Road to Chicago: High Stakes Set for Feb. 20 WWE SmackDown

New Delhi, February 14, 2026: The road to WrestleMania 42 is heating up as the WWE landscape shifts toward the brutal steel of the Elimination Chamber. Following a chaotic night in Dallas, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has officially locked in two massive Triple Threat qualifying matches for the February 20 episode, which will emanate from the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida.

With only a handful of spots remaining for the February 28 Premium Live Event in Chicago, the upcoming broadcast promises to be a pivotal night for both the Men’s and Women’s divisions.

A “Tricky” Reunion in the Men’s Qualifier

The most talked-about match of the night features a collision of history and ambition. Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes, and Damian Priest will face off in a Triple Threat match to secure their place in the Men’s Elimination Chamber.

• The Storyline: This match marks a significant moment for the “Trick Melo Gang.” Once inseparable in NXT, the two have followed different paths since arriving on the main roster. Carmelo Hayes, a former United States Champion, and Trick Williams, who has rapidly become a blue-chip star on SmackDown, must now put their friendship aside for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship.
• The X-Factor: Standing in their way is the “Archer of Infamy,” Damian Priest. As a former World Heavyweight Champion and veteran of high-pressure matches, Priest brings a level of experience that could exploit the emotional tension between the two younger stars.

The winner will join a stacked field that already includes heavy hitters like Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and LA Knight.

Royalty Clashes in the Women’s Division

The Women’s Elimination Chamber match is also shaping up to be one of the most competitive in history. On February 20, three of the most dominant forces on the roster will battle for a qualifying spot: Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax, and Kiana James.

• The Contenders: “The Queen” Charlotte Flair is looking to re-establish her dominance and secure a path back to a world title. However, she faces the sheer physical force of Nia Jax and the rising, tactical brilliance of Kiana James, who has been eager to prove she belongs among the elite.
• The Stakes: The victor will join Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, and Alexa Bliss in Chicago. With names like these already confirmed, the winner of this qualifier will need every ounce of momentum heading into the Chamber.

Additional Matchups & Broadcast Info

Beyond the qualifying matches, SmackDown will feature a hard-hitting singles encounter as the dominant Oba Femi takes on Kit Wilson. Femi has been on a tear since his call-up, and Wilson will be looking to score a massive upset to derail the powerhouse’s momentum.

Viewing Note: Due to coverage of the Winter Olympics, the February 20 episode of SmackDown will air on Syfy in the United States. International fans can continue to catch the action live on Netflix.

As the field for the Elimination Chamber nears completion, every strike and every pinfall carries the weight of a potential WrestleMania main event. Will the “Trick Melo Gang” implode, or will a former champion like Priest or Flair remind the world why they rule the ring? Tune in this Friday to find out.