everyone else is focused on Elimination Chamber, this is about something much more personal. Bo Dallas has warned the Would-be Tribal Chief that he will only get burned holding onto the Wyatt lantern, will the meltdown finally happen tonight? Or will Solo still have the whole WWE Universe in his hands?

SmackDown returns and Solo waits on Uncle Howdy. The lights go down, the fireflies come out, and the piano plays as Howdy makes his entrance. The rocking chair waits under the spotlight as Howdy emerges from the eerie light. As promised, the Wyatt Sick6 and MFT are staying backstage so that this can truly be a 1v1 confrontation. Howdy steps into the ring and the ref keeps Solo back. The lights come back up and the bell rings. The fans rally behind Howdy as he stares down with Solo. They circle, Solo points to the lantern to say it’s staying with him. The two tie up, are in a deadlock, but Solo manages to power Howdy back.

Howdy turns things around to have Solo in the corner, but he backs off as the ref counts. Solo shoves Howdy, but Howdy dodges the lariat! Howdy does the Wyatt spider bridge and that backs Solo off. Howdy says, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!” Solo and Howdy reset, circle again, and tie up. Solo headlocks and squeezes tight while he mocks the “Yeah yeah yeah!” The fans boo but Howdy fights up. Howdy powers up and puts Solo on ropes. Howdy then powers out, and they RAM shoulders! The two stare down again while the fans rally up. The two start throwing hands back and forth, and the fans cheer Howdy while they boo Solo.

Solo kicks low, HEADBUTTS, and Howdy goes to ropes. Solo storms up to whip Howdy, but Howdy ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Solo! The fans fire up with Howdy and he clinches, but Solo shoves free of Sister Abigail! Solo bails out but Howdy goes out the side. Howdy storms up, but into an UPPERCUT! Solo then winds up, but Howdy ducks! Samoan Spike hits POST! And then Howdy SLAMS the arm against the post! And again! And again! The fans rally while Solo clutches his hand, but Howdy THROWS him into barriers! Howdy refreshes the ring count, then runs up to LARIAT Solo into the timekeeper’s area!

The fans cheer while Howdy stands tall. Howdy looks to the lantern, the prize in this fight, but he leaves it be. Howdy drags Solo up and CLUBS him against the commentary desk. Howdy SLAMS the bad hand off the desk, then puts him in the ring. Howdy storms in, stomps the bad hand, then bumps him off buckles. The fans rally for Howdy, “YEAH YEAH YEAH!” But Solo ROCKS Howdy! Solo RAMS Howdy face-first into buckles! Howdy flops to the outside while Solo mocks him, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Solo scowls while he catches his breath and checks his own eyes. The ring count climbs but Solo goes out to fetch Howdy. Solo THROWS Howdy into barriers, then soaks up heat while he holds up the lantern. Solo’s already gloating, but he puts the lantern back. Solo shakes out the bad hand before he puts Howdy in the ring. Solo still shakes out the bad hand before he steps back into the ring. He CLUBS Howdy, but that’s the bad hand! Solo shakes it out again, then HEADBUTTS Howdy. Howdy sputters but Solo HEADBUTTS again and again and again! The ref reprimands about pulling hair, so Solo stops.

Solo sits Howdy up to clamp on a shoulder claw! Howdy endures, but Solo also fights through the pain in his bad hand to use this move. Howdy fights up as the fans rally behind him, but Solo THROWS Howdy down by his hair! Solo clamps back on with the shoulder claw! Howdy endures all over again, but he fights back up for a JAWBREAKER! Solo wobbles, but he comes right back to clamp on the claw! Howdy endures but Solo HEADBUTTS him! Solo puts on the pressure but Howdy still endures. Howdy fights up as SmackDown returns to single picture. and Howdy fires body shots! Howdy is free and he ROCKS Solo!

Howdy runs, but into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Howdy survives, but Solo seethes and clutches the bad hand. Solo sits Howdy up for another shoulder claw! Howdy again endures, but the fans continue to rally up. Howdy fights to his feet once more, and he bends the fingers on the bad hand! The fans cheer as Howdy stands to ELBOW BREAKER! But Solo HEADBUTTS! Howdy ROCKS Solo, and ROCKS him again and again! Howdy has Solo in the corner for LARIAT after LARIAT! The fans cheer, Howdy runs side to side, but into a clinch! SPINNING SOLO URENAGE! Solo then drags Howdy to the drop zone!

Solo goes up, up, and FLYING SOLO SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Howdy survives and Solo is shocked! The fans fire up but Solo says stay down. Howdy stirs, slowly pushes up off the mat, but Solo raises his hand. But then he realizes he has something better! He clinches Howdy and gives him the kiss goodnight, but Howdy catches him into the MANDIBLE CLAW!! Solo endures, and he breaks free to SAMOAN SPIKE after all! Howdy falls into a corner, Solo runs in, HIP ATTACK! Solo keeps moving, HIP ATTACK again! Solo huffs ‘n’ puffs and keeps on moving, but into the clinch!! SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, Howdy wins!

Winner: Uncle Howdy, by pinfall

Victory for the ones who were wronged! Howdy picks up the lantern, but TALLA TONGA’S BOOT hits him from outta nowhere!! MFT again steals the lantern back! The Wyatts rush out here, but they’re one step behind MFT! The fans boo as Solo’s family welches on the deal! Will the Wyatts ever triumph over their enemies?

Nick Aldis escorts Drew McIntyre out of the building.

Supported by security, the SmackDown GM tells Drew that he has to get this through his head: Tomorrow night is Elimination Chamber; after that, Drew’s WrestleMania opponent is set. So just stay home and stay out of trouble! Drew says he’s not trying to make Aldis’ life any harder. They’ve known each other for a long time, and they’re both two guys from the UK! Aldis is the GM, Drew is the champion, they just need to be on the same page. Drew goes to the parking lot right as The Vision (or what’s left of it) walks in. Aldis sees Paul Heyman, Austin Theory & Logan Paul and has them all hold on. What can he do for them?

Heyman says first, he can give a better reception to his guests than that. Hello, Mr. Aldis. Aldis says hello, Mr. Heyman. See, that’s all this company needs! Another injury! And this one happened on Aldis’ watch. Aldis says he’ll try again, what do they want? Heyman says he wants to help Aldis out of the predicament he is in! Obviously, with Jey now hurt and taken out in an ambulance, there’s no way he’s going to be in Elimination Chamber. WWE needs someone else in that match, and they, The Vision, are going to secure the future of WWE by putting in one Logan Paul! Aldis chuckles at that obvious move.

