Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu Clash in Loaded SmackDown on Syfy

Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, a Women's Championship defense, and more star power highlight the return of WWE SmackDown to Syfy.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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WWE SmackDown returns to Syfy tonight with a stacked card, including a high-stakes matchup between Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu. The show also features Elimination Chamber qualifying matches, Jade Cargill's first major title defense, and more. While SmackDown is temporarily airing on Syfy due to the 2026 Winter Olympics taking over its usual home on USA Network, the stakes remain at a premium level.

Why it matters

This episode of SmackDown is a critical stop on the Road to WrestleMania 42, with the winners of the Elimination Chamber qualifying matches earning a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship. The Rhodes-Fatu matchup also has major WrestleMania implications, as the two have been building toward an inevitable clash. Additionally, Jade Cargill's first title defense as the WWE Women's Champion is a significant moment for the rising star.

The details

The main event features Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu in a high-stakes matchup, with the winner earning a spot in the Elimination Chamber match on February 28th. Rhodes and Fatu have been circling each other for weeks, and this match is seen as a precursor to a potential triple threat at WrestleMania 42 involving Drew McIntyre. Elsewhere on the card, Giulia faces Alexa Bliss and Zelina Vega in an Elimination Chamber qualifier, while Jade Cargill defends her WWE Women's Championship against Jordynne Grace. The SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Rhea Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez, also put their titles on the line against Natalya and Shayna Baszler.

  • The event takes place on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT.
  • The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is scheduled for February 28, 2026 in Chicago.
  • WrestleMania 42 is set to take place in Las Vegas.

The players

Cody Rhodes

A top WWE Superstar who has been involved in a feud with Jacob Fatu for several weeks, with the two expected to collide at WrestleMania 42.

Jacob Fatu

A rising star in WWE who has been embroiled in a rivalry with Cody Rhodes, with the winner of their match tonight earning a spot in the Elimination Chamber match.

Jade Cargill

The current WWE Women's Champion, who is defending her title against Jordynne Grace on this episode of SmackDown.

Jordynne Grace

A talented wrestler who is challenging Jade Cargill for the WWE Women's Championship on this episode of SmackDown.

Rhea Ripley

One half of the current SmackDown Tag Team Champions, defending the titles alongside her partner Raquel Rodriguez.

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What’s next

The winner of the Cody Rhodes-Jacob Fatu match will advance to the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view on February 28th, where they will have a chance to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

The takeaway

This episode of WWE SmackDown on Syfy is a must-watch for fans, as it features high-stakes matches with major WrestleMania implications. The Rhodes-Fatu clash, Jade Cargill's title defense, and the Elimination Chamber qualifying bouts all have the potential to shape the Road to WrestleMania 42 in significant ways.