Who earns a second chance?

WWE has made it through the Royal Rumble, but now we prepare for the Elimination Chamber with Triple Threat Qualifier matches!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS Giulia & Kiana James; Rhea & Iyo win and retain the titles.
• Carmelo Hayes VS The Miz; Melo wins.
• Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Tiffany Stratton VS Lash Legend VS Chelsea Green; Tiff wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.
• Kit Wilson VS Oba Femi; Oba wins.
• Shinsuke Nakamura VS Tama Tonga w/ MFT; Tama wins.
• Jordynne Grace & Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Jordynne & Jade win.
• Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Randy Orton VS Solo Sikoa VS Aleister Black; Orton wins and advances to Elimination Chamber.

PLAY BY PLAY

Drew McIntyre is here!

The Queen City is torn seeing the Scottish Terminator is still Undisputed WWE Champion, but then CODY RHODSE attacks! The fans fire up as The American Nightmare fires hands off on the man who eliminated him from the Royal Rumble, and Drew wasn’t even IN the match! Cody ROCKS Drew, POSTS Drew, then THROWS Drew into barriers! Refs and producers hurry out here to stop Cody and that lets Drew get away! The fans fire up for Cody, but now security rushes out here to make sure Cody can’t go up the ramp after Drew! The fans boo, they want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!”

Cody goes to the ring, throws off his jacket, then picks up a mic to shout, “Drew McIntyre! You think things are gonna be the same?! You’re just gonna come to the ring, smiling, title in tow. Drew, things will NEVER be the same!” The fans cheer that! Cody says Drew eliminated him from the match that he wasn’t even in, so this is by his own design! This is a self-fulfilling prophecy! For the first time in Cody’s career, he cannot in good conscience point to the WrestleMania sign. And speaking of that sign, Cody watched two of the very best, two men he respects in Roman Reigns and CM Punk, not just declare their hatred but their championship match!

And as the biggest WWE fan, Cody was excited. Cody was excited! But why, when this amazing moment has concluded, is my name the first name that comes outta your mouth? It’s simple! It’s because people know what WrestleMania means to Cody and what Cody means to WrestleMania. And besides, he heard it was a you-know-what measuring contest! And he didn’t get the nickname, “Raheem” for now reason! North Carolina, what do you wanna talk about?! The fans are all fired up for Cody, and he says he was born in this city right down the street!

Pizza boxes stacked to the ceiling, Arn Anderson fighting Manny Fernandez in the waiting room! Cody’s sister running around like she was She-ra! So imagine Cody’s shame, his discomfort, when he returned to the city where the story’s first page was written, and he was emptyhanded! The fans cheer and sing for Cody as he says imagine his discomfort returning here without THE championship. And Drew, that’s your problem! Drew wasn’t mad he wasn’t WWE Champion, he was just mad that Cody was. But don’t worry, Drew’s shame, Cody’s shame, their discomfort, all becomes Drew’s downfall!

Drew doesn’t have to worry about WrestleMania, because he won’t make it to WrestleMania! The fans fire up as Cody drops the mic and issues the warning! But will Cody turn this Road to WrestleMania a road to Hell for the Scottish Warrior?

PROGRAMMING NOTE for SmackDown!

Because of the 2026 Winter Olympics, SmackDown will spend the next two weeks (Friday, February 13th and February 20th) on SyFy! Make sure your DVR is adjusted accordingly so you don’t miss a thing!

Backstage interview with Giulia & Kiana James.

Cathy Kelley is with the Beautiful Madness & Miss Management and brings up their challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. What would that win set forth in motion for them? Kiana says those tag titles are just a stepping stone at Giulia becoming the TRIPLE CHAMPION! Giulia says in Japanese and Kiana translates that the Rumble was just a blip on the radar, and Giulia is exactly where they projected. Tonight, they tag the tag titles, then win the Chamber, then face THE WWE Women’s Champion at WrestleMania. So if you’ll excuse them, they’re on. Giulia & Kiana are confident, but will they really be able to bring down Mami & The Genius?

Nick Aldis talks with Cody backstage.

With security still nearby, the SmackDown GM tells Cody that he knows Cody wants after Drew, and he knows Cody wants to be champion, but there’s only one way to do that: Winning the Elimination Chamber. And to do that, Cody must qualify in the match Aldis has for him next week. So do Aldis a favor and control yourself this week. If Cody can’t, then Aldis has to rethink that, if Cody understands what that means. Cody says fine, he’ll “control his emotions,” and even leave for the night. See you in Dallas. Cody heads for the parking lot, will he be able to earn himself a spot in the Elimination Chamber match?

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

SmackDown returns and #RheYo is already in the ring as Giulia & Kiana make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Giulia starts adding to the collection!

The teams sort out and the fans cheer as Rhea starts against Kiana. Kiana talks a little trash before she and Rhea circle. They feel things out, tie up, and go around. Rhea headlocks but Kiana powers up and out. Kiana drops down, hurdles over, but Rhea leaps over! Kiana fireman’s carries but Rhea fights free to shove Kiana away. Kiana stays back as she sees haymaker! Tag to Giulia and the fans cheer. Giulia gets in Rhea’s face so Rhea shoves her back. Giulia says she wants Iyo! The fans cheer as Iyo reaches out. Rhea obliges and tags in Iyo! The fans cheer as Iyo and Giulia step up. Giulia shoves, then ducks a shot! And a kick!

Iyo blocks a kick, but Giulia blocks a shot to wrench and ROCK Iyo! Giulia kicks and stomps Iyo around, then mocks the crazy taunt. The fans boo but Giulia brings Iyo up to wrench the hair! And wrench again, and again! Giulia snapmares but Iyo handsprings through! The fans cheer Iyo on as things speed up again! Giulia dodges the handspring but not the leg sweep! Nor the SHOTGUN! The fans fire up for Iyo and she drags Giulia up. Iyo wrenches, wrenches, then reaches out, but Giulia gets around to THROW Iyo by her hair! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but Giulia stands Iyo up.

Giulia whips, Iyo grabs ropes, and Iyo BOOTS Giulia! But Kiana grabs Iyo! HOTSHOT! The fans boo as the ref misses it all! He was too busy with Giulia and Rhea! Giulia tags Kiana, and Kiana TOSSES Iyo out! Kiana goes out to then SMACK Iyo off the apron! The ring count climbs as Kiana SMACKS Iyo off the apron again. Kiana stalks Iyo around the way, SMACKS her off the apron again, and Giulia stands on Iyo! The ref reprimands, Giulia steps off, but Kiana kicks Iyo back down. Kiana stands Iyo up for Giulia to MISSILE DROPKICK from the apron! The fans boo but Giulia & Kiana are fired up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

The ref reprimands Kiana so she puts Iyo back in the ring. Cover, TWO! Iyo toughs it out but Kiana stays on her. Kiana taunts Iyo and Rhea, then stomps Iyo down. Kiana ELBOW DROPS, then flexes. Kiana pushes Iyo to a cover, TWO! Kiana stalks Iyo to the ropes, brings her up to bump her off buckles, then tags Giulia. Giulia stomps away on Iyo, but Iyo grabs a leg! Giulia climbs up to CHOKE Iyo! Then Giulia ROCKS her! Giulia brings Iyo around, puts her through the ropes, and bends her back against the ropes! The ref reprimands, especially as Giulia fishhooks Iyo. Giulia runs to DROPKICK Iyo down! Cover, TWO!