Logan says you put him in Chamber, he will win it! He is the most important person this company has! He doesn’t care who is put in his way! One, two, three, four, all five, it doesn’t matter, Logan’s gonna win! Let him tell you this, and if it doesn’t convince Aldis, he doesn’t know what will. Logan then flexes. See that peak?! Aldis has his consent to kiss it. Put him in the Chamber! Aldis says it is so very convenient that Jey Uso was viciously attacked tonight, and then, moments later, we see Heyman’s face. Theory asks if that’s an accusation! Heyman holds Theory and Logan back, and he has Aldis understand, they’re trying to help Aldis out.

Logan Paul, Elimination Chamber, that checks every box. Well, despite the sales pitch, it is an interesting proposition. But as Heyman knows, there’s a lot of politics in play, so let Aldis make some calls. The GM heads out, and Heyman says Logan will win the Chamber, won’t he? Logan says obviously, he’s Logan Paul! The Maverick! Then after you, sir. Logan leads the way, and Heyman tells Theory to watch his temper. Despite their losses, will The Vision still define the future of the WWE? Or will there be a counterpoint to their argument?

Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky.

Cathy Kelley is now with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and brings up the match tonight against Nia Jax & Lash Legend, as well as Rhea having her part in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, one of the most brutal matches in WWE. Is Rhea’s focus fractured going into tonight? Rhea says as much as she should be focused on Chamber, she has to take this one step at a time. Tonight, it is about #RheYo retaining the tag titles. Iyo says she has no doubt Rhea will win Elimination Chamber and become the NEW WWE Women’s Champion at WrestleMania! Rhea says yes, exactly! And they’ll win tonight, too, because they’re on the same page and have each other’s backs.

But then in steps Jade Cargill. She says this is cute. But no one will have Rhea’s back at Elimination Chamber, which should be her focus. So hopefully, Rhea doesn’t get hurt before tomorrow. Jade leaves, Rhea seethes, but does the champ have a point? Or will Mami, and The Genius, always be on top?

Nick Aldis finishes a phone call.

The GM thanks them for this and says they can call back any time. Then Jacob Fatu walks in. Aldis asks how Jey’s doing, and Fatu says what you mean? You saw how he got took off. But all fingers are pointing at Drew! Drew kicked Fatu’s teeth down his throat, he cost Fatu his qualifier, and now he’s cost Jey his spot! Fatu just wants Aldis to hear him out. Aldis has a Drew problem, Fatu has a problem with Drew. The solution is to put Fatu in the Chamber! Give Fatu a chance to prove himself! Hell, if we talking 2026 Elimination Chamber, Fatu should be part of that! But this is a conversation. Fatu’s walking into Elimination Chamber, he’ll win it, and he’ll walk out to WrestleMania, where he’ll solve the Drew problem.

Aldis says he will take this under consideration. but he has to make some calls. Fatu says he accepts that. Fatu leaves, Aldis gets back on the phone, will The Samoan Werewolf get to tear through five superstars all to get at the Scottish Terminator?

Asuka w/ Kairi Sane VS Tiffany Stratton!

The Empress said #TiffyTime is done, but the Princess said bet! Will no one be ready for Asuka this close to Elimination Chamber? Or will it simply be a matter of time before Tiff gets back to the top?

SmackDown returns and wait, Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre are here? They throw copies of the Chelsea Chronicle to the fans while “Slaygent A” wheels The Hot Mess around ringside. Chelsea now joins commentary while Asuka makes her entrance, Kairi by her side. Asuka has the mic to shout at Tiffany, “I’m smart. I am smart! I’M SMART! HAHAHAHA! So I’m resting before my Elimination Chamber match tomorrow!” What? Instead of Asuka, Tiffy now faces… KAIRI SANE~! It is NOT Tiffy Time, it is Kairi Time! IKE, KAIRI! GO GO GO! The Pirate Princess again plays pawn in Asuka’s game, but will she be able to soften Tiffy up for tomorrow?

Tiffany Stratton VS Kairi Sane w/ Asuka!

The bell rings and Kairi hits a THESZ PRESS! Kairi rains down fists but Tiff slips away. Chelsea enjoys this as Kairi builds speed, but Tiff ducks the dropkick! Tiff spins Kairi, ROCKS her, then pushes her in. Tiff hits the KNEE-BOARD SENTON! Cover, ONE!! Kairi is tougher than that but Tiff brings her up. Tiff whips Kairi to a corner, Kairi reverses, but Tiff goes up and over to handspring away. Kairi runs up but Tiff goes up and over again. Tiff keeps moving, she handsprings over Kairi’s dropdown, then things speed up. Kairi dodges to go up and RANA, only for Tiff to handspring through! The fans cheer and Tiff smiles at Kairi.

Kairi runs up, Tiff drops down to kip up, and Kairi is furious! But then Tiff drop toeholds Kairi onto ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK Kairi down! The fans cheer Tiff while Kairi bails out. Asuka checks on Kairi, but Tiff PLANCHAS right down on her! Tiff fires up, the fans are with her, and both Asuka and Chelsea are upset. Chelsea swears up and down her face didn’t react, she couldn’t react, she got Botox. Tiff and Asuka argue, and that lets Kairi URAKEN Tiff! Kairi then POSTS Tiff, and the Kabuki Warriors soak up heat while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Tiff blocks a shot from Kairi. Tiff ROCKS Kairi again and again, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! And handsprings corner to corner to BACK ELBOW! Kairi staggers, Tiff cartwheels and Alabama Lifts, to ALABAMA SLAM! High stack, TWO! Kairi survives and Tiff grows frustrated. Chelsea looks worried but Tiff drags Kairi up. The fans rally behind Tiff and she fireman’s carries. ROLLING SENTON, then Tiff goes up, up, but Kairi trips her up! Kairi then pushes Tiff into the Tree of Woe before she climbs up the corner! Kairi CLUBS away as Tiff tries to sit up. Tiff and Kairi throw hands, Kairi HEADBUTTS Tiff!

Tiff is back in the Tree, and Kairi adjusts, for the WOE STOMPS! Kairi hurries to cover, TWO! Tiff survives and the fans fire up! Asuka is just as upset as Kairi, but the fans rally for Tiff as she goes to the corner. Kairi runs in, SLIDING D! Kairi then goes up the corner again, waits on Tiff to stand up, and she FLYING- NO, Tiff dodges the elbow! Cartwheel, Alabama Lift, but Kairi sunset flips it! Tiff rolls through, TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Tiff is frustrated but Chelsea mockingly says it was that close. Kairi goes to the apron, Tiff runs up, but Kairi dodges the shoulder to AX KICK! Kairi drags Tiff to the apron, hooks a leg, but Tiff fights the lift!

