WWE SmackDown Recap: Elimination Chamber Qualifiers Set

Cody Rhodes attacks Drew McIntyre, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky retain titles, and more from the latest episode of WWE SmackDown.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The latest episode of WWE SmackDown featured the first entrants into the upcoming Elimination Chamber match, along with numerous championship storylines unfolding. Highlights included Cody Rhodes attacking WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky defending their Women's Tag Team titles, and Randy Orton qualifying for the men's Elimination Chamber match.

Why it matters

The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is a major event on the WWE calendar, setting the stage for the road to WrestleMania. The qualifiers featured on this episode of SmackDown will determine who competes in the unique and high-stakes Elimination Chamber matches, making this an important episode for WWE fans to follow.

The details

The show opened with Cody Rhodes attacking WWE Champion Drew McIntyre on the entrance ramp, continuing their ongoing rivalry. In the first match, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky successfully defended their Women's Tag Team titles against Giulia and Kiana James. Carmelo Hayes defeated The Miz in a non-title match, while Tiffany Stratton won a triple threat qualifier for the women's Elimination Chamber. Later, Randy Orton qualified for the men's Elimination Chamber match by defeating Solo Sikoa and Aleister Black.

  • The episode took place on February 6, 2026 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The players

Drew McIntyre

The current WWE Champion.

Cody Rhodes

A top WWE superstar who has an ongoing rivalry with Drew McIntyre.

Rhea Ripley

One half of the reigning WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.

Iyo Sky

One half of the reigning WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.

Randy Orton

A veteran WWE superstar who qualified for the men's Elimination Chamber match.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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.