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WWE SmackDown Preview: Elimination Chamber Qualifiers Headline Card
Two triple threat matches will determine the final participants for the upcoming Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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This week's WWE SmackDown from the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida will feature two Elimination Chamber qualifying matches. In the men's match, United States Champion Carmelo Hayes will take on Trick Williams and Damian Priest, with the winner earning a spot in the Elimination Chamber match on February 28th. In the women's match, Charlotte Flair will face Nia Jax and Kiana James to determine the final entrant in the women's Elimination Chamber match. Additionally, Oba Femi will face Kit Wilson in a singles match, continuing their ongoing rivalry.
Why it matters
The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is a major event on the WWE calendar, as the winners of the men's and women's Elimination Chamber matches will earn title shots at WrestleMania 42. These qualifying matches are crucial for the superstars involved, as they look to punch their ticket to the big event and a chance at championship glory.
The details
In the men's Elimination Chamber qualifying match, United States Champion Carmelo Hayes will look to add the Elimination Chamber match to his resume, but he'll have to get through Trick Williams and Damian Priest to do so. Williams and Priest are both hungry for another shot at the top, and the winner of this match will join Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Je'Von Evans in the Elimination Chamber. On the women's side, Charlotte Flair will battle Nia Jax and Kiana James, with the victor earning the final spot in the women's Elimination Chamber match. Flair is aiming to get back into the title picture, while Jax and James will look to pull off the upset. Elsewhere, Oba Femi and Kit Wilson will continue their feud, with Femi looking to once again assert his dominance over Wilson.
- The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view will take place on February 28, 2026.
- The Men's Elimination Chamber match already features Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, LA Knight, and Je'Von Evans.
The players
Carmelo Hayes
The current WWE United States Champion, looking to qualify for the Elimination Chamber match.
Trick Williams
A rising star in WWE, looking to earn his spot in the Elimination Chamber match.
Damian Priest
A former World Heavyweight Champion, seeking to regain his spot at the top of WWE by qualifying for the Elimination Chamber.
Charlotte Flair
A multiple-time women's champion, looking to return to singles glory by qualifying for the Elimination Chamber match.
Nia Jax
A powerful and experienced superstar, aiming to earn a spot in the Elimination Chamber match.
Kiana James
An up-and-coming star, hoping to pull off an upset and qualify for the Elimination Chamber match.
Oba Femi
A dominant former NXT Champion, continuing his rivalry with Kit Wilson.
Kit Wilson
A superstar who has crusaded against 'toxic masculinity', looking to defeat Femi in their rematch.
What they’re saying
“I'm not going to let anyone stand in my way of becoming a double champion. The United States Title is just the beginning.”
— Carmelo Hayes, WWE United States Champion (WWE.com)
“This is my chance to show the world that I belong at the top of WWE. I'm going to do whatever it takes to qualify for the Elimination Chamber.”
— Trick Williams, WWE Superstar (WWE.com)
“I've been down this road before, and I know what it takes to win the Elimination Chamber. This is my opportunity to reclaim my spot at the top.”
— Damian Priest, WWE Superstar (WWE.com)
What’s next
The winners of the Elimination Chamber qualifying matches will advance to the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on February 28th, where they will compete for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42.
The takeaway
This week's SmackDown features high-stakes matches with major implications, as the superstars look to punch their ticket to the Elimination Chamber and take one step closer to championship glory at the biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.