Tiff suplexes Kairi, but Kairi counters with an APRON DDT! Both women are down while the fans rally up, and Asuka coaches Kairi. Kairi rises, she pushes Tiff in, and Kairi hurries up the corner. Kairi hits the FLYING KABUKI ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives again and Kairi is stunned! Chelsea complains to Alba, but Kairi CLUBS Tiff. Kairi drags Tiff to the drop zone, goes back up the corner, and she vows to end it now! But Tiff pops up to SHOVE Kairi down onto Alba! Chelsea panics as her security is down! Tiff gets Kairi back in, but Chelsea shouts at Tiff. Tiff tells Chelsea to back off! Chelsea stands on the bad foot to get in Tiff’s face!

Kairi runs up from the apron! Tiff dodges, the FLYING KABUKI ELBOW CLOBBERS Chelsea!! Hot Mess down! Hot Mess down! Tiff hurries to get Kairi back up, laughs at Chelsea, then fireman’s carries Kairi. ROLLING SENTON, and now the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiff wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall

Asuka is in disbelief, because Tiff got the better of her, Kairi, and the entire Green Administration! Will no one and nothing stop Tiff from winning Elimination Chamber?

The Vision is in the General Manager’s office.

The Oracle has Logan and Theory patiently waiting as Nick Aldis walks in. Aldis says once again, how convenient. Theory says this is a nice office. Aldis thanks him for that, and says that while he was looking for them all over the place, turns out they were here. Heyman says they were making it convenient for Aldis. Aldis says yes, well, good timing, because he has some news. He has discussed with Raw GM, Adam Pearce, and they’ve decided that Logan Paul will get his opportunity to compete in the Elimination Chamber. The Vision is fired up to hear that, but Heyman asks, “What’s the catch?”

Yes, nothing gets by Heyman. No, it doesn’t. Well, Logan has his opportunity if he wins his qualifier… against Jacob Fatu tonight! Heyman asks if Aldis is out of his freakin’ mind! Jacob Fatu!? Logan stops Heyman there and says he sold the world’s most valuable trading card and married the world’s most beautiful supermodel. He can handle the WWE’s most dangerous werewolf. This is Logan Paul, the winner of the 2026 Elimination Chamber. Aldis wishes him good luck. Logan says time to go. Theory says they don’t need luck. But will Logan need everything he’s got if he wants to survive said Samoan Werewolf?

Oba Femi VS The Miz!

The Ruler already dealt with the two-faced Tonic, Kit Wilson, and rather definitively at that. But now he deals with the Hollywood A-Lister that insists he’s the locker room leader. Will what Oba does to Miz truly be must-see?

SmackDown returns as Miz paces, and Oba makes his entrance! The fans already chant for “O~BA! O~BA!” The bell rings, Miz bails out, and the fans boo. Miz grabs a mic to tell Oba to hold on, they don’t have to fight. Miz slides in, but Oba steps on the hand holding the mic! Oba takes the mic to say Miz can get his own mic. Miz likes to talk, huh? Miz gets another mic and says they don’t have to have this match. No one wants this match! The fans cheer that they DO want this match! But Miz says this is a misunderstanding! As the locker room leader filling the John Cena sized hole in everyone’s hearts, that’s on Miz.

But let’s use this as a teachable moment. Twenty years ago, right down the street from this building, Miz was in WWE Developmental. And he was bright-eyed and bushy tailed, just like Oba! The fans chant “O~BA!” but Miz says excuse him, he is talking. Miz says he made the mistake of going right after the locker room leaders like The Undertaker or Triple H! He doesn’t want Oba making that same mistake. Miz will be the type of leader that takes Oba under his wing and guides him. Oba, let Miz be your Undertaker. Oba thinks on that, and says Miz wants to be Oba’s Undertaker? Yes, he does. There’s no resemblance, but Miz does look like a dead man to him!

Miz says or…! They can adopt the MIZ method: Master; Inspire; Zone-In! Master your emotions so you aren’t going after the guy trying to help you! Inspire on listening to a guy, a superstar, that main-evented WrestleMania! Zone-in on longevity! Don’t be a flash in the pan, let Miz help you inside and outside the ring! With ALL Miz’s connections, he could have this crowd and everyone the world forever chanting “O~BA!” The fans already chant that now! Oba still thinks on it, and says clearly, he doesn’t need Miz to get them chanting his name. But Oba will humor Miz for a second. Louisville, should Oba join forces with Miz? “BOO~!”

Will they become the Awesome Rulers? “BOO~!” Oba tells Mike, he’s dying tonight! Miz wants Oba to understand this is a teachable moment for him and everyone else! Miz teaches Oba how to be the bigger man and walk away. Miz turns to go, but Oba grabs his arm! Miz can’t run, so he SMACKS Oba! That’s even worse! Short arm LARIAT! The fans fire up for Oba and he drags Miz up from the apron! Miz HOTSHOTS free, then goes up a corner! AX HAN- BODY BLOW! Oba turns that around on Miz, then runs in for the UPPERCUT! Oba keeps moving, but Miz dodges! Full nelson and- NO, Oba blocks the Finale!

Oba roars, powers up, and SHOTPUTS Miz away! The fans fire up with Oba, and he gets Miz back up, to FALL FROM GRACE! Cover, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall

The Hollywood A-Lister wanted to teach Oba, but perhaps Miz just learned a lesson: Don’t look down on a man so much bigger than you. Will no one and nothing stop The Ruler from taking over the WWE?

Carmelo Hayes finds Ilja Dragunov backstage.

And to the United States Champion’s surprise, The Russian Dragon isn’t in his gear! Melo asks what’s going on, didn’t they talk about it last week? Ilja says he won’t fight tonight. Why not? What is it? Ilja says he did not succeed against Tama Tonga, and has not been successful lately. So he just doesn’t feel he deserves the shot. But honestly, do not worry, he will come for this title in time, and he will let Melo know when that is. But for tonight, Ilja wants Melo to go out there, win, and show everyone why he is H1M. But Melo says screw that! This is the second week in a row that Ilja’s given Melo this pep talk!

Ilja doesn’t need to pep talk Melo, he needs to give himself that talk! Ilja needs to remember who he is, because yeah, opportunities like this come every week right now. But nothing lasts forever. So if Ilja doesn’t take his shot when he can, someone else will. Melo heads out, who will step to H1M in place of The Czar?

WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS ???

