WWE Elimination Chamber 2026: Orton and Ripley Secure WrestleMania Spots, Rollins Returns

The road to WrestleMania 42 continued at WWE Elimination Chamber 2026, held at Chicago’s United Center on Saturday night. Randy Orton and Rhea Ripley emerged victorious from their respective Elimination Chamber matches, earning the right to challenge for world titles at WrestleMania. CM Punk retained his WWE World Heavyweight Championship and AJ Lee captured the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was the return of Seth Rollins.

Randy Orton Advances to WrestleMania Title Match

Randy Orton won the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, securing a spot against the winner of the upcoming SmackDown match between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42. The match featured Trick Williams, LA Knight, Je’Von Evans, Logan Paul, and Cody Rhodes alongside Orton.

The match saw several dramatic moments, including Logan Paul being thrown from the Chamber structure into the ring. A key turning point came with the interference of Drew McIntyre, who attacked Cody Rhodes with the WWE Championship, creating an opening for Orton to secure the victory with an RKO on Rhodes. ESPN reports Orton’s win sets up a highly anticipated clash at WrestleMania.

Rhea Ripley Continues Dominance, Heads to WrestleMania

Rhea Ripley was the last woman standing in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match, defeating Tiffany Stratton, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Raquel Rodriguez, and Kiana James. This victory earns her a seventh consecutive WrestleMania appearance, where she will challenge WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill. ESPN highlighted Ripley’s consistent performance and her dominant run in WWE.

Championship Retentions and a New Champion

CM Punk successfully defended his WWE World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Bálor. In a significant moment, AJ Lee defeated Becky Lynch to become the new Women’s Intercontinental Champion. ESPN noted both championship matches added to a night of compelling action.

Seth Rollins Returns and Impacts the Elimination Chamber Match

The Elimination Chamber match was also marked by the shocking return of Seth Rollins, who had been out due to injury. Rollins revealed himself as the masked attacker who had been targeting Logan Paul, ultimately costing Paul the match. Yahoo Sports reports Rollins’ interference significantly altered the course of the match.

Danhausen Makes Surprise WWE Debut

In a bizarre and unexpected moment, Danhausen made his WWE debut after weeks of speculation surrounding a mysterious crate. Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce opened the crate to reveal Danhausen and accompanying dancers. Ringside News confirmed Danhausen has officially signed with WWE, and the company took measures to keep his debut a secret.

Key Takeaways from Elimination Chamber 2026

• Randy Orton and Rhea Ripley are set to challenge for championships at WrestleMania 42.
• CM Punk and AJ Lee successfully defended and won championships, respectively.
• Seth Rollins made a dramatic return, impacting the outcome of the Men’s Elimination Chamber match.
• Danhausen officially joined WWE with a surprising debut.