WWE SmackDown results, grades : Cody Rhodes, Alexa Bliss win Elimination Chamber qualifiers
“WWE SmackDown” rolled into Dallas’ American Airlines Arena this Friday night with big matches on tap. February’s upcoming Elimination Chamber premium live event had two more names added to its titular matches, while multiple WWE champions successfully defended their gold.
The “Codelander” effect
WWE is doing its best to replicate any semblance of magic that was Cody Rhodes defying the odds to win the title at WrestleMania. But this ongoing feud with Drew McIntyre just isn’t hitting anywhere near the same as Rhodes’ boiled-blood feud with Roman Reigns.
Despite his lack of placement on most “SmackDowns” since he became the Undisputed WWE Champion, McIntyre has continuously forced himself into matches among contenders. Tonight, his plan to secure a win for Sami Zayn against Rhodes and Jacob Fatu backfired, resulting in Rhodes’ claiming a spot in the Elimination Chamber for Feb. 28.
Spoiler alert, folks: Tonight’s finish couldn’t have made it any clearer that Rhodes is going to win the damn thing.
The match was pretty good until the end. It just became a bit too overly chaotic, and was ultimately ended by an interference from the champion, which kind of makes it worse.
McIntyre’s motive was to — in his mind — get the easiest challenger the win. That’s obvious. But that’s an even better story than Rhodes “overcoming” this failed setup. Why not let Zayn enter the Chamber and play into this doubt of McIntyre viewing him as easy pickings, having never beating him.? Then, if we must, crown Zayn at ‘Mania. How is that not your 2026 version of a Kofi Kingston moment?
Well, at least the closest thing to it.
(Yes, I know it wouldn’t be that close.)
Bliss-mas came late
Does Alexa Bliss have a real shot at challenging for a world title again? Highly unlikely. But she did secure her spot in the women’s Elimination Chamber match by pinning Zelina in their qualifier match alongside Giulia.
It seems we could be headed toward a Bliss vs. Charlotte Flair match at WrestleMania. The duo is still fresh, but subtle seeds are being planted that could very well sprout in the Chamber match when Flair inevitably earns her spot next week.