SmackDown returns as Melo waits in the ring. The one answering the challenge tonight is… Matt Cardona! He’s #AlwayZReady, but will he once again be a champion?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s truly complete!

The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally up. Cardona and Melo shake hands and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. They tie up, Cardona rolls Melo up, TWO! Cardona says it was that close, and that he’s gonna get the gold. The two reset, tie up again, and Melo waistlocks, cravats, then snapmares to a ghost pin, ONE! The two reset and Melo says that’s why he’s got the gold. Cardona applauds, and the two reset. They tie up, Cardona headlocks, but Melo powers up and out. Cardona RUNS Melo over, then gets moving, but Melo drops down. Cardona stops the hip toss but Melo avoids the lariat!

Melo KICKS Cardona’s backdrop away, then runs the ropes, only to run into a DROPKICK! Cardona covers, ONE! Cardona eggs Melo on, brings him around, then headlocks. Melo endures the grind, powers Cardona to ropes, but he can’t power out as Cardona holds tight! Melo tries again, gets free, and drops down to hurdle over. Melo ducks a shot to DROPKICK back! Then DROP- NO, Cardona avoids that one to basement BOOT! Melo sputters while the fans rally up, and Cardona drags Melo around. Cardona turns Melo to the NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Cardona grinds his forearm into Melo’s face, but he stops as the ref counts.

Cardona eggs Melo on again, and Melo stands up for Cardona to run up. Melo TOSSES Cardona, but Cardona blocks a shot! Cardona ROCKS Melo, drags him out to join him, then stomps him on the apron. Melo stands to ELBOW Cardona back! Melo then takes aim, and he leaps at Cardona, but Cardona dodges! Melo crashes ‘n’ burns on the desk! Cardona has a wry smile as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Cardona makes his way to the desk to see Melo down in front of the barriers. Cardona refreshes the ring count before he drags Melo up and around. Cardona wrenches Melo to then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP him into barriers! Melo slumps down while Cardona stands up. Cardona brings Melo back to the ring, drags him up for a KNEE down low, then another KNEE! Melo sputters while Cardona talks trash. Cardona pie faces Melo, eggs him on again, but Melo CHOPS! Melo whips, Cardona reverses, and Cardona FLAPJACKS Melo! Cover, TWO! Cardona is annoyed but he stands over Melo while he talks more trash.

Cardona puts Melo in the corner, RAMS him, then whips him corner to corner. Melo hits buckles hard, and he clutches his side from the impact. Cardona storms up on Melo to whip again, but Melo reverses! Melo runs up but into DOUBLE KNEES! Melo staggers away, Cardona turns him, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Cardona grows frustrated now, but he HIP DROPS Melo down. Cardona looms over Melo, sits him up, and crossface forearms! Cardona stalks Melo to a corner, then digs his knee in. The ref counts, Cardona steps back, but stomps Melo down! Cardona again digs his knee in, but stops as the ref counts.

SmackDown returns to single picture as Cardona again digs his knee into Melo’s face! The ref reprimands, Cardona stops, and Cardona goes to the adjacent corner. Cardona runs up, BROSKI BOOT! Then CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Melo writhes, Cardona covers, TWO! Melo tough sit out but Cardona is right on him. Cardona suplexes, and he hands Melo out to dry! Cardona BLASTS Melo down and the fans are torn. Cardona lines up another shot, he builds speed, and he WRECKS Melo with a dropkick! Melo hits the barriers while Cardona signals he’s gonna be champion. Cardona drags Melo back up, puts him back in, but Melo swings!

Cardona blocks to ROCK Melo, but Melo KICKS the shoulder thrust! Melo has Cardona in the ropes for the FADE AWAY JUMPER! The fans rally up while both men are down! Cardona slaps sense into himself, but Melo kips right up! Melo fires haymakers on Cardona, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Melo whips, Cardona reverses, but Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard, FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up while both Melo and Cardona rise again. Cardona blocks a kick to BOOT Melo! But Melo rebounds, LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Cardona survives and Melo is surprised! But the fans rally as Melo rises to his feet.

Melo runs up, but Cardona kicks low! Cardona underhooks but Melo slips free! Melo runs, but Cardona stops the tilt-o-whirl to reel Melo in! Underhooks and TIGER DRIVER! High stack, TWO!! Melo survives and the fans fire up again! Cardona seethes as he thinks on what he has to do. Melo goes back to the corner, Cardona runs in again, btu Melo avoids the boot! And he BACKDROPS Cardona! Cardona writhes but Melo goes to the corner. The fans fire up as Melo goes up, but Cardona ROCKS him first! Melo fires back, Cardona ROCKS Melo again. Cardona goes up, up, and from the top, SUPER STEINER!

The fans are torn as Cardona liens up another shot, ROUGH- NO, Melo avoids the ride to roll Cardona up, TWO! SUPERKICK! Melo falls on the cover, TWO!! Cardona survives and “This is Awesome!” as Melo rises again. Melo goes up a corner, he waits on Cardona, but Cardona avoids the three pointer! Cardona then ROLLING ELBOWS! Melo rebounds, into the ROUGH RYDER!! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives again and Cardona is beside himself! The fans rally harder as Cardona goes for chicken wings. A shoutout to his wife, but Melo rolls Cardona up! TWO, and Cardona has a cradle! TWO, and FIRST 48!! Cover, MELO WINS!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

Case closed on The Complete Cardona, but Melo gives respect to the Broski. The fans cheer that sportsmanship, and Melo keeps his win streak going. But will Ilja be back for this belt sooner rather than later? Or will there be one more person getting their shot in first?

The crate has returned.

Again, it’s not to be opened until tomorrow night at Elimination Chamber, but everyone wants to know what’s going on. In fact, R-Truth walks in and asks what’s up with everybody else. Truth knows they wanna know what’s in the crate, but that’s why you gotta watch Elimination Chamber tomorrow on the ESPN App. And he bets they wanna know how to do that, too. Angel says Truth already told them this months ago. Truth says he never met them a day in his life. But he has a surprise! Keep the pants on, Angel. Make sure you’re already signed up for ESPN Unlimited. Truth runs them through the steps, and they can stream right away!

Truth says Fenix looks like an unsatisfied customer. He’ll turn that frown upside-down. Fenix must be one of those big TV provider types. Well, you already get the ESPN Unlimited Plan! Go to Activate.ESPN.com and save those pesos! Any WWE PLE, any time, anywhere! Wait, hold on, Candice LeRae is wheeling Johnny Gargano around again. She says she has no time for this, she has her match up next! Snap out of it, Johnny! Everyone else gets a great laugh seeing Johnny Wrestling being Johnny Depression, and Truth says time to wake up! But then Kit Wilson shouts that THEY need to wake up! That vulnerability is strength, not weakness!

