WWE Friday Night SmackDown: UK start time, matches announced and final Elimination Chamber entrants

With the grandest stage of them all looming in the distance, the atmosphere in Louisville will be thick with the realisation that for many, tonight is the last chance to secure a clear path to a championship moment in April.

A major focus of the evening will be the unprecedented face-to-face meeting between all six competitors in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match.

Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Je'Von Evans, Trick Williams, LA Knight, and Jey Uso will share the ring one final time before they are locked inside the steel tomorrow night. In a match where the winner earns a date with Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania, tonight’s confrontation is about more than just words; it’s about establishing a psychological edge before the pods even open.

Beyond the chaos of the Chamber build, the night is anchored by high-stakes gold and the rise of a new dominant force; RHIYO will have their hands full defending the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles against the sheer power of The Irresistible Forces in a match that could reshape the tag division's landscape.

Meanwhile, the blue brand continues to deal with the fallout of Oba Femi’s arrival. The powerhouse has been on a relentless path of destruction since joining the main roster, and his clash with The Miz tonight looks set to be the next chapter in what is becoming a terrifying ascent to the top.

Here is your preview, including UK star time, for the final episode of Friday Night SmackDown before Elimination Chamber 2026 in Chicago this weekend.

What time is WWE Friday Night SmackDown starting in the UK tonight?

The final episode of Friday Night SmackDown before tomorrow’s PLE will air from 1am GMT on February 28, exclusively on Netflix in the United Kingdom, with on-demand repeats available shortly after the initial broadcast.

What matches have been announced for Friday Night SmackDown?

Women’s Tag Team Championship: Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY (c) v Nia Jax and Lash Legend

The dominant duo of Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY, known collectively as RHIYO, put their WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles on the line against the formidable pairing of Nia Jax and Lash Legend.

The Irresistible Forces earned this opportunity after a chaotic sequence of events last week involving United States Champion Giulia, and they now look to use their sheer power to end the reign of the current champions.

This championship clash serves as a massive hurdle for RHIYO as they attempt to maintain their grip on the tag division heading into the busiest season of the year.

Solo Sikoa v Uncle Howdy

In what promises to be one of the most unsettling encounters in recent memory, the mysterious Uncle Howdy finally goes one-on-one with the leader of The MFTs, Solo Sikoa.

The animosity between these two has reached a fever pitch since Sikoa took possession of Howdy’s lantern. This act has seemingly unleashed a more vengeful side of the supernatural figure.

Howdy’s mission to ‘destroy’ The MFTs faces its toughest test yet against the raw brutality and calculated leadership of Sikoa.

Oba Femi v The Miz

The powerhouse Oba Femi looks to continue his path of destruction on the blue brand when he steps into the ring against the ‘A-Lister,’ The Miz.

After Miz's unsolicited offer to mentor the young star backfired last week, Femi is intent on proving that he requires no guidance to reach the top of the industry.

While Miz brings decades of veteran experience to the table, he will have his hands full trying to find an answer for the overwhelming strength and explosiveness of the former NXT standout.

Jordynne Grace v Candice LeRae

The tension that has been brewing backstage between Jordynne Grace and Candice LeRae finally explodes into the ring tonight.

Following a heated verbal exchange on the February 20 episode, Grace is eager to show the veteran LeRae that the new generation is ready to take over.

LeRae, a seasoned tactician known for her resilience, will need to rely on her ring IQ to overcome the pure athleticism and momentum that Grace currently carries into this singles showcase.

Who will be competing in this weekend’s Elimination Chamber matches?

The stage is set in Louisville for the final stop on the road to WrestleMania. Tomorrow night, the iron will be hot, and the chains will be rattling as two sets of six superstars step into the most unforgiving structure in sports entertainment.

Men’s Elimination Chamber Match

The winner of this match will secure a guaranteed title shot against Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania.

• Cody Rhodes
• Randy Orton
• Je'Von Evans
• Trick Williams
• LA Knight
• Jey Uso

The winner of this match will earn the right to challenge for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42.

• Tiffany Stratton
• Rhea Ripley
• Alexa Bliss
• Asuka
• Kiana James
• Raquel Rodriguez