WWE
Emotional Tribute to AJ Styles on WWE Raw
The final WWE Raw before the Elimination Chamber featured a heartfelt tribute to AJ Styles, who officially announced his retirement following his loss to Gunther at the Royal Rumble. The show, held in Styles' home state of Georgia, was a star-studded affair with appearances from former TNA colleagues like Abyss, Frankie Kazarian, and The Good Brothers, who all shared their love and respect for "The Phenomenal One" during emotional backstage segments and in-ring tributes. Styles closed the show by leaving his gloves in the ring, marking the end of an era, and was later announced as the first inductee into the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame, a moment that visibly surprised him when The Undertaker delivered the news [1][58][67] .
Elimination Chamber Qualifiers Concluded
In competitive action, Jey Uso secured the final spot in the Men's Elimination Chamber match by defeating Bronson Reed and Original El Grande Americano in a triple threat match. This victory came with an unexpected twist; Reed suffered a distal biceps tear during the match, leading to an audible in the planned finish, which originally had Reed slated to win [2][79][84]. Meanwhile, Raquel Rodriguez also qualified for the Women's Elimination Chamber match, solidifying her position as a contender for the WWE Women’s Title at WrestleMania 42 [15][23] .
Brock Lesnar Issues WrestleMania Challenge
Brock Lesnar, accompanied by Paul Heyman, made a striking return to Raw, issuing an open challenge for WrestleMania 42. Heyman proclaimed that Lesnar is ready to face anyone who dares to accept, further heightening the anticipation for the upcoming event [39][41]. This is significant because it opens the door for unexpected matchups, and with Lesnar's unpredictable nature, fans are left speculating who may step up to the plate.
AJ Styles Reflects on Retirement and WrestleMania's Prestige
In a candid moment, AJ Styles expressed his feelings about WrestleMania, stating that the event has "lost its luster" compared to previous years. This sentiment struck a chord with fans who have seen the evolution of the show over the years and raises questions about how WWE can revitalize its flagship event moving forward [101][102] .
Injury Updates and Future Plans
With Bronson Reed out indefinitely due to his injury, WWE will need to reassess its plans for the Elimination Chamber and beyond [84]. Additionally, Xavier Woods provided an update on his shoulder injury, expressing hope for a quick return to the ring [148][150].
Looking Ahead
As WWE gears up for the Elimination Chamber this Saturday, February 28, in Chicago, fans can expect high-stakes action with both the Men's and Women's Chamber matches set to determine challengers for the titles at WrestleMania 42. Roman Reigns is also confirmed to return to Raw next week, where he will face Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship, setting the stage for a thrilling post-Elimination Chamber episode [96][100].
AEW
Darby Allin Discusses Goals Beyond Championship
In a recent interview, Darby Allin revealed that while he has personal goals like directing a film and even going to outer space, he's not overly focused on winning the AEW World Championship. Instead, Allin emphasized his desire to help elevate AEW's profile and contribute to its creative storytelling [284][289]. This perspective reflects a refreshing take on wrestling ambitions, prioritizing narrative over accolades.
MJF's Future Opponents Speculated
AEW World Champion MJF addressed the potential of facing Will Ospreay at the upcoming All In event in August, adding to the excitement around the main event scene in AEW. With several top talents vying for the spotlight, MJF's comments suggest that the landscape is ripe for intriguing matchups [288] .
Mauro Ranallo Joins AEW Commentary Team
In a significant development, Mauro Ranallo will join the commentary team for the upcoming ROH/Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling Global Wars event. This marks his first association with an AEW-related event, and his presence is expected to elevate the broadcast quality [290] .
Looking Ahead
As AEW prepares for its upcoming shows, including a two-part Collision event due to NCAA coverage, the company appears to be strategically planning its content to maximize viewership while adapting to external scheduling conflicts [293] .
NJPW
NJPW Presents CMLL FantasticaMania Results
The ongoing NJPW x CMLL FantasticaMania tour continues to generate excitement, with Místico and Máscara Dorada winning the tag tournament in Osaka. This event showcases the collaboration between the two promotions and highlights the talent exchange that enriches both brands [306][307] .
TNA / Impact
Mickie James Returns to TNA
Mickie James made a triumphant return to TNA at the No Surrender 2026 event, igniting a heated rivalry with Ash By Elegance. James's comeback adds a significant layer to the Knockouts division, and her presence is sure to energize the fanbase [307] .
Lucha Libre
Claudio Castagnoli's Title Defense Announced
CMLL has confirmed that Claudio Castagnoli will defend his World Heavyweight Championship against Euforia and Akuma in a three-way match at Arena Mexico. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the depth of talent in Lucha Libre [311] .
Business & Industry
WBD's Acquisition Talks
Warner Bros. Discovery has received a new acquisition offer from Paramount, even as it continues to endorse its deal with Netflix. This situation could have ripple effects across the wrestling landscape, particularly regarding content distribution and partnerships [321] .
Other News
Chelsea Green's Rapid Recovery
Chelsea Green has reported that her recovery from a broken ankle is progressing faster than expected. This is good news for fans eager to see her back in the ring, as she has become a prominent figure in WWE's women’s division [326] .
As we look forward to the Elimination Chamber and the subsequent fallout, the wrestling world is buzzing with anticipation. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories develop!