After a somewhat underwhelming Royal Rumble 2026, WWE is gearing up for its next major event: Elimination Chamber 2026, set to take place at Chicago’s United Center. This show will be crucial leading into WrestleMania 42, as it will determine a new number one contender and feature several high-profile matches, though WWE typically features only a handful of bouts at these big events, leaving plenty of potential matchups on the horizon.
Predicting from current WWE storylines and programming trends, here’s how the Elimination Chamber 2026 card shapes up:
6. Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Trick Williams vs. Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn vs. Damian Priest (Elimination Chamber)
Roman Reigns, having won the Men’s Royal Rumble, has chosen to face CM Punk at WrestleMania 42, leaving the Elimination Chamber to decide Drew McIntyre’s next challenger for the WWE Championship. Competing inside the chamber alongside Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Trick Williams, and Damian Priest—primarily from the SmackDown roster—this match is expected to be won by Rhodes, setting him up to face McIntyre. The storyline also teases potential twists regarding Fatu’s path to WrestleMania or whether an attacker’s identity will change his trajectory.
5. Becky Lynch vs. Nattie vs. Maxine Dupri (Women’s Intercontinental Championship)
Nattie recently turned heel on her protégé Maxine Dupri, capturing the Intercontinental Title on RAW and creating tension by unexpectedly eliminating Becky Lynch from the 2026 Royal Rumble. This rivalry points strongly toward a triple threat match at Elimination Chamber, where Maxine will get another shot at the title. There’s also room for surprises, such as a possible AJ Lee return that could shake things up.
4. Great American vs. Great American (Mask vs. Mask)
Ludwig Kaiser temporarily assumed the El Grande Americano persona during Chad Gable’s injury hiatus, a role he expanded in WWE and AAA. Gable’s return at the 2026 Royal Rumble, masked, and their ensuing feud—including an episode where the original Americano sacrificed the new one during a RAW match—has built toward a “Mask vs. Mask” showdown at Elimination Chamber, a storyline destined for a dramatic conclusion.
3. Rhea Ripley & Iyo Skye vs. Nia Jax & Rush Legend (WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship)
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Skye recently captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles, but Nia Jax and the Rush Legends remain a dominant force. Rush Legend’s impressive Royal Rumble performance, which saw him eliminate both champions, earned him a title shot. Given the crowded tag division, this match could end in a no-contest, potentially leading to a multi-team match build for WrestleMania 42.
2. Tiffany Stratton vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Julia vs. Chelsea Green (Elimination Chamber)
Although Liv Morgan won the Women’s Royal Rumble, she is expected to challenge Stefani Vaquer for the Women’s World Title, while the top SmackDown women battle inside the Elimination Chamber to become number one contender. Participants include Tiffany Stratton (recently returned), rivals Jordynne Grace and Chelsea Green, United States Champion Julia, and the tag team duo Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, who have recent hints of tension. This match offers multiple storylines and several possible WrestleMania challengers to Jade Cargill.
1. CM Punk vs. Finn Balor (World Heavyweight Championship)
A rematch between CM Punk and Finn Balor seems inevitable following Punk’s recent title win over Balor in Ireland. Despite Balor showing respect, he attacked Punk afterward, adding fuel to the fire. Having the rematch in Chicago makes perfect sense, giving Punk a home crowd advantage and further building the storyline as he head toward WrestleMania 42, where he’s slated to face Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns.
Fan Take: This lineup highlights WWE’s strategic build to WrestleMania 42, blending established stars with emerging talent and weaving intricate storylines that keep fans engaged. Elimination Chamber 2026 isn’t just a stepping stone to WrestleMania—it’s a crucial juncture that could redefine championship landscapes and set the tone for WWE’s future direction.
