Get ready for an explosive night of WWE action as we dive into the predictions for the 2026 Elimination Chamber! With the Royal Rumble behind us, the road to WrestleMania's world championship match goes through this intense event.
The Chamber Awaits: A Battle for Glory
In Chicago's United Center, six men and six women will step into the Elimination Chamber, with the winners earning their shot at the prestigious world titles. The men's Royal Rumble winner, Roman Reigns, has already set his sights on CM Punk, the world heavyweight champion, while Liv Morgan, the women's Royal Rumble winner, has chosen to challenge Stephanie Vaquer. This leaves WWE champion Drew McIntyre and WWE women's champion Jade Cargill as the remaining contenders for the Elimination Chamber.
But here's where it gets controversial... Just before the event, a shocking twist occurred on SmackDown. Jey Uso, who had earned his spot in the men's match, was attacked backstage by an unknown assailant. SmackDown's general manager, Nick Aldis, had to scramble, booking an impromptu match between Jacob Fatu and Logan Paul for the final spot. Paul emerged victorious, thanks to some outside help, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the men's Chamber match.
And this is the part most people miss... On the same night, CM Punk will defend his world heavyweight championship against Finn Balor. These two put on a spectacular show earlier this month in Balor's homeland, Ireland. Balor, determined to prove himself, has demanded a rematch, and if he succeeds, he'll be the one facing Roman Reigns in the main event at WrestleMania 42.
Additionally, AJ Lee, Punk's wife, will step into the ring for her first singles match in over a decade. She'll face Becky Lynch for the women's intercontinental championship. Lee, who teamed up with Punk against Rollins and Lynch last year, is seeking her first singles victory since 2015.
Now, let's hear from the CBS Sports experts and their predictions for the 2026 WWE Elimination Chamber:
Men's Elimination Chamber Match:
Randy Orton, LA Knight, Cody Rhodes, Je'Von Evans, Trick Williams, and Logan Paul will battle it out. Picking a winner in such a stacked match is no easy task. Evans and Williams, while talented, are not yet at the level where they'd be headlining a world championship match at WrestleMania. Orton, a legend, deserves immense respect, but his current position doesn't align with a WrestleMania main event in 2026. This leaves Knight and Rhodes, with Knight having an ongoing issue with McIntyre. The outcome seems clear, but will it be a smooth ride for Rhodes? Pick: Cody Rhodes wins - Brent Brookhouse (also Shakiel Mahjouri)
Women's Elimination Chamber Match:
Tiffany Stratton, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Kiana James, and Raquel Rodriguez will compete for the chance to challenge WWE women's champion Jade Cargill at WrestleMania. The stakes are high, and WWE needs to choose a worthy opponent for the champ. Cargill, a box office star, deserves a challenger with star power and experience. Asuka and Cargill, both heels, might not be the ideal match-up. Bliss could be an option, but her dynamic partnership with Charlotte Flair makes her more intriguing in a tag team scenario. Ripley vs. Cargill has the potential to be a WrestleMania-worthy collision, showcasing two of WWE's most powerful women. Despite Ripley's status as women's tag team champion, the upside of this match is too great to ignore. Pick: Ripley wins - Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
World Heavyweight Championship:
CM Punk, the champion, will defend his title against Finn Balor. It's heartening to see Balor back in the spotlight, and the end of his time with Judgment Day could be a fitting conclusion. However, WWE is unlikely to deviate from the Punk vs. Reigns storyline for WrestleMania. While the bizarre ending to their match at Extreme Rules 2021 was a nice touch, it's not enough to build a main event around. Pick: CM Punk retains the title - Brookhouse (also Mahjouri)
Women's Intercontinental Championship:
Becky Lynch, the champion, will face AJ Lee in a highly anticipated match. With Punk's presence, Chicago's crowd will be on their feet, especially after Lee's rough start with the company. Lynch needs a successful title defense to set up a potential WrestleMania showdown. Lee, with her limited appearances, has beaten Lynch in WarGames and a mixed tag team match. Expect Lynch to pull out all the stops and secure a victory, setting the stage for a one-on-one rematch in Las Vegas. Pick: Lynch retains the title - Mahjouri (also Brookhouse)
So, WWE fans, what do you think? Do these predictions align with your expectations? Share your thoughts and let's discuss the possibilities for the 2026 Elimination Chamber!
