The following is a spoiler rundown for WWE SmackDown on February 20, 2026, summarizing a reported match card, backstage notes and lineup adjustments. Sources indicate the episode will feature open segments from Cody Rhodes and Jade Cargill, multiple Elimination Chamber qualifiers on both the men’s and women’s sides, and a mix of singles matches that could shift ongoing storylines. The reported list, attributed to BodySlam.net and circulated by Ringside News, should be treated as provisional: WWE frequently alters cards before broadcast. This article compiles the reported card, context, implications and the items that remain unconfirmed.
Key Takeaways
- SmackDown (Feb 20, 2026) is reported to include a Cody Rhodes segment and a Jade Cargill segment, both positioned as major non‑match appearances.
- Ilja Dragunov is listed to face Tama Tonga in a singles match on the card.
- Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifier reported as a triple threat: Nia Jax vs Charlotte Flair vs Kiana James.
- Men’s Elimination Chamber qualifier reportedly scheduled as a triple threat: Trick Williams vs Carmelo Hayes vs Damian Priest.
- Oba Femi vs Kit Wilson is on the rundown as a mid‑card singles match, likely to spotlight emerging talent.
- Reported backstage note: Iyo Sky vs Giulia was reportedly changed to Rhea Ripley vs Giulia, but that pairing is not currently shown on the official rundown.
- Lineup is credited to BodySlam.net via Ringside News and remains subject to last‑minute changes before the live broadcast.
Background
SmackDown episodes in the weeks leading to marquee pay‑per‑views typically host qualifiers and momentum‑building segments. February SmackDown shows have historically been used to finalize matchmakers’ plans for the Elimination Chamber cycle and to position top stars for the next major event. Producers often mix high‑profile promos with qualifying matches to protect larger storylines while giving multiple performers television time.
The use of triple‑threat qualifiers for both men and women suggests WWE is consolidating contenders on the blue brand, offering quick, decisive matches that advance multiple arcs simultaneously. Segments by established draws such as Cody Rhodes and Jade Cargill are commonly used to generate social chatter and to seed future rivalries. Mid‑card matches like Oba Femi vs Kit Wilson typically serve to elevate newer names and test audience response.
Main Event
According to the reported lineup, Ilja Dragunov vs Tama Tonga is a featured singles match that could have implications for upper‑midcard status. Dragunov’s aggressive in‑ring style versus Tonga’s hard‑hitting offense presents a stylistic contrast aimed at generating a strong television match. The placement of this bout on the card will influence how other segments are paced throughout the hour.
The two Elimination Chamber qualifiers — the women’s triple threat (Nia Jax vs Charlotte Flair vs Kiana James) and the men’s triple threat (Trick Williams vs Carmelo Hayes vs Damian Priest) — are central to the evening’s stakes. Winners are expected to move closer to a slot in the Chamber match, elevating SmackDown’s role as a points‑bearing show for the Chamber build. Each competitor brings a different incentive: established stars seeking momentum and rising talents aiming for a breakthrough.
Additional items on the card include a Cody Rhodes segment, typically a platform for storyline advancement, and a Jade Cargill segment that may showcase character direction or set up future in‑ring opportunities. The reported Oba Femi vs Kit Wilson matchup provides a television showcase for two performers looking to strengthen their track records and crowd connection. Production choices — crowd spots, commentary emphasis, and backstage vignettes — will shape the perceived importance of each match.
Analysis & Implications
Holding multiple Elimination Chamber qualifiers on the same episode concentrates stakes and creates narrative economy: WWE can advance several storylines in a single broadcast. If established names like Charlotte Flair and Damian Priest win, creative preserves star power for the Chamber. Conversely, victories by Kiana James or Trick Williams would signal a push for newer talent, accelerating their elevation on the roster.
Cody Rhodes’ segment is notable because open segments often set the tone for the night and can pivot creative direction quickly. If Rhodes uses the time to call out a rival or to respond to a provocation, it could lead to last‑minute match additions or surprise beatings that alter the advertised card. Jade Cargill’s appearance similarly serves as a promotional touchpoint for future feuds or title considerations.
The reported switch from Iyo Sky to Rhea Ripley facing Giulia — if accurate and later confirmed on air — would be a significant creative adjustment. Rhea Ripley carries main event credibility and her involvement would immediately elevate the scene, whereas Iyo Sky’s absence would require explanation for fans tracking longer‑term arcs. Promotions sometimes make such swaps for injury, scheduling, or storyline reasons; the effect on the women’s division depends on how WWE frames the change during the broadcast.
Comparison & Data
| Qualifier | Participants |
|---|---|
| Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier | Nia Jax, Charlotte Flair, Kiana James |
| Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifier | Trick Williams, Carmelo Hayes, Damian Priest |
The table above summarizes the reported qualifiers. Structuring both sides as three‑way matches condenses time on a single episode while producing decisive outcomes. Historically, multi‑competitor qualifiers increase unpredictability but also limit one‑on‑one storytelling time; WWE appears to be prioritizing roster breadth over extended singles drama for this broadcast.
Reactions & Quotes
Reported rundown includes multiple Chamber qualifiers and high‑profile segments, according to the initial report.
BodySlam.net (wrestling news)
BodySlam.net is cited as the source of the lineup that Ringside News published; the site’s reporting set expectations for the evening but also noted the tentative nature of the card. Readers should understand the distinction between a reported rundown and the final, broadcasted order.
Ringside News advises fans that last‑minute changes are common and to monitor live coverage for updates.
Ringside News (wrestling news)
Ringside News relayed the BodySlam report and emphasized that WWE frequently makes adjustments before and during live television. That advisory is consistent with how promotions operate on live broadcast nights, where injuries or creative pivots can result in unexpected alterations.
Unconfirmed
- The reported swap of Iyo Sky vs Giulia to Rhea Ripley vs Giulia is not yet confirmed on the official rundown and remains unverified.
- Final match order and any surprise entrants or returns could change between the reported rundown and the live broadcast.
- No official WWE press release has been published to corroborate the full reported card at the time of writing.
Bottom Line
Tonight’s SmackDown, as reported by BodySlam.net and syndicated by Ringside News, is set up as a high‑stakes TV episode with multiple Elimination Chamber qualifiers and notable segments from Cody Rhodes and Jade Cargill. The reported card balances established stars and rising talent, using multi‑competitor qualifiers to advance several storylines in a single hour.
Readers should treat the lineup as provisional. Any substantive change — particularly if Rhea Ripley is confirmed in place of Iyo Sky — would shift how fans interpret the women’s division build. Tune to the live broadcast and rely on live coverage from primary sources to confirm final outcomes and any impromptu developments.
Sources
- Ringside News (wrestling news site reporting the rundown)
- BodySlam.net (wrestling news site credited with the original lineup)