The next episode of WWE’s Monday Night RAW will serve as the crucial go-home show before the WWE Elimination Chamber event in Chicago, setting the stage for high-stakes matches and pivotal decisions. A former AEW star has surprised fans by announcing her return to WWE RAW after an extended absence, adding unexpected intrigue to the evening’s lineup.
The card for Elimination Chamber is nearly finalized, with the last two qualifying matches scheduled for this episode. WWE’s key figure, Triple H, continues enforcing his four-match policy for premium live events, stacking Chicago’s card with intense contests. Viewers can anticipate both Men’s and Women’s Elimination Chamber matches, accompanied by two significant title defenses.
Key Title Matches and WrestleMania 42 Uncertainties
CM Punk is set to defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor in a rematch from their recent RAW confrontation in Belfast. On the women’s side, Becky Lynch will put her Intercontinental Championship on the line against AJ Lee, promising a highly competitive encounter.
Despite the excitement, some storylines remain unresolved heading into WrestleMania 42. Jade Cargill’s direction as champion is unclear, and Stephanie Vaquer’s challenger has yet to be revealed. The reigning WWE Women’s Champion, The Storm, has experienced a quiet run, having defended her title only once on television. With Bianca Belair seemingly sidelined from WrestleMania 42, a matchup between her and The Storm appears off the table. The winner of the Women’s Elimination Chamber match will earn a championship opportunity at WrestleMania, though uncertainty surrounds the contenders.
Liv Morgan, the Royal Rumble winner, faces a pivotal decision: whether to challenge Stephanie Vaquer or Jade Cargill for a title shot. This drama will unfold on the February 23rd RAW, where Liv Morgan will publicly declare her choice. Jade Cargill has confirmed her return to RAW specifically to witness Liv Morgan’s decision, building anticipation for their eventual confrontation.
Returning Faces and Rising Tensions in the Women’s Division
The Storm has not appeared on the red brand since last year, while Stephanie Vaquer is expected to be present after recently provoking Liv Morgan in a backstage interview. The brewing rivalry adds depth to the narrative surrounding the Women’s Championship and WrestleMania contenders.
Judgment Day’s Raquel Rodriguez Responds to Jade Cargill
In a recent interview on TMZ’s Inside The Ring, Judgment Day member Raquel Rodriguez addressed ongoing tensions with Jade Cargill, criticizing her attitude toward the group. Rodriguez expressed openness to facing both Vaquer and Cargill but emphasized that Jade’s behavior has been particularly disrespectful.
“I had my fair share with Stephanie, and I wanna give Liv the opportunity to handle Stephanie on her own as well. But Jade has been very annoying to me these past couple of SmackDowns that we’ve attended. I feel like she’s been very disrespectful to The Judgment Day girlies. I feel like she’s just Jade. So I would love to hand her a good old-fashioned can of a**-whooping if I’m able to on the WrestleMania stage too. I would love that. I would love to just grab her by her hair and drag her around the ring in Las Vegas. And a double Tejana Bomb too.”
Raquel Rodriguez’s WrestleMania aspirations hinge on her upcoming Triple Threat Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match against IYO SKY and Kairi Sane on RAW, highlighting the fierce competition among women vying for prominence heading into the biggest event of the year.
WWE RAW Return Sparks Fan Curiosity and Builds WrestleMania Momentum
The reappearance of a former AEW star on WWE RAW has injected fresh excitement into an already tense buildup to WrestleMania 42. With critical title matches and storyline decisions set to unfold on RAW and at the Elimination Chamber, the coming weeks promise intense drama and high stakes. Liv Morgan’s upcoming choice, Jade Cargill’s return, and Raquel Rodriguez’s quest for glory all contribute to a charged atmosphere filled with uncertainty and anticipation.
As WWE’s roster clashes in Chicago and beyond, fans will be closely watching these developments, which could shape the landscape leading into WrestleMania and determine who emerges as the new faces of WWE’s championship scene.
“YALL TOUGH ONLINE AND BACKSTAGE BUT WHEN YALL IN PERSON YALL FOLD”
JADE WILL BE ON RAW THIS MONDAY 👀#Smackdown
– Jade Cargill
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) February 21, 2026
