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WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
FEBRUARY 27, 2026
LOUISVILLE, KY. AT KFC YUM! CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett
Ring Announcer: Mark Nash
Attendance: WrestleTix reports as of today 8,164 tickets were distributed so far. The arena has a capacity of 22,090 spectators when configured for basketball.
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Chris Lansdell to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpostshow@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
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[HOUR ONE]
-They opened with a chaotic scene of Jey Uso being wheeled into an ambulance as Jacob Fatu was yelling about wanting to know who did it. Nick Aldis, Cody Rhodes, and others were trying to figure out what happened. Trick Williams walked up and didn’t seem distressed. “Better him than me,” he said. Je’Von Evans got in Trick’s face and confronted him. Joe Tessitore commented on the scene.
-Drew McIntyre walked down the arena stairs. He said he had nothing to do with what happened to Jey “as hilarious as it is.” He said he tells the truth all the time, but he’s considered guilty until proven innocent. He said he’s treated like an outlaw on his own show. They cut to a split screen of Cody and Aldis having a heated discussion as chaos continued backstage. Drew entered the ring smiling. He said he should get to what he wants when he wants as champion, “so I do!” Aldis walked onto the stage with security and said he told Drew time after time to stay away, especially 24 hours before the Chamber. He ordered him to his office. He said there are 20 guys in the back who want to tear him apart and he’s ready to unleash them on him. As Drew began responding, Cody’s music played.
Cody yelled, “Enough! Drew, let’s just fight right here, right now.” Drew retreated into the crowd and asked how that would benefit him. He told Cody that unlike him, he’s not a trouble-maker. Cody said he’s spent his entire title reign “running like a little bitch.” Fans roared. Cody said Drew didn’t want to give him a rematch, but after the Chamber tomorrow night, he’ll have one. Randy Orton interrupted.
Orton came out, mic in hand. He said what happened to Jey sucks and he felt bad for him, but his focus is on winning the Chamber and going on to WrestleMania to become WWE Champion. As Orton entered the ring, Trick came out this song. Fans chanted “Whoop that Trick!” He smiled and said he’s the hottest thing in the business. He brought up Bruno Mars shouting him out in his new album. He said he’d like to add a little something to the menu for the evening. Je’Von then interrupted.
Je’Von ran past Trick and slid into the ring. He told Trick they have history, but he’s there to win the Chamber and become the youngest WWE Champion, breaking Randy’s. record. L.A. Knight then interrupted. “Let me talk to ya’!” he said once he got to the ring. He said he’s hearing a lot of empty promises and big talks. He listed the wrestlers’ catchphrases he was in the ring with. “You all belong to the man they fall the mega-star,” he said. He told Drew his title belongs to him. Trick interrupted and said, “Whopp that Trick!” Knight took off his sunglasses and eyed Trick. Fans chanted, “Whoop that Trick!” Knight said, “Okay,” and then punched Trick. They fought up to the entrance stage and to the back. That left Orton, Cody, and Je’Von. Orton gave Je’Von an RKO. Cody waited for Orton to stand and stared him down.
Orton left the ring to his music. Wade Barrett said they need more information on what happened with Jey Uso.
(Keller’s Analysis: Wild opening segment and well executed and shot. It’s clear they are writing Jey out of the Chamber, since he was a sub for the injured Bronson Reed initially. Soon, we’ll see who fills the last spot instead, right?)
-They went backstage to Cathy Kelley who said Jey’s spot in the Chamber is “absolutely in question.” She interviewed Tiffany Stratton and asked for her thoughts on entering the Chamber. She said every woman in the locker room knows better than to come after her. She said she has to start by winning the Chamber. In walked Asuka and Kairi Sane. Asuka said no one is ready for Asuka. Tiffany said she feels ready for Asuka. She asked if Asuka would like to try to prove Tiffy Time is over tonight. Kairi asked Tiffany if she was jealous. Asuka yelled for her.
-They went to Tessitore and Barrett who reacted to the happenings. They showed Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley delighted with each other in the parking garage. They showed Nia Jax & Lash Legend, Oba Femi, and The Miz also,.
