WWE Weekly Recap: Three Shows, One Goal — Get to Chicago ⛓️

If you’ve been keeping up with WWE lately, you can feel it: everything is funneling toward Elimination Chamber at the United Center in Chicago on Feb 28. Qualifiers, grudges, “prove it” matches, and that one chaotic finish per show that makes you text your group chat like, “Did you see THAT?”

I’m Christian Cruz — real estate agent in Cook County / Chicago’s North Suburbs (Skokie, Park Ridge, Glenview, Niles… you know the lanes) and a lifelong WWE fan. I love a good veteran run, but I’m especially here for the next-gen push. Give me Trick Williams and Je’Von Evans getting real reps in real spots, and I’m locked in.

Let’s run through the last three shows and where the Chamber picture stands.

SmackDown (Feb 13, 2026): Bliss, Cody, and Trick All Moved Like It Mattered

Alexa Bliss Qualifies for the Women’s Elimination Chamber

Alexa Bliss punched her ticket to the Chamber, and it hit exactly the way it should: veteran presence, clean execution, no wasted motion. WWE’s women’s division is deep right now, so every qualifier win feels like a legit accomplishment instead of “cool, see you in the graphic.”

Cody Rhodes Qualifies — and I Need Drew McIntyre to Respond Like a Monster

Cody Rhodes also qualified, which is huge heading into Chicago. Cody in a Chamber match is always a big-deal energy because he treats everything like a main event (in a good way).

But I’m going to say the thing I keep saying: if Drew McIntyre is positioned as that guy, I need him looking more dominant week to week. Less “I got pulled into a bunch of side problems” and more “I’m the champ and you’re in my way.” Drew is at his best when he feels unavoidable.

Jade Cargill vs. Jordynne Grace: Jade Held It Down

Jade Cargill defending against Jordynne Grace was one of those matches where you could feel WWE saying, “Yeah, we’re serious about this division.” Jordynne is a problem, period — and Jade getting through that kind of test matters for her credibility.

Trick Williams Beat Rey Fenix (And That’s Not a Small Win)

This might’ve been my favorite “future” moment of the night: Trick Williams beating Rey Fenix. That’s a real name, real style clash, real pace… and Trick kept up and got it done.

If you’re investing in the next generation (and I am), this is how you do it: let them beat people who actually test them.

RAW (Feb 16, 2026): Asuka, Je’Von, Penta, and The Vision Made Statements

Asuka Qualifies — Still One of the Best, Still Dangerous

Asuka qualifying is a reminder that the floor in that women’s Chamber is insanely high. She doesn’t need a bunch of extra buildup to feel like a threat — she just shows up and you believe her.

Je’Von Evans Qualifies (Next-Gen Push = Activated)

Let’s go: Je’Von Evans qualified, and I’m not being dramatic when I say this is the exact kind of momentum WWE needs more of. Je’Von has that “you can’t teach it” burst, and you can already see how a Chamber environment could make him look like a breakout star in one night.

Penta Became the Intercontinental Title Contender

Penta becoming the IC contender is the kind of move that instantly makes the mid-card feel hotter. Penta in a title program means the matches will be stiff, fast, and creative — and the crowd is going to be all the way in.

The Vision Beat LA Knight and The Usos

The Vision beating LA Knight and The Usos was a loud result. LA Knight is momentum personified, and the Usos are the Usos — so if The Vision is stacking wins over that level of star power, WWE is clearly telling us they’re a priority going into Chicago.

Also: I’m still waiting for Jacob Fatu to just fully turn the volume to max and dog walk everybody in his path. Stop teasing it. Let it happen.

SmackDown (Feb 20, 2026): Qualifiers, Upsets, and a Main Event That Didn’t Get to Finish

Trick Williams Qualifies — Big Moment, Big Stage Incoming

Trick Williams qualified and that’s a major W. The Chamber at the United Center is not a small-room test — that’s a big Chicago crowd, big pressure, big “can you swim” moment.

Trick being in that match is WWE putting real confidence behind the next wave, and I love that.

Kiana James Upset Charlotte Flair

Kiana James upsetting Charlotte Flair is a headline by itself. Pinning Charlotte changes how people look at you, instantly. Even if you don’t like it, you have to respect that WWE is willing to move pieces around and create new names instead of living on autopilot.

Tama Tonga Beat Ilja Dragunov

Tama Tonga beating Dragunov was exactly what you’d expect: physical, urgent, and the kind of match where both guys look like they’re trying to win a fight, not just a “wrestling match.” Dragunov always brings that intensity like his rent is due tomorrow, and Tama matched him.

Rhea Ripley vs. Giulia Went No-Contest

And then the main event: Rhea vs. Giulia ending in a No-Contest. Of course it did. WWE loves giving us a taste and then snatching the plate right when it gets good.

Still, it did its job: it kept both women strong and made it clear the division is colliding, not politely taking turns.

The Elimination Chamber Vibe (United Center, Feb 28)

We’re heading into Feb 28 at the United Center, and the qualifier season is doing what it’s supposed to do: separate the people who can win big matches from the people who just have cool entrances.

And in the middle of all this? I’m still watching for two things:

• WWE fully committing to the next-gen push (Trick + Je’Von especially)
• Jacob Fatu getting unleashed like the final boss and dog walking whoever needs it
• Drew McIntyre looking more like an unstoppable champ and less like a guy constantly getting dragged into side quests

Real Estate Vibe Check: Consistency Wins in Chicago (Every Time)

One thing WWE gets right when it’s cooking: the people who rise are the ones who stack good weeks on top of each other. Not just one hot night — consistency.

Same thing in Cook County real estate. Whether you’re buying in Skokie, sizing up condos in Park Ridge, or moving north to spots like Glenview or Mount Prospect, the win usually comes down to steady execution:

• having your numbers straight
• moving on a timeline that matches your life
• and making decisions you can repeat (not panic decisions)

If you want a no-pressure game plan — even if you’re 6–18 months out — you can reach me anytime at www.cruzdwellings.com.

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Ready to talk? Let’s connect.

Christian Cruz (Cruz Dwellings)

Christian Cruz
Real Estate Agent | Cook County + Chicago North Suburbs

(773) 914-4299

Christian.Cruz@cbrealty.com
Cruz Dwellings — www.cruzdwellings.com