WWE Raw Preview (2/16/26): Elimination Chamber Qualifying Matches

AJ Lee returns to challenge Becky Lynch for the Women's Intercontinental Championship

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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WWE Monday Night Raw heads to Memphis, Tennessee, with several key matches set for the show. Former Divas Champion AJ Lee will make her highly anticipated return to the Red Brand and challenge Becky Lynch for the Women's Intercontinental Championship at Elimination Chamber. Qualifying matches for both the Men's and Women's Elimination Chamber Matches will also take place, with Bayley, Asuka, and Natalya competing for a spot in the women's match, and Gunther, Je'Von Evans, and Dominik Mysterio vying for a place in the men's match.

Why it matters

The road to WrestleMania 42 continues, and the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is a crucial stop along the way. The qualifying matches will determine who gets to compete in the high-stakes Elimination Chamber matches, with a guaranteed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania on the line for the men's winner. AJ Lee's return also adds intrigue, as she looks to dethrone Becky Lynch and capture the Women's Intercontinental Championship.

The details

AJ Lee made a surprise return to WWE last week, immediately setting her sights on Becky Lynch and the Women's Intercontinental Championship. The two former champions will now clash at Elimination Chamber, with Lee looking to reclaim the title she once held. In the qualifying matches, Bayley, Asuka, and Natalya will battle it out for a spot in the women's Elimination Chamber match, while Gunther, Je'Von Evans, and Dominik Mysterio will compete for a place in the men's match. The winners will advance to the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, where they'll have a chance to earn a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42.

  • WWE Monday Night Raw is set to take place on February 16, 2026.
  • The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is scheduled for February 28, 2026.

The players

AJ Lee

A former Divas Champion who is making a highly anticipated return to WWE Monday Night Raw.

Becky Lynch

The current Women's Intercontinental Champion, who will defend her title against AJ Lee at Elimination Chamber.

Bayley

A former WWE Women's Champion, who is competing in a triple threat match to qualify for the Women's Elimination Chamber match.

Asuka

A former WWE Women's Champion, who is also competing in the triple threat match to qualify for the Women's Elimination Chamber match.

Natalya

A former WWE Women's Champion, who is the third competitor in the triple threat match to qualify for the Women's Elimination Chamber match.

Gunther

The Ring General, who is looking to qualify for his first-ever Elimination Chamber match.

Je'Von Evans

A wrestler who is competing against Gunther and Dominik Mysterio in a triple threat match to qualify for the Men's Elimination Chamber match.

Dominik Mysterio

The current Men's Intercontinental Champion, who is also competing in the triple threat match to qualify 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 winners of the qualifying matches will advance to the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on February 28, 2026, where they will compete for a guaranteed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42.

The takeaway

The Elimination Chamber qualifying matches on WWE Raw will set the stage for a high-stakes pay-per-view, with the winners earning a chance to challenge for the WWE Championship at the biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.