-Solo Sikoa walked out with Uncle Howdy’s lantern. [c]
(1) UNCLE HOWDY vs. SOLO SIKOA
The bell rang 22 minutes into the hour. They fought at ringside a minute in. Howdy ducked a clothesline by Solo, whose arm hit the ringpost. Howdy focused on his arm, then clotheslined Solo over the ringside barricade into the time keeper’s area. Howdy then eyed the lantern at ringside. Tessitore said he wants to possess it again. (Well, it’s right there!) Solo made a comeback and threw Howdy head-first into the middle turnbuckle and they cut to a double-box break at 3:00. [c/db]
Back from the break, they were battling mid-ring. Solo hit a Spinning Solo Slam. He leaped off the top rope and landed a splash for a two count at 9:00. A “Let’s Go Howdy!” chant started. Solo set up a Samoan Spike. Tessitore said his thumb is sore from hitting the ringpost. Instead, he set up a Sister Abigail. Howdy countered with a Mandible Claw. Solo escaped with his Spike. He followed with two hip attacks in the corner. On a third attempt, Howdy charged out of the corner and hit a Sister Abigail for the win.
WINNER: Howdy in 11:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Not a dream match-up of styles, as it was a bit sluggish. Okay, though.)
-Afterward, the MFTs attacked Howdy and took the lantern. The rest of the Wyatt Sicks ran out to check on Howdy.
-Aldis told Drew backstage to just stay home from the Chamber and don’t make their lives any harder. He crossed paths with what’s left of The Vision – Paul Heyman, Austin Theory, and Logan Paul. Aldis asked what they can do for him. Heyman wanted a more friendly greeting. Heyman said the last thing the company needs is another injury. He said this one was on Aldis’s watch. Heyman said it appears he’d need a new person in the Chamber to replace Jey. He volunteered Logan Paul. Theory applauded. Logan said he’s the most important person WWE has. He yelled that he was going to win and told a very calm Aldis to “calm down.” He flexed his arm and stuck it in Aldis’s face. Aldis said it’s certainly convenient that Jey was attacked and taken to the hospital, and then moments later he sees Logan. Theory and Logan took issue with the implication. Heyman said Logan in the Chamber would be good for business. Aldis called it “an interesting proposition” and he’d make some calls. Aldis walked away. Heyman told Logan he would win the Chamber, right? Logan said, “Of course.” Heyman told Theory to “watch your temper.” [c]
-A video package aired on interactions with Sky & Ripley and Jax & Lash.
-Kelley interviewed Sky & Ripley about their tag title defense laster. She asked Ripley if her focus is fractured due to also wrestling in the Chamber tomorrow night. Ripley said she is taking things one step at a time and her focus tonight is on the tag titles. Sky said she has no doubt Rhea will win the Chamber and win the title at WrestleMania. Ripley smiled and said they are on the same page and have each other’s backs. Jade Cargill walked in and told Ripley no one will have her back in the Chamber. She said she hoped she didn’t get hurt tonight.
-Aldis told someone on the phone to call him back at any time tonight. Fatu walked up to Aldis and said all fingers should be pointed at Drew. He told Aldis he has a Drew problem and Fatu said he has a problem with Drew. He asked to be put in the Chamber. Aldis said he’d take it under consideration. He said he had to make some calls. Fatu said, “I’ll take that.”
-Tiffany made her entrance. [c]
-A commercial aired for the Apr. 4 NXT Stand & Deliver tickets going on sale this week. Damien Priest talked about what NXT meant to him.
-They showed Jelly Roll waving to fans in the front row. Tessitore congratulated him on being on the cover of Men’s Health.
(2) TIFFANY STRATTON vs. KAIRI SANE (w/Asuka)
On her way to the ring, Asuka paused and said “I’m smart!” She said she is resting before her Chamber match, so instead Kairi is going to wrestle. (Wrestlers can just do that?) Tessitore said it’s a “bait and switch” by Asuka. The bell rang 53 minutes into the hour. Chelsea Green joined on commentary from her wheelchair at ringside with Alba Fyre standing next to her. Tiffany yelled down at Asuka as she stood on the ring apron early in the match. That gave Kairi an opening to take over. They cut to a break at 2:00. [c]
Tiffany landed an Alabama Slam into a pinning attempt for a near fall. Tiffany leaped to the top rope to set up a Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Kairi stood and went to shove Tiffany, but Tiffany slipped first and hung upside down. Kairi then headbutted her and leaped off with a double-stomp to the face. She scored a two count.
[HOUR TWO]
They battled on the ring apron. Kairi set up a fisherman’s suplex. Tiffany countered, but Kairi then seemed to counter also and they both crashed onto the ring apron and then to the floor. Kairi threw Tiffany into the ring and then landed a flying fist for a two count.