Giulia tags Kiana and Kiana drags Iyo away from Rhea. Kiana whips Iyo to a corner, runs in, and CLOBBERS Iyo! Kiana then brings Iyo up to ROCK her with a right hand. Kiana bumps Iyo off buckles, tags Giulia back in, and Giulia drags Iyo up. Iyo fires body shots! Iyo reaches out for Rhea but Giulia holds her back. Iyo fires forearms but Giulia holds on! Iyo fires more shots, and more shots, then ROCKS Giulia! Giulia grabs a leg but Iyo reels her in for an ELBOW! Giulia still picks Iyo up for a BACK SUPLEX! Tag to Kiana and she drags Iyo up to put int he corner. SmackDown returns to single picture as Kiana RAMS into Iyo again and again!

Kiana handsprings, taunts Rhea, then RAMS Iyo again! Tag to Giulia and Giulia goes up. Kiana runs to BOOT Iyo, and Giulia adds the MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Iyo survives and the fans rally, but Giulia bumps Iyo off buckles. Tag to Kiana, she sends Giulia in, but Iyo dodges! Giulia’s knee hits buckles! Kiana runs up but Iyo TOSSES her out! The fans fire up as Iyo crawls her way over! But Kiana hurries to slide back in! Kiana swings on Rhea, misses, and Iyo hits a FLAPJACK! Both women are down and the fans fire up! Iyo and Kiana crawl, hot tag to Rhea! The fans fire up as Mami dodges Kiana, BOOTS Giulia, then LARIATS Kiana again and again!

Rhea ripcords, HOOK KICKS, then atomic SLAMS Kiana! Basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up for Rhea and she has Kiana up! But Giulia saves Kiana from Razor’s Edge! Rhea BOOTS Giulia down! But Kiana rolls Rhea, only for Rhea to EDDY GORDO KICK! Iyo DIVES onto Giulia! The fans go nuts for Iyo while Rhea hurries to haul Kiana up! Electric Chair SLAM! Cover, TWO! Kiana survives and the fans can’t believe it! Rhea calls to Iyo, tags her in, and then we get the RIP- NO, Kiana slips free to SUPERKICK! And she gets under Iyo! Kiana POWERBOMBS Iyo onto Rhea! Then tag to Giulia! Kiana runs, 401K! ARRIVEDERCI!! Cover, RHEA BREAKS IT!

The fans go nuts as Rhea saves the match! “This is Awesome!” as Rhea HEASDBUTTS Kiana! Giulia tilt-o-whirls to RANA Rhea! Giulia fires up and she goes for Iyo while the fans boo. Giulia reels Iyo in, scoop and- NO, Iyo fights free! Iyo waistlocks, Rhea tags in before the O’Conner! Giulia still kicks out, but Iyo slips around and Rhea HEADBUTTS her! Then Rhea hits the RIPTIDE! Iyo is up top, and OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, RheYo wins!

Winner: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

Giulia & Kiana tried to game plan it, but Rhea & Iyo just have those intangibles you can’t account for! But now, who will be next to challenge Mami & The Genius for the gold?

The Miz finds Ilja Dragunov backstage.

The Hollywood A-Lister asks the Mad Russian where he thinks he’s going. Ilja says he’s going to get back the WWE US Championship, so Miz better get outta his way right now. Miz asks, “Or what? You’re gonna hit me?” Miz says that is Ilja’s problem. Ilja thinks violence solves everything. Well, it worked well against Miz, didn’t it? Miz says Ilja might find this hard to understand, but sometimes, you need to use your head, and no one does that better than Miz. Miz went to Nick Aldis first, so consider the Open Challenge closed. What!? Carmelo Hayes walks in, and he says when it comes to this title, he’s the one that calls the shots.

Ilja beat Miz last week, so Ilja deserves the shot. But somebody who doesn’t deserve it, and therefore is not getting it, is The Miz. But you know what The Miz IS gonna get? An ass whooping in the 704! Miz asks who Melo thinks he is, and Melo says he’s H1M, the US Champion. Do something about it. So Melo’s making the rules, is that it? Yes, it is. So no title tonight? Then Melo better not miss. He won’t. Miz heads out, and Ilja says get it done so they can have theirs. Melo heads to gorilla now, but will Miz earn his shot at the United States Championship one way or another? Or will he regret ever getting between H1M and the Mad Russian?

Carmelo Hayes VS The Miz!

SmackDown returns and Melo makes his entrance. The bell rings and Miz runs up! Melo blocks to fire off counter punches, but Miz kicks low. Miz whips, Melo springboards, FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Melo while Miz bails out. Melo builds speed, but Miz slides in and ELBOWS Melo down! The fans boo Miz but he bumps Melo off buckles. Miz stomps a mudhole then throws haymakers. Miz puts Melo in another corner to RAM and CHOP Melo. Miz puts Melo back in a corner to KNEE low and whip corner to corner. Melo reverses, runs up, and he blocks Miz’s boots. Melo puts Miz in the ropes to ENZIGIRI!

Miz is stuck, Melo runs, FADE AWAY LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Miz is tougher than that but the fans rally behind Melo. Melo CHOPS Miz in a corner, puts him in a corner, then RAMS and ROCKS and CHOPS again! Miz staggers away, Melo pursues, and Melo stomps a mudhole in. The ref counts, Melo lets off, and he CHOPS Miz against ropes! The fans “WOO~” while Melo whips, but Miz reverses. Melo goes up but Miz sweeps the legs! Melo falls hard, and Miz runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Melo is tougher than that but Miz mocks H1M by taking a free throw, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Miz taunts the fans cheering for Melo. Miz stands Melo up, but Melo counter punches again! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! And CHOPS! Melo stomps and fires off in the corner but the ref counts. Melo stops at 4, but Miz kicks low! Miz whips, Melo reverses, then Melo blows past Miz to LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Miz survives but Melo just fires up! The fans fire up with him and he FLIES! Down goes Miz but that was a rough landing for Melo, too! Melo drags Miz up, puts him in, and Melo hurries up a corner. The fans rally up as Melo aims, FROG SPLASH but onto knees! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Melo survives but Miz is seething! “This is Awesome!” as Miz scuffs Melo. Miz fires off the “It Kicks” again and again, then winds up, but Melo ducks the buzzsaw! Roll-up, TWO! Miz catches Melo but Melo arm-drags free! SUPERKICK! Melo falls on the cover, TWO!! Miz survives and Melo is beside himself! Miz checks his teeth and they’re still there. The fans rally up for Melo again and he goes to the apron. Melo climbs the corner again and the fans fire up. Miz runs up but Melo leaps over! Melo turns around, FIRST 4- NO, Miz stops the Code Breaker to lift Melo up, SLINGSHOT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are thunderous but Miz is shocked as Melo survives! Miz shakes his head in disbelief, but he vows to finish this! Miz stalks Melo, but Melo fires elbows to fight the full nelson. Miz back suplexes but Melo lands out! FIRST- NO, Miz still blocks! And he pops Melo around, SKULL CRUSHING- NO, Melo handsprings through! FIRST 48!! Cover, Melo wins!!

Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall

Miz gave Melo an amazing match, but Melo did NOT miss! But now that Miz is out of the way, when and where will Melo settle the score with Ilja?

Backstage interview with Tiffany Stratton.

Cathy Kelley welcomes the Wrestling Barbie back, but notes Tiff was just one elimination away from winning the Women’s Royal Rumble. How does she refocus onto the target of THE Women’s Championship? Tiff says she had a WrestleMania match her first year on SmackDown, so if you think she’s gonna let one bad night ruin her chances, you’re wrong. Tiff has her eyes set on Elimination Chamber, and she will remind us all why SmackDown runs on #TiffyTime. But Alba Fyre says, “Extra, extra, read all about her.” Chelsea Green is there and says, “Newsflash, Tacky Time, nobody cares about that. Nuh-uh.”

The only headline here should be: Chelsea Green Robbed of Her WrestleMania Moment After Royal Rumble Elimination! Alba says they can sound out the bigger words for her. Chelsea says the only one in this company newsworthy is her. Tiff says forget headlines, Chelsea needs to start checking the obituaries. Because that’s where her name will be after Tiff beats Chelsea tonight and those WrestleMania dreams die. Tiff heads out, Chelsea is offended, but will either of them be headed for Chicago? Or are they both overlooking the Bougie Bully?

The Wyatts speak.

Bo Dallas says, “Solo… You took the lantern, and left us in the dark. Not because you wanted to be alone, because you’re scared of being left behind. Scared of standing in the dark, all by yourself. So you hold the light tight, hoping it keeps everyone close. But it won’t. Because fear doesn’t show up when everyone’s together. Fear shows up when you’re all alone.” Bo laughs into the night, but what could he mean by this warning?

Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Tiffany Stratton VS Lash Legend VS Chelsea Green!

SmackDown returns and The Hot Mess makes her entrance, Alba Fyre by her side. They toss out their news flyers as they go, and some fans salute. Then Tiff makes her entrance and the fans are happy to be on #TiffyTime. The bell rings and Chelsea gets right in Tiff’s face! Chelsea SLAPS Tiff, the fans are torn, but then Chelsea mouths off to Lash, too! Chelsea SLAPS Lash, but Lash and Tiff pinball Chelsea around! ELBOW after ELBOW and Chelsea falls outta the ring! Tiff and Lash stare down, it’s been a minute for these two. The fans rally up and Lash runs up. Tiff dodges, but Lash scoops her! Alba gets on the apron but Lash SMACKS her with Tiff!

Lash THRWOS Tiff, Tiff lands out, and Tiff dodges the boot, only for the ELBOW to find her! Lash guzels Tiff, SLAM- NO, Tiff pops free to CHOP BLOCK! Tiff BLASTS Chelsea off the apron and SHOTGUNS Lash in one move! Tiff then builds speed and she DIVES onto Lash and Nia Jax! The fans fire up as Tiff takes them down, then puts Lash in the ring. Tiff hits the STANDING MOONSAULT, covers, but Chelsea drags her back! Chelsea covers, but Tiff drags her back! They argue, claiming each one copies the other. But Lash guzels them both! But Tiff & Chelsea both break free! Then they dodge Lash, Alba trips her up, and Tiff & Chelsea DOUBLE LARIAT Lash up and out!

Then Chelsea rolls Tiff up, feet on ropes! TWO, and Tiff WRINGS Chelsea out! Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Tiff fireman’s carries but Chelsea fights free! Tiff ROCKS Chelsea, whips her to ropes, but Chelsea grabs ropes. Tiff hurries to the apron to waistlock Chelsea, but Chelsea fires elbows. Chelsea RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS Tiff through the ropes! The fans fire up and Chelsea salutes herself. Chelsea goes up, up, and the fans fire up for the SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY! Down go Tiff and Nia! The fans fire up again as Chelsea salutes and points to the sign. But Lash BOOTS Chelsea down! Lash just pumped the brakes on Chelsea, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Lash uses a straight arm lever to lift Chelsea up! Then she short arm LARIATS! Tiff runs up but Lash fireman’s carries her! Lash then pops Tiff up to SLAM her down onto Chelsea! Then a DOUBLE SPLASH! Double cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Chelsea and Tiff both survive, but Lash is just annoyed. The fans rally for Chelsea, and she ENZIGIRIS Lash! Tiff uses Chelsea as a step, SHOTGUN on Lash! Then a handspring ELBOW for Chelsea! Handspring EL- NO, Lash catches Tiff, back suplexes, but Tiff lands out! Tiff runs back up, FLAPJACK DROPKICK! Chelsea gets Tiff for chicken wings!

Tiff fights the turn, so Chelsea SHOVSE her into buckles! then the sliding leg sweep! Tiff falls and the fans fire up! Chelsea climbs, but Tiff ROCKS Chelsea first! Tiff goes up to get Chelsea, SUPERPLEX! Roll through and FALCON ARROW! Cover, Lash breaks it! The fans rally as Lash wrenches and racks Tiff, but Tiff pops free to a SLEEPER! Lash endures and THROWS Tiff off! Lash runs up, Tiff dodges the boot! Cartwheel- NO, Lash stops the Alabama Lift to pop Tiff up! BUCKLE BOMB! Then the guzel for the SLAM DUNK CHOKE SLAM! High stack cover, TWO!! Tiff survives and Lash is beside herself!

The fans fire up as Chelsea is up on a corner! COAST2COAST, DOUBLE SHOT!! Cover, but NIA drags her out! The fans boo, but then Alba gets in Nia’s face! Nia SHOVES Alba, Chelsea ROCKS Nia, but Lash SLAPS Chelsea! The fans rally as Lash & Nia regroup. Lash runs up, but Chelsea & Tiff DOUBLE BACKDROP her into the timekeeper’s area! Nia runs up, but Alba takes the POUNCE for Chelsea!! Chelsea & Tiff DOUBLE SUPERKICK Nia! Then Chelsea POSTS Tiff! Chelsea puts Tiff in the ring, and the fans fire up for the chicken wings! But Tiff pops free to fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON! And PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Tiff wins!!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)

Tiff’s only been back a week and she’s already back to form! She’s the first in, but will it be #TiffyTime in Chicago?

