WWE SmackDown Predictions: Drew McIntyre Will Stifle Cody Rhodes & Jacob Fatu

Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Sami Zayn [Elimination Chamber Qualifier]

This match has a ton of storyline implications, so it will be the main event. All three men have been directly feuding with Drew McIntyre. However, McIntyre has a receipt to send to Rhodes and Fatu, who attacked him last week. That receipt will come in the form of screwing them in this qualifying match, forcing Nick Aldis to set up a triple threat WWE Title match amongst them at Elimination Chamber. Due to those shenanigans, Sami Zayn will qualify and redeem himself from the Rumble loss.

Prediction: Sami Zayn

Jade Cargill (c) vs. Jordynne Grace [WWE Women’s Title]

Jade Cargill had no clear challenger or credible threat until Jordynne Grace showed up. Since getting called up from NXT, Grace has already defeated Alba Fyre and Chelsea Green, which WWE considers to be enough momentum for Grace to get a world title shot in what is an infinitesimal division without a backbone. Since it is too early for Grace to win the world title, Cargill will retain and await the Elimination Chamber Winner while Grace likely seeks a consolation prize in Giulia’s U.S. Title.

Prediction: Jade Cargill

Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix [Grudge Match]

Trick Williams has been teasing the idea of targeting the World Title. He had tense stare-downs and promo battles with the big sharks on SmackDown, like Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, Randy Orton, Damian Priest and Drew McIntyre. He had done a compelling job in all of those confrontations and will likely qualify for the Chamber next week to continue getting the “rub”. This match against Rey Fenix will merely help him regain momentum after losing that Fatal Four Way at SNME.

Prediction: Trick Williams

Giulia (c) vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Zelina Vega [Elimination Chamber Qualifier]

Giulia is the U.S. Champ. WWE could add her to the Chamber to set up her title match for WrestleMania. Whoever pins her in the chamber would definitely be rewarded with a title shot. However, it would be a waste to put Giulia in that spot when she already has the U.S. Title to defend. Meanwhile, Zelina Vega is a directionless lost cause, so by process of elimination, Alexa Bliss would be the ideal candidate to win here. Her tag run with Charlotte has gone stale, so this is fresh.

Prediction: Alexa Bliss

Carmelo Hayes vs. Mystery Opponent [U.S. Title Open Challenge]

Carmelo Hayes has been defending his U.S. Title weekly. Since Tama Tonga defeated Shinsuke Nakamura last week, he has the momentum to get a title opportunity. He has actually been eyeing the U.S. Title ever since Dragunov was champ. Now would be a good time for him to attempt to get his pound of flesh and bring more gold to the MFTs after already winning the tag titles. However, he will be unsuccessful, as Hayes has brought a lot of prestige to the belt should walk into Mania with the title.

Prediction: Carmelo Hayes

Rhiyo (c) vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend [Women’s Tag Titles]

Rhiyo have been fighting champs, retaining the titles against Judgment Day and Giulia & Kiana James. However. Nia Jax and Lash Legend are the biggest threats to the titles. Rhea Ripley is already in the chamber, and Iyo Sky will likely qualify too. There is no need for the tag champs to be in the chamber for a shot at the world title. Booking Jax and Legend to win will not only solidify their dominance but also bring about heel champs for the babyface Bella Twins to chase on the road to Mania.

Prediction: Nia Jax & Lash Legend

Confirmed Match Card & Segments for 02/13 WWE SmackDown Episode:

• Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu vs. Sami Zayn in an Elimination Chamber Qualifier
• Jade Cargill (c) vs. Jordynne Grace for the WWE Women’s Title
• Trick Williams vs. Rey Fenix in a Grudge Match
• Giulia vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Zelina Vega in an Elimination Chamber Qualifier
• Carmelo Hayes U.S. Title Open Challenge Continues
• Rhiyo (c) vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend for the Women’s Tag Titles