Kairi climbed to the top rope, but Tiffany stood and shoved Kairi to the floor at Fyre. Green yelled at TIffany. She stood in her walking boot. Kairi leaped at Tiffany, but Tiffany moved and so Kairi knocked Chelsea down. Tiffany landed a rolling senton and a Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win. Barrett asked for medical help for Chelsea, but in a way that played into him acting overly worried about her.
WINNER: Tiffany in 10:00.
-Aldis walked into his office where The Vision was waiting for him. Aldis said he had some news after chatting with Pearce. He said Logan will get an opportunity to compete in the Chamber. Logan yelled, “Yes! Yes!” Heyman asked what the catch was. Aldis said that opportunity would come if he defeated Fatu later. Heyman asked Aldis if he was out of his mind. Logan stopped Heyman and said he sold the world’s most valuable trading card and married the world’s most beautiful super model, so he can beat WWE’s most dangerous werewolf. Heyman and Theory smiled.
-The Miz made his entrance.
(3) THE MIZ vs. OBA FEMI
When Oba entered the ring, Miz said, “We don’t have to fight, okay?” Oba took his mic. Miz got another one. Miz said nobody wants this match. He said it’s a common misunderstanding. Miz said he is filling the John Cena-sized hole in everyone’s heart. He said he was once in NXT and he was “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed” like Oba now. He said he didn’t make the mistake of going after locker room leaders like Undertaker and Triple H. He said he wanted to guide him and take him under his wing. “Oba, let me be your Undertaker,” he said. Oba said there is no striking resemblance, “but you do look like a dead man to me.” Miz said he should master, inspire, and focus in. He said with all of his connections, he can have the crowd forever chanting “Oba!” Fans chanted “Oba! Oba!” Oba said he doesn’t need him to get them to chant for him. He asked the fans if they want to see him wrestle Miz or join forces with him. “Do we become the Awesome Rulers?!” Oba listened to the crowd and said, “Mike, you’re dying tonight.” He said he’ll teach Oba how to be the bigger man and walk away. Oba grabbed his wrist and yanked him into a clothesline. Barrett said, “That is no way to treat this era’s Undertaker”
Miz snapped Oba’s neck over the top rope, but Oba punched him as he leaped off the top rope. Oba attacked Miz until Miz side-stepped him as he charged and set up a Skull Crushing Finale. Oba blocked it and tossed Miz across the ring. Then he delivered a Fall From Grace for the win.
WINNER: Oba in 2:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Like last week, Miz was good here and Oba played well off of him. Again, no bell ever rang, which is kind of annoying.)
-Carmelo Hayes walked up to Ilja Dragunov and asked why he wasn’t dressed to wrestle him. Dragunov said he doesn’t deserve the shot at this time. He said he’ll let him know when he feels the time is right. He told him to go out and win and show everyone who he is. Hayes told him he doesn’t need a pep talk from him. He told Dragunov if he doesn’t take this match tonight, there’s no guarantee it will happen another time.
-Hayes made his ring entrance. Tessitore said Hayes did the right thing offering a title match to Dragunov, but now it has switched to an open challenge. [c]
(4) CARMELO HAYES vs. MATT CARDONA – U.S. Title Open Challenge match
When Cardona came out, Barrett asked what would happen to Dragunov’s title match if Cardona were to beat Hayes. Barrett advocated for cheating to get the gold at the end of the rainbow. The bell rang 28 minutes into the hour. Barrett said those who recall Caronda’s earlier time in WWE, they might be shocked at what he’s developed into. Tessitore said this is Cardona’s first match for the U.S. Title since 2016. Cardona avoided a dive by Hayes at ringside and Hayes crashed into the announce desk. They cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
Cardona landed a running boot to Hayes’s face in the corner. He landed a running kneelift to send Hayes to the ring apron. He followed with a wrecking ball kick. Barrett said Hayes hasn’t gotten a single move in during the last four minutes. At 8:00, Hayes kipped up and caught Cardona with a springboard clothesline.
They battled back and forth and exchanged two counts. Hayes avoided a running boot in the corner. Cardona took over shortly thereafter with a huracanrana off the top rope. Hayes leapfrogged a Rough Ryder and scored a two count with a schoolboy. Cardona landed a Rough Ryder for a near fall seconds later. Barrett said that is the move that has done Cardona titles in the past. Hayes surprised Cardona with a First 48 seconds later for the clean three count. Barrett said Cardona dominated 90 percent of the match, but Hayes pulled out the win. Hayes offered Cardona help up. Cardona accepted and raised his arm.
