By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Smackdown (Episode 1,383)
Sunrise, Florida, at Amerant Bank Arena
Simulcast live February 20, 2026, on Syfy Network and internationally on Netflix
[Hour One] Joe Tessitore, who was on commentary with Wade Barrett, opened the show and narrated backstage shots of WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky (they walked past the mystery crate that was introduced on Raw), U.S. Women’s Champion Giula and Kiana James, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss with Flair’s dog, Nia Jax and Lash Legend, Damian Priest and R-Truth, U.S. Champion Carmelo Hayes, and Trick Williams…
A video package recapped Cody Rhodes winning last week’s Elimination Chamber qualifier by pinning Sami Zayn despite interference from WWE Champion Drew McIntyre…
Cody Rhodes made his entrance while ring announcer Mark Nash introduced him. Cody asked the fans what they wanted to talk about, but he was interrupted by entrance music.
Jacob Fatu headed to the ring. Fatu told Cody that he had their Triple Threat won last week. Fatu said he and Cody both know it. Fatu blamed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre for interfering and then called him out.
Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis came out and said he thought this might happen, so he gave McIntyre the night off. Fans booed. Aldis said it was supposed to be Cody’s mic time, so he invited Fatu to join him in his office so they could talk about him getting his hands on McIntyre.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre could be heard saying, “Some people can’t keep the champ’s name out of their mouth now, can they?” McIntyre was shown in a luxury box. He said he appreciated Aldis giving him the night off, but he’s the champion, and he does what he wants. McIntyre said he rented the suite so he could watch the show.
McIntyre said Fatu is all bark, no bite, and asked him what he was going to do. Fatu left the ring. Security tried to stop Fatu, but he got the better of them. Aldis told Fatu that WrestleMania is coming, and he didn’t want to have to suspend him. Fatu shoved a security guard and then headed to the back with Aldis.
McIntyre said everyone is jealous of him because he’s the champion. He said everyone wants to be him because the’s the champion. “Hey, Drew, the whole world’s not after you because you’re the champ, the whole world is after you because you’re an asshole (censored).” Cody’s entrance theme played while he and McIntyre had a long-distance staredown…
A sponsored ad recapped the latest in the Wyatt Sicks vs. MFTs feud…
Backstage, Ilja Dragunov fired up Carmelo Hayes about winning his Elimination Chamber qualifier. Dragunov apologized for getting carried away. Hayes said Dragunov should keep the same energy for his own match. Dragunov said he believes in Hayes, but he said he won’t walk into WrestleMania as the U.S. Champion. Dragunov said they still had an upcoming match. Dragunov headed out for his match…
Powell’s POV: Fatu continues to be included in the McIntyre and Cody storyline, which adds to the widespread speculation that they will have a Triple Threat at WrestleMania. The big question is how they get to that match when Fatu isn’t in the Elimination Chamber match. WrestleTix listed the host venue as being set up for 11,124 with 10,895 tickets distributed. The venue’s overall capacity is listed as 20,000.
Nick Aldis and Jacob Fatu spoke in a backstage area. Fatu said he respects everything Aldis is doing, but it can’t keep happening. Aldis asked Fatu how long he wanted to get to WWE. He told him to be patient, and he would give him Drew McIntyre. Fatu said he wasn’t going to wait much longer…
The MFTs made their entrance. Solo Siko carried the lantern he stole from the Wyatt Sicks…
1. Ilja Dragunov vs. Tama Tonga (w/Solo Sikoa, Talla Tonga, Tonga Loa, and JC Mateo). Tama wore face paint. Dragunov put him down with a German Suplex and then sent him to ringside before an early picture-in-picture break. [C] Dragunov had Tama down and was setting up for a move in the corner, but he had to knock Mateo off the apron. Tama rolled up Dragunov for a two count. Loa climbed on the apron and avoided a Dragunov kick. Tama hit a distracted Dragunov with his Cutthroat finisher and then pinned him.
Tama Tonga beat Ilja Dragunov in 9:40.
Afterward, Solo started to cut a promo about taking all the titles, but Dragunov attacked him. The MFTs cut off Dragunov. Talla chokeslammed Dragunov. Matt Cardona ran out, but the MFTs roughed him up. Rinse and repeat with Apollo Crews, who was put down quickly.
Uncle Howdy appeared on the big screen and spoke about Solo being on his own. Nikki Cross, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, and Dexter Lumis were next to Howdy, who said he would expose all of the insecurities that Solo has hidden. He questioned if Solo would show up…
Powell’s POV: They are setting up Tama Tonga for a match with Carmelo Hayes, so having him beat former champion Ilja Dragunov made sense. But I don’t know that Tama gained anything by the way he won, and they immediately shifted the focus to the Uncle Howdy and Solo Sikoa feud, which isn’t doing much for this viewer.
