Tue Feb 24 01:10:00 UTC 2026: ### SmackDown Heats Up Road to Elimination Chamber with Title Implications and Qualifier Matches

The Story:
This week’s WWE SmackDown delivered a high-octane show with significant implications for the upcoming Elimination Chamber premium live event. Multiple championship storylines advanced, highlighted by a chaotic women’s tag team title match, key Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, and a main event that saw Cody Rhodes secure his spot in the Chamber. The show was energized by a lively crowd in Dallas, setting the stage for what promises to be a compelling Elimination Chamber event.

Key Points:

  • The WWE Women’s World Tag Team Championship match between Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky and Nia Jax & Lash Legend ended in a no-contest due to a brawl.
  • Carmelo Hayes defended the United States Championship against Ilja Dragunov, but the match was interrupted by Solo Sikoa and the MFTs.
  • Alexa Bliss defeated Zelina Vega and Giulia to qualify for the Women’s Elimination Chamber match.
  • Trick Williams defeated Rey Fenix.
  • Cody Rhodes won a triple threat match against Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu to earn a spot in the Elimination Chamber.
  • Jade Cargill retained the WWE Women’s Championship against Jordynne Grace.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context reveals a pattern of triple threat matches being used to determine Elimination Chamber participants. The matches involving Jey Uso, Bronson Reed, Chad Gable, Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax, and Kiana James on both Raw and SmackDown highlight a consistent strategy by WWE to create competitive qualifying bouts. Furthermore, the note regarding a botch in a women’s Elimination Chamber qualifier suggests potential issues in execution, which could impact the overall perception of the matches and storylines.

Key Takeaways:

  • WWE is heavily investing in the women’s division, giving them prominent roles in title matches and Elimination Chamber qualifiers.
  • Triple threat matches are a preferred method for determining participants in the Elimination Chamber.
  • The interference in the United States Championship match suggests a growing feud involving Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov, Solo Sikoa, and the MFTs.
  • Cody Rhodes’s victory positions him as a key player heading into the Elimination Chamber, likely vying for a championship opportunity at Wrestlemania.
  • The chaotic ending to the women’s tag team title match indicates a continuation of that storyline, potentially leading to a rematch or further confrontations at Elimination Chamber.

Impact Analysis:

The events on SmackDown have significant implications for the Wrestlemania season. Cody Rhodes’s entry into the Elimination Chamber solidifies his potential path to a championship match. The ongoing feuds in the women’s division and the United States Championship picture will likely shape the card for Elimination Chamber and beyond. The outcomes of these matches and storylines will heavily influence the direction of WWE programming leading up to Wrestlemania.

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