Johnny Gargano is trying, which is more than Kit can say for the locker room. Each and everyone of them is… TOXIC!! Fenix fixes Kit’s vest for him while the others laugh at Kit. But will the Poison Pixie be able to handle things her way tonight? Or will the Juggernaut run right through her on this Road to WrestleMania?

Jordynne Grace VS Candice LeRae w/ Johnny Gargano!

SmackDown returns as Jordynne makes her entrance, and we see Johnny doing his depression planking on the commentary desk! Candice is still upset, but she focuses on Grace for now. Candice pie faces Grace! The ref has her back up, the bell rings, and now Candice runs up! Grace SPINEBUSTERS! And short arm LARIATS! And short arm LARIATS! And then short arm LARIATS again! Cover, TWO! Candice flounders but Grace whips her to a corner. Grace runs in, Candice ELBOWS her away, then Candice runs up to tilt-o-whirl and POST Grace! Roll up, then ENZIGIRI! Grace flounders, Candice hits a STEP-UP SENTON! Cover, TWO!

Candice kicks Grace around, CLUBS her, then clamps on with a SLEEPER! Grace endures, fights up, and the fans rally behind her. Candice tells them to shut up, but Grace fights up to her feet. Grace fireman’s carries Candice, but Candice sunset flips! Grace sits on Candice for a cover! TWO and Candice sunset flips it! ONE, Grace has it, ONE! They teetertotter now, ONE! ONE! ONE! TWO, and both women stand! Candice slips around to crucifix, but Grace swings her around! Candice uses that to hit a CODE BREAKER! Grace goes to a corner, Candice runs up, but Grace puts her on the apron. Candice RAMS Grace low!

Candice goes up, but Grace SHORYUKENS! The fans fire up for Grace as she climbs, and she SMASHES Candice off her knee again and again! The fans fire up for the stalling SUPERPLEX! Then a roll through for the JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO?!? Candice survives and Grace is surprised! Grace drags Candice up and pump handles, but Candice fires elbows! Grace whips Candice away, Candice grabs ropes, and Candice BOOTS Grace! Wait, Gargano sits up! Is he inspired? Or just hungry? Candice is distracted either way and Grace runs up! But Candice dodges, then SNAP GERMANS! But wait, Gargano walks away in his zombie trance.

Candice tries to get his attention but he isn’t paying attention! Grace URAKENS Candice, then PUMP HANDLE PLEXES! Bridging cover, Grace wins!

Winner: Jordynne Grace, by pinfall

And Gargano’s still walking up the ramp! What will it take to snap him out of his funk? As for Grace, what will her next move be on the Road to WrestleMania?

Backstage interview with Raquel Rodriguez.

Cathy Kelley is with Big Mami Sexy and brings up that a couple weeks ago, it was alluded to that she and Liv Morgan could walk out of WrestleMania both champions. What would that mean for Raquel and Judgment Day? Raquel says she and Liv reigning on both brands would obviously mean that Judgment Day runs WWE. As it should! But for now, she’ll focus on what she does need to win Elimination Chamber. Jade interrupts Raquel now, saying she should focus on herself. Raquel laughs at that but Jade promises her, Liv ain’t worried about Raquel. Liv made a good choice choosing Stephanie Vaquer, but she damn sure set Raquel up to fail.

Because if Raquel wins Elimination Chamber, Jade’s gonna embarrass her at WrestleMania. Raquel says don’t get ahead of yourself, campeona. See you soon. Raquel heads out, but then Mia Yim & B-Fab step in. Look at that! Jade’s making friends everywhere. Jade turns around to ask if they said something, but then sees the kendo stick. Mia says that everyone’s coming after Jade, including the Hardcore Princess, aka Mia. But Jade doesn’t even need to sweat it, she might not even be champion by WrestleMania. Well, if Michin’s gonna do something about it, then do something. Mia says she will, but B-Fab says she’ll get the chance.

Jade leaves, but when and where will she and the Head Baddie in Charge run it back?

Jacob Fatu prepares backstage.

Cody Rhodes walks over, and he knows this might sound funny, but for what it’s worth, he hopes to see Fatu in there. Cody then turns to go, only to see Sami Zayn. Sami says hey. They shake hands, and Cody heads out. Sami then talks to Fatu. He knows Fatu has the match and all, but how’s Jey doing? Not too good. Sami says the thing is, he knows he didn’t do it. But he can’t 100% say the same… about Fatu. Fatu looks Sami dead in his eyes and asks what he means. Well, it just looks a bit funny. Fatu’s right there when Jey goes down. Jey is taken away in an ambulance, taken out of Elimination Chamber, and Fatu’s the one going to Aldis to take Jey’s spot.

And Sami gets it, ever since Fatu came back, all he’s had on his mind is getting his hands on Drew. But he’s left nothing but chaos and destruction everywhere he’s gone! Sami sees Jey down, Fatu getting a second chance, what is Sami to think? Fatu says Sami better be very careful with what he says next. Sami asks, “Or what? I’ll end up in the hospital with Jey?” Sami gets that Fatu wants after Drew, but he’s not the only one! Sami wants after Drew! Fatu wasn’t the only one that lost their Elimination Chamber qualifier, so did Sami! Drew didn’t just screw Fatu, he screwed Sami! Fatu shouts, “Screwed who, Sami?! Screwed YOU!?”

HELL NAH! If anyone got screwed, it was Fatu! Drew Claymore’d Fatu, then he went after Cody! The only one that didn’t get Claymore’d was SAMI! So Sami is talking about Drew screwing him over? NAH! If anything, Drew was helping Sami! And if there’s anyone pointing fingers, maybe Fatu should be watching Sami. Sami takes a moment before he says Fatu’s right. Sami is sorry, okay? His head hasn’t been on right lately, so Fatu does deserve this second chance. Win it for Jey. Fatu heads out, and Sami is seething. Sami FLIPS a table, SMACKS some water, and grips at his own hair. What is Sami to do about all the frustrations building in his heart?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend!

These teams tried to have it out for these titles before, but that ended with a double count-out that then turned into a demolition derby! Hopefully the controlled chaos will be a bit more contained this time around, especially with Elimination Chamber less than 24 hours away. But will #RheYo make it through the Irresistible Forces to continue down the Road to WrestleMania? Or will their luggage be just a bit lighter going forward?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who is really on top!

