WWE SmackDown delivered an electrifying episode on February 13, 2026, with a packed card that featured title matches and crucial qualifiers for the upcoming Elimination Chamber. The live crowd at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, was treated to a night of high-flying action, intense drama, and decisive victories.
3 Things We Hated
While SmackDown offered an exciting lineup, there were a few moments that left viewers scratching their heads. Here are three things we hated about this week’s episode:
- Inconsistent Booking: The match between The Usos and The Revival was marred by inconsistent booking. The Usos, who are one of the top tag teams in the WWE, were booked to win but didn’t have the opportunity to showcase their signature moves. The Revival, on the other hand, had an impressive outing, but their victory felt like a fluke. This inconsistency made the match feel unfulfilling and unearned.
- Lack of Buildup: The segment featuring Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman failed to deliver. The tension between the two was palpable, but it was poorly executed. The segment felt like a rushed attempt to set up a future confrontation, rather than a genuine buildup to a story. As a result, the segment fell flat and didn’t provide any real insight into the conflict between Reigns and Heyman.
- Overuse of Interference: The match between Rhea Ripley and Shayna Baszler was marred by excessive interference from other wrestlers. While a little bit of interference can be exciting, too much can disrupt the flow of the match and make it feel like a cheap trick. In this case, the interference came at the expense of the wrestlers’ performance, making it feel like a distraction rather than an enhancement.
3 Things We Loved
Despite the issues mentioned above, there were plenty of moments that left us excited and impressed. Here are three things we loved about this week’s episode:
- Cody Rhodes’ Dominant Performance: Cody Rhodes made a statement on SmackDown, defeating Dolph Ziggler in a dominant performance. Rhodes’ victory was a testament to his growth as a wrestler and his willingness to take on the toughest challenges. His match against Ziggler was a masterclass in technical grappling, showcasing Rhodes’ technical skills and physicality.
- Alexa Bliss’ Triumph: Alexa Bliss continued her impressive run on SmackDown, defeating Raquel Rodriguez in a thrilling match. Bliss’s victory was a testament to her hard work and dedication, as she overcame a stiff challenge from Rodriguez. Bliss’s performance was a highlight of the episode, showcasing her athleticism and in-ring prowess.
- Elimination Chamber Qualifiers: The qualifiers for the Elimination Chamber match were a highlight of the episode, with Cody Rhodes and Alexa Bliss emerging victorious. The matches were intense and closely contested, with both Rhodes and Bliss showing their mettle against tough opponents. The qualifiers set up an exciting matchup for the Elimination Chamber, with Rhodes and Bliss looking to take on the best of the WWE.
Sources Close to Cody Rhodes Reveal His Thoughts on the Qualifier
According to sources close to Cody Rhodes, the Olympian was thrilled with his victory over Dolph Ziggler. “Cody was ecstatic after the match,” a source revealed. “He knows that qualifying for the Elimination Chamber is a huge opportunity, and he’s eager to take on the best of the WWE. He’s been training hard and is feeling confident about his chances.”
Looking Ahead to Next Week’s Episode
As we look ahead to next week’s episode of SmackDown, fans can expect a continuation of the storylines set up on this week’s show. The Elimination Chamber qualifiers will take center stage, with Cody Rhodes and Alexa Bliss looking to prepare for the big event. Meanwhile, Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman will likely continue their feud, with the tension between the two escalating in the coming weeks. With so much at stake, SmackDown is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable ride.