SmackDown Locks In First Chamber Spots, McIntyre Ambushed
The episode clarified WrestleMania paths through early Elimination Chamber qualifiers.
Overview
- Randy Orton defeated Solo Sikoa to enter the men’s Elimination Chamber, a milestone reported as his tenth appearance in the match.
- Cody Rhodes attacked WWE champion Drew McIntyre before being told by GM Nick Aldis that he must qualify through the Chamber for a WrestleMania title shot, with a qualifier set for next week.
- After addressing CM Punk and Roman Reigns, McIntyre was blindsided by Jacob Fatu, framing the champion as a target heading into Elimination Chamber.
- The women’s scene advanced as Tiffany Stratton qualified for the Chamber, Liv Morgan weighed her WrestleMania choice during confrontations with Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace, and Grace pinned Raquel Rodriguez to earn a title shot against Cargill next week.
- Rhodes’ on-air reference to the nickname “Raheem” drew criticism, with Vice highlighting it as a contentious acknowledgement of a fan-made joke.