The teams sort out and the fans cheer for “RHE-YO! RHE-YO!” Iyo steps to Lash and the two circle. Iyo dodges Lash, slips around, and sunset flips, but Lash YANKS her back up! Lash holds Iyo up with both hands, but Iyo fights with fists. Lash whips Iyo, but Iyo handsprings through to SHOTGUN! Iyo tags Rhea and the fans fire up. Rhea slips around Lash, trips her up, then wheelbarrows with Iyo for the SPLASH! Cover, ONE! Rhea keeps on Lash but Lash ROCKS Rhea! Rhea wobbles, Lash brings her over, tag to Nia. They whip Rhea to a corner, Nia runs up, but Rhea goes up and over to ELBOW Nia!

Rhea tags Iyo, then drop toeholds Nia! Iyo runs up to SHOTGUN Nia down! Nia flops out of the ring but here comes Lash! Iyo dodges Lash, trips her up, and Rhea DROPKICKS her down! The fans fire up again, and RheYo runs to WRECK Lash & Nia with dropkicks! Then they DOUBLE RAN- NO! The Irresistible Forces stop the ranas to SWING RheYo into barriers again and again! Then they DROP the champs on the floor! The fans boo as the challengers high-five, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Lash grinds Iyo with an armlock. The fans rally and Iyo fights up to throw body shots. Iyo ROCKS Lash, runs the ropes, but Lash BOOTS her right down! The fans boo but Lash covers, TWO! Lash is frustrated but she drags Iyo up. Lash ROCKS Iyo, Iyo flounders to ropes, and Lash CHOKES her on the ropes! The ref counts, Lash argues, but Nia gets a cheap shot in! The ref wonders what happened but Lash covers, TWO! Iyo survives but Lash drags her up. Lash whips Iyo to the corner, but Iyo ROCKS Nia! Iyo dodges Lash to then roll her up, and BUZZSAW! Lash sputters but Iyo is down, too!

The fans rally harder and harder while Iyo and Lash crawl. Hot tags to Nia and Rhea! Rhea dodges Nia to wrench and LARIAT! Nia stays up, Rhea LARIATS again! Nia still stands, takes a swing, but Rhea ducks and wrenches to HOOK KICK! But Nia still fireman’s carries! Rhea slips free to ROCK, CHOP, and repeat! Rhea knuckle locks, then uses the ropes to get up, FLYING RANA! Nia tumbles while the fans fire up! Lash runs i, Rhea dodges to EDDY GORDO KICK! But Nia shoves Rhea! Rhea DROPKICKS back! Rhea goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Down goes Nia! High stack, TWO! Nia survives but the fans rally behind Rhea!

Rhea shouts to Iyo, Iyo stands on the apron, but Lash YANKS her back down! Lash whips, but Iyo reverses and sends Lash into steel steps! Nia CLOBBERS Rhea from behind! Nia fireman’s carries, SAMOAN DROP! Nia grins as she drags Rhea to a drop zone, and she goes up the corner! The fans boo, but Rhea springs up! Rhea SHOVES Nia into the post! Then she tucks Nia in, CHEEKY NANDOS! Rhea then gets under Nia for a RUNNING POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Nia survives again and Rhea cannot believe it! The fans rally even harder as Rhea hurries to get Nia up. Rhea runs, SLIDING KICK! Nia flops to the outside but Rhea pursues!

Rhea aims, CANNONBALL to the floor! The fans fire up with Rhea while SmackDown goes back to break.

SmackDown returns again as Nia holds Rhea back from her corner! Rhea fires body shots, reaches out, but Nia still holds Rhea back! Rhea ducks the lariat, but Nia catches Rhea’s jump! Nia HEADBUTTS Rhea down, then BLASTS Iyo for good measure! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Nia just drags Rhea up by her collar. Nia TOSSES Rhea out, tags Lash, and both Irresistible Forces go out to POST Rhea! Rhea flops down but Lash gets her back up. Lash then feeds Rhea to Nia’s fireman’s carry! SAMOAN DROP on the desk! Rhea writhes, but Nia CHOPS her! Nia puts Rhea in the ring for Lash, and Lash SMACKS Rhea off the mat!

Lash drags Rhea to center, then runs for a LASH SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Rhea survives and Lash grows frustrated. Lash guzels Rhea, for the SLAM DUNK CHOKE SLAM! Tag to Nia and Nia goes up the corner! The fans boo but Nia SUPER LEG DROPS! Cover, IYO BREAKS IT! The fans cheer but Lash has Iyo! Lash lifts Iyo, but Iyo fights with fists! Iyo RANAS Lash up and out! Nia is annoyed by that, but she focuses on Rhea. Rhea sits up and Nia runs in, but Rhea dodges! Nia POSTS herself! Rhea flounders for her corner while the fans rally up! Lash tags in of Nia, but Rhea hot tags Iyo! Iyo SHOTEIS! And SHOTEIS!

Lash blocks one, but Iyo dodges the boot! Wheelbarrow roll to STOMP 182! Iyo DROPKICKS Nia for good measure! Iyo then dodges Lash! Lash almost runs nito Nia! Iyo runs up, Lash gives her an ALLEY-OOP, but Iyo turns that into a SATELLITE DDT on Nia! The fans fire up while Lash freaks out! Lash whips Iyo to a corner, but Iyo slips out, around, and ROUNDHOUSES! Then she goes up top for a MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Iyo kips up and does the crazy taunt! Iyo gets moving and she DIVES onto Nia! Down goes Nia and Iyo runs back in at Lash! SHINKANSEN! Then Iyo drags Lash to the drop zone!

“This is Awesome!” as Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, NIA BREAKS IT! The fans boo as Nia saves this match, but then she drags Iyo into the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!! Nia leaves Iyo for Lash to cover, but Rhea DRAGS Lash away! And then DROPKICKS her! The fans fire up while Rhea drags herself up. Rhea calls to Iyo, but Nia runs up! Rhea DUMPS Nia out! Rhea clutches her lower back as she goes to the corner, and she tags herself in. Rhea then storms up on Lash, ENZIGIRI! Lash staggers but Nia is back! Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia first! Then pump handles?! RIPTIDE on Nia!! But Lash has Rhea!

Torture rack for the LASH EXTENSION!! Cover, LASH & NIA WIN!!

Winners: Nia Jax & Lash Legend, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

The Irresistible Forces were indeed unstoppable! Rhea & Iyo pushed themselves past their limits, and now they’ve lost the gold! Does this foreshadow things to come in the Elimination Chamber?

Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss are backstage.

