WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 takes place Saturday, February 28, at the United Center in Chicago, marking the final major event before WrestleMania 42. The premium live event features four confirmed matches, including two Elimination Chamber bouts that will determine championship challengers for WWE’s biggest show of the year, according to the official card.
Chicago native CM Punk will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor in his hometown. Additionally, fellow Chicago wrestler AJ Lee challenges Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in what promises to be an emotionally charged evening for local fans.
WWE Elimination Chamber Match Card Details
The event begins at 7:00 PM ET, with streaming available on ESPN for US audiences and Netflix internationally. The card features two chamber matches that carry significant WrestleMania implications for the Undisputed WWE Championship and WWE Women’s Championship pictures.
In the men’s chamber match, Cody Rhodes faces Randy Orton, LA Knight, Jey Uso, Je’Von Evans, and Trick Williams. The winner earns the right to challenge Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 on April 18-19 in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, the women’s chamber bout features Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Kiana James, and Raquel Rodriguez competing for a championship opportunity against Jade Cargill. Industry observers indicate Stratton holds a slight edge given her unfinished business with the current champion.
Championship Matches Set for Chicago Crowd
CM Punk enters as the heavy favorite to retain against Balor, who recently distanced himself from his Judgment Day stablemates. Balor has stated his goal is to “rewrite the narrative” following his 2016 Universal Championship injury that derailed his initial main event run.
However, the Judgment Day storyline appears likely to factor into the match outcome. The faction has been fracturing for months, and interference could play a role despite Balor’s apparent independence from the group.
In the Women’s Intercontinental Championship match, AJ Lee looks to capture her first title in over a decade. A victory would make Lee the first Latina woman to hold the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, adding historical significance to the bout.
Rising Stars and Championship Contenders
The Elimination Chamber matches provide showcase opportunities for younger talent. Je’Von Evans, who was promoted to Raw in January at age 21, and Trick Williams are expected to have standout moments that elevate their profiles, though neither is considered a frontrunner to win.
Additionally, the Rhodes-Orton dynamic adds intrigue to the men’s chamber. Orton eliminating Rhodes could create a compelling narrative heading into WrestleMania 42, though LA Knight remains another strong candidate to emerge victorious.
The women’s chamber presents a less predictable outcome. While Stratton leads based on storyline development, Ripley versus Cargill represents the bigger name-value match, creating uncertainty about WWE’s WrestleMania plans.
Surprise Appearances Expected
Beyond the confirmed matches, Raw and SmackDown General Managers Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis are scheduled to reveal the contents of a mystery crate during the broadcast. Reports suggest former AEW personality Danhausen, whose contract reportedly expired in February 2026, could be involved, though WWE has not confirmed these rumors.
WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18-19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Roman Reigns, who won the Men’s Royal Rumble, has already declared his intention to challenge CM Punk, setting up a potential main event regardless of Saturday’s championship match outcome. The full WrestleMania card will become clearer following the Elimination Chamber results and any additional announcements made during the Chicago event.
