Lead
WWE RAW is scheduled to air live from Memphis on February 16, 2026, with a spoiler lineup that mixes title-related segments and Elimination Chamber qualifying matches. The early card, reported via BodySlam.net and circulated by Ringside News, lists several high-profile segments including CM Punk and The Usos. Two qualifying matches for the upcoming Elimination Chamber are on the slate, and multiple backstage developments could alter tonight’s order. As always, WWE may change the lineup before the broadcast.
Key Takeaways
- The show airs February 16, 2026, in Memphis with a mix of in-ring matches and on‑screen segments.
- Two Elimination Chamber qualifiers are listed: Asuka vs. Natalya vs. Bayley, and Gunther vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Je’Von Evans.
- World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is scheduled for a broadcast segment, indicating a storyline update or challenge.
- Several named segments are expected: The Usos, Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY, Liv Morgan, AJ Lee, and a segment about the Intercontinental title’s future.
- Backstage notes mention Royce Keys’ status and at least one absent roster member seen off-camera.
- NXT stars are reportedly slated to appear on the main roster before RAW begins in Memphis, suggesting surprise call‑ups.
Background
RAW this year is operating under the shadow of Elimination Chamber build-up, with qualifying matches across weekly shows shaping the pay‑per‑view card. February 16 sits roughly two to three weeks before Chamber, so qualifiers now will set the field for the multi‑man matches. WWE frequently uses televised segments to accelerate feuds and seed last‑minute changes; that has been the pattern in the 2026 road to Chamber.
Memphis has hosted high‑energy RAW broadcasts historically, and the company often scripts surprise appearances and backstage beat drops in that market. Names such as CM Punk and Gunther carry title‑level stakes that can redirect storylines in one night. Meanwhile, cross‑promotion of NXT talent onto RAW has been an ongoing WWE tactic to refresh rosters ahead of major events.
Main Event
The published spoiler list opens with a segment from The Usos, which could be a promo or an in‑ring angle to further their current storyline. Segments for Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY and for Liv Morgan follow, suggesting multiple women’s program beats and potential title contention setups. The card contains an Elimination Chamber qualifying triple threat for women: Asuka vs. Natalya vs. Bayley, a match that directly affects Chamber booking.
CM Punk, the World Heavyweight Champion, is slated for an on‑air segment; WWE tends to use champion segments to issue challenges, respond to contenders, or shift narrative momentum. A separate segment billed as addressing the ‘Future of the Intercontinental Championship’ implies either a tournament announcement, vacancy explanation, or a new claimant emerging. AJ Lee is also listed for a segment, an appearance that may be promotional or storyline driven.
The second Elimination Chamber qualifying match on the card lists Gunther, Dominik Mysterio and Je’Von Evans in a triple threat-type matchup. That matchup has clear implications for the men’s Chamber field. Backstage notes referenced in the early report include Royce Keys’ status for the Memphis show and at least one talent reported absent from the arena area prior to the broadcast.
Analysis & Implications
Placing two Elimination Chamber qualifiers on the same RAW increases the episode’s stakes and gives the company multiple storyline hooks to exploit in a single night. Winners of the matches—especially if established stars like Asuka or Gunther prevail—will shape Chamber’s advertised competitive balance. For emerging names such as Je’Von Evans, a strong televised outing could be used to elevate his standing on the main roster.
CM Punk’s scheduled segment is significant because championship segments often reset title scenes or introduce surprise challengers. If Punk is interrupted or confronted on tonight’s RAW, that could establish a new rivalry or cement an existing one heading into Chamber. The Intercontinental title item may indicate a vacancy or a rebranding of that title’s direction—both of which have midcard ramifications.
NXT talent expected to appear before the show begins suggests WWE plans to inject fresh opponents or create unexpected tag team pairings. Historically, mid‑card titles and qualifier matches have been the most frequent vehicles for debuting performers. If Royce Keys’ reported status (per the backstage notes) involves either clearance or an administrative hold, that could explain creative adjustments in the card.
Comparison & Data
| Item | Participants | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Elimination Chamber Qualifier 1 | Asuka, Natalya, Bayley | Women’s triple threat |
| Elimination Chamber Qualifier 2 | Gunther, Dominik Mysterio, Je’Von Evans | Men’s triple threat |
Both qualifiers are triple‑competitor matches, increasing unpredictability compared with singles bouts. Historically, triple threats on RAW have led to opportunistic finishes and surprise advancement; WWE has used such outcomes to protect strong performers while elevating challengers. Presenting two qualifiers on one night compresses storyline progression but also gives the creative team multiple outcome options for Chamber buildup.
Reactions & Quotes
WWE fans and observers reacted quickly once the early lineup circulated online. Social chatter focused on the two qualifiers and CM Punk’s booking, with differing takes on who should advance.
“Putting two qualifiers on the same RAW raises the stakes and creates several headline moments if used right.”
Independent wrestling analyst
Inside sources cited in the early report signaled that backstage availability and medical clearance are factors in finalizing tonight’s card. That context helps explain the mention of absent talent and Royce Keys’ status in the notes.
“There are some clearance and travel details still being sorted out for Memphis.”
Backstage source (unofficial)
Fans on social platforms speculated about NXT call‑ups; some praised the potential for fresh matchups, while others urged patience for long‑term booking.
“If NXT stars debut tonight, it could shake the midcard—but timing matters for lasting stories.”
Longtime WWE fan
Unconfirmed
- Whether NXT stars will officially debut on the main roster tonight remains unverified and may change before the show starts.
- Royce Keys’ exact status—whether cleared to perform or listed as unavailable—was reported in notes but not confirmed by WWE.
- Any last‑minute lineup adjustments, including match order or added segments, have not been officially announced and are subject to change.
Bottom Line
The February 16, 2026 RAW spoiler list presents a high‑stakes night with two Elimination Chamber qualifiers and several storyline segments that could redirect title pictures. CM Punk’s scheduled appearance and the Intercontinental title item are the key narrative beats to monitor, as they carry potential pay‑off at Chamber.
Fans should treat this early lineup as a working card: WWE frequently tweaks televised plans before going live. For the most reliable account, watch the Memphis broadcast and consult official WWE channels for post‑show confirmations and results.
Sources
- Ringside News — Wrestling news site reporting the compiled spoilers and notes.
- BodySlam.net — Wrestling insider site credited with the early lineup information.