The latest epsiode of SmackDown witnessed the fallout of Royal Rumble 2026 and it was a great show. WWE showcased several major things and delivered perfectly on the hype for WrestleMania 42. The Women’s Tag Team Championship was on the line last night and the direction for the upcoming Elimination Chamber matches also got much clearer.
However, WWE’s head of creative, Triple H, has been on fans’ radar lately due to the fluctuating quality of the shows. While this week’s SmackDown wasn’t a five-star show, The Game still managed to put on several noteworthy moments. Whether it was showcasing Cody Rhodes’ wrath or giving Oba Femi a major spotlight, the company did a good job.
Thanks for the submission!
Here are four things Triple H got right on the SmackDown after Royal Rumble:
#4. Tiffany Stratton qualifying for the Women’s Elimination Chamber
Tiffany Stratton competed in a huge Triple Threat Match last night on SmackDown against Chelsea Green and Lash Legend. It was a qualifying match for the Women’s Elimination Chamber, where all three superstars gave their absolute best. However, it was Stratton who ultimately emerged victorious as she is heading into Chicago to earn a WrestleMania opportunity.
Why Did WWE Waste This Year’s Royal Rumble? Find Out!
Triple H made the right call by letting The Buff Barbie win this match. Fresh off her Royal Rumble return, Tiffany Statton needed something big to keep her momentum red-hot. Therefore, her entering the Women’s Elimination Chamber match makes Stratton one of the strongest contenders to win the contest and face a women’s champion at The Show of Shows.
#3. Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY retaining their title on SmackDown
This week on SmackDown, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY defended their Women’s Tag Team Championship against the team of Giulia and Kiana James. The outcome was pretty much predictable as Rhiyo retained their gold. And this was also the better decision. WrestleMania 42 is just two months away and a title at this point could have shaken up all plans.
Besides, it would have dealt a major blow to Ripley and SKY’s momentum and WWE couldn’t have afforded that at this point. Therefore, having them retain their championship was a great decision by Triple H. This now opens the door for several intriguing matches for the Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 42.
#2. Drew McIntyre hitting back at Roman Reigns and CM Punk
This week on RAW, CM Punk and Roman Reigns had a incredible confrontation to build up their WrestleMania 42 match. While doing so, both superstars took several shots at Drew McIntyre, portraying him as an inferior champion. The Scottish Warrior became the ultimate casualty of that exchange and he needed to address those comments asap.
McIntyre did just that on SmackDown last night. He hit back at Punk and Reigns during his promo, validating why the Undisputed WWE Championship is the top prize and he is the top champion. Having him address those comments was the best call, as it was very much needed to showcase Drew McIntyre truly as the top champion and not just a footnote.
#1. Randy Orton going into the Men’s Elimination Chamber Match
The mainevent of SmackDown this week saw another Elimination Chamber qualifying match and it was for the men’s. Randy Orton battled Aleister Black and Solo Sikoa in a grueling Triple Threat Match. Despite all the challenges, The Viper ultimately emerged triumphant as he earned his way to the Men’s Elimination Chamber match in Chicago.
Triple H made the right decision by giving Orton that big victory. The Apex Predator has been facing setback after setback in recent times. Therefore, he needed a major spotlight on the Road to WrestleMania. Besides, WWE has been looking to make the Men’s Elimination Chamber match star-studded and Randy Orton’s addition perfectly does that job.
Read all the hottest WWE news from Sportskeeda by choosing us as your preferred source. Click HERE.
Edited by Subhasish Deb
