This week’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, featured several high-stakes contests as the road to Elimination Chamber 2026 and WrestleMania 42 continues. With prominent competitors facing off in key encounters, the WWE SmackDown match rankings highlight the best and most impactful bouts from the February 6 episode, providing fans a detailed look at what stood out during the show.
7. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tama Tonga: A Lackluster Contest
Rated 5.25 out of 10 by TheSportster, the match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga failed to engage the audience as expected. Despite Nakamura’s recent strong performances, this bout struggled to build momentum. The crowd’s disinterest was noticeable throughout, as the match unfolded with a sluggish pace. Additionally, predictable outside interference from the MFTs disrupted any potential flow, and Tonga did not emerge significantly stronger following his victory.
6. Jade Cargill & Jordynne Grace vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez: Rushed Team Battle
Receiving a 6 out of 10 rating, this tag team match featured the Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan returning to SmackDown, only to face intense opposition from Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace. WWE focused on the theme of whether Grace and Cargill could work together amid underlying tensions, compounded by unexpected friction between Rodriguez and Morgan. While the in-ring action displayed some solid technical skill, the overall sequence felt hurried, ending with Grace scoring a quick roll-up pin over Rodriguez, and the crowd’s enthusiasm remained muted.
5. Oba Femi vs. Kit Wilson: A Brief but Impactful Squash
Oba Femi secured a 6.25 rating for a brief yet thrilling victory over Kit Wilson. This swift match served as a showcase for Femi’s rising star power following his impressive showing at the Royal Rumble. The bout lasted under a minute, yet packed intense moments including a powerful punch, multiple uppercuts, and a final powerbomb that quickly ended Wilson’s momentum, drawing significant fan response and spotlighting Femi’s increasing influence within WWE.
4. Tiffany Stratton vs. Lash Legend vs. Chelsea Green: Elimination Chamber Qualifier
This triple threat contest, rated 6.5 out of 10, carried high stakes with a spot in the Elimination Chamber on the line. While some chaotic moments prevented the bout from reaching full smoothness, all three competitors—Tiffany Stratton, Lash Legend, and Chelsea Green—showcased their individual strengths. Legend demonstrated dominance with her power moves, Stratton appeared sharp following her hiatus, and Green energized the crowd with spectacular moves like a massive crossbody and a Coast-To-Coast. Ultimately, Stratton’s Prettiest Moonsault Ever secured her victory in a competitive match.
3. RHIYO vs. Kiana James & Giulia: WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
Also earning a 6.5 rating, the women’s tag team title match brought together RHIYO—Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky—and their challengers, Kiana James and Giulia. The contest featured compelling power exchanges, particularly between Ripley and James, alongside fast-paced sequences from Sky and Giulia. Though certain spots faltered in execution, the crowd responded enthusiastically, especially to Ripley’s hot tag. The champions maintained control through a decisive Riptide and an Over The Moonsault combination, concluding the bout successfully but without a particularly strong narrative to elevate it further.
2. Randy Orton vs. Solo Sikoa vs. Aleister Black: Competitive Triple Threat for Elimination Chamber
The main event of the evening was a triple threat match aiming to secure an Elimination Chamber spot, achieving a 6.75 rating. Randy Orton, Solo Sikoa, and Aleister Black engaged in a match filled with shared action and notable near falls. However, the crowd’s primary focus rested heavily on Orton’s involvement, with less enthusiasm for Sikoa and Black. The bout slightly overstayed its welcome due to its length but concluded with dramatic flair as Orton delivered an RKO to Aleister Black while anticipating Sikoa’s Samoan Spike, ultimately scoring a second RKO for the victory.
1. Carmelo Hayes vs. The Miz: Intense Personal Rivalry Highlights the Night
Topping the rankings with a 7 out of 10 score, the bout between Carmelo Hayes and The Miz captivated the WWE SmackDown audience despite no championship being at stake. This match centered on Hayes denying The Miz a title opportunity following The Miz’s recent loss and questionable conduct. Their confrontation combined solid storytelling and swift technical work, drawing from their ongoing feud. The final moments displayed dramatic reversals as each wrestler countered the other’s finisher, with Hayes ultimately executing the First 48 to clinch the win. Although it lacked the championship intensity, the match offered a satisfying and competitive encounter.
Overall, these WWE SmackDown match rankings shed light on the varied quality and excitement levels present in the latest show. From quick squash matches that build new stars to high-stakes battles shaping WrestleMania’s path, this lineup reflects WWE’s current landscape and the talents driving its narratives forward. Fans can expect more developments as Elimination Chamber 2026 approaches, with these matches helping to set the tone for the forthcoming grand events.
