Triple threat victory sends her to Women’s Elimination Chamber
Summary
– Kiana James steals win over Charlotte Flair in SmackDown qualifier
– Victory secures final spot in 2026 Women’s Elimination Chamber match
– James calls pinfall over Flair a surreal and validating moment
The February 20 episode of WWE SmackDown delivered a pivotal moment on the road to Elimination Chamber when Kiana James captured the final qualifying spot dramatically. The triple threat match against Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax carried high stakes, with one ticket to Chicago on the line.
Charlotte entered as the favorite and appeared poised to secure the victory after delivering a top-rope powerbomb to Jax and locking in the Figure Eight. The submission looked decisive. Before the tap-out could happen, James slid into the picture and hooked Charlotte for the pinfall, stunning the crowd and punching her ticket to the chamber.
Days later, James addressed the victory during an appearance on TMZ Inside the Ring. She described the experience as bittersweet, noting her real-life training partnership with Flair through knee rehabilitation. Despite that bond, she acknowledged the magnitude of pinning one of the most decorated competitors in company history.
James explained that the moment felt validating and unforgettable. Rather than creating tension between them, she framed the outcome as part of healthy competition. According to James, their relationship is built on pushing each other to improve, both personally and professionally.
Heading into Elimination Chamber, James appears energized rather than intimidated. She understands what defeating a 14-time world champion signifies and views it as another step forward in her ascent.