The Queen has about three cartons of ice cream so she can “eat her feelings,” and she’s even more upset seeing Nia & Lash are now tag team champions. Lil’ Miss Bliss knows, she also saw. Charlotte says it’s fine, it’s totally fine. Does she mean that like how she’s “fine” with Alexa as the only one in the Chamber? Alexa wants Charlotte to know it is okay to not be okay. Charlotte says yeah, it’d be okay if she wasn’t okay, but she’s so okay right now. Her bestie might be going to WrestleMania, so she couldn’t think of a finer situation. But then Kiana James & Giulia walk in, and Miss Management says this is not fine.

But Alexa, let’s hope you’re as good a competitor as you are an actress. Because your ability to pretend that this is all fine is commendable. Oh, so Kiana is okay with Giulia not being in Chamber? Because when Giulia randomly screamed in Alexa’s face, it seems Giulia is really well-adjusted. Giulia says she’s just passionate. Kiana agrees, Giulia is passionate about things that matter to her, like being Women’s United States Champion, Kiana becoming Women’s Champion, and then the two of them becoming tag team champions. They’ll have all the gold, and Alexa will have someone to eat ice cream with. Charlotte says Kiana can’t have any! Kiana says she doesn’t want any!

They all argue, but Jade steps in. Jade says this is all so messy! Anyway, to the two of them going into Chamber, Jade just wants to say… Good luck. Jade heads out, Charlotte sobs, but then Charlotte insists she’s okay. Will either Kiana or Alexa survive the Chamber in Chicago to then chase The Storm in Las Vegas?

Aldis finishes a text.

And Solo Sikoa storms over, MFT with him. He asks what the hell! Is this how you treat your tag team champions, Nick? Do something about the Wyatt Sick6, always coming out there each and every week! Um, sorry, what Aldis saw was Solo lose fair and square, then MFT jumped Howdy after. So maybe we should do something about Solo, or more specifically, these WWE Tag Team Championships. They haven’t been defended enough for Aldis’ liking. So next week on SmackDown, we determine the new #1 contenders. How does that sound? Solo says good! Bring anyone! Bring everyone! They’ll smash ’em all!

MFT storms off, but with as many teams that are hungry for their shot, who will get their golden opportunity on the Road to WrestleMania?

Backstage interview with Nia Jax & Lash Legend.

Cathy Kelley is with the Irresistible Forces as they celebrate their victory. Mission accomplished, congratulations- Yes, congrats to them! Nia is now a THREE-TIME Women’s Tag Team Champion! And good luck to anyone trying to take these from them! Lash just won her very first WWE title! Lash says that’s right, the first of many. And best believe they’ll celebrate the biggest and baddest way here on SmackDown! Cathy can’t wait, but Nia says Cathy’s not invited. The new champions snap their fingers and head out, but will they be partying all the way to Las Vegas?

Randy Orton encounters Aleister Black & Zelina Vega.

The Dark Father wonders if the Black Mass woke up something inside of The Viper. La Muneca asks if it is his anger. Aleister says if it is, he hopes Orton uses it well. Orton laughs and says he is sick and tired of them. They think they know what’s going on in his head? HE doesn’t even know what’s going on in his head half the time! The voices are starting to talk more and more and more. Orton isn’t sure if it’s because of Aleister, though Aleister sure seems to want that. But Orton knows this: He has a switch he can flip whenever he wants. If Aleister wants that anger, he should be be careful what he wishes for.

In fact, after Elimination Chamber, Orton will find Aleister. Orton heads out, but Zelina smiles as Aleister says of course Orton will; they planned it this way. The devious duo takes their leave, will their darkness make Orton #FadeToBlack soon enough?

Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier: Logan Paul VS Jacob Fatu!

No Bron Breakker, no Bronson Reed, but The Maverick vows to carry the torch for The Vision. Meanwhile, the Samoan Werewolf is on a mission to go after Drew McIntyre and finally get even with him. Jey Uso’s attacker is still a mystery, but will we finally have a clear picture of the Men’s Elimination Chamber match?

SmackDown returns as Fatu makes his entrance. The bell rings and Theory gets on the apron already! Fatu runs him off but Logan goes after Fatu! Logan throws hands, puts Fatu i a corner, then runs to UPPERCUT! Fatu goes to another corner, Logan runs in, for another UPPERCUT! Logan whips, Fatu reverses, but Logan KICKS the backdrop away! Fatu just fires up and LARIATS back! And LARIATS again! And SENTONS! The fans fire up with Fatu, and he runs up on Logan to SPLASH! Fatu climbs up and rains down HEADBUTTS! The fans count along, and Fatu goes to TEN! Fatu then whips Logan to ropes so he can BODY CHECK him!

The fans stay fired up for Fatu as he storms around. Logan goes to the ropes but Fatu CHOPS him! Logan flounders, but Fatu UPPERCUTS him! Fatu shouts, “ALL GAS, NO BRAKES WITH IT!” Fatu UPPERCUTS again and Logan goes to a corner. Fatu runs Logan side to side to SMACK him off buckles! Logan flounders away but Fatu is back on him. Fatu SMACKS Logan off more buckles, then revels in the cheers from the fans. Fatu runs corner to corner and SPLASHES Logan! Logan flops against the ropes then flounders back up. Fatu runs in, and he LARIATS Logan up and out! The fans cheer and Fatu nods. Fatu builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Logan at the ramp!

The fans are with Fatu as he’s all fired up, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Fatu drags Logan up, brings him around, and SMACKS him off steel steps. Logan flounders but Fatu brings him back up. Fatu SMACKS Logan off the steps again, and Logan slumps against the apron. Fatu glares at Theory, refreshes the ring count, then stands Logan up. Logan blocks the steel step bump to SMACK Fatu off them now! Fatu staggers away but Logan follows, and he SMACKS Fatu off the steps again! Logan refreshes the ring count now, and he kicks Fatu low. Logan whips Fatu, but Fatu reverses! Logan hits barriers hard! Logan falls in a heap and Fatu revels in the cheers. Fatu lines up a shot, runs in at Logan, but Theory drags Logan to safety!

Fatu hits barriers, and Logan hurries to POST him! Fatu goes down in a heap now but Logan leaves him behind. Logan argues with the ref, and this lets Theory get cheap shots in! Logan then goes out to fetch Fatu, puts him in the ring, and hits the HOGAN PAUL! Cover, TWO! Logan argues with the ref but Fatu’s tougher than that. Logan rains down fists on Fatu, then drags Fatu up. Logan whips Fatu to a corner, but Fatu reverses! Logan hits buckles hard, then Fatu runs corner to corner! Logan BOOTS Fatu down! SmackDown returns to single picture as Logan hobbles away. Logan comes back to then GUT WRENCH SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Logan grows frustrated with Fatu but he drags Fatu up. Logan talks trash on Fatu, but Fatu ROCKS him! And ROCKS him again! Logan kicks low, KNEES low, then whips corner to corner. Fatu reverses again, then runs up, but Logan dodges the splash! Fatu hits POST, then Logan hits the ZIGZAG! Cover, TWO! Fatu survives Logan showing off, but Logan hurries up the corner! Logan aims for the PRIMETIME- NO, Fatu moves, so Logan rolls through his frog splash! Logan turns around into the SUPERKICK! Fatu hurries to run and handspring MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Logan survives and Fatu is stunned!

