On February 6, 2026, WWE SmackDown broadcasts live from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the first qualifiers for the 2026 Men’s and Women’s Elimination Chamber matches unfold. Wrestlers Randy Orton, Aleister Black, and Solo Sikoa will compete in a Triple Threat match to secure a spot in the men’s event, while Tiffany Stratton, Chelsea Green, and Lash Legend face off in a corresponding women’s qualifier.
Path to WrestleMania and Championship Stakes
The winner of the Men’s Elimination Chamber match will earn a title shot against Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. This development follows Roman Reigns’ choice to challenge World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk after winning the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble. Meanwhile, women’s Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan has yet to decide between challenging Women’s Champion Jade Cargill or Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer at WrestleMania, but she is scheduled to appear on this episode with important remarks.
Women’s Tag Team Championship Defended Amid Rising Competition
IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley will defend the Women’s Tag Team Championship for the first time since retaining it against Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez. Their challengers are reigning Women’s United States Champion Giulia and Kiana James, who secured the number one contender status by defeating Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, as well as Lash Legend and Nia Jax, in a Triple Threat Contenders match on the January 23 SmackDown.
Additional High-Profile Matches and Challenges Announced
United States Champion Carmelo Hayes will issue another United States Open Challenge after his successful title defense against Rey Fenix last Friday. The show will also feature a highly anticipated singles match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga from MFT, following a heated verbal confrontation during the previous week’s SmackDown.
Implications for WrestleMania and WWE’s Championship Scene
The qualifiers on tonight’s SmackDown will shape the lineup for the Elimination Chamber, a key event that determines title challengers at WrestleMania 42. With top competitors like Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre, and Liv Morgan involved, the results will have a significant impact on WWE’s championship landscape as the road to WrestleMania intensifies.
