Jey Uso Attacked Ahead of WWE SmackDown, Elimination Chamber Replacement Likely Needed

World Tag Team Champion Jey Uso was scheduled to compete in the Men's Elimination Chamber Match but was attacked backstage before SmackDown.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Jey Uso, the World Tag Team Champion, was scheduled to compete in the Men's Elimination Chamber Match at the upcoming WWE pay-per-view. However, Uso was attacked backstage just before Friday's episode of SmackDown, leaving him unable to compete. With Uso out, WWE will need to find a replacement for the Elimination Chamber match, with several Superstars already making pitches to take his place.

Why it matters

The winner of the Men's Elimination Chamber Match will go on to challenge for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. Jey Uso's absence from the match is a significant development, as he was a top contender for the opportunity. The attack on Uso also raises questions about who is responsible and whether it is connected to a previous backstage assault on Jacob Fatu.

The details

Jey Uso was scheduled to compete in the Men's Elimination Chamber Match after winning a qualifying triple threat match on WWE Raw this past Monday. However, Uso was attacked backstage just as Friday's SmackDown broadcast began, leaving him unable to compete. Footage showed Uso being loaded into an ambulance, with fellow Samoan Superstar Jacob Fatu heard demanding to know the identity of the perpetrator. Bronson Reed was originally scheduled to qualify for the Elimination Chamber match, but he suffered a torn biceps and had to be replaced by Uso on short notice.

  • On Monday night, Jey Uso won a qualifying triple threat match on WWE Raw to earn a spot in the Men's Elimination Chamber Match.
  • Just before Friday's episode of SmackDown went live on the air, Jey Uso was attacked backstage and had to be taken away in an ambulance.

The players

Jey Uso

A World Tag Team Champion who was scheduled to compete in the Men's Elimination Chamber Match before being attacked backstage.

Jacob Fatu

A Samoan Superstar who was the victim of a previous backstage attack and was heard demanding to know the identity of the perpetrator who assaulted Jey Uso.

Drew McIntyre

The reigning WWE Champion, who has been suspected of being involved in the previous attack on Jacob Fatu but has denied any involvement.

Bronson Reed

A Superstar who was originally scheduled to qualify for the Men's Elimination Chamber Match but suffered a torn biceps and had to be replaced by Jey Uso.

Nick Aldis

The SmackDown General Manager, who will have to find a replacement for Jey Uso in the Men's Elimination Chamber Match.

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What they’re saying

“It's complete CHAOS backstage!”

— Jacob Fatu (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.