The final stop before Elimination Chamber 2026 exploded with unexpected turns and high-stakes drama. WWE SmackDown, live from Louisville, KY, delivered a frantic “go-home” show on February 27, aiming to solidify rivalries and ignite anticipation for the upcoming Premium Live Event. While the night had its share of compelling moments, overall sentiment pointed to a mixed bag, with some crucial developments falling short of expectations.
Shockwaves at the Start: Jey Uso Attacked
The episode kicked off with immediate pandemonium. Before SmackDown even officially began, reports surfaced of an apparent backstage assault on Jey Uso during a commercial break. When cameras rolled, Uso was seen unconscious, being loaded into an ambulance with Jacob Fatu by his side. This sudden injury threw the Men’s Elimination Chamber match wide open, creating an urgent scramble for a coveted spot.
Drew McIntyre wasted no time, heading to the ring to deny any involvement, yet he couldn’t hide a smirk that spoke volumes. Nick Aldis, the General Manager, promptly ordered McIntyre to his office. Cody Rhodes appeared, ready for a fight, but McIntyre, ever the evasive champion, scoffed at the challenge. Randy Orton then joined the fray, expressing sympathy for Uso but declaring his sole focus on winning the Chamber. Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and LA Knight also converged, each vying for the vacant opportunity. The segment quickly devolved into a brawl, with Knight and Williams clashing backstage, and Orton delivering a vicious RKO to Evans. This chaotic opening, while a little short given the sheer number of stars involved, undeniably set a dramatic tone for the night.
The Scramble Continues: A Controversial Main Event
The vacant Elimination Chamber spot became the episode’s driving narrative. Backstage, Paul Heyman, alongside Austin Theory, shrewdly pitched Logan Paul as Jey Uso’s replacement to Nick Aldis, citing Paul’s star power. Aldis, while wary of the convenient timing of Uso’s injury, agreed to give Paul a shot, provided he could defeat Jacob Fatu in the night’s main event. Jacob Fatu, accusing Drew McIntyre of the attack, also demanded the open spot directly from Aldis. Later, Sami Zayn confronted Fatu, subtly questioning his convenient presence at the ambulance and immediate bid for the Chamber, though Zayn later apologized for his knee-jerk accusation.
The main event pitted Logan Paul against Jacob Fatu for the coveted Chamber entry. Despite Paul having Heyman and Theory at ringside, Fatu initially dominated the match. The bout, however, was marred by a series of interventions. Heyman attempted to assist Paul, and a masked individual superkicked Theory before being unmasked as an anonymous, inconsequential figure – a reveal that left many fans feeling underwhelmed. The deciding blow came from Drew McIntyre, who shockingly attacked Fatu with his championship belt while the referee was distracted, allowing Logan Paul to secure a roll-up victory. This controversial win propelled Paul into the Elimination Chamber, escalating the tension around McIntyre and setting a contentious stage for the PLE.
Solo Sikoa vs. Uncle Howdy: A Feud Lacking Fire
The much-anticipated clash between Solo Sikoa and Uncle Howdy, a feud built on deep personal animosity, unfolded with mixed results. For once, Sikoa entered without the usual MFT entourage. The match started simply, but eventually picked up pace with both men exchanging heavy blows. Howdy gained an early advantage, but Sikoa quickly turned the tide.
Despite some fun moments, the match ultimately “fell a little flat,” according to critics. It lacked the visceral intensity expected from such a personal rivalry. Uncle Howdy eventually secured a clean win with Sister Abigail. However, the MFTs immediately attacked Howdy post-match, reclaiming the lantern and signaling an unwelcome extension of the feud beyond its logical conclusion.
Tiffany Stratton vs. Kairi Sane: A Fresh Pairing Shines
Following a series of backstage segments, Tiffany Stratton faced Kairi Sane in a fresh singles encounter. Sane stepped in for Asuka, who opted to stay fresh for the Elimination Chamber. Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre observed from commentary. The two women traded quick takedowns before Stratton took control, executing a slingshot crossbody.
The match gained significant momentum in its second half, delivering a physical and engaging contest. Despite a few minor missteps, the positives far outweighed any negatives. After Sane accidentally took out Green at ringside, Stratton capitalized, delivering her signature “Prettiest Moonsault Ever” for a clean pinfall victory. This unexpected pairing proved to be a welcome change, showcasing both competitors.
Oba Femi Dominates The Miz
The Miz entered the ring with noticeable apprehension to face Oba Femi. “The A-Lister” tried to talk his way out of the match, even offering Femi mentorship and drawing comparisons to John Cena. The crowd vehemently rejected The Miz’s proposition. Femi then proceeded to dismantle the former WWE Champion with brutal efficiency.
