Anticipation Builds for WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 in Chicago as WrestleMania Title Shots Loom

Chicago, IL – February 21, 2026 – Following the recent conclusion of the Royal Rumble, the path to a coveted world championship match at WrestleMania has narrowed considerably, with the WWE Elimination Chamber event serving as the penultimate hurdle. This high-stakes premium live event is set to unfold on Saturday at the United Center in Chicago, where twelve of WWE’s elite male and female competitors will vie for a championship opportunity on the grandest stage of them all.

The Elimination Chamber structure, a formidable steel enclosure housing six individual pods and a ring, will host two pivotal matches. Six men will compete in one Chamber match, and six women in another, with the winners earning the right to challenge for a world title at WrestleMania. With Roman Reigns, the men’s Royal Rumble winner, having already declared his intention to face World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, and Liv Morgan, the women’s Royal Rumble victor, selecting Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, the focus for the Elimination Chamber winners will be squarely on WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill.

Beyond the titular Chamber bouts, the card also features two significant championship defenses. World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk will put his title, and his presumptive WrestleMania main event spot against Roman Reigns, on the line against Finn Balor. Additionally, Becky Lynch will defend her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against the returning AJ Lee, in a match with particular resonance given Lee’s ties to the host city.

As the wrestling world converges on Chicago, sports analysts from CBS Sports have offered their insights and predictions for the key matchups scheduled for Saturday.

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Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Cody Rhodes vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams vs. Jey Uso

This six-man contest presents a diverse field of contenders, each with distinct motivations and recent trajectories within WWE. The winner will earn a shot at the WWE Championship, currently held by Drew McIntyre, at WrestleMania.

Cody Rhodes enters the Chamber as a strong favorite, carrying the weight of his ongoing narrative to "finish the story" by capturing a world championship. Rhodes’ journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of the top prize, and a victory here would set up a highly anticipated clash against Drew McIntyre, with whom he has had a simmering rivalry that dates back to McIntyre’s recent title acquisition. Rhodes’ consistent main event presence and strong fan support position him as a prime candidate for a WrestleMania title opportunity.

LA Knight, a superstar who has rapidly ascended the ranks in recent years, also stands as a formidable challenger. Knight’s electrifying charisma and improved in-ring performances have made him a fan favorite, and a victory in the Chamber would solidify his status as a main event player. His path to a championship match against McIntyre would represent a significant milestone in his career.

Veteran Randy Orton, a multiple-time world champion, brings a wealth of experience to the unforgiving structure. Having recently returned from a significant injury, Orton has demonstrated that he remains a top-tier competitor, though some analysts suggest his current role might be more focused on elevating emerging talent rather than a full-fledged WrestleMania main event run for a world title.

Jey Uso, known for his compelling solo run as "Main Event Jey" and his past challenge for a world title at WrestleMania in 2025, also finds himself in the Chamber. While currently holding a tag team championship, his individual aspirations remain evident. However, the existing tag team obligations and his recent world title pursuit could factor into the strategic considerations of his potential win here, making a second consecutive WrestleMania world title match less probable for him in this context.

Rounding out the field are Je’Von Evans and Trick Williams, two rising stars recently making their mark on the main roster following successful stints in NXT. While their inclusion in the Chamber provides invaluable experience and a significant platform, analysts generally agree that they are not yet positioned for a world championship challenge at WrestleMania 2026, with their participation likely serving as a showcase for their future potential.

CBS Sports expert Brent Brookhouse, a sentiment echoed by Shakiel Mahjouri, predicts Cody Rhodes to emerge victorious. The rationale centers on the elimination of less probable winners based on their current career stages or existing storylines, leaving Rhodes and LA Knight as the most viable options. The established, long-running tension between Rhodes and Drew McIntyre is cited as the primary factor tipping the scales in favor of "The American Nightmare."

Pick: Cody Rhodes wins

Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Tiffany Stratton vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka vs. Kiana James vs. Raquel Rodriguez

The women’s Elimination Chamber match carries the significant prize of a championship match against WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill at WrestleMania. This stipulation narrows the field for potential winners, favoring contenders with established star power and a compelling narrative against the dominant champion.

Rhea Ripley, a former Women’s World Champion and current Women’s Tag Team Champion, is a prominent figure in this contest. Her commanding presence and formidable in-ring style make a potential clash with Jade Cargill a highly anticipated "WrestleMania-worthy" encounter, pitting two of WWE’s most physically imposing women against each other. While her status as a tag team champion introduces a layer of complexity, WWE has historically navigated such situations for its top stars.

