The road to WrestleMania 42 is making its most crucial and dangerous stop in the Windy City. WWE has officially announced the updated lineup for the Elimination Chamber premium live event, scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The card is currently anchored by four massive championship and contender matches.
Hometown Heroes and High-Stakes Chamber Matches
At the top of the marquee, WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk will defend his title against The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor. Punk, returning to perform in his hometown of Chicago, aims to secure his championship status heading into a highly anticipated Las Vegas showdown against Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns. Meanwhile, Punk’s wife, AJ Lee, will also be in championship action. Lee is set to challenge Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship, marking a significant milestone in her return to active competition.
The event will, of course, feature the unforgiving steel structure that gives the show its name. In the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, the winner will earn the right to challenge WWE Champion Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42. The field is nearly set, featuring a mix of veterans and rising stars: Je’Von Evans, LA Knight, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Trick Williams. Only one final competitor remains to be confirmed to complete the six-man lineup.
The Women’s Elimination Chamber match carries equally high stakes, with the victor earning a guaranteed championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42. The grueling contest currently includes Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Kiana James, Rhea Ripley, and Tiffany Stratton. Similar to the men’s match, one final spot remains open for a competitor to be determined in the coming days. The implications of these two structure matches will directly shape the top of the card for WWE’s biggest weekend of the year.