WWE is gearing up for a packed wrestling weekend in Chicago centered around the 2026 Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, with additional WWE NXT and AAA events reportedly scheduled alongside SmackDown and the Chamber main card. This ambitious plan aims to turn the Elimination Chamber weekend into a must-see wrestling festival, building momentum towards WrestleMania 42.
Elimination Chamber 2026 Set for Chicago: Venue and Date Details
According to industry insiders, WWE intends to hold the Elimination Chamber event on February 28, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, making it the first U.S.-based Elimination Chamber since 2021[1][2]. The likely venue is the famed Allstate Arena in Rosemont – a familiar locale for WWE events and notably the site of a recent SmackDown taping in September 2025[1][4]. Although the date isn’t officially locked in and might shift by a week, the choice of Chicago signals WWE’s commitment to tapping into a passionate wrestling fanbase in the Windy City[2][3].
This event will be the 16th edition of Elimination Chamber as a standalone WWE pay-per-view, traditionally the final major stop before WrestleMania. The 2026 edition will directly set the stage for WrestleMania 42, which returns to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18-19, 2026[3].
Expanding The Weekend: NXT & AAA Shows Added To The Slate
In what insiders describe as a strategic move to maximize fan engagement, WWE plans not only to produce SmackDown on February 27 in Chicago but also to host additional wrestling shows featuring WWE’s developmental brand NXT and Mexico’s premier wrestling promotion AAA during the same weekend[1][2].
A WWE insider told Wrestling Inc., “The goal is to turn this weekend into a wrestling destination event. By stacking high-profile NXT and AAA cards alongside SmackDown and Elimination Chamber, WWE hopes to attract fans from diverse wrestling markets and create a festival-like atmosphere”[1].
AAA’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy, given WWE’s ongoing collaborative relationship with the Mexican promotion, further solidifying WWE’s strategy to embrace international wrestling cultures and styles throughout its event calendar[1][2].
Rationale Behind The Dual Branding Weekend
WWE’s approach of combining multiple shows in the same city across different brands showcases effort to increase live attendance and broaden the fan experience in a crowded sports entertainment market. With Elimination Chamber typically being the final large-scale PPV before WrestleMania, having both NXT and SmackDown live events adds layers of storytelling and talent exposure.
Moreover, hosting AAA events alongside WWE brands capitalizes on Chicago’s large Hispanic community, aligning with WWE’s objectives of expanding its reach and providing diverse content to various ethnic fan bases[1][2].
Potential Scheduling Flexibility Amid AEW Competition
Sources close to WWE reveal that while February 28 remains the targeted date, there’s still flexibility dependent on competitor AEW’s pay-per-view scheduling. WWE is reportedly monitoring AEW’s calendar closely and may adjust Elimination Chamber’s date by a week to avoid direct clashes for viewership[2][3].
A wrestling business analyst commented, “WWE and AEW have a history of trying to outdo each other during big weekends. Locking down a prime date for Elimination Chamber, along with a stacked weekend of shows, is crucial to maintaining momentum heading into WrestleMania season”[2].
Historical Context: Elimination Chamber’s U.S. Return
The last four Elimination Chamber events took place outside the United States Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Australia making the 2026 Chicago show a notable homecoming for the brand[1][3]. Chicago’s Allstate Arena, having hosted multiple WWE events over the years, including recent SmackDown episodes, provides a familiar and supportive venue for this return.
Industry insiders note that the venue brings with it an electric crowd and wrestling-rich legacy, perfect for an event designed to elevate storylines before WrestleMania’s global showcase[1][4].
Building Anticipation For A Huge WrestleMania Buildup
Elimination Chamber traditionally features high-stakes matches that shape WrestleMania’s championship picture. After the spectacle of the 2025 event marked by John Cena’s surprise heel turn and Jade Cargill’s return from injury fans anticipate similar major developments in 2026[2]. The addition of NXT and AAA events promises fresh matchups and new star-building opportunities to create excitement across all WWE audiences.
An insider close to the NXT creative team hinted, “We want to use the Chicago weekend to give NXT talent a chance to shine big time on a massive stage, connecting with fans who are already hyped for the big WWE shows”[1].
Conclusion: A Wrestling Weekend Designed To Enthrall
WWE’s plans for an unprecedented Elimination Chamber weekend in Chicago, featuring NXT and AAA shows alongside SmackDown and the main PPV, embodies the company’s evolving approach to event production. This multi-brand wrestling weekend aims to generate synergy, magnify fan interaction, and provide the perfect springboard into WrestleMania 42.
As WWE finalizes details, wrestling fans can prepare for a breakthrough February in Chicago one packed with action, drama, and high-stakes storylines across WWE’s diverse roster and partnerships[1][2].