Backstage interview with Randy Orton

Cathy Kelley is with The Viper and notes he was in the Final Four at the Royal Rumble. Now he has the opportunity to earn a spot for the Elimination Chamber, how is he approaching tonight? Orton says he’s not happy about how the Rumble went, but he won’t make excuses, those were very daunting odds. But so is the Elimination Chamber. When Orton wins his Triple Threat Qualifier to get into the Chamber, Orton will enter his 10th Elimination Chamber, more than anyone ever. He has more experience than anyone, and he plans on using that- Orton trails off as Aleister Black steps in, Zelina Vega by his side.

Aleister notes that WWE just lost two of the greatest wrestlers ever. But we’re so blessed to still have Randy Orton. At least, part of him. See you out there. Aleister leaves, but La Muneca looks Orton up and down. She smirks, then follows after Aleister. Is the Dark Father going to make the Apex Predator and Solo Sikoa #FadeToBlack?

Kit Wilson is here!

The Queen City fires up for the man on a mission to detoxify the WWE! Kit grabs a mic to introduce himself, “And yeah, I’m The Topic. And I was at the Royal Rumble last weekend. And y’know what I saw? It disgusted me! Thirty chauvinistic pigs! Toxic! Ugly meatheads! TOXIC! The sweating, the grunting. TOXIC! The temper tantrums. TOXIC!” The fans echo, “TOXIC!” Kit says all these men battling it out to see who is the biggest alpha. Well, no wonder they didn’t want Kit Wilson in the match! Because Kit is the true “real man,” and “they” can’t handle a man who has confidence in his emotions, who moisturizes, and who listens! A man who listens? Ever heard of that? Maybe try it. “WHAT?”

Kit says they’re toxic here, they’re toxic backstage, no one can handle a man who moves his hips like this! Kit swivels and says take it all in. Kit enjoys himself a minute, and says they’re all just toxic! But this is not about them! Anyone who was in the Rumble, if you’re brave enough, take on the man brave enough to redefine masculinity! Take him on in a 1v1, because he is right here! He is the Tonic to the Toxic Masculinity, for he is KIT WILSON! But then who does he get? OBA FEMI! The fans fire up for The Ruler as he arrives on SmackDown! Forget curing the toxicity, will Kit even survive the muscularity?

Kit Wilson VS Oba Femi!

The bell rings and Kit says hold on! He is a feminist, so let him just say that OBA is the problem! Oba is TOXIC! Oba CHOPS Kit down! The fans fire up, Oba runs corner to corner, and he UPPERCUTS! Then he runs to UPPERCUT again! And UPPERCUT again! The fans fire up as Oba then gives Kit the SHOTPUT! And then a FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall

Kit might want to rethink his own definitions and biases before he gets himself hurt. But as for Oba, will nothing and no one stop him from becoming The Ruler of WWE?

Damian Priest & R-Truth watch this backstage.

Truth is digging the Ruler’s vibe, and he’s saying, Oba stands for “OH MAH GOODNESS!” Did you see him in the Rumble? He was smashing, pounding, eating people! Didn’t he get his hands on Priest? Oh, sorry. But Truth says that doesn’t matter. Oba did not touch one single ball, and he got in the Rumble. What does Priest think of that? Priest sighs and asks Truth if he ever- But then Drew McIntyre barges in. Truth gets upset, but Priest has him stand down. Priest tells Drew that they’ve done this enough. And Drew has enough problems, he doesn’t need another. Drew wants to say something, but he moves on.

Priest then looks to Truth and asks what’s wrong with Truth. But with the heat turning up on the Road to WrestleMania, will someone get burned?

Drew McIntyre goes to the ring.

The champion was interrupted by Cody Rhodes to open the night, so now he’ll get a proper chance to address the WWE Universe. What will the Scottish Terminator have to say? WAIT! JACOB FATU ATTACKS! They forgot about the Samoan Werewolf! The fans fire up as Fatu HAMMERS Drew into a corner, then runs corner to corner to HIP ATTACK! Fatu is all geeked up and he just keeps moving! He LARIATS Drew up and outta the ring! Then Fatu DIVES to take Drew down again! The fans fire back up as Fatu HAMMERS Drew again, but security rushes out here! Fatu CLOBBERS one guy, then TOSSES another over the desk!

Wade Barrett has to watch himself as that security guard tumbles into him, and then Fatu THROWS another guy into the steel steps! Drew is scrambling as Fatu tears up the desk! Fatu grabs a guard to TOSS him over, then he shoves more aside as he spots Drew hiding behind barriers! Fatu SMACKS Drew down! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” but Drew runs away again! Fatu stands on the desk, and the fans cheer as Fatu roars! Well, Drew won’t get to say his piece, but will fists have to do the talking soon enough?

SmackDown returns and…

Now Aldis has to tell Fatu the same as he did Cody: If Fatu wants Drew, he wins the Chamber, and he does that by qualifying next week. So now, with all due respect, go home or kiss your chance goodbye. Fatu says line ’em all up then, cuz Fatu will dog walk they asses! Fatu shoves security aside as he storms off to the parking lot. But will there be a twist to how these qualifiers go?

Shinsuke Nakamura VS Tama Tonga w/ MFT!

The King of Strong Style doesn’t seem like himself these days. At least, that’s what the Good Bad Guy says. Will Nakamura show “Tama-chan” that he’s not the one who lost his edge? Or will the senpai have to acknowledge his kouhai?

The bell rings and the two circle, They tie up and Tama BODY BLOWS, then ROCKS and CLUBS Nakamura down. Tama CLUBS Nakamura around again, then brings him up for a BODY BLOW and HEADBUTT! Tama whips Nakamura to a corner, runs up, but Nakamura dodges the splash! Nakamura ROUNDHOUSES, then he puts Tama on the ropes. TOP SHELF KNEE! Tama sputters but Nakamura KICKS and stomps him around. Nakamura kicks Tama to a corner while the fans cheer him on. Nakamura gives Tama GOOD VIBRATIONS! Nakamura drags Tama up but Tama fires hands. Nakamura ROCKS Tama, runs, but Tama dodges to redirect!

Tama comes back, slides under, then FLATLINERS! “YEYEYEYE!” Tama stomps Nakamura right on his face, and he digs his foot in! Tama steps off, but then winds up, only for Nakamura to avoid the stomp. Nakamura slides out, sees Loa & Mateo there, but then Tama slides out to CLOBBER Nakamura! Tama SMACKS Nakamura off the desk, then puts him on the desk. Tama goes up onto the barriers!? GUILLOTINE ELBOW DROP! Nakamura writhes on the floor while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Tama paces, and he drags Nakamura up. Tama puts Nakamura in the ring, runs, and SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Nakamura is tougher than that but Tama stalks him to ropes. Tama CHOKES Nakamura, fires off crossface forearms, then lets off as the ref counts. But this lets JC get a cheap shot in! Tama storms back up on Nakamura, drags him around, and HEADBUTTS him down. Tama then brings Nakamura around to snap suplex! Nakamura writhes again but Tama stays close. Tama soaks up the heat from Charlotte, NC, then goes back to Nakamura. Nakamura fires body shots, then runs, but Tama ELBOWS him down!

