Key Highlights
- Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu headline a star-studded SmackDown card.
- Elimination Chamber qualifying matches are crucial for future championship opportunities.
- Alexa Bliss faces Giulia in a Women’s Championship elimination match.
- Jade Cargill defends her title against Jordynne Grace on SmackDown.
The Return to Syfy: A Look Back and Ahead
WWE returns to the small screen for two weeks, with Syfy taking over USA Network’s Friday night slot. The channel hosted SmackDown from 2010 to 2016, and seeing it back in action feels like visiting an old friend.
Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu: A WrestleMania Positioning Match
And the rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu has dominated headlines. Rhodes and Fatu have been circling each other for weeks, building toward what feels inevitable at WrestleMania 42.
Alexa Bliss vs. Giulia: A Women’s Championship Elimination Match
Meanwhile, Alexa Bliss faces Giulia in an elimination match for the WWE Women’s Championship. Bliss has been heavily featured all year, and Giulia’s tag team partner Kiana James will be lurking at ringside.
Jade Cargill vs. Jordynne Grace: A Title Defense
Jade Cargill defends her title against Jordynne Grace. The match is happening on SmackDown instead of a premium live event, conditioning us to expect title changes on weekly television now.
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Matches
The Elimination Chamber qualifying matches are critical for future championship opportunities. Sami Zayn’s recent title shot against Drew McIntyre only whetted his appetite for another crack at the championship. If Rhodes and Fatu tear each other apart, Zayn’s technical resilience could be the ticket to the Elimination Chamber.
Rey Fenix vs. Trick Williams: A High-Flying Match
Trick Williams has been everywhere on SmackDown this year, and this match with Rey Fenix continues that momentum. Fenix brings his signature high-flying style, but the question is how he works against someone who isn’t another luchador.
Key Predictions
I’m not touching this prediction. Too close to call, and either Rhodes or Fatu winning makes perfect sense. This is your match of the night candidate.
The winner has a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship in Chicago on Feb. 28.
Giulia advances to the Elimination Chamber. The smart money says James interferes and Giulia benefits from the chaos. Prediction: Giulia advances to the Elimination Chamber.
Jade Cargill retains the Women’s Championship here, and maybe we get a rematch down the road. The bigger question is if Grace doesn’t win, who steps up next?
Rey Fenix vs. Trick Williams
Trick Williams gets his hand raised in this match with Rey Fenix. He’s trying to be a heel but getting cheered like a face—the wrestling business never changes.
Carmelo Hayes is expected to show up in some capacity, as WWE always throws unannounced surprises at us on loaded shows like this. Even without surprises, tonight’s card has enough potential to be the best SmackDown in weeks.
Final Thoughts
Roman Reigns won the men’s Royal Rumble and will challenge for a world title at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. The Elimination Chamber winners earn their own championship opportunities. Grab your drinks and snacks, settle in, and soak up the action.
Just pray we don’t get a commercial break in the middle of every match. This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on February 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the Wrestling section.