The February 6, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown unfolded as the post-Royal Rumble phase transitioned sharply into Elimination Chamber season, setting new stakes for the blue brand. Key moments included Oba Femi’s official main roster in-ring debut and an unexpected alliance between longtime rivals Jordynne Grace and Jade Cargill. This WWE SmackDown review 2026 breaks down the highs and lows from this tense and unpredictable broadcast.
Disappointing Storylines and Missed Opportunities
One of the most criticized angles on this SmackDown was the ongoing storyline between Carmelo Hayes and The Miz. Despite promises of a US Open Challenge match for Hayes’ title defense, confusion arose when Hayes rejected a challenge from The Miz in a backstage segment, which left the booking strained and illogical. Hayes won their match without actually defending the title in the expected fashion, leading to frustration among fans and commentators alike.
Additionally, the commentary repeatedly framed The Miz as Hayes’ mentor, a portrayal that seemed inaccurate given Hayes debuted in 2014 and is a seasoned veteran. This mismatch strained credibility and detracted from the match experience in a show that otherwise had few stand-out moments.
Oba Femi’s Debut Match Falls Flat
Oba Femi’s first official victory on the main roster came against Kit Wilson, a pairing neither expected nor particularly beneficial for either wrestler’s trajectory. Although Wilson has gained momentum recently, especially with his new catchy entrance theme, the match and preceding promo segments failed to capitalize on his ongoing feud with Matt Cardona, leaving a sense of missed potential.
The decision to have Femi defeat Wilson in a relatively low-profile match fuels concerns about the direction WWE is taking with Femi. Both competitors ended up in a match that lacked clear purpose or lasting impact, further clouded by the uncertainty surrounding Brock Lesnar’s potential WrestleMania appearance and how Femi fits into the larger roster dynamics managed by Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce.
The Tense Team-Up of Grace and Cargill
WWE continued to explore the uneasy alliance between Jordynne Grace and Jade Cargill with a “can they co-exist?” tag team match against Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan, both prominent women’s division figures. The match featured all the hallmarks of such pairings: minimal teamwork, miscommunications, and inadvertent strikes on partners, culminating in Grace securing a win that felt hollow.
Despite Morgan’s recent Royal Rumble victory and WrestleMania prospects, the match underscored the visible lack of a cohesive plan for Grace and Cargill’s feud. With Tiffany Stratton the latest qualifier for the Women’s Elimination Chamber, the division shows a glaring disconnect, as few wrestlers beyond the immediate titleholders have been built up as credible challengers, a situation hindering the division’s momentum on SmackDown.
Women’s Division Shines with Multiple Matches
In contrast to some of the weaker storylines, SmackDown offered a strong showing of women’s wrestling with three distinct matches featuring eleven female competitors. The highlights included RHIYO defending their tag titles against Giulia and Kiana James, and qualifying bouts with Lash Legend, Tiffany Stratton, and Chelsea Green vying for spots in the upcoming Elimination Chamber event.
The dynamic involving Liv Morgan, Stephanie Vaquer, Jade Cargill, and Jordynne Grace piqued interest despite its flaws, particularly due to the impromptu tag match initiated by Nick Aldis. Although the widely used “can they coexist?” trope again signaled chaos more than cohesion, it did set the stage for anticipated title matches in the near future, breaking some monotony in the week’s programming.
Trick Williams Establishing a Strong Presence
Trick Williams, also a recent call-up from NXT, continues to impress with solid booking that maintains his relevance, even in defeat. Unlike some other newcomers, Williams is involved in high-profile segments, including interrupting Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre during a heated promo session that saw McIntyre attacked multiple times by Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu.
The interruption from Williams felt significant, as he delivered a pointed message telling McIntyre that he needs to worry about the future of the business — namely himself — rather than other top contenders. Although Williams has not yet been upsized into the title picture, his growing prominence as a vocal, confident competitor bodes well for his future on the blue brand.
The SmackDown World Title Rivalry Heats Up
The world title scene on SmackDown remains intense as Drew McIntyre responded emphatically to Roman Reigns’ and CM Punk’s recent promo choice on Raw, in which Reigns selected Punk as his WrestleMania opponent. McIntyre’s attempts to assert himself on SmackDown were repeatedly interrupted by aggressive attacks from Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu, heightening the drama around the match’s buildup.
McIntyre’s promo stressed the prestige of the SmackDown World Championship and reminded fans of the title’s lineage, including a pointed note that Dusty Rhodes never held it, adding depth to his character’s pride. Despite lacking the explosive energy of the Reigns-Punk confrontation, McIntyre’s rebuttal confidently framed Reigns’ opponent choice as an easy way out. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes’ charismatic commentary brought an unexpected edge to the segment and kept audience engagement high.
This storyline underscores WWE’s ongoing positioning of SmackDown’s world title as the legitimate top prize, even as the Bloodline’s dominance casts a long shadow. The drama sets up an intriguing WrestleMania showdown, keeping fans invested in both the competition and the personal rivalries involved.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation Amid Uncertainty
The February 6 episode of WWE SmackDown was marked by highs and lows, with fresh talent showing promise but storylines often stumbling or lacking clear direction. The women’s division displayed flashes of vitality through multiple matches, while key figures like Trick Williams and Drew McIntyre solidified their roles in the brand’s evolving landscape.
However, confusing booking decisions, such as the unresolved US Open Challenge and the oddly paired victories and rivalries, contributed to a conflicted atmosphere, reflecting a program trying to juggle too many storylines at once. With the Elimination Chamber event approaching rapidly, WWE faces the challenge of sharpening focus and building momentum toward WrestleMania while effectively utilizing its roster talent.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the unfolding rivalries impact the SmackDown brand’s standing, as well as whether emerging stars like Trick Williams and Tiffany Stratton can break through the clutter to become leading figures in WWE’s championship scene.