Tama snarls as he paces around Nakamura. Tama pulls Nakamura back with a chinlock, then CLUBS away on Nakamura’s chest! Tama lets Nakamura drop so he can soak up more heat. Nakamura crawls to ropes, but Tama is on him already. Tama CLUBS him down, then sits him up for a HEADBUTT! Nakamura writhes in agony but Tama just soaks up more heat. Tama CLUBS Nakamura down again and again, then clamps on with a neck wrench. Nakamura endures, claws at the hold, and he fights to his feet. SmackDown returns to single picture as the fans rally, and Nakamura fires fast hands!

Nakamura KNEES low but Tama CLUBS Nakamura. Tama runs, but into a KNEE and AX KICK! Nakamura runs to sliding BOOT! The fans fire up for Nakamura as he KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! Tama falls and the fans fire up! Nakamura paces, then he winds up to KICK, but Tama blocks! But the ENZIGIRI hits! Nakamura runs at the corner, but he blocks boots! Nakamura puts Tama in the ropes, ENZIGIRIS, then runs to SLIDING GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up again, Nakamura goes up, and he FLYING KNEES Tama down! Cover, TWO! Tama survives but Nakamura stays focused as he brings Tama up.

Nakamura clinches but Tama fights the lift! Tama switches to dragon sleeper, TONGAN TWIST! The fans rally up while both men are down. Nakamura goes to a corner, Tama runs in, STINGER SPLASH! Tama then reels Nakamura in, underhook, PINCHE LOCO! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Nakamura survives! Tama snarls and drags Nakamura up. Tama dragon sleepers but Nakamura snapmares free! Nakamura SHADOW ELBOWS, then he clinches! INVERTED EXPLODER! The fans fire up with Nakamura as he rise sup! But JC gets Tama to safety! Nakamura WRECKS JC with a dropkick!

Tama slides back in, and he jumps in, VENOM DDT! Nakamura writhes and Tama vows to end this! Fireman’s carry, but Nakamura fights free! SAIDO! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! The fans rally up again as both men stir. Nakamura rises, and he eggs Tama on. They throw forearms back and forth, the fans cheering Nakamura. Nakamura eggs Tama on and the shots keep going! Nakamura fires boxing elbows! Tama HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS again! But then Nakamura KNEES Tama! Tama wobbles, but he ducks the roundhouse, only for the WHEEL KICK to hit! Tama sputters and the fans fire up!

Nakamura steadies himself while Tama rises. Tama roars, fires himself back up, but Nakamura fireman’s carries! LANDSLIDE DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Tama survives and the fans can’t believe it! But Nakamura aims from a corner! The fans cheer, until JC distracts the ref! Loa trips Nakamura up, and Tama hits a CUTTHROAT ELBOW! Then he throws his elbow pad off to hit another CUTTHROAT ELBOW!! Cover, Tama wins!

Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall

The Imperial Unit & Silverback did their part to make sure Tama got his win! Will nothing stop MFT from taking over SmackDown on the Road to WrestleMania?

Fraxiom and Motor City Machine Guns talk backstage.

Nathan Frazer says they should run it back on SmackDown, and MCMG like that idea. But then Candice LeRae steps in and says she hopes they’re proud of themselves. Look what they did to Johnny! We look over and see Johnny Gargano slumped over on a road case. Chris Sabin says that isn’t Johnny, that’s a pile of dirty laundry. Candice says that is mean. But Johnny has been doing this all week, on all the furniture, and- Frazer says please, Gargano has no right to act like this when Fraxiom was simply taking back what was stolen from them. And in spectacular fashion, by the way. Axiom says yes they did.

Candice says you have no idea what that mask meant to Johnny. Oh, wow~! Please, Candice, let us know what AXIOM’S mask meant to Johnny! No, on, whatever poor state Gargano finds himself in, he did it to himself. So let’s go talk to Nick Aldis. Fraxiom leaves and Candice pleads with MCMG. They’ve known Johnny the longest, can’t they talk to him? Sabin says that’s true, they have known Gargano the longest. And here’s the thing, remember when he lied right to their faces and cost them the tag titles? Does Candice remember that? Because Sabin does. She wants them to talk to him? She’s outta her mind!

MCMG heads out, but c’mon, is Johnny Wrestling serious about this depressed state? Or is he just trying to garner sympathy?

Backstage interview with Rhea & Iyo.

Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and congratulates them on the win. Talk to us about how that went. Iyo says Giulia & Kiana put on a good match, but these titles are still theirs! Rhea says exactly! They’re on the Road to WrestleMania, and everyone is supposed to be on their A Game, but so are they. Rhea & Iyo are not planning on letting go of these bad boys any time soon. Cathy says speaking of WrestleMania, how are they going to pivot from this tag title win to being in the Elimination Chamber qualifiers this Monday? Rhea says she doesn’t even have to pivot, she’ll just go straight to Raw and win.

Their priorities are the tag team titles, but they don’t mind adding a bit more gold. Iyo agrees there. But then Nia & Lash step in. Nia says a spot in the Elimination Chamber would be wasted on Rhea & Iyo. It should’ve gone to Lash, but she was screwed over. Rhea says for as big and bad as Nia & Lash are, they sure love excuses like a couple whiny little- Lash dares Rhea to say the rest. Don’t play with her. Nia says RheYo were lucky it wasn’t Nia & Lash in the match tonight, or there’d be new Women’s Tag Team Champions. Iyo asks if that is a challenge. Lash says no, it’s a threat. Nia says RheYo has been ducking them long enough, time to talk to Aldis.

Nia & Lash head back out, will they get their shot at the tag titles before Elimination Chamber? And then Liv & Raquel walk by. Judgment Day smile and continue on to gorilla. The 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble winner is here, just as promised, but will she make her WrestleMania decision? We find out, after the break.

Kit Wilson returns backstage.

And he spots Matt Cardona & Apollo Crews chuckling. Kit says this is Matt’s fault! Oh, it’s Matt’s fault? YES! Toxic masculinity was on its way OUT of WWE, but Matt came in looking like a protein bar with chiseled abs! And don’t you laugh, Apollo! Don’t laugh when they are TOXIC! And Kit is not finished with them yet. Matt says he already told Kit before, if Kit wants to go, then just say so. Matt is #AlwayZReady. Oh, always ready? Well, excuse him, boys, Kit needs as warm bath. Kit hobbles away, Crews can’t even. But will The Complete Matt Cardona make sure Kit understands what’s really toxic around here?

Nick Aldis is in the ring.

