-
Greg Wyshynski
Multiple Authors
To cater to fans who follow WWE but may not have tuned in for months, we present this FAQ as a resource for WWE Elimination Chamber happening at the United Center in Chicago on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited.
How do the Elimination Chamber matches work?
The ring is encased in a massive steel structure that extends from the ground to a metal roof. Though it could be likened to a “cell” where “chaos” unfolds, Elimination Chamber offers a twist: it features transparent booths in each corner of the ring holding four of the eventual participants. These booths, dubbed “pods,” differ from those in the Netflix dating show “Love Is Blind,” as there’s no expectation of finding romance—only the potential for heartbreak.
Each match involves six combatants—two start in the ring while four are contained in the pods. At predetermined intervals, the pods unlock one by one, releasing new opponents into the battle. Competitors are eliminated via pinfall or submission. There are no disqualifications in the Elimination Chamber, as demonstrated by CM Punk during a previous event when a “defeated” Seth Rollins attacked him, aiding John Cena’s victory.
(It’s been a year since John Cena’s unexpected heel turn at the Elimination Chamber. Where’s Travis Scott these days?)
The Elimination Chamber victor will earn a title match at WrestleMania 42. After Roman Reigns triumphed in the Royal Rumble in January, he chose to face world heavyweight champion Punk at Mania. On the latest “Raw,” fellow Rumble winner Liv Morgan chose to confront WWE women’s champion Stephanie Vaquer—by delivering a mic-assisted punch to the face. Cha-ching, sound-wise!
The men’s Elimination Chamber champion will contend for the Undisputed WWE Championship currently held by Drew McIntyre, while the women’s winner will receive a shot at the WWE Women’s Championship, currently with Jade Cargill.
Who’s competing in the women’s Elimination Chamber match?
To determine the participants for both matches, WWE organized triple-threat qualifying matches on “Raw” and “SmackDown.” The six women competing for a title shot are:
• Tiffany Stratton, who emerged victorious over Chelsea Green and Lash Legend during the Feb. 6 episode of “SmackDown.” Recall that Cargill ended Stratton’s record-breaking 300-day title reign at “Saturday Night’s Main Event” in November 2025.
• Rhea Ripley, who triumphed over Ivy Nile and Lyra Valkyria on “Raw” on Feb. 9. Ripley’s reign as WWE Women’s Champion ended in 2021, but it lasted an impressive 379 days.
• Alexa Bliss secured her spot by defeating women’s US Champion Giulia and Zelina on the Feb. 13 “SmackDown,” pinning Zelina after executing Sister Abigail in the ring. Bliss is a three-time Women’s Championship titleholder.
• Asuka captured her spot after defeating Bayley and Nattie on “Raw” three days later. Fun fact: Asuka has never won a single match at WrestleMania—just something to ponder.
• Kiana James was a surprise entry, having upset both Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax during the most recent “SmackDown.” James creatively slid under Flair’s bridge figure four and pinned her shoulders for the win.
• Raquel Rodriguez clinched the final spot by defeating Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane on this past Monday’s “Raw.” She’s aiming for her inaugural WWE singles title. Rodriguez has been on the rise lately, and a clash against Cargill would be exciting. yet, don’t forget—Tiffany’s time might be again!
Who’s participating in the men’s Elimination Chamber match?
• Jey Uso came out on top against El Grande Americano (the original, not the newer version) and Bronson Reed during Monday’s “Raw.” Reed had to exit early due to a torn biceps, leaving fans to wonder if he could have won the match and earned an Elimination Chamber slot. The lack of a graphic for Uso’s victory could be telling.
• Randy Orton claimed victory over Aleister Black and Solo Sikoa in a challenging Feb. 6 “SmackDown” match, delivering a surprise RKO to Sikoa just as he prepared a Samoan Spike. Note that Orton later lost to Black on a following “SmackDown” after McIntyre hit him with his belt, which provoked Cody Rhodes to chase McIntyre away.
