The latest epsiode of SmackDown saw a major buildup of the feuds and storylines for Elimination Chamber 2026. The show was loaded with several blockbuster matches and segments that kept fans on the edge of their seats for three straight hours. Two championships were on the line, along with two Elimination Chamber qualifying matches.
Fans have been quite critical of late when it comes to rating the shows. However, Triple H did not leave much scope for complaints from last night’s show. It was an overall great show that had several noteworthy moments. Whether it was Drew McIntyre’s carnage in the main event or a beloved star qualifying for the Women’s Chamber, there were a lot of positives.
Here are five things Triple H got right on SmackDown this week:
#5. Alexa Bliss punching her ticket to Elimination Chamber
This week on SmackDown, WWE held a Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match between Alexa Bliss, Giulia and Zelina Vega. All three women fought till the very end, looking to punch their tickets to the Women’s Chamber match. However, it was Bliss who ultimately prevailed. She defeated Giulia and Vega to secure a spot in the high-stakes bout.
Triple H pulled the right trigger by letting The Five Feet of Fury win this match. Alexa Bliss has been wandering directionless ever since losing the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Therefore, she needed a significant direction heading into WrestleMania 42 and earning a spot in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match will keep her in the spotlight.
#4. Women’s Tag Team Title match ending in a no-contest
Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY battled the formidable duo of Nia Jax and Lash Legend on SmackDown with their Women’s Tag Team Championship on the line. Fans were wondering whether WWE had plans for a shocking title change in that bout. However, Triple H did not do that and it was arguably the best decision.
WrestleMania 42 is just two months away and a title change at this point wouldn’t have made much sense. Besides, losing the Women’s Tag Team Championship at this point would have dealt a major blow to Ripley and SKY’s momentum. Therefore, the only logical finish was the match ending in a no-contest and Triple H did just that.
#3. Drew McIntyre getting a piece of revenge from Jacob Fatu
Week after week, Drew McIntyre is being attacked by Cody Rhodes or Jacob Fatu on SmackDown. The Scottish Warrior has been doing nothing except retreating every time, making him look vulnerable. However, Triple H finally redeemed him this week. McIntyre ambushed Fatu during his Elimination Chamber qualifying match, unleashing a brutal attack.
His cost The Samoan Werewolf the high-stakes match in Dallas, getting his weeks of revenge on the latter. Drew McIntyre making a statement was the need of the hour, as he has been made to look like the underdog lately. Hence, The Scottish Warrior exacting revenge on Jacob Fatu by costing him the Triple Threat Match was a great move.
#2. Jade Cargill retaining the WWE Women’s Title on SmackDown
Jade Cargill defended the WWE Women’s Championship against Jordynne Grace in a high-stakes match last night on SmackDown. Both women delivered a great performance in the ring, showcasing their raw strength and athleticism. However, The Storm ultimately defeated Grace to retain her coveted title last night, and it was the right call.
A title change at this point, when WrestleMania 42 is on the horizon, would have been a bad decision. It could have made the world title look volatile and this is something WWE wouldn’t want. Therefore, Triple H made the right decision by letting Jade Cargill walk out of Friday Night SmackDown as still the WWE Women’s Champion.
#1. Cody Rhodes entering the Men’s Chamber Match
Cody Rhodes battled Sami Zayn and Jacob Fatu in a high-voltage Elimination Chamber qualifying match on SmackDown. This match was absolutely chaotic, involving several close falls and jaw-dropping sequences. But the ending turned out to be more interesting. Rhodes pinned Zayn to win the match, capitalizing on McIntyre’s interference.
The American Nightmare punching his ticket to the Men’s Chamber match was the right decision. Elimination Chamber is one of WWE’s big PLEs and the company couldn’t keep Cody Rhodes away from it. This was the only logical direction WWE had and Triple H banked on it. Rhodes’ victory has now added a whole new layer to his ongoing feud with McIntyre.
Read all the hottest WWE news from Sportskeeda by choosing us as your preferred source. Click HERE.
Edited by Subhasish Deb