The SmackDown GM tells Charlotte, NC to please welcome the winner of the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble, Liv Morgan! The fans cheer as Liv makes her entrance, Raquel right behind her. They go to the ring and Liv gets the mic. The fans cheer Liv, and she says we are now in the presence of the greatest Royal Rumble winner of ALLLLLLLLLLL~ TIIIIIME~! The fans cheer while Liv laughs, and she says she’s not just the greatest Royal Rumble winner of all time. No, she is also the hottest winner of all time! She is the smartest! She’s the funniest, the most charismatic, the most talented, and the most iconic woman in the history of the WWE!

Liv says that also comes with a lot of power. And with great power comes great responsibility. And she has a very big decision to make, with not much time to make it. So she could choose to face Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship, or she could choose to face Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship. Liv has been thinking really long and hard about it, and she has to be honest. WrestleMania is not the only thing that’s been on her mind. There is a HUUUGE elephant in the room that she would like to address. Liv looks to Raquel and says- Raquel stops Liv there and says she wants to address said elephant in the room.

But before any of that can happen, JADE CARGILL makes her way out here! The fans cheer as The Storm has come to Queen City! And as such, Jade storms right up to the ring, gets herself a mic, and tells Liv that she doesn’t care that Liv won the Rumble. And Jade doesn’t care that Liv’s here on SmackDown. Let Jade make herself clear: If Liv chooses Jade, Jade will beat dat ass at WrestleMania! Liv smiles, but then Jade says, “By the way, what the hell are you looking at?” Jade gets in Raquel’s face and Liv laughs. Liv says Jade is so funny. Okay, okay, if Liv were Jade, she’d watch what she says.

Because Liv could easily choose Vaquer for WrestleMania, and then let Raquel be the one to humble Jade and take that title! And then they’d both leave WrestleMania as champions~! But as Judgment Day high-fives, JORDYNNE GRACE makes her way out here! The fans cheer as The Juggernaut says, “First of all, I wanna say congratulations, Liv. You won the Rumble and did what you had to do in order to earn a title match at WrestleMania. But if I could get the champ here to defend the title, then it might be me you’re facing in Vegas.” Liv laughs at that, too, and tells “Jordy” that while she might be new here, who does she think she is?!

Liv is the GREATEST Royal Rumble- BOTH Jordynne and Jade tell her, “SHUT UP, B*TCH!” Gasp! Raquel is upset, Liv is upset, Jordynne and Jade are oddly on the same page, but Aldis says maybe all of them should shut up! Now, Liv, Aldis is always happy to welcome guests to SmackDown, but it’s like he said last week: If you’re available to talk, you’re available to fight! Liv & Raquel already freak out because we all know where this is going! Liv & Raquel VS Jade & Jordynne, and it’s right now! Jade and Jordynne aren’t happy about this, either, but can they put their differences aside to take on the visiting team?

Jordynne Grace & Jade Cargill VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!

Well, maybe not, as the bell rings and Judgment Day CLOBBERS them both! The fans fire up as Raquel stomps away on Jade and Liv fires hands on Grace! The ref reprimands but Raquel & Liv high-five. But then Jade turns things around on Raquel! Jade UPPERCUTS away on Raquel, then Grace whips Liv for a SPINEBUSTER! Raquel pushes Jade away, but then Jade gives her a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up as Storm and Juggernaut stand tall, but also argue it out. Things calm down and the team sorts out, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Liv YANKS Grace off a corner! The fans rally while Liv KICKS Grace in the side. Liv steps on Grace, tags Raquel, and Judgment Day double whips Grace to the corner. Raquel sends Liv in and she BACK BODY BLOCKS! Liv rolls, whips Raquel in, and Raquel hits a SPLASH! Raquel then scoops and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Raquel clamps onto Grace to then throw down ELBOW after ELBOW! Jade says Raquel ain’t gonna do that to her, but Raquel ELBOW DROPS Grace! Cover, TWO! Raquel frowns but she drags Grace up. Grace headlocks in return!

Gracie CLUBS Raquel, but Raquel reels her back in for a BIG back suplex! Then the TWISTING VADER FLOPS as Grace moves! The fans fire up while Raquel scrambles, hot tag to Liv! Liv stomps Grace, reels her in, and she manages to suplex Grace! That’s just Una Amiga and she suplexes again! Dos Amigas and then Liv gives some Latina Heat! The fans cheer, but Grace suplexes back! The fans fire up while both women stagger up. Liv runs in but Grace slips around to RAM Liv into buckles again and again! Backslide, roll through, and short arm LARIAT! And short arm LARIAT! And short arm LARIAT!

The fans fire up with Grace and she waits on Liv. Grace scoops and SLAMS Liv, then scoops and SLAMS again! Grace demands Liv get up, then she scoops for the MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, Raquel breaks it! But Grace URAKENS Raquel for it! Grace TOSSES Raquel out, then turns around, OBLI- NO, Grace stops the flatliner to torture rack! BEAST- NO, Liv lands out to CODE BREAKER! Both women are down and Jade mockingly says looks like Grace needs help. Hot tag to Raquel, she runs and BLASTS Jade! Raquel talks trash on Jade, but Grace kicks low! But Raquel scoops! Jade slides in as Grace slips free!

Jade aims but Raquel gets away, the SUPERKICK hits Grace! Jade is annoyed and says Grace was in the way. Raquel grins and runs up, but Jade dodges! The BOOT hits Liv! Raquel freaks out and Jade smirks now. The fans fire up as Jade and Raquel are alone now. The female titans step up and the fans cheer on Jade. But then Grace SHOVES Raquel into Jade, rolls Raquel up, AND WINS!

Winners: Jordynne Grace & Jade Cargill, by pinfall

Well, they weren’t exactly a team, but on some level, Grace couldn’t have won without Jade. Will these two go off to fight for the WWE Women’s Championship to settle things between them? For that matter, is the foundation of Judgment Day finally starting to crack?

Sami Zayn walks around backstage.

WWE staff tells Sami it was a tough loss at Royal Rumble, but he’ll get it next time. Just keep your head up. Rey Fenix asks Sami if he’s okay. Yes, Sami lost at Royal Rumble, but Sami, you’re still a big inspiration for everyone. Don’t give up! If Sami can do it, then that means everyone can do it! But then Trick Williams steps in and mocks “Mr. Can’t Get The Job Done.” Fenix says show respect for one of the greats! Trick asks back who? Sami? He’s the guy who makes it to the playoffs but can’t get the ring! Sami’s the Charles Barkley, Trick is the Michael Jordan. Two months here and Trick’s already putting the game on his back!

Trick tells Fenix that it ain’t about being no pillar, no role model, but about being a winner and getting the job done! And Trick Willy, OH~ YEAH~, knows how to get the job done, let’s talk about it. Now who is Fenix gonna listen to? Fenix tells Trick that means nothing. Trick has a big mouth, and if he keeps talking, Fenix is gonna knock his teeth out! Trick says any time, any where! Trick leaves, Fenix pats Sami on the shoulder, and Sami has a lot to think about. What will it take for Sami to finally win “the big one?”