Jade Cargill herself has established a strong presence as WWE Women’s Champion since her recent ascent to the main roster, showcasing her athleticism and marketability. A challenger of equal stature is sought to maximize the impact of her WrestleMania defense.

Alexa Bliss, returning to active competition, possesses significant star power and a history of championship success. While her current character dynamics and potential future alliances, such as with Charlotte Flair, could influence her direction, her experience in high-pressure matches makes her a constant threat.

Asuka, a veteran multi-time champion, brings unparalleled experience and a unique, unpredictable style to the Chamber. However, her current portrayal as a heel might complicate a championship program against the equally dominant and often heel-leaning Cargill, as traditional face-heel dynamics are often preferred for marquee championship bouts.

Tiffany Stratton, a rapidly ascending talent, has shown immense potential since her main roster debut. While her athleticism is undeniable, a direct rematch with Cargill at WrestleMania, following their previous encounters, might be considered a less fresh option compared to other potential matchups.

Kiana James and Raquel Rodriguez, both formidable competitors with considerable main roster experience, round out the field. Their inclusion offers depth to the match, providing opportunities for impressive displays of strength and skill, though they are generally considered to be outside the immediate frontrunners for a WrestleMania main event championship challenge at this stage.

Shakiel Mahjouri, supported by Brent Brookhouse, predicts Rhea Ripley to emerge victorious. The reasoning highlights the desire for a challenger with significant star power and experience to face Cargill. The potential "WrestleMania" spectacle of Ripley versus Cargill is a key factor, outweighing the minor complication of Ripley’s current tag team championship status.

Pick: Ripley wins

World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Finn Balor

CM Punk, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, returns to his hometown of Chicago to defend his title against Finn Balor. This match is crucial for Punk, as a victory would solidify his path to a monumental WrestleMania showdown against Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns.

CM Punk’s return to WWE has been one of the most talked-about events in recent memory, culminating in his capture of the World Heavyweight Championship. His "Best in the World" persona and deep connection with the Chicago audience amplify the significance of this defense. A loss here would not only derail his WrestleMania plans but also mark a significant upset in his championship reign.

Finn Balor, a former Universal Champion and a key member of The Judgment Day faction, enters this match with a renewed sense of purpose. Recent storylines have hinted at a potential separation from The Judgment Day, suggesting a fresh direction for Balor as a singles competitor. The match also brings to light the controversial ending of his 2021 Universal Championship match against Roman Reigns at Extreme Rules, providing a narrative thread for his championship aspirations. While Balor’s positioning as a major player is welcomed by analysts, the prevailing sentiment is that WWE’s long-term plan involves Punk vs. Reigns as the main event for WrestleMania.

Both Brent Brookhouse and Shakiel Mahjouri predict CM Punk to retain his title. Their analysis underscores the unlikelihood of WWE diverting from the highly anticipated Punk-Reigns WrestleMania main event, despite Balor’s strong showing and narrative connections.

Pick: CM Punk retains the title

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. AJ Lee

The Women’s Intercontinental Championship will be on the line as champion Becky Lynch faces the returning AJ Lee. This match holds significant emotional weight, particularly for the Chicago audience given Lee’s personal connection to CM Punk.

Becky Lynch, "The Man," has established a formidable reign as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, consistently delivering high-profile matches and solidifying the championship’s prestige. Her aggressive in-ring style and strong fan base make her a compelling champion who needs to maintain momentum heading into WrestleMania season, potentially for another significant title defense.

AJ Lee’s return to active competition has been sporadic, with only two matches in the past decade—both of which were victories against Becky Lynch or in mixed tag team matches involving their respective husbands. Her limited in-ring activity adds an element of unpredictability to her performance, yet her past success against Lynch suggests she cannot be underestimated. The narrative suggests that while the Chicago crowd might be inclined to support "their adopted hero" Lee, the immediate outcome may not favor a fairytale ending.

Shakiel Mahjouri, supported by Brent Brookhouse, predicts Becky Lynch will retain her title. The reasoning points to Lynch’s need for a successful title defense to build towards a potential WrestleMania showdown, and Lee’s limited recent in-ring history. The prediction also suggests a potential "nefarious" victory for Lynch, possibly setting up a one-on-one rematch in the future, perhaps in Las Vegas.

Pick: Lynch retains the title

As Elimination Chamber 2026 approaches, the stakes could not be higher for the competitors in Chicago. The outcomes of these matches will not only shape the championship landscape but also finalize the critical main event picture for WrestleMania, promising an evening of intense competition and pivotal moments.