The match served as an extended squash, lasting just two minutes. Femi countered The Miz’s Skull-Crushing Finale, tossing him across the ring before hitting “The Fall From Grace” for a swift and dominant win. While short on in-ring action, this segment effectively highlighted Femi’s formidable presence and rising power, pleasing the crowd with a clear statement of intent.
Carmelo Hayes Defends US Title Against Matt Cardona
Carmelo Hayes issued another United States Championship open challenge, which was answered by Matt Cardona, the former Zack Ryder. Cardona started strong, securing the first near-fall with a well-placed dropkick. Hayes retaliated, but Cardona continued to build momentum, despite appearing to favor his left arm.
The contest was hailed as the “best match of the night,” offering a solid performance from both athletes. Cardona showcased his veteran skill, coming close to victory on several occasions. However, Hayes ultimately retained his title with a surprise “First 48” finisher. The two men displayed mutual respect with a handshake after the competitive bout. The match was praised for providing Cardona with a substantive role.
Jordynne Grace vs. Candice LeRae: A Distracted Finish
Candice LeRae was accompanied to the ring by a visibly despondent Johnny Gargano for her match against Jordynne Grace. As soon as the bell rang, Grace took control, beating down LeRae. LeRae briefly rallied with a quick series of moves, but couldn’t secure the pin.
The match concluded abruptly when Gargano, seemingly struggling with his own issues, began walking away from ringside. This distraction proved fatal for LeRae, allowing Grace to hit a pump-handle suplex for the quick win. This short encounter was largely uneventful, and its finish felt “completely flat,” failing to deliver meaningful impact.
New Champions Crowned: Women’s Tag Team Title Shake-Up
The Women’s Tag Team Championship was on the line as Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky defended against Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Their previous encounter had ended in a no-contest, so both teams sought a definitive outcome. Legend and Sky started with quick counters before Ripley tagged in for a double-team assault. The challengers regrouped at ringside, then launched the champions into the barricade multiple times.
Despite some initial criticisms of lacking intensity for a grudge match, the contest became the longest of the night and grew increasingly physical. It fought through two commercial breaks, gradually building energy in the second half. While “disjointed in places,” the match ultimately delivered a hard-fought battle. In a significant upset, Lash Legend pinned Rhea Ripley, securing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles for herself and Nia Jax.
Lingering Questions and The Road to Elimination Chamber
Friday’s SmackDown was undoubtedly a “go-home show,” dedicating considerable airtime to advancing Elimination Chamber storylines. However, the episode received an overall “mediocre” grade, with specific elements drawing criticism. The rushed injury angle for Jey Uso, though it created immediate drama, felt somewhat convenient. The reveal of the masked assailant as an unknown individual in the main event was a widely criticized “huge letdown.”
Drew McIntyre’s blatant interference, further solidifying his villainous persona, added significant intrigue to the Men’s Chamber match. Randy Orton also had a cryptic exchange with Aleister Black, hinting at a future confrontation. While Carmelo Hayes vs. Matt Cardona stood out as the night’s best match, the overall sentiment was that the three-hour broadcast felt lengthy, with insufficient high points to elevate it. The stage is now set for Elimination Chamber 2026, but the final SmackDown left fans with a mixture of anticipation and unanswered questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Jey Uso on WWE SmackDown and how did it affect Elimination Chamber?
On the February 27th episode of WWE SmackDown, Jey Uso was attacked backstage before the show officially began, leading to him being transported away in an ambulance. This sudden injury vacated his spot in the Men’s Elimination Chamber 2026 match. General Manager Nick Aldis subsequently booked a main event between Logan Paul and Jacob Fatu to determine who would take Uso’s place, drastically altering the landscape for the upcoming Premium Live Event.
Which team captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships on SmackDown?
Nia Jax and Lash Legend defeated Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships on the February 27th SmackDown. The match was the longest of the night, featuring a physical back-and-forth between the two teams. Lash Legend secured the pinfall victory over Rhea Ripley, marking a significant title change just before Elimination Chamber 2026 and creating new dynamics in the women’s tag team division.
How effective was SmackDown at building hype for Elimination Chamber 2026?
WWE SmackDown on February 27th made a concerted effort to build hype for Elimination Chamber, particularly with the dramatic opening segment involving Jey Uso’s injury and the subsequent main event to fill his vacated spot. While it successfully advanced several key storylines and created immediate intrigue, critical reception noted the show as “mediocre” overall. Some booking decisions, like the “unsatisfying ending” to the main event and the “huge letdown” of the masked man’s reveal, detracted from its effectiveness, despite individual match highlights like Carmelo Hayes vs. Matt Cardona.