SmackDown returns and…

Jade and Jordynne are arguing about their match! Jordynne tells Jade to back off but Jade says she’s still THE WWE Women’s Champion, so she’s still the one going to WrestleMania! Nick Aldis steps in and says glad they mentioned WrestleMania. Don’t lock in plans just yet, because next week on SmackDown, Jade defends said title against Jordynne. Jade says bet. See you next week. Will The Juggernaut finally have a major title here in the WWE? Or will SmackDown still belong to #ThatB1tch?

Drew McIntyre storms onto commentary!

Or more precisely, he steps right onto the desk! Third time’s the charm as Drew has the mic. “I came here tonight with something to say, and dammit, I’m gonna say it! First of all, Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu should be banned from the Elimination Chamber qualifying matches for attacking me like cowards! So I call BS on that. Sami Zayn, he believed he was gonna win the big one. So many people believed Sami was gonna win the big one. But I crushed him, it was broken dreams for him, and that’s what’s gonna happen to anybody that gets in the ring with Drew McIntyre.” The fans are torn, but Drew says let’s talk about Monday night.

CM Punk and Roman Reigns… Drew heard what they had to say, and quite frankly, he was disappointed. The fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” but Drew says yeah, OTC and CM Punk are such big stars, but they came across as insecure! One was taking digs at Drew, then the other would defend Drew by telling the truth. None of that upsets Drew, they can talk about Drew all day long. But what upsets Drew is them trying to make SmackDown and the WWE Championship out to be second rate! For the SmackDown roster, if you didn’t see that as a declaration of war, if you don’t wrestle every match like it’s your last, then show your arse the door!

As for this title, what’d Punk say? The title doesn’t make the man, the man makes the title? This man has been through hell to get this title! This man never quit when times got tough! Drew never went part time, he never will be part time, was here when the world shut down and everything was crap! Drew EARNED this title! The fans cheer that! Drew asks about the men who made this title: Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, the NOT Dusty Rhodes, Triple H, Stone Cold, The Rock! REAL MEN! If you try to lie to yourself and say this is NOT the number one title, Drew will look you in the eye and call you a bold-faced LIAR!

The fans cheer Drew and he continues by telling Roman, “I get it, bro. I know why you picked Punk. On one hand, you have a 280 pound Scottish war machine. And on the other hand, you’ve got that tattooed sociopath, Fragile Phil, who’s always one fall away from his career being over. Without your Samoan army, I’d kill ya! You made the best choice for you, so good luck at WrestleMania. While you two are out there acting like a couple of little boys aura farming, me? I got the entire rosters climbing over each other to get into the Chamber, to fight for the right to face the number champion, the Undisputed Champion, the REAL Best in the World in the main event of WrestleMania!”

The fans are fired up from hearing that! Drew’s pipe bomb fires back at Punk and Roman, but wait, now Trick Williams is heading out here? The fans chant, “Whoop Dat Trick!” Trick tells Drew that he figured he’d come out here, watch the main event, and maybe kick up his lemon pepper steppers… And watch the qualifying match. Then it hit him! Drew is worried about all the wrong things! He’s worried about Roman, Punk, Cody, and Fatu! “Raheem,” let Trick give you some advice. Worry more about the future of this business, the most qualified man on SmackDown, and he’s talking about none other than Trick Williams!

Because Trick is the man who’s gonna take that title from Drew at WrestleMania, let’s talk about it! Drew did say step up, and Trick just did. But a little advice, kid: Walk before you run. If you interrupt the champ again, Drew will stick those lemon pepper steppers where the sun don’t shine. Drew leaves it at that, but will the Scottish Terminator get his chance to Whoop Dat Trick himself? As for Trick, will he enjoy watching Orton, Solo and Aleister in the main event? Who will be heading to Chicago with that first golden ticket?

SmackDown returns and…

Solo Sikoa is shouting for Tama and MFT. Where is his family?! Cathy Kelley walks up and apologizes, but she asks if she could get Solo’s thoughts before the main event. Solo says he has no time for no damn questions. Has she seen MFT? She says no, but the screen glitching into Wyatt graphics tells us the answer. Solo says all he knows is, he is going to Elimination Chamber and is taking it all! Solo picks up the Wyatt lantern and brings it with him for his entrance. But are his sins going to cost him more than just a WrestleMania moment tonight?

Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier Triple Threat: Randy Orton VS Solo Sikoa VS Aleister Black!

The bell rings and the fans finish singing Voices while Orton watches Aleister and Solo. Solo suggests he and Aleister work together, only to then swing on him! Aleister avoids the Samoan Spike, but Solo ducks the Black Mass! Orton runs up, Aleister denies him the RKO! Orton coils up again and that keeps Solo back. Aleister BOOTS Solo down, Orton UPPERCUTS Aleister, then Orton whips. Aleister wrenches and mule kicks! Orton UPPERCUTS in return, but Solo trips Orton up! Solo drags Orton out to POST him, then he mocks the pose. The fans boo, but then Aleister BLASTS Solo off the apron! And then ASAI MOONSAULTS!

The fans fire up but then Orton gets Aleister! Aleister fights the back suplex, BOOTS Orton down, then goes to the apron to sit cross-legged. Zelina is there to applaud her man while the fans boo, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Solo fireman’s carries Aleister. Aleister slips free, rolls Solo up, and he has a HEEL HOOK! Solo endures and Orton stands up. The fans cheer Orton on while he shakes out the stars and sees what’s going on. Orton hurries in and he stomps Aleister! The fans cheer, but Aleister still holds onto Solo’s foot! So Orton stomps Solo’s hand! And he stomps Aleister’s arm! Then he stomps Solo’s foot! And then he KNEE DROPS on Aleister’s head! Orton puts Solo in a corner, fires hands, and then he climbs up. The fans cheer and count along as Orton rains down fists! But Aleister CLUBS Orton at five!

Aleister drags Orton over to a corner, KICKS, but Orton blocks! Orton turns things around, HEADBUTTS Aleister, and he bumps Aleister off buckles. Orton climbs up and he rains down fists! The fans count along again, but Aleister slips out and YANKS Orton down, again at five! Orton staggers, Aleister KICKS, and KICKS, and KICKS! Aleister fires forearms and body shots, then he KICKS the leg! The fans rally for Orton but Aleister drags him out. Aleister winds up, fires hands, and he DECKS Orton! Then Aleister runs, but Solo trips him up! Solo drags Aleister out to THROW him into barriers! Trick says watch out for him, man!

