Multiple high-stakes matches announced as the road to Elimination Chamber begins
Summary
– WWE announces first Elimination Chamber qualifying matches for SmackDown
– Liv Morgan scheduled to appear following her Royal Rumble win
– Women’s Tag Team Titles on the line in a major championship bout
WWE has officially kicked off the road to Elimination Chamber with several key matches confirmed for the February 6, 2026, edition of Friday Night SmackDown. The announcements raise the stakes immediately as both the men’s and women’s divisions begin their chase for a spot inside the Chamber.
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis confirmed that Elimination Chamber qualifying matches will take place on the show. In the women’s division, Lash Legend will face Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green in a triple threat match, with the winner earning a Chamber berth.
On the men’s side, Aleister Black will go one-on-one with Solo Sikoa and Randy Orton in another triple threat qualifying bout. The matchup brings together power, experience, and unpredictability as the Chamber picture starts to take shape.
The night will also feature championship gold on the line. IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley are set to defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships against Giulia and Kiana James in a match Aldis described as part of a “wild” evening in Charlotte.
Adding to the intrigue, 2026 Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan is advertised to appear. Morgan has been appearing across both brands since her Rumble victory, and speculation continues to build regarding her eventual WrestleMania 42 decision.
The rest of the card includes a first-time-ever singles match between Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga. The bout carries added tension due to their shared history, after Tonga previously took public shots at Nakamura’s WWE run following his NJPW exit.
SmackDown will air live from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, with multiple storyline directions expected to become clearer as Elimination Chamber season officially gets underway.
This is going to be good. @ShinsukeN and @TamaTonga01 go head-to-head TONIGHT on #SmackDown!
📺 8 ET/7 CT on @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/CUKTsFtHNE
— WWE (@WWE) February 6, 2026