The fans rally even harder for Fatu as he goes up a corner now. Fatu reaches the top, but Logan ROCKS him first! Logan goes up, CLUBS way on Fatu, but Fatu fights the superplex! Fatu fires body shots, and he HEADBUTTS Logan down! The fans fire up as Logan flounders! Fatu goes up, up, and SWANTON BOMBS but onto knees! Logan goes up, BLOCKBUSTER! Logan keeps going, LIONSAULT! Not the cleanest but Logan covers, TWO!! Fatu survives and The Vision can’t believe what they’re seeing! Logan snarls as he drags Fatu up, and he slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Logan back suplexes for the PAULV- NO, Fatu lands out!

Fatu SUPERKICKS Logan! Logan falls into the corner, and Fatu HIP ATTACKS! The fans fire up, but Theory gets on the apron again! Fatu SUPERKICKS him down! Heyman gets on the apron! Fatu runs up to grab Heyman by the lapels! The ref tries to stop Fatu, but then Logan sneaks a LOW BLOW!! And ONE LUCKY RIGHT!! Logan goes up, up, and PRIMETIME FROG SPLASH! Cover, TWO?!?! Logan is shocked as Fatu survives! Heyman is in disbelief! Wait, the MASKED MAN is here! And he SUPERKICKS Theory!! Then he winds up, but Logan CLOBBERS this guy! Logan UNMASKS the man, and… Who is this guy?

Refs usher the supposed masked man outta here, as dazed as he is, and Logan goes back to Fatu. Logan pumps up, ONE LUCKY- POP-UP SAMOAN DROP!! The fans fire up with Fatu and he geeks out! Then the MIGHTY- NO, DREW MCINTYRE CLOBBERS FATU!! Logan rolls Fatu up, AND WINS!!

Winner: Logan Paul, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)

The Scottish Terminator again breaks his promise, he just screwed Fatu over all over again! And now, like it or not, Logan Paul is in the Elimination Chamber. Are things about to get ImPAULsive in Chicago? Will anyone ever stop Drew from doing what he wants to do?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, especially for the go-home episode to Elimination Chamber. There were some really wild moves tonight that honestly do make a lot of sense. First, a new whodunnit of someone attacking Jey Uso is a very clever way to adjust course after Bronson Reed got hurt on Monday. Firstly, Jey wasn’t meant to be in Elimination Chamber, he’s got the WWE World Tag Team Championships to handle, so we can get back on that with this Monday. Secondly, we get a Vision member back in Chamber, and because Bron & Bronson are both out, Logan getting this moment is fine, I don’t see him winning the Chamber anyway.

And that is because of the overall Vision story, and how they’re still trying to tease a Seth Rollins return and some other twists. Logan VS Fatu was a great main event for being “impromptu,” but I did not see “Masked Man” being unmasked here. And also, it wasn’t Seth Rollins, because yeah, Seth Rollins is still not 100%. Or maybe he is, and “Masked Man” shows up tomorrow night and THAT is Rollins, making Jack Cartwheel a decoy to lower everyone’s guard. Rollins can cost Logan during Chamber like he did to CM Punk last year, and maybe Theory reveals himself as the mole, establishing themselves as “The True Vision” or something like that.

As for the “whodunnit” on Jey, I kinda want this to be another name on Cody Rhodes’ hands. Drew has said up and down that he didn’t attack Fatu, and it’d just be too easy if it was Drew all along. Now, Drew constantly breaking his promise by returning after leaving and all that, that could be its own misdirection. They want us to think it’s still Drew, but it just can’t be, it’s too boring. Cody being the villain all along is the best move, we can get on some kind of Heel Cody run after Mania. Sami continues to be conflicted, that’s great story there, and Sami is certainly going to snap at some point, so either Heel Sami or Gritty Face Sami is going to be great stuff.

We got great stuff in that opening promo following Jey being attacked. LA Knight and Trick Williams might take each other out of Chamber to then have a feud of their own. Orton of course hits someone with an RKO and Evans was gonna be the one. Orton had a good promo with Aleister & Zelina, that’s obviously the feud going into WrestleMania. Oba and Miz probably didn’t need to have a promo as part of their match, but it was still a good promo and a good match. Oba of course won, and there are still quite a few possibilities for what he does at WrestleMania. Maybe he accepts the Brock Lesnar open challenge and “shocks” everyone by winning.

Very good crate promo integrating with Truth’s newest ESPN Unlimited tutorial promo. Not sure we really need that second part, but then everyone laughing at Gargano, and Kit Wilson trying to white knight for Gargano was all great stuff. Very good match from Grace VS Candice, and I figured Grace would win that. Very good match from Howdy VS Solo, but I should’ve known MFT would snatch the lantern away. The tag title contenders match should be some great stuff, but I hope they get the lantern off MFT ASAP. Maybe the Wyatts can distract MFT by taking the lantern back, and that costs them the titles to like Fraxiom or MCMG.

Very good promo from Melo with Ilja, and great match from Melo VS Cardona. Another great win for Melo, and depending on how they want to play this, we could get Melo VS Ilja or Melo VS Tama for WrestleMania. Both options would be awesome, but it also depends on how the MFT story unfolds. Jade Cargill going around putting all her possible challengers on notice was good stuff. Of all the choices to win the Chamber, it does still feel like Tiffany wins. Tiff got a great match with Kairi Sane after that bait ‘n’ switch by Asuka, and they even kept the Tiff-Chelsea feud strong through it.

The women’s tag title match was awesome stuff, and that’s a great win for Nia & Lash. We can still get the tag title match with many teams at once, but hard to say if Rhea & Iyo stick together. The fans still really like them both so I don’t see a turn happening for either, but who knows. They could probably start on that build next week after Chamber sorts out WrestleMania. And if any team crashes the party, it should actually be Bayley & Lyra Valkyria, as Bayley has been voicing her character’s (and maybe her own real) frustrations about being excluded during all these other title match opportunities.

My Score: 8.8/10