Backstage, Nick Aldis confronted Drew McIntyre, who said he was just having some fun. Aldis said he wasn’t having fun. Aldis dared McIntyre to keep testing him. McIntyre said he’d do Aldis a favor by leaving for the night…
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviewed Randy Orton about being in the Elimination Chamber match with Cody Rhodes. Before he could address it, Zelina showed up. Aleister Black arrived moments later and upset Orton, who said he would talk to Aldis, and then he’d see Black in the ring…
WWE Champion Jade Cargill was shown walking backstage… [C]
Byron Saxton interviewed Nia Jax and Lash Legend in a backstage area. Jax said they didn’t have time for this. She said she had the Elimination Chamber qualifying match tonight, and then next week, they will be challenging for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Saxton confirmed that the match had been made official. Legend said any doubts they run the women’s division would be erased at WrestleMania… [C]
WWE Champion Jade Cargill made her entrance while footage aired of her win over Jordynne Grace. Jade said she defends the title on her time. She said Grace tried her best, but it wasn’t good enough. Jade said Liv Morgan will make her WrestleMania decision on Monday. Jade said lucky for Jade, that’s where she resides. Jade listed the potential Elimination Chamber winners and said that no matter who she faces, she’ll come out on top at WrestleMania, because she’s still that bitch.
Charlotte Flair made her entrance while Jade was still standing on the stage. Jade held up her belt and jawed at Flair, who walked past her. Jade caught up with Flair, who told her to get out of her face. Flair wooed at Jade, who woooed back, and then a referee escorted Jade to the back… [C]
Tessitore said the Randy Orton vs. Aleister Black match was official for later in the show… Kiana James and Nia Jax made their entrances…
2. Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax vs. Kianna James in a Triple Threat qualifier for the women’s Elimination Chamber match. Jax put Flair down with a shoulder block. James wanted to work with Jax, who acted like she was interested, only to grab James by the throat. Jax performed hip attacks on both women. Flair avoided a charging Jax, who went through the ropes and into the ring post.
[Hour Two] [C] Flair performed a moonsault onto both opponents and tried to pin Jax, who kicked out at two. Flair showed frustration. Jax put Flair down with a Samoan Drop. James powered up Jax and performed a Samoan Drop on her for a near fall that got a rise out of the crowd. James went to the ropes, but Flair caught her with a big boot.
Flair joined James on the ropes and performed a Spanish Fly for a close near fall. Flair was stunned that she didn’t get the pin. Flair ran the ropes, but Jax tripped her, pulled her to the floor, and ran her into the ring post. Jax tossed Flair back inside the ring and tried to follow, but James kicked her and ended up on the floor. Jax went for a spear, but James moved, and Jax crashed into the ring steps.
Back in the ring, Flair caught James in a Figure Four. Jax returned and performed a leg drop on Flair before she could bridge. Jax hit the Annihilator on James and had her beat, but Flair broke it up. The screen went black for a couple of seconds. A “this is awesome” chant broke out.
Flair and Jax got their feet and traded blows. Jax got the better of the exchange, but Flair clotheslined her over the top rope. Flair went up top and was cut off by Jax, who joined her on the ropes. Jax tried to put Flair on her back, but Flair slipped away and put her down with a powerbomb. Flair put Jax in the Figure 8. James slid under Flair’s back and hooked her into a pin to get the three count. Flair acted stunned.
Kiana James defeated Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax in a Triple Threat in 12:35 to qualify for the women’s Elimination Chamber match.
Powell’s POV: And we all thought Je’Von Evans had the biggest upset in an Elimination Chamber qualifier. Wow, I didn’t see that one coming. It seemed like they were building toward Flair winning while James gained something in defeat by being so competitive. No complaints. I’m all for the attempt to create new stars. I hope Kiana’s push comes with a gimmick change, as her business woman act has always felt a little hokey. Were Flair’s recent interactions with Jade Cargill just swerves or will Flair still find her way into either Elimination Chamber or the title match at WrestleMania 42?
Backstage, Byron Saxton asked Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky about Kiana James qualifying for the Chamber. Ripley smiled while saying it was a shame that Nia Jax didn’t qualify. Sky said James’ partner (Giulia) wouldn’t be so lucky when she faces Ripley later in the show. Ripley said she would wipe the floor with Giulia, and Sky would win her Chamber qualifier on Raw. Saxton asked about their title defense against Jax and Lash Legend. Sky said the challengers don’t stand a chance…
Oba Femi was shown warming up backstage… [C] Footage aired of Royce Keys appearing on Stephanie McMahon’s podcast…
Kit Wilson made his entrance to a flat crowd reaction. The fans came to life for Oba Femi’s entrance. Wilson said he wanted to read a poem to Oba from feminist to feminist. Wilson stood on the apron and read the positive poem that concluded with him saying he sees a teddy bear when he looks into Oba’s eyes.
Oba said it was nice and told Wilson to read another one. Wilson said he only prepared one. Oba demanded another. Wilson read an old poem called “Nine Things I Hate About Men.” One of the lines was how he hates when men strut like a self-made king, and had another line about Oba being toxic. Oba pulled Wilson over the top rope and the referee started the match…
3. Oba Femi vs. Kit Wilson. Oba dominated Wilson before finishing him off with the Fall From Grace…
Oba Femi beat Kit Wilson in 0:40.
