SmackDown preview, Feb. 13, 2026: Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn battle in an Elimination Chamber qualifier
Friday's SmackDown arrives with WrestleMania implications front and center. The Feb. 13 card features two Elimination Chamber qualifying triple-threats, a blockbuster women's title match, and a tag title defense that could reshape the tag division's landscape. The show begins at 8 p. m. ET and is built around mounting rivalries, unfinished business and the push toward one of the year's biggest premium events.
Main event focus: Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Sami Zayn
The evening's marquee attraction sees Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn battling for a coveted Chamber spot. The personal animus between Rhodes and Fatu is the night's emotional core: Fatu played a role in Rhodes losing the Undisputed World Title to Drew McIntyre, and their tensions boiled over with mutual attacks on the Scotsman last week. Zayn, meanwhile, arrives with renewed hunger after falling short in a title match at the Royal Rumble. Each competitor brings a different set of motivations — Rhodes with vengeance and a redemption arc, Fatu with unchecked aggression, and Zayn with resolute desperation — making this a volatile mix. The winner walks away with a chance to re-enter the world-title picture at WrestleMania the Elimination Chamber.
Women's Chamber qualifying triple threat: Giulia, Alexa Bliss and Zelina
The women's side mirrors the men's urgency. Giulia — currently holding a U. S. -branded women's title that complicates her path — faces Alexa Bliss and Zelina in a three-way to punch a ticket to the Chamber. Bliss has the in-ring craft and momentum to stake a claim, but Giulia's credentials and Zelina's opportunistic style ensure this is far from straightforward. Whoever advances will enter a crowded, unpredictable field and will likely need more than one headline moment to earn a shot at the primary women's championship at WrestleMania.
Women's Championship: Jade Cargill vs. Jordynne Grace
Jordynne Grace's rapid rise has been fueled by a clear mandate: win the world title. Her pursuit culminates in a title match against Jade Cargill, a champion whose reign has had both dominant moments and signs of vulnerability. Grace earned this opportunity after a heated program with The Storm and a backstage run-in that set the tone for a power-versus-power matchup. If Grace captures the belt, it would mark a dramatic shift in the division. If Cargill retains, she could regain steam heading into the Chamber and WrestleMania windows.
Women's Tag Team Championship: RHIYO vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend
Tag team gold is on the line when the reigning champions — a pairing combining speed and chemistry — defend against the imposing tandem of Nia Jax and Lash Legend. The challengers carry a clear size and power advantage, testing the champions' cohesion and adaptability. Complicating the title picture is the fact that one champion is already slated for the Chamber, which could affect strategies and long-term booking. This match has the potential for a title change that reshuffles the tag team landscape heading into the spring.
Support card notes: Rey Fenix vs. Trick Williams and the show's pacing
Rey Fenix and Trick Williams meet in what promises to be a high-energy rematch after their recent, contentious encounter. The bout should provide a counterpoint of speed and flash against the night's heavier, championship-centered fare. An opening segment featuring Tiffany Stratton is expected to set a heated tone, and creative choices throughout the night will likely prioritize momentum for Chamber hopefuls while protecting WrestleMania long-term storytelling. The show is set in Dallas and carries clear consequences: titles can change hands, Chamber spots will be awarded, and several rivalries look primed to escalate into the premium event season.
What to watch for at 8 p. m. ET
Key things to monitor: which men and women secure Chamber berths, whether the women's title changes hands, and if any backstage or in-ring beats advance a Drew McIntyre-focused storyline that ties into Rhodes and Fatu. Expect hard-hitting exchanges, a few surprise spots, and a finish or two designed to leave questions for the road to WrestleMania. For fans tracking the chamber picture and title trajectories, this edition of SmackDown should deliver answers and new puzzles alike.