WINNER: Hayes in 12:00 to retain the U.S. Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: Nice match.)
-Wrestlers were gathered around the crate backsatge. R-Truth said they can see what’s in it during the Elimination Chamber on the ESPN App. He explained how to sign-up for the ESPN app or activate with an existing cable subscription. LeRae wheeled Johnny Gargano past everyone as he was facedown on a rolling crate. Everyone laughed at him. Kit Wilson said Gargano’s vulnerability is strength, not weakness. He said they are all toxic.
(Keller’s Analysis: We’re having WWE Network flashbacks.)
-Candice LeRae made her entrance alone. Then she called for Gargano to join her. He did, but he walked slow with is head hanging. Barrett said Gargano has been despondent since losing Axiom’s mask. [c]
(5) CANDICE LERAE (w/Johnny Gargano) vs. JORDYNNE GRACE
The bell rang 49 minutes into the hour. Barrett said the only reason this match is happening is because last week, Grace called Gargano “a little weirdo.” The bell rang 49 minutes into the hour. Grace dominated and delivered a a superplex at 3:00 followed by a powerslam for a near fall.
When LeRae finally took over, she got preoccupied with Gargano meandering away. Grace won with a pump-handle suplex. Gargano slowly walked to the back.
WINNER: Grace in 4:00.
-Kelley asked Rodriguez about possibly winning the Chamber. She said it’d be great to have two female champions in The Judgment Day. Jade said if she wins the Chamber, she’ll embarrass her at WrestleMania. Rodriguez told her she’d see her soon. When Raquel left, in walked Michin and B-Fab. Michin said she might not even be champion by WrestleMania. [c]
[HOUR THREE]
-A video recap aired of A.J. Styles retirement night.
-Backstage, Cody walked up to Fatu. He said it might sound funny, but he hopes it’s him in the Chamber. Sami walked up to Cody and said sheepishly, “Hey, man.” Cody shook his hand quickly. Sami then approached Fatu and asked how Jey was doing. Jacob said it wasn’t looking good. Sami said he knows he didn’t do it, but he’s not 100 percent sure he can say the same about him. Fatu asked what that means. Sami said it’s funny that he was in the exact right place at the right time, and then he went right to Aldis and tried to take his spot. He said he leave chaos and destruction wherever he goes.
Fatu said he better be very careful what he says next. “Or what?” asked Sami, “I end up in the hospital with Jey?” He said he wants to get his hands on Drew, too. He said Drew screwed him too. Jacob yelled that if anyone got screwed, it’s him. He said he and Cody got Claymored, but Sami was the only one who didn’t. He said if anything, it looked like Drew was helping him. Fatu said if anyone is worth watching, it’s him. Sami soaked it up and nodded. He said he was right and apologized. He said his head hasn’t been screwed on straight lately. He told him to go win it for Jey. Fatu shook his head and walked away. Sami then knocked some stuff over and held his head in his hands.
(6) RHEA RIPLEY & IYO SKY vs. NIA JAX & LASH LEGEND – WWE Women’s Tag Team Title match
Jax and Lash made their entrance first. Then Sky and Rhea. Formal ring introductions took place. The bell rang 11 minutes into the hour. Barrett said it’s rare that Rhea looks physically diminutive in a match. Jax and Lash swung Rhea and Sky into the ringside barricade as they cut to a break at 2:00. [c]
Ripley got the hot tag to a crowd pop at 7:00. She leaped off the top rope with a missile dropkick on Jax for a near fall. Lash yanked Sky off the ring apron as she reached to tag in. Sky reverse-whipped her into the ringpost. Jax then landed a Samoan Drop on Jax in the ring. She dragged Rhea to the corner to set up an Annihilator. Rhea stood and shoved Jax and then delivered a powerbomb out of the corner. Jax powered out. Ripley landed a running knee. Jax rolled to ringside. Ripley flipped off the ring apron at Jax. They cut to another break at 9:00 as Ripley pounded her chest. [c]
Jax was in charge after the break, preventing Rhea from tagging out. Jax gave Ripley a Samoan Drop on the announce desk. She threw her into the ring where Lash went on the attack and scored a two count. Jax followed up with a legdrop off the second rope. Sky broke up the cover. Lash and Sky tumbled over the top rope to ringside.