Powell’s POV: Wilson’s act has been over with some crowds, but this wasn’t one of them. Not that it really matters, but I’m not sure if the match started when Wilson read the poems or once Oba pulled him inside the ring.
Backstage, Nick Aldis spoke with a production crew member about the mystery crate that reads, “Deliver To WWE, Do Not Open Until 2/28/26.” R-Truth showed up and said the crate is an Elimination Chamber Award. He said he won plenty of them. Aldis figured out that a confused Truth was talking about Slammy Awards.
Damian Priest entered the picture. Truth told Priest that only one of them could go on to WrestleMania. Aldis told Truth he made it clear that Priest was in the Chamber match, not Truth, who said they had their balls mixed up again. Truth stormed away. Priest told Aldis that he appreciates the chance to go to WrestleMania…
Tiffany Stratton made her entrance… [C] Tessitore and Barrett spoke about the WWE Clash in Italy premium live event, and the summer European tour…
Alba Fyre made her entrance while pushing Chelsea Green in a wheelchair. Green tossed her “newspapers” in the crowd while she was pushed down the entrance aisle…
4. Tiffany Stratton vs. Alba Fyre (w/Chelsea Green). Fyre pushed off the ropes and performed a DDT. Green sat in her wheelchair and applauded before an early break. [C] Fyre caught Stratton with a nice superkick that led to a two count. Fyre hit a Gory Special for another near fall.
Stratton came back with an Alabama Slam. Stratton went to the ropes, but Fyre shoved her to the floor. Stratton caught Fyre with a punch through the ropes. Green stood up on one leg and jawed at Stratton, who shoved her into her chair. Fyre hit a distracted Stratton with a suicide dive and then tossed her back inside the ring.
Fyre went for a Swanton, but Stratton put her knees up. Stratton went for a handspring elbow, but Fyre put her knees up. Fyre went for a tornado DDT, only to have Stratton toss her to the mat. Stratton performed a rolling senton and then hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win…
Tiffany Stratton beat Alba Fyre in 9:45.
Powell’s POV: This match was more competitive than I anticipated before the heavy favorite won. It went longer than necessary, but it was also a reminder that Fyre is capable of doing more than sidekick schtick.
Backstage, Cody Rhodes told Sami Zayn that he had nothing to be ashamed of after Cody beat him in last week’s Triple Threat with Jacob Fatu to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. Sami said he knew he didn’t have anything to be ashamed of, and if anyone did, it was Cody.
Sami said he helped Cody, and Cody stuck a knife in his back. Cody said Zayn fell into the CrossRhodes. Cody said he took advantage of an opportunity. He said Zayn hasn’t taken care of his opportunities, and that’s why he hasn’t become WWE Champion. Zayn said that’s easy for Cody to say when he’s the golden boy. Zayn said nobody chose him. He said he’s tried to finish his story for ten years. Zayn said Cody doesn’t know what it’s like to constantly try to do the right thing.
Cody yelled at Zayn about how he tried to do the right thing in Germany during the Three Stages of Hell match when Jacob Fatu showed up. Cody said it cost him everything. Cody said Zayn could walk into the locker room and beat everyone in there. “The only thing in your way is you,” Cody said before walking away. Sami knocked water bottles off a production crate.
Trick Williams entered the picture and laughed. “With friends like Cody Rhodes, who needs enemies?” Trick asked. He said he was going to something tonight that Zayn can’t do. “That’s get the job done, let’s talk about it,” he said before leaving.
Zayn yelled for Cody and caught up to him. Zayn apologized. He said it’s only a matter of time before Cody becomes champion again. He told Cody to remember that he had a little help along the way. Cody said he doesn’t forget…
Carmelo Hayes made his entrance for the Elimination Chamber qualifier… [C]
A graphic noted that AJ Styles won eight titles during his ten years with WWE and held titles for over 1,000 days. Tessitore hyped the Styles tribute for Monday’s Raw…
Damian Priest made his entrance, and then Trick Williams’ entrance followed…
5. Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest in a Triple Threat qualifier for the men’s Elimination Chamber match. Trick tried to get Hayes to team up with him to go after Priest. Hayes told him it was every man for himself. Priest clotheslined both men. A short time later, Priest slammed Hayes to the mat and covered him for a two count.
[Hour Three] Priest was in control before a PIP break. [C] Triick pulled Hayes off the mat by his arm and tried to perform a uranage, but they didn’t pull it off. Hayes picked him up and executed the move on the second try. Moments later, Trick hit Hayes with a spin kick and then covered him for a nice near fall.
Trick set up Hayes for a move on the ropes, but Priest returned and performed. Razor’s Edge on Trick for a two count. Hayes jumped from the ropes and hit Nothing But Net on Priest. Hayes had Priest pinned, but Trick broke it up. All three men stayed down briefly.
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