Chicago Readies for Elimination Chamber as WrestleMania 42 Pathways Crystallize

Chicago, Illinois is poised to host the 2026 WWE Elimination Chamber on February 28, an event widely regarded as the final major stepping stone on the arduous journey to WrestleMania 42. The premium live event, streaming live on ESPN Unlimited starting at 6 p.m. ET, features a card laden with championship defenses and two titular Elimination Chamber matches designed to determine challengers for the Undisputed WWE Championship and a Women’s World Championship at WWE’s flagship spectacle. The return of native son CM Punk, defending his World Heavyweight Championship, adds a significant layer of local anticipation to an already high-stakes evening.

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

The World Heavyweight Championship will be contested between reigning champion CM Punk and challenger Finn Bálor in a highly anticipated rematch. Punk, a Chicago native, will make his first championship defense in his hometown since capturing the title, adding a personal dimension to the contest. The championship bout stems from a contentious rivalry that ignited following their initial encounter in Dublin, Ireland, several months prior.

In that non-title clash, Bálor, supported by his Judgment Day stablemates, pushed Punk to his limits in his home nation, ultimately falling short in a hard-fought contest. Despite the competitive nature of the match, a mutual display of respect between the two seasoned competitors emerged in its aftermath. However, the subsequent denial of a championship rematch by Raw General Manager Adam Pearce, citing Punk’s existing commitments and Bálor’s recent championship opportunities, swiftly dissolved any goodwill. Bálor, a former Universal Champion and veteran of numerous main event contests, responded by initiating a series of targeted assaults on Punk during Raw broadcasts, culminating in a violent ambush backstage that left the champion requiring medical attention. This aggressive campaign successfully provoked Punk into granting the rematch, albeit under conditions of Bálor’s choosing.

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Punk’s reign as World Heavyweight Champion, which began following a decisive victory at a prior pay-per-view, has been marked by a return to consistent main event status and a series of high-profile defenses against top-tier talent. Bálor, a cornerstone of The Judgment Day faction, seeks to reclaim a singles world championship, a feat he last achieved in 2016. Should Punk successfully defend his title in Chicago, he is contractually obligated to face Roman Reigns, the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble winner, at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. The outcome of this contest is therefore not only pivotal for the World Heavyweight Championship lineage but also for the main event landscape of WrestleMania.

Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: Undisputed WWE Title Shot at WrestleMania 42

The first of two signature Elimination Chamber matches will feature six male superstars vying for an Undisputed WWE Championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42. The multi-person steel structure match, known for its unforgiving environment and unpredictability, currently has four confirmed participants: Randy Orton, LA Knight, Cody Rhodes, and Je’Von Evans, with two additional competitors yet to be determined.

Randy Orton, a 14-time world champion and a two-decade veteran, secured his place in the Chamber by overcoming Aleister Black and Solo Sikoa in a triple threat qualifying match on SmackDown. Orton’s extensive experience in high-pressure situations and his history of success in multi-man contests position him as a formidable contender. His recent performances have demonstrated a renewed focus on championship pursuits, culminating in several main event appearances in recent months.

LA Knight, whose ascent in WWE has been characterized by a surge in fan popularity, earned his spot by defeating Austin Theory and Penta in a qualifying bout. Knight, known for his charismatic persona and aggressive in-ring style, has consistently challenged for top honors over the past year, narrowly missing out on championship gold on multiple occasions. His inclusion in the Elimination Chamber marks another significant step in his quest for an undisputed world title.

Cody Rhodes, a former Royal Rumble winner and a prominent figure in WWE’s main event picture, qualified by besting Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn in a hard-fought encounter. Rhodes’s narrative of "finishing the story" – winning a world championship that eluded his legendary father – continues to drive his ambitions. His consistent presence in championship discussions and his recent victories underscore his status as a leading contender for the WrestleMania 42 main event.

Perhaps the most surprising entrant thus far is Je’Von Evans, who secured his qualification by defeating two established stars, Gunther and Dominik Mysterio, on a recent episode of Monday Night Raw. Evans, an emerging talent from the NXT system, has quickly garnered attention for his explosive athleticism and fearless approach. His victory over Gunther, a dominant Intercontinental Champion, and Mysterio, a member of the prominent Judgment Day faction, has immediately elevated his profile, marking him as a dark horse in the Elimination Chamber. The remaining two spots are expected to be filled through additional qualifying matches or by General Manager discretion in the coming weeks, with names such as Ricochet, Damian Priest, and Sheamus frequently cited in backstage discussions as potential candidates.

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

In a contest that has generated significant buzz, Becky Lynch will defend her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against the returning AJ Lee. This championship match holds particular significance as it marks Lee’s first televised singles bout since ending her decade-long retirement from professional wrestling. The match also brings another beloved figure back to her husband CM Punk’s hometown, adding to the local flavor of the event.