• Cody Rhodes overcame Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn on the Feb. 13 “SmackDown,” despite McIntyre’s interference while trying to assist Zayn. in the end, Rhodes recovered to pin Sami instead.
• Je’Von Evans defeated Gunther by pinning Intercontinental champion Dominik Mysterio on the Feb. 16 “Raw.” Evans is known for his high-flying abilities, so expect thrilling aerial stunts this Saturday.
• Trick Williams won against Damian Priest and Carmelo Hayes on the previous Friday’s “SmackDown,” eyeing his first WWE singles title after dominating in NXT.
• LA Knight emerged victorious over Penta (a rather imposing luchador) and Austin Theory (a less intimidating figure, but now among the few healthy members of The Vision) on the Feb. 9 “Raw.”
Prepare for a symphony of chants—Jey Uso’s “Yeet,” Trick Williams’s “Whoop That Trick,” and LA Knight’s “Yeah!” Can the Elimination Chamber withstand such an epic mix?
Since this match leads to a WrestleMania main event, and with Rhodes involved, he’s expected to claim a title shot. yet, don’t underestimate Orton, who’s had his battles with McIntyre. He’s a nostalgia pick—Orton hasn’t held a world singles title since 2020.
If that’s troubling, consider this: Finn Bálor hasn’t held a world title since winning the WWE Universal Championship in 2016. He has a chance to change that at Elimination Chamber versus CM Punk.
Why is Punk defending the world title against Bálor?
1:24
Previewing CM Punk vs. Finn Balor at Elimination Chamber
Arda Ocal previews an important match for the world heavyweight title featuring CM Punk and Finn Balor at Elimination Chamber in Chicago.
It’s an Elimination Chamber in Chicago, so it’s essential to have “Second City Saint” CM Punk on the card.
Bálor earned this rematch against Punk following a close contest against “the fighting champion” at “Raw” in Belfast, Ireland, last January. Punk acknowledged Bálor’s effort by raising his hand post-match.
The situation turned contentious when Bálor was left out of the 30-man Royal Rumble line-up, prompting him to attack Punk during a match involving AJ Styles on “Raw.” Challenges were thrown down, with Bálor asserting he would make Punk lose on his home turf, leading to a championship match being arranged for Elimination Chamber.
Keep two things in mind: First, Punk has a WrestleMania match lined up against Roman Reigns. Second, there’s always the unpredictable nature of Bálor’s volatile stable, The Judgment Day.
Punk isn’t the only one from his family with championship aspirations at Elimination Chamber; his wife, AJ Lee, is also in pursuit of Intercontinental gold.
Finally, the long-anticipated AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch match is here
1:15
Arda Öcal previews WWE Women’s IC title match
Arda Öcal looks ahead to the WWE Women’s Intercontinental championship showdown between Becky Lynch and AJ Lee at Elimination Chamber.
This match has been a long time coming. The feud started last September when Lee made her WWE return after a decade to support her husband in a match against WWE power couple Seth Rollins and Lynch. During a mixed tag team bout at WWE Wrestlepalooza, Lee forced Lynch to submit with her signature Black Widow move.
then, Lee distracted Lynch during a title match against Maxxine Dupri on “Raw” at Madison Square Garden, resulting in Lynch losing her Intercontinental title and ending her record 163-day reign. Lynch spiraled into frustration, even hinting that “corrupt” WWE referees were against her. She and Lee faced off again at Survivor Series: WarGames, where Lee made Becky submit yet again with the Black Widow.
Frustrated, Lynch sought a way to settle the score with Lee and challenged her to a match at Elimination Chamber. Initially, Lee insisted Lynch stake her IC title, but Lynch’s firm “No” prompted the crowd to chant, “Yes, yes, yes!” Eventually, Lynch relented, agreeing to put her championship on the line to get her hands on Lee.
Among all the excitement slated for this event, the match featuring an infuriated Lynch against a taunting Lee promises the highest emotional stakes—especially if both Lee and Punk triumph in their respective title matches.
And did we mention this event is taking place in Chicago? Just making sure you remember!
