‘WWE Smackdown’ Review (Feb 20th 2026)
Welcome to this review of this past Friday’s episode of Smackdown, right here on Nerdly. Let’s see what went down on this week’s show!
Match #1: Tama Tonga def. Ilja Dragunov
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After interference from The MFTs, Tama Tonga scored a controversial victory over Ilja Dragunov with the Cutthroat Elbow. After the match, The MFTs beatdown an advancing Ilja Dragunov, Matt Cardona and Apollo Crews before getting an ominous message from Uncle Howdy.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #2: Women’s Elimination Chamber Triple Threat Qualifier – Kiana James def. Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
When Charlotte Flair arched her back to lock Nia Jax in the Figure-Eight Leglock, Kiana James crept under The Queen and executed a sneak pinfall to score the upset victory and qualify for the Women’s Elimination Chamber.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #3: Oba Femi def. Kit Wilson
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After entertaining more of Kit Wilson’s “toxic poetry,” Oba Femi picked up a decisive victory over his outmatched opponent.
My Score: SQUASH out of 5
Match #4: Tiffany Stratton def. Alba Fyre
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Tiffany Stratton geared up for the Elimination Chamber Match with a victory over Alba Fyre with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #5: Men’s Elimination Chamber Triple Threat Qualifier – Trick Williams def. Damian Priest and United States Champion Carmelo Hayes
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After hitting a Trick Shot on Damian Priest as he was setting up United States Champion Carmelo Hayes for the Razor’s Edge, Trick Williams hit a Trick Shot on Priest to secure the victory.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #6: Rhea Ripley def. Giulia (DQ)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Nia Jax and Lash Legend attacked WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Rhea Ripley during her non-title match against Women’s United States Champion Giulia to end the explosive showdown. IYO SKY quickly emerged to even the odds, and RHIYO expelled The Irresistible Forces from the ring.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #7: Aleister Black def. Randy Orton
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Aleister Black hit Randy Orton with Black Mass for the huge main event win after Drew McIntyre nailed The Viper with the Undisputed WWE Title.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
This week’s Smackdown felt like a solid table-setter rather than a must-see event – a show built around Elimination Chamber positioning, surprise qualifiers and faction teases, but one that never quite tipped into essential territory. Tama Tonga vs. Ilja Dragunov had the intensity you’d expect, but the interference-heavy finish undercut what could have been a show-stealer. That said, the post-match chaos and Uncle Howdy tease at least gave it storyline weight. The women’s Triple Threat qualifier was arguably the tightest bout on the card; Kiana James stealing the win from Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax was a genuinely smart, opportunistic finish that elevated her instantly. Oba Femi’s squash did what it needed to do; he continues to feel like a monster in waiting, while Tiffany Stratton’s win over Alba Fyre felt more functional than thrilling. Trick Williams pinning Damian Priest in a stacked triple threat was a big momentum moment, and Rhea Ripley vs. Giulia had star presence even if the DQ finish dulled the impact. The main event saw Aleister Black knock off Randy Orton in a strong closing stretch, with Drew McIntyre’s involvement keeping the title picture simmering. Overall, this was a good but not great episode, with plenty of forward motion, but not enough standout in-ring excellence to elevate it beyond solid weekly TV.