AJ Lee, a former three-time Divas Champion and a trailblazer in women’s wrestling, officially returned to active competition in late 2025 after a 10-year hiatus. Her return was initially marked by a mixed tag team victory alongside her husband, CM Punk, against a formidable duo. Subsequently, she secured another high-profile win over Lynch as part of a WarGames match, establishing an immediate and compelling rivalry with "The Man." Lee’s re-entry into the wrestling landscape has been met with widespread acclaim, demonstrating that her in-ring skills and popularity have not diminished.

Becky Lynch, one of WWE’s most decorated female superstars, currently holds the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, a title she has elevated since its re-establishment in early 2025. Lynch initially proposed the match to Lee, seeking to test the returning veteran against one of the company’s most dominant champions. However, Lee stipulated that she would only face Lynch if the Women’s Intercontinental Championship was on the line, emphasizing her ambition to immediately compete for championship gold. Lee’s unblemished 2-0 record against Lynch since her return provides a strong narrative foundation for this title defense, positioning her as a legitimate threat to Lynch’s reign. The outcome will not only determine the championship holder but also send a clear message regarding AJ Lee’s intentions and capabilities in her second run with the company.

Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Women’s World Title Shot at WrestleMania 42

The second Elimination Chamber match of the evening will feature six female superstars competing for an opportunity at one of the two Women’s World Titles at WrestleMania 42. The winner will earn a championship match, though the specific title — either the Raw Women’s Championship or the SmackDown Women’s Championship — remains contingent on the decision of the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble winner, Liv Morgan. Morgan has publicly stated that she has yet to declare which champion she will challenge, adding an element of uncertainty to the Chamber’s stakes.

Four competitors have already qualified for this pivotal match. Rhea Ripley, a dominant force in The Judgment Day, secured her spot by overcoming Lyra Valkyria and Ivy Nile in a hard-hitting qualifying match on Raw. Ripley, a former Raw Women’s Champion, is known for her power and aggressive style, making her a perennial threat in any multi-woman contest. Her presence in the Chamber is expected to be a significant factor.

Tiffany Stratton, an emerging star from SmackDown, earned her place by defeating Lash Legend and Chelsea Green. Stratton, with her "Buff Barbie" persona and impressive athleticism, has quickly ascended the ranks since her main roster call-up, consistently showcasing her potential for future championship reigns. Her qualification highlights her rapid development and strong booking.

Alexa Bliss, a multiple-time women’s champion and a veteran presence, qualified by defeating Giulia and Zelina Vega. Bliss, known for her cunning and versatility, brings a wealth of experience in high-stakes matches. Her recent return to consistent in-ring competition has seen her re-establish herself as a top contender, making her a dangerous participant in the Chamber.

Asuka, "The Empress of Tomorrow" and a former Raw Women’s Champion, secured her entry by defeating Bayley and Nattie in a qualifying match. Asuka’s technical prowess, striking ability, and unpredictable nature make her a constant threat in the women’s division. Her extensive championship history and experience in multi-woman matches position her as a strong candidate to emerge victorious.

The remaining two spots in the Women’s Elimination Chamber are yet to be filled. Speculation points to several potential entrants from both Raw and SmackDown, including prominent figures such as Shayna Baszler, Naomi, and Sonya Deville, all of whom possess the credentials to challenge for a world championship. The outcome of this match is crucial, not only for the winner’s WrestleMania aspirations but also for shaping the championship landscape heading into the biggest event of the year, particularly with Liv Morgan’s decision still pending.

Evolving Championship Picture: Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu, and the Undisputed WWE Championship

While not officially part of the Elimination Chamber card, the trajectory of the Undisputed WWE Championship and its current holder, Drew McIntyre, is a significant point of discussion heading into WrestleMania 42. McIntyre’s reign as Undisputed WWE Champion has been marked by a series of hard-fought defenses against top challengers, solidifying his status as a dominant force.

The booking surrounding Jacob Fatu, a powerful and imposing member of the Anoa’i family, has generated considerable interest. Despite Fatu’s recent loss in a qualifying match for the men’s Elimination Chamber – where he was defeated by Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn – there is a prevailing sense within the industry that he remains a significant figure in the Undisputed WWE Championship picture. WWE officials had initially subverted expectations by placing both Rhodes and Fatu in the same qualifying match, leading to speculation that an eventual triple threat match involving McIntyre might have been the long-term plan.

Industry analysts suggest that Fatu’s continued "orbit" around Drew McIntyre’s championship signifies a deliberate long-term narrative. Even if Fatu does not secure a championship match at WrestleMania 42 directly through the Elimination Chamber, his recent performances and the palpable intensity of his character indicate that he is being positioned for a prominent role in the championship scene in the months to follow. His powerful in-ring style and familial lineage make him a credible threat, and it is anticipated that he will continue to challenge McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship through other avenues, potentially leading to a clash in the post-WrestleMania landscape. The direction of this storyline will be closely monitored as the road to WrestleMania 42 reaches its climax.

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