Ripley avoided a charging Jax, who went shoulder-first into the ringpost. Ripley then crawled over and tagged in Sky. Lash also tagged in. Sky landed a double-stomp. Lash almost ran into Jax in the corner. Sky leaped over Lash and went for a tornado DDT on Jax, although it landed sloppy.
Sky leaped off the top rope at Lash with a dropkick. She somersaulted to her feet and played to the crowd and then dove through the ropes onto Jax. Back in the ring, she landed double knees to Lash in the corner. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!” She landed an Over the Moonsault. Jax landed on Sky, basically reinforcing the cover. She shoved Sky off of Lash after the ref stopped his count. Jax stood on the second rope and landed an Annihilator on Sky. Lash made the cover, but Rhea yanked Lash’s boot and dragged her to ringside to break up the cover.
Jax tumbled to ringside as she dove at Ripley. Sky tagged Ripley in and she landed a running kick to Lash. Jax entered, but Ripley gave her a headbutt and then gave her a Riptide. Lash then gave Ripley a Lash Extension for the win.
WINNERS: Jax & Lash in 19:00 to capture the women’s WWE Tag Team Titles.
(Keller’s Analysis: Not every spot was smooth, but overall an exciting match where everyone worked hard start to finish.)
-Charlotte was eating ice cream backstage. She said unconvincingly that she was fine with Jax and Lash winning the tag titles and her best friend being in the Chamber. Kiana James and Giulia then taunted them. James said she’ll win the women’s title and she and Giulia will win the tag tiltes. Jade walked in and wished them luck. Charlotte wept a little, but insisted she was fine.
-Solo and the MFTs confronted Aldis. He complained about how he was treated and wanted him to do something. Aldis said what he saw is Solo lose fair and square and then attacked afterward. He said the titles should be defended more often, so next week they’d determine new no. 1 contenders.
-Tessitore plugged Fatu vs. Logan was up next. [c]
-A clip aired of Lash & Jax winning the belts.
-Kelley interviewed Jax & Lash backstage. Jax said, “Good luck to anybody who tries to take these from us.” She said it was Lash’s first title in WWE. She said they’ve having a party next week. Jax told Kelley she wasn’t invited.
-They went to Tessitore and Barrett who talked about C.M. Punk being in the Chamber in his hometown of Chicago. They threw to a video on Punk.
-Aleister Black with Zelina asked Randy Orton backstage if the Black Mass woke up something inside him. Orton said he’s sick and tired of what’s going on his head. He said the voices are talking more and more. He told him to be careful what he wishes for. He said after the Chamber, he would find him. Black said, “Of course, because we planned it that way.”
-Logan made his entrance with Heyman and Theory.
(7) LOGAN PAUL (w/Paul Heyman, Austin Theory) vs. JACOB FATU – Winner Gets Empty Slot in the Chamber
The bell rang 47 minutes into the hour. Barrett said neither man entered tonight thinking they’d be in the Chamber tomorrow night. Fatu splashed Logan in the corner at 2:00 and then clotheslined him over the top rope to the floor. He followed with a running dive, tackling Logan at ringside. They cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
Back from the break, Logan took control and leaped off the top rope. Fatu avoided him and then superkicked him in the head. He followed with a handspring moonsault for a two count at 8:00. They battled for control on the top rope. Fatu shoved Logan to the mat. Fatu went for a Swanton, but Logan lifted his knees. Logan landed a springboard moonsault, but overshot it. He got a two count. Fatu landed a running hip attack. Fatu knocked Theory off the ring apron. Heyman stood on the ring apron. Fatu turned to him. Logan gave Fatu a low-blow. Logan then landed a top rope splash for a believable near fall.
Theory stood at ringside. The mystery masked man superkicked Theory. Logan jumped to the floor and punched him. Logan yanked off his mask. Tessitore said he had never seen that man before. Officials dragged the guy away. Barrett said he was a high-ineffective masked man and was skeptical it was the actual masked man. Fatu then tag Logan a pop-up Samoan Drop. Drew then hit Fatu in the head with his belt and then Logan rolled up Fatu for the win.’
They showed Drew with his belt sitting at ringside as Heyman and Theory joined Logan in celebration on the other side of the ring.
WINNER: Logan in 12:00 to earn a spot in the Chamber.
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorch’s Chris Lansdell to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. We’ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!
Email our post-show at wadekellerpostshow@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
If you can’t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller” and “pwtorch” in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.
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Click that link during the post-show to enter the waiting room as “live video caller” (or just audio if you turn off your cam, which is fine).
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