Recent WWE SmackDown broadcasts have been packed with high-stakes qualifying matches and championship contests, all building towards the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event. These events culminated dramatically on March 6, with Cody Rhodes securing the WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre and earning a main event defense at WrestleMania 42.
The road to WrestleMania 42 saw Cody Rhodes clinch the WWE Championship from Drew McIntyre, setting him up for a main event defense in Las Vegas.
February 13 SmackDown Highlights
On February 13, SmackDown aired on SyFy, an adjustment made due to Olympics coverage. The episode was crucial, featuring significant qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event alongside scheduled championship contests.
Men's Elimination Chamber Qualifier
A pivotal triple threat Elimination Chamber qualifying match saw Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn battle for a spot. The winner was guaranteed a place in the men's Elimination Chamber match, with the ultimate prize being a title opportunity against reigning WWE Champion Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42.
During the intense bout, Drew McIntyre intervened decisively. He executed a Claymore on Jacob Fatu, then powerbombed him through a table. McIntyre followed up with another Claymore, this time on Cody Rhodes. He then attempted to place an unconscious Sami Zayn on Rhodes for a pin, but Rhodes impressively kicked out. Sami Zayn retaliated with a Helluva Kick on McIntyre. Ultimately, Cody Rhodes capitalized, performing a Cross Rhodes on Zayn to secure the victory and qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber match.
Additional Matches Scheduled for February 13 SmackDown:
- WWE Women's Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Jordynne Grace
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: RHIYO (c) vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend
- Singles Match: Rey Fenix vs. Trick Williams
Elimination Chamber Details Unveiled
The Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event was scheduled to take place on February 28 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The stakes for the men's Elimination Chamber match were exceptionally high, with its winner slated to receive a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
In anticipation of the event, a women's Elimination Chamber qualifying triple threat match was also announced. This contest was set to feature Alexa Bliss, Giulia, and Zelina Vega.
February 27 SmackDown Preview: Go-Home Show
The February 27, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown, broadcast live from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, served as the crucial final show before the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event.
Early internal rundowns indicated that Drew McIntyre was scheduled to open the show. He was set to address all six participants of the upcoming men's Elimination Chamber match: Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Je’Von Evans, Jey Uso, LA Knight, and Trick Williams. All these competitors were scheduled to appear together in the ring for the segment.
Confirmed Lineup for February 27 SmackDown
The following matches and segments were confirmed for the go-home show:
- Opening Segment: Drew McIntyre
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Participants Face Off
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY (c) vs. Lash Legend & Nia Jax (also reported as RHIYO (c) vs. Irresistible Forces)
- Singles Match: Uncle Howdy vs. Solo Sikoa
- Singles Match: Oba Femi vs. The Miz
- Singles Match: Jordynne Grace vs. Candice LeRae
- WWE United States Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. TBA
It is important to note that internal rundowns for broadcast schedules are subject to change.
Cody Rhodes Captures WWE Championship on March 6 SmackDown
On the March 6 episode of SmackDown, a highly anticipated WWE Championship defense saw Drew McIntyre put his title on the line against Cody Rhodes. This championship clash was reportedly arranged after McIntyre’s repeated interferences, which prevented Rhodes from winning both the Royal Rumble and the Elimination Chamber matches.
Championship Showdown and Controversial Finish
During the intense championship match, Drew McIntyre controversially interfered with referee Charles Robinson, pulling him into the path of a Disaster Kick. This left no official available for a subsequent pinfall attempt by Rhodes after a Cross Rhodes. Dan Engler then entered the ring to officiate. McIntyre delivered a Claymore to Rhodes, but Rhodes resiliently kicked out of the pin attempt. McIntyre then headbutted Engler, leading to further chaos.
In a pivotal moment, Jacob Fatu intervened, disarming McIntyre of a chair.
With the initial referee, Charles Robinson, having recovered, Cody Rhodes performed a Super Cody Cutter followed by a decisive Cross Rhodes. He successfully pinned McIntyre to win the WWE Championship.
With this monumental victory, Cody Rhodes is now officially scheduled to main event WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, where he will defend the WWE Championship against Randy Orton.