WWE Friday Night SmackDown in Sunrise, Florida, USA, Live on the SYFY Network | February 20th, 2026 — The Episode Preview:

The WWE United States Champion, Carmelo Hayes, Damian Priest, and Trick Williams will be wrestling in the 5th Qualifying Match for the Men’s Elimination Chamber Match. Live from Sunrise, Florida, don’t miss SmackDown Live at 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT on the SYFY Network. (Image Courtesy of WWE)

The February 20th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown — The Episode Rundown:

• Tonight's highly anticipated match in the wrestling world features WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Rhea Ripley facing WWE Women’s United States Champion Giulia in singles competition. Since Friday's announcement, fans have been eager to see if Giulia can outshine Rhea Ripley, or if Rhea, known as Ms. Brutality, will deliver another impressive performance. One of the main highlights on SmackDown tonight is this match.

• Drew McIntyre will be live on SmackDown as WWE Undisputed Champion. Last week, he stirred controversy by attacking all competitors in the Main Event Qualifying Match for the Men’s Elimination Chamber, but Cody Rhodes still qualified. Tonight, McIntyre will likely address this, as he awaits his WrestleMania opponent, announced at the upcoming WWE Elimination Chamber.

• Cody Rhodes, known as "The American Nightmare," will kick off SmackDown after his victory last week, which earned him the third spot in the Men’s Elimination Chamber by defeating Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn. Fans will be eager to hear what Rhodes has to say tonight.

• As the countdown continues for the Men’s Elimination Chamber, a key qualifying match will feature Carmelo Hayes (WWE United States Champion), Damian Priest, and Trick Williams competing in the main event. They are two of the rising stars, with Hayes being a former WWE World Champion. The winner will earn the fifth spot in the Chamber.

• Charlotte Flair, Kiana James, and Nia Jax will compete in a women’s qualifying match for the Elimination Chamber. Charlotte, with the most experience, is favored to win, while Kiana James has been impressive lately and could surprise everyone. Nia Jax, the powerful “Irresistible Force,” poses a big challenge for her opponents.

• Tama Tonga, on a winning streak after recently defeating Shinsuke Nakamura and pinning Carmelo Hayes, will face Ilja Dragunov in singles action. The past teasing of a match between them last year makes this bout highly anticipated. Tonga aims for his third consecutive win—can he overcome the Mad Dragon tonight on SmackDown?

• Last week, Kit Wilson instigated trouble by disrespecting Oba Femi while he was negotiating with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis. Oba Femi had previously punished Wilson, and now Wilson's actions threaten to spark more conflict tonight.

The Matches Announced for the February 20th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

1. Giulia (with Kiana James) vs. Rhea Ripley (with IYO SKY) in a Singles Match.

2. Carmelo Hayes vs. Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams in a Men’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Triple Threat Match.

3. Charlotte Flair vs. Kiana James vs. Nia Jax in a Women’s Elimination Chamber Qualifying Triple Threat Match.

4. Ilja Dragunov vs. Tama Tonga in a Singles Match.

5. Kit Wilson vs. Oba Femi in a Singles Match.

The Appearances & Segments Announced for the February 20th Episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown:

1. WWE Undisputed Champion Drew McIntyre will be Live on SmackDown Tonight.

2. Cody Rhodes will open up WWE Friday Night SmackDown tonight.