On the first SmackDown following Royal Rumble 2026, WWE shifted fully into Road to WrestleMania mode, delivering an episode built around urgency, qualification, and emotional stakes. Live from Charlotte, North Carolina, this week’s SmackDown centered on the fallout from the Rumble, the beginning of Elimination Chamber qualifiers, and the intensifying rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.
With Cody lashing out over being eliminated at the Rumble, McIntyre struggling to maintain control as champion, and veterans and rising stars alike fighting for Chamber spots, SmackDown delivered a tightly structured, narrative-driven show. Every major segment fed directly into Elimination Chamber and the long-term destination of WrestleMania 42.
This was not a transitional episode. It was a declaration that WrestleMania season has officially arrived.
Here Are The Full Results
- Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky (c) def. Giulia & Kiana James (WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship)
- Carmelo Hayes def. The Miz
- Tiffany Stratton def. Lash Legend & Chelsea Green (Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier)
- Oba Femi def. Kit Wilson
- Tama Tonga def. Shinsuke Nakamura
- Randy Orton def. Aleister Black & Solo Sikoa (Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier)
Royal Rumble Fallout Sets the Stage
SmackDown opened with a recap of Royal Rumble, highlighting Liv Morgan’s Women’s Rumble victory, Roman Reigns’ Men’s Rumble win, and Drew McIntyre’s successful title defense against Sami Zayn.
This opening framing was deliberate. WWE immediately reinforced that every major WrestleMania pathway now runs through the Elimination Chamber.
From the first minute, the show was positioned as a turning point rather than a cooldown episode.
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre: Emotion Over Everything
Before Drew McIntyre could even reach the ring, Cody Rhodes launched a surprise attack on the entrance ramp. Months of frustration boiled over in a violent ambush that required officials to intervene.
Once separated, Cody grabbed a microphone and delivered one of his most personal promos in recent memory. He spoke about being born in Charlotte, returning home without a championship, and having his Royal Rumble dreams taken away. He blamed McIntyre for his elimination and promised that Drew would not leave WrestleMania as champion.
Cody also referenced the looming CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns showdown at WrestleMania, underscoring how others were securing their destinies while his had been ripped away.
General Manager Nick Aldis added structure to the chaos by announcing that Cody would have to qualify for the Elimination Chamber.
Analysis:
This segment was the emotional core of the episode. Cody was presented not as a guaranteed challenger, but as a desperate competitor fighting to reclaim his place. McIntyre, meanwhile, was framed as a powerful champion surrounded by growing pressure.
It was classic WrestleMania storytelling: a hero in crisis and a champion under siege.
Women’s Tag Team Championship: Reality Over Ambition
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed Giulia and Kiana James, with James emphasizing Giulia’s desire to become a triple champion. That ambition was quickly tested.
In the opening match, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky once again proved why they are the most dominant team in the division. Their chemistry, timing, and teamwork overwhelmed Giulia and James, leading to a decisive title defense.
Ripley’s Riptide followed by Sky’s Over the Moonsault sealed the victory.
Analysis:
This match reinforced Ripley and Sky as the division’s foundation. Giulia’s championship aspirations were intentionally slowed, signaling that her rise will be gradual and earned rather than rushed.
WWE chose credibility over shortcuts, strengthening the women’s division in the process.
Carmelo Hayes Continues to Build Momentum
Carmelo Hayes defeated The Miz in a clean, competitive match that showcased his athleticism and growing confidence.
Analysis:
This was a quiet but important win. Hayes continues to be positioned as a future main-event player, gaining credibility through consistent performances rather than storyline shortcuts.
Tiffany Stratton Reasserts Herself
The first Elimination Chamber qualifier of the night saw Tiffany Stratton defeat Lash Legend and Chelsea Green.
Stratton controlled the pace and finished Green with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to secure her place in the Chamber.
Analysis:
This was a statement victory. WWE re-established Stratton as a major player in the women’s division. She now enters the Chamber as one of the most dangerous and credible contenders.
Oba Femi and Tama Tonga Strengthen the Midcard
Oba Femi’s dominant win over Kit Wilson showcased his power and potential, while Tama Tonga’s victory over Shinsuke Nakamura continued his rise as a physical, no-nonsense competitor.
Analysis:
These matches were not headline attractions, but they served an important purpose. WWE is steadily building depth by establishing Femi and Tonga as reliable midcard forces with long-term upside.
Liv Morgan and the Women’s Championship Picture
Throughout the night, Liv Morgan remained central to the women’s championship discussion. As the Royal Rumble winner, her WrestleMania decision continues to loom, with multiple potential challengers positioning themselves.
Analysis:
WWE is intentionally slow-burning Liv’s storyline. Rather than rushing her choice, they are allowing tension to build over several weeks, ensuring her eventual decision feels meaningful and earned.
Main Event: Randy Orton Secures His Place
In the main event, Randy Orton defeated Aleister Black and Solo Sikoa to qualify for the Men’s Elimination Chamber.
Orton relied on timing and experience, striking with an RKO at the perfect moment to secure victory.
Analysis:
This was vintage Orton. He didn’t overpower his opponents—he outthought them. His inclusion in the Chamber adds credibility, star power, and unpredictability to the field.
Orton now stands as a legitimate spoiler in the WrestleMania race.
What Was Announced for Next Week’s SmackDown
- Cody Rhodes will compete in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match
- Additional Elimination Chamber qualifiers
- Drew McIntyre’s response to Cody’s attack
- Continued development of the Women’s Championship storyline
- Further WrestleMania build segments
Final Thoughts
SmackDown on February 6, 2026, succeeded because it embraced structure, patience, and long-term storytelling.
Cody Rhodes’ emotional unraveling, Drew McIntyre’s growing vulnerability, Randy Orton’s calculated resurgence, and Tiffany Stratton’s renewed momentum all merged into a coherent narrative leading toward Elimination Chamber.
This was not a show built on shock value. It was built on stakes, character, and direction.
With WrestleMania 42 approaching, WWE made its message clear: nothing is guaranteed, every opportunity must be earned, and the road to the biggest stage is only getting more dangerous.
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