WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 delivered a dramatic night filled with big wins, emotional moments, surprise returns, and major WrestleMania 42 implications. The event took place on February 28, 2026, at a sold-out United Center in Chicago, setting the stage for several blockbuster matches in Las Vegas.
Randy Orton and Rhea Ripley emerged as the biggest winners of the night, while Seth Rollins shocked fans with a surprise return. CM Punk successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship in his hometown, and AJ Lee captured gold in an emotional victory.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 Event Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 |
| Date | February 28, 2026 |
| Venue | United Center, Chicago |
| Attendance | Sold out (approx. 20,000) |
| Significance | Final major event before WrestleMania 42 |
| WrestleMania 42 | April 18–19, 2026 – Las Vegas |
Full Results at a Glance
| Match | Winner | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s Elimination Chamber | Rhea Ripley | Earns title match vs Jade Cargill |
| Women’s Intercontinental Championship | AJ Lee | Def. Becky Lynch – New Champion |
| World Heavyweight Championship | CM Punk | Def. Finn Bálor – Title retained |
| Mystery Crate Segment | Danhausen | AEW star debuts in WWE |
| Men’s Elimination Chamber | Randy Orton | Earns Undisputed Title match |
Rhea Ripley Dominates Women’s Elimination Chamber
The show opened with a high-energy Women’s Chamber match featuring six top stars. Each competitor had strong moments, but Rhea Ripley once again proved why she is one of the most dominant forces in WWE.
Order of Elimination
| Order | Eliminated | By |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexa Bliss | Kiana James |
| 2 | Kiana James | Raquel Rodriguez |
| 3 | Asuka | Raquel Rodriguez |
| 4 | Raquel Rodriguez | Tiffany Stratton |
| Final | Tiffany Stratton | Rhea Ripley |
Ripley finished the match with a powerful Riptide to secure the victory. She will now challenge WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42 in one of the most anticipated women’s matches in recent years.
AJ Lee Wins Gold in Emotional Homecoming
One of the most emotional moments of the night came when AJ Lee defeated Becky Lynch to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Chicago, Lee’s hometown, gave her a thunderous reaction as she captured her first singles title in WWE since 2015. The match included controversy involving an exposed turnbuckle, setting up a strong possibility of a rematch at WrestleMania.
CM Punk Retains World Heavyweight Championship
CM Punk successfully defended his title against Finn Bálor in front of his hometown crowd.
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Champion | CM Punk |
| Challenger | Finn Bálor |
| Finish | Second Go to Sleep after Sharpshooter |
| Post-Match | Bálor showed respect with handshake |
Bálor delivered a strong performance, including sending Punk through the barricade earlier in the match. However, Punk’s victory keeps his momentum strong ahead of his confirmed WrestleMania 42 showdown with Roman Reigns.
Mystery Crate Reveals Danhausen
After weeks of teasing, the mystery crate segment finally revealed Danhausen. The former AEW star made his WWE debut with his unique character style.
The crowd reaction was mixed and somewhat confused, but WWE appears to have plans to use him as a special entertainment character moving forward.
Read more? Who is Danhausen? Net Worth 2026, WWE Debut, AEW Exit, Biography
Randy Orton Wins Chaotic Men’s Elimination Chamber
The main event delivered drama, surprises, and multiple storyline twists. Randy Orton secured the victory in a chaotic finish.
Order of Elimination
| Order | Eliminated | By |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Je’Von Evans | Logan Paul |
| 2 | LA Knight | Logan Paul |
| 3 | Trick Williams | Logan Paul (stolen pin) |
| 4 | Logan Paul | Cody Rhodes |
| Final | Cody Rhodes | Randy Orton |
Orton hit a sudden RKO on Cody Rhodes after outside interference from Drew McIntyre created chaos. With this win, Orton earns a shot at the Undisputed Championship at WrestleMania 42.
Seth Rollins Returns – Biggest Moment of the Night
The most talked-about moment came when Seth Rollins made a surprise return.
Disguised in a mask, Rollins entered the Chamber and attacked Logan Paul, helping Cody Rhodes eliminate him. After revealing himself, Rollins had a long, tense staredown with Rhodes before leaving through the crowd.
This moment strongly hints at unfinished business between the two heading into WrestleMania.
WrestleMania 42 Matches Set So Far
| Championship | Match |
|---|---|
| World Heavyweight Title | CM Punk vs Roman Reigns |
| Women’s Championship | Jade Cargill vs Rhea Ripley |
| Undisputed Title | Randy Orton vs (Rhodes or McIntyre) |
| Women’s Intercontinental | AJ Lee vs Becky Lynch (likely rematch) |
The final Undisputed Champion will be decided on SmackDown when Cody Rhodes faces Drew McIntyre.
- Randy Orton is back in the main event spotlight.
- Rhea Ripley vs Jade Cargill could be a show-stealer.
- Seth Rollins’ return adds a major storyline heading into WrestleMania.
- CM Punk vs Roman Reigns is now officially one of the biggest matches of the year.
- AJ Lee’s title win has restarted a major rivalry with Becky Lynch.
The road to WrestleMania 42 is now fully underway, and Elimination Chamber has set up multiple blockbuster clashes.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2026 delivered major moments, emotional victories, and huge storyline developments. With top stars returning, new champions crowned, and title matches confirmed, WrestleMania 42 is shaping up to be one of the biggest events in recent years.
FAQs
Who won the Men’s Elimination Chamber 2026?
Randy Orton won and earned a title opportunity at WrestleMania 42.
Who won the Women’s Elimination Chamber?
Rhea Ripley defeated Tiffany Stratton in the final.
Did CM Punk retain his title?
Yes, CM Punk defeated Finn Bálor to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.
Did Seth Rollins return?
Yes, Seth Rollins made a surprise return and interfered during the Men’s Chamber match.
Who became champion at the event?
AJ Lee won the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
