Rhodes, Fatu & Zayn: Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match Set for SmackDown

Rhodes, Fatu, and Zayn Compete for Elimination Chamber Spot

Dallas, Texas – February 13, 2026 – Cody Rhodes emerged victorious in a hard-fought triple threat match against Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn tonight on SmackDown, earning the right to compete in the upcoming Elimination Chamber event. The match, held on SYFY, saw Rhodes, Fatu, and Zayn battling for a coveted spot in the Chamber, with the ultimate goal of challenging for the Undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania.

The contest was fueled by existing rivalries. Jacob Fatu has been a key factor in Cody Rhodes’ recent misfortunes, notably contributing to “The American Nightmare’s” loss of the Undisputed WWE Championship to Drew McIntyre in a Three Stages of Hell Match. Both Rhodes and Fatu also physically confronted McIntyre on the previous week’s SmackDown, adding further intensity to their clash.

Sami Zayn entered the match with his own motivations, driven by a renewed desire to capture a World Championship after falling short against McIntyre at Royal Rumble. The loss clearly left a mark, and Zayn appeared focused and determined throughout the bout.

The match itself was described as a chaotic and physical affair. While details of the match’s progression weren’t immediately available, the stakes were high, with each competitor knowing a loss would dash their WrestleMania aspirations. According to reports, Zayn appeared confused before entering the ring for the main event.

Tonight’s SmackDown also featured action in the women’s division. WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill successfully defended her title in her first televised defense since winning the championship in November against Jordynne Grace. RHIYO also competed, defending the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles against Nia Jax and Lash Legend, but the match ended in a no-contest, leaving the title situation unresolved.

Elsewhere on the card, Alexa Bliss faced Giulia and Zelina Vega in another Elimination Chamber qualifying match. Trick Williams also returned to action, taking on Rey Fenix for a second time. A 10-man tag team match saw The MFTs battle Carmelo Hayes, Ilja Dragunov, Matt Cardona, Apollo Crews, and Shinsuke Nakamura.

The show opened with a promo from Tiffany Stratton, the former WWE Women’s Champion, who spoke about her rookie year and her recent qualification for the Elimination Chamber. Stratton believes the Women’s Title is missing her presence, a claim quickly challenged by Nia Jax and Lash Legend.

The outcome of the Rhodes-Fatu-Zayn match sets the stage for the Elimination Chamber event, where Rhodes will join other competitors in the grueling structure, all vying for a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania. The event promises to be a pivotal moment in WWE, with the winner potentially launching themselves into the main event scene at the company’s biggest show of the year.

Fans can look forward to further developments as the road to WrestleMania continues, with the Elimination Chamber event looming large on the horizon. The intensity and personal rivalries displayed on SmackDown tonight suggest a compelling and unpredictable build-up to the championship showdown.