WWE Announces Lineups for Raw and SmackDown Before Elimination Chamber

The go-home shows for the upcoming Elimination Chamber PLE feature several key matches and appearances.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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WWE has revealed the lineups for this Monday's Raw in Atlanta and next Friday's SmackDown in Louisville, which will serve as the final shows before the upcoming Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. The Raw card includes a tribute to AJ Styles, a Brock Lesnar appearance, women's and men's Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, and Liv Morgan's decision on her WrestleMania opponent. The SmackDown lineup features a WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match, a Jordynne Grace vs. Candace LeRae bout, and a clash between Uncle Howdy and Solo Sikoa.

Why it matters

These go-home shows for Elimination Chamber are crucial in setting the stage for the upcoming pay-per-view and building momentum towards WrestleMania 42. The matches and appearances announced will likely have significant implications on the championship pictures and storylines in both the men's and women's divisions.

The details

On Raw, there will be a tribute to former WWE Champion AJ Styles, who recently announced his retirement. Brock Lesnar is also scheduled to appear on the show. In Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, Raquel Rodriguez will face IYO SKY and Kairi Sane in a women's match, while Bronson Reed takes on Jey Uso and Original El Grande Americano in a men's bout. Liv Morgan will also make her decision on who she will challenge at WrestleMania 42, choosing between Stephanie Vaquer and Jade Cargill. On SmackDown, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY will defend the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship against Nia Jax and Lash Legend, Jordynne Grace will face Candace LeRae, and Solo Sikoa will go one-on-one with Uncle Howdy.

  • Raw will take place on Monday, February 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • SmackDown will air on Friday, February 27, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky.
  • Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

The players

AJ Styles

A former WWE Champion who recently announced his retirement from professional wrestling.

Brock Lesnar

A former WWE and Universal Champion who is scheduled to appear on the February 23rd episode of Raw.

Liv Morgan

A former WWE Women's Champion who will make a decision on her WrestleMania 42 opponent on the February 23rd Raw.

Rhea Ripley

The current WWE Women's Tag Team Champion, who will defend the titles with her partner IYO SKY on the February 27th SmackDown.

Solo Sikoa

A rising star in WWE who will face Uncle Howdy on the February 27th SmackDown.

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What they’re saying

“These go-home shows are always exciting as we build momentum towards the next big pay-per-view. Fans are in for some must-see matches and moments on both Raw and SmackDown.”

— Paul Levesque, WWE Chief Content Officer (WWE.com)

What’s next

The results and fallout from these go-home shows will be closely watched as they set the stage for the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on March 1st in Chicago. Key storylines and championship pictures will likely be further developed in the lead-up to WrestleMania 42.

The takeaway

WWE is pulling out all the stops for these final episodes of Raw and SmackDown before Elimination Chamber, with high-profile matches, title defenses, and the potential for major storyline developments. Fans will want to tune in to see how the road to WrestleMania 42 continues to take shape.