Solo goes back to Orton, stomps him around, and he eggs Orton on. Solo RIDGE HAND CHOPS, and RIDGE HANDS again! Orton falls, Solo mocks the pose again, but the fans boo. Solo points to the sign then goes back to Orton. Solo drags Orton up, whips him to a corner, then he mocks the pose again. But Orton LARITS Solo down! And LARIATS again! Then the- NO, Solo avoids the snap powerslam! Aleister SLIDING BOOTS! Solo clinches Aleister but Aleister fights free. Aleister runs, but into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as this one continues, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Solo frowns as he goes to Aleister in a corner. Solo rains down fists, then he goes to Orton. Solo HEADBUTTS Orton, throws down hands, then he fires up as he takes aim. Solo runs up to HIP ATTACK Aleister! Then HIP ATTACK on Orton! Solo soaks up heat while both opponents are down. Solo taunts Zelina and the fans before he drags Aleister up. Solo suplexes Aleister high and hard! Cover, TWO! Aleister is tougher than that, and he rolls away to a corner, only for Solo to be right on him. Solo CHOPS Aleister, headlocks him, and brings him to a corner to CHOP! Aleister fires an elbow! And a forearm! But Solo HEADBUTTS!

Solo hoists Aleister up top, ROCKS him, then climbs up to join him. Solo fireman’s carries Aleister, but Aleister fights with elbows! Aleister slips back to the corner and he fires even more elbows! Aleister DECKS Solo, but Orton is there to get Solo back up! Orton POSTS Solo, then goes back to Aleister. Aleister BOOTS Orton, but Orton storms back up, only for Aleister to BOOT him again! Aleister brings Orton up but Orton ROCKS Aleister! Orton fires more hands, then he CLUBS Aleister! Orton climbs, SmackDown returns to single picture, and the fans fire up as they go tot he very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!!

But then Solo climbs up! And FLYING SOLO onto Orton!! Cover, TWO!! Even Trick is stunned seeing this! “This is Awesome!” as all three men are down. Orton bails out so Solo goes for Aleister. Solo ROCKS Aleister, but Aleister ROCKS Solo! Solo UPPERCUTS, Aleister ELBOWS, Solo HEADBUTTS! Aleister BOOTS, Solo SUPERKICKS! Aleister falls to a corner, Solo powers up, and Solo runs in, but Aleister dodges the hip attack! Aleister goes up, up, and METEORA! But Orton is back! LARIAT after LARIAT for Aleister, and then the SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again as Orton then has Solo in the ropes!

Solo drops down, drags Orton out, and goes for the desk! Orton blocks that, and BODY BLOWS! DESK BACK SUPLEX! Solo writhes but Orton gets him back up, DESK BACK SUPLEX! The fans fire up as Aleister runs in, but Orton pokes him in the eyes! Orton gives Aleister the DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton then pushes Solo into the ring, and even Trick checks if Aleister is alright. Orton leaves Aleister behind to go for Solo! Orton has Solo in the ropes, and brings him out for the DRAPING DDT! The fans fire up and Orton hears those voices in his head! Orton aims at Solo, waits for him to rise up, but Aleister is back!

Aleister BOOTS Orton, but turns around into SPINNING SOLO! Cover, TWO! Aleister survives, the fans fire up, but Solo prepares the thumb! Solo drags Aleister up, winds up, but Aleister ducks the Samoan Spike! JUMP KNEE, GERMAN SUPLEX, and bridging cover, TWO! Solo survives but Aleister runs up to PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Solo survives again, but Orton is back! Aleister stands, but into the R K- NO! Aleister rolls Orton up, TWO! KNEE for Orton! Aleister winds up, BLACK- NO, Orton ducks the Black Mass! R K O!! But Aleister flounders outta the ring! The fans can’t believe it, and even Orton is stunned!

But now Solo stalks Orton! Orton stands back up, staggers around, but then he RKOS SOLO!! Orton knew he was there all along! Cover, ORTON WINS!

Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to the Elimination Chamber)

The Viper knows a thing or two about striking outta nowhere, so he knew what Solo was thinking. Orton is headed to Chicago for the Elimination Chamber, but will this lead Orton to his FIFTEENTH world championship?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here as the pivot from Royal Rumble to Elimination Chamber. Great stuff with Drew McIntyre not getting to talk uninterrupted until the third time he tries because of how Cody and Fatu each went after him. However, this might be WWE showing their hand a bit, as there has to be something that helps Cody, Fatu, and Drew all settle this at once. Drew’s promo was great stuff, a great response to Punk and Roman from Raw as well as him calling out everyone else. Drew also had a good interactions with Truth, Priest, and Trick, I wouldn’t mind seeing Drew VS Trick at some point.

Trick clearly set up another rematch with Rey Fenix, I bet they throw someone else in there for a Qualifier Triple Threat. Fenix and Trick each having different views on Sami Zayn after Sami’s loss was also some good stuff. Sami himself is at a fork in the road about how he’s going to react to his own loss. I’m thinking he doesn’t necessarily go Heel so much as he just gets more aggressive and forceful about stuff. Not sure if Sami wins his way into the Elimination Chamber but something’s gotta give. And there’s always after WrestleMania, he could earn a shot for Backlash or Money in the Bank.

Speaking of the Chamber qualifiers, very good interview promo from Orton and Aleister, and then Bo Dallas’ promo is proof that the Wyatts took out MFT to keep them from helping Solo. Great win for Orton, he was a shoe-in for Chamber. We also got a fun promo from Tiff with Chelsea & Alba, and a great match from Tiff, Chelsea and Lash. Tiff’s return was of course going to lead her back to something like Elimination Chamber, though some fans really wanted Chelsea to win tonight. Great tag title match, and I figured Rhea & Iyo would win. They also had a good promo with Nia & Lash, but I can’t be sure when that tag title match might happen with all the qualifiers going on.

Very good match from Melo VS Miz, even without the title on the line. I kinda thought Miz would win, with some cheating, to get himself a title match, but no. Melo and Ilja will have it out probably before Chamber, and who knows how that goes. Tama VS Nakamura was a great match, but I figured Loa & Mateo would help him there. Feels like Nakamura needs reinforcements to get even, maybe he helps The Wyatts to get the lantern and tag titles back. Very fun promo from Fraxiom, MCMG and The Gargano Way. Gargano being all depressed, slumped on a road case labeled for NXT, is Gargano going to “return home” to get himself back into the groove?

Kit showing up and talking all that, I just knew Oba was gonna show up and destroy him. Great for Oba, and if it were me, he’d be on SmackDown and not Raw. Good promo from Kit with Cardona and Crews, and it was mostly great to see Apollo Crews on TV again. Kit VS Cardona will be good stuff, and maybe Kit cheats to get a win. And great stuff with Liv & Raquel being here, and them teasing the idea that we could get Liv VS Vaquer and Raquel VS Jade. Fun tag match of Liv & Raquel VS Jade & Jordynne, and great use of the “accidental” strikes to play up the dysfunction. Jade VS Jordynne finally being made is good stuff, but it’s maybe more a ratings grab with SmackDown being on SyFy next week. Otherwise, I would’ve thought Jade VS Jordynne could be on Elimination Chamber.

My Score: 8.8/10