WWE Elimination Chamber 2026: Orton’s Shocking RKO and Rollins’ Return Steal the Show in Chicago as WrestleMania 42 Takes Shape (2-28-26)
By: Xavier Jones
Headline Photo Credit: WWE
The United Center in Chicago hosted WWE’s Elimination Chamber premium live event on Saturday, February 28, 2026, drawing a passionate crowd for what proved to be a pivotal night on the road to WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. With two high-stakes Elimination Chamber matches determining challengers for world titles, plus championship defenses, the show delivered surprises, returns, and strong in-ring action.
The event featured four key matches, headlined by the men’s Elimination Chamber and capped by dramatic finishes that reshaped WrestleMania storylines.
Women’s Elimination Chamber: Rhea Ripley Dominates to Challenge Jade Cargill
Rhea Ripley emerged victorious in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, outlasting Tiffany Stratton, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Raquel Rodriguez, and Kiana James to earn a shot at Jade Cargill’s WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42. The match featured intense pod-based drama and physicality. Rodriguez made a strong impression by stacking Asuka and James for a double elimination via Tejana Bomb after a dominant run. Stratton and Ripley traded heavy offense in the final stages, but Ripley sealed the win with her signature Riptide for the pin on Stratton. Ripley’s path felt methodical and earned, positioning her as a formidable challenger to Cargill’s powerhouse reign.
AJ Lee Upsets Becky Lynch to Capture Women’s Intercontinental Title
In a surprise title change, AJ Lee defeated Becky Lynch to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship via submission with the Black Widow. The match built tension through technical exchanges and brawling, culminating in a referee bump and Lee’s clever reversal into the hold for the tap-out. This marked a significant return moment for Lee, injecting fresh energy into the midcard division and setting up potential rematches or extended feuds.
CM Punk Retains World Heavyweight Championship Against Finn Balor
CM Punk successfully defended the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor in a hard-hitting, 20-minute contest. Balor pushed the champion with high-flying offense and near-falls, including a close Coup de Grace attempt. Punk countered key moments, transitioning into a Sharpshooter before finishing with the GTS for the pin. The bout showcased strong chemistry between the two veterans, with Punk emerging stronger ahead of bigger WrestleMania challenges.
Men’s Elimination Chamber: Randy Orton Wins Amid Chaos and Returns
The main event saw Randy Orton win the Men’s Elimination Chamber match—featuring Cody Rhodes, Logan Paul, Trick Williams, LA Knight, and Je’Von Evans — to become the No. 1 contender to Drew McIntyre’s Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. The match highlighted emerging talent early, with Evans delivering aerial highlights and Paul using cunning tactics. As the field narrowed, chaos ensued: Drew McIntyre interfered to attack Rhodes, Orton assisted in fending him off Including an RKO on McIntyre), and a returning Seth Rollins (as a hooded figure) delivered a Stomp to Paul before being removed by security. In the final moments, after Rhodes hit a Cross Rhodes on McIntyre, Orton struck with an immediate RKO on Rhodes to secure the pin and the victory. The layered interference and betrayals created one of the night’s most talked-about sequences.
Road to WrestleMania 42: What’s Next?
Elimination Chamber 2026 delivered exactly what fans crave: surprises, star power, and clear direction. Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill and Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre are now locked in for WrestleMania 42. CM Punk remains the World Heavyweight Champion with Roman Reigns looming large, while AJ Lee’s title win injects fresh energy into the women’s midcard scene.
Chicago got its money’s worth — and the wrestling world now turns its eyes to Las Vegas. The Viper struck when it mattered most, Seth Rollins reminded everyone he’s never truly gone, and two new WrestleMania main events were forged in steel. The road to the Showcase of the Immortals just got a whole lot more dangerous.
