WWE SmackDown Preview: Change in WrestleMania 42 plans for Cody Rhodes? Potential title change (2/13/2026)

”
], { type: “text/html” }
);
const iframe = document.createElement(“iframe”);
iframe.src = URL.createObjectURL(blob);
iframe.style.cssText = “width:100%;height:100%;border:0;”;
container.appendChild(iframe);
attachIframeMessageListener(iframe);
}
const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, obs) => {
const entry = entries[0];
if (entry.isIntersecting) {
obs.unobserve(entry.target);
requestIdleCallback(() => {
initWidget(entry.target);
}, {
timeout: 200
});
}
}, {
root: null,
rootMargin: “300px 0px”,
threshold: 0.01
});
requestIdleCallback(() => {
$all(“.nl-inline-form-container”).forEach((c) => {
observer.observe(c);
});
});
})();

Here’s a preview of the February 13 edition of Friday Night SmackDown:

#5. Jade Cargill goes to war with Jordynne Grace

Jade Cargill is set to defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Jordynne Grace in a high-voltage clash tonight. This feud has been simmering on SmackDown for the past few weeks and tonight the two will finally settle their differences. This is expected to be a great match, with both known for their hard-hitting in-ring abilities.

When it comes to the outcome, Cargill is expected to stand tall. The Storm is likely to retain the WWE Women’s Championship. WrestleMania 42 is just two months away and the world title changing hands seems implausible. This match however could see a controversial finish because the company would look to protect Jordynne Grace heading into ‘Mania.

#4. Superstars punch their Elimination Chamber tickets

A massive Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match is set to take place tonight on SmackDown between Alexa Bliss, Giulia and Zelina Vega. All three women have been wandering directionless lately and it is a golden opportunity for them to be in the spotlight. However, Bliss could ultimately be the one to punch her ticket to the Chamber spot.

WWE needs big stars to make the Women’s Elimination Chamber star-studded this year. Therefore, Alexa Bliss’ addition could just do that. Besides, The Five Feet of Fury has delivered several impressive performances in the Chamber Match in the past. Hence, the creative team might push Bliss tonight, letting her secure a victory over Giulia and Vega.

#3. Women’s Tag Team Championship will be on the line on SmackDown

Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY are set for a major title defense on SmackDown as they battle the formidable team of Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Ever since winning the Women’s Tag Team Championship, the babyface duo has been regularly defending it. However, the clock could be ticking on their title run as tonight could mark their last title defense.

Rumors have been swirling that Nia Jax and Lash Legend could dethrone Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY. The WWE Universe could see the rise of new Women’s Tag Team Champions in the American Airlines Center tonight. A shocking title change could give fans a massive shock, pumping their excitement for Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania 42.

#2. Sami Zayn, Jacob Fatu & Cody Rhodes battle for a big spot

SmackDown will see another big Elimination Chamber qualifying match, which is set to take place between Jacob Fatu, Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. All three superstars desperately need a victory for themself to secure their spot in the Men’s Chamber. This match might see a maelstrom of chaos and the outcome could shift in anyone’s favor between Rhodes and Fatu.

However, you can see a potential shocker in this bout. Drew McIntyre could cost The American Nightmare the Triple Threat Match, similar to what he did at the Royal Rumble to keep Cody Rhodes away from the title picture. As a result, Jacob Fatu could pin Sami Zayn and win the qualifier match, securing his spot in the Men’s Elimination Chamber.

#1. Cody Rhodes’ dilemma: Massive title match for Elimination Chamber?

Recent reports suggest that WWE is planning a high-profile match between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre for WrestleMania 42. However, all those plans might get washed away tonight. McIntyre could cost Rhodes his big qualifier match on SmackDown, putting him in a big dilemma. However, this could ultimately lead to a big title match at Elimination Chamber.

The Scottish Warrior could be forced to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against The American Nightmare at the upcoming PLE. Whoever walks out as the champion there might then face Men’s Elimination Chamber’s potential winner, Jacob Fatu, at The Show of Shows. Therefore, the events of SmackDown could shake up WrestleMania 42 plans in a big way.

`;
if (index == 3 && isOpera) {
storyHTML += `

`;
}
recommendedArticlesContainer.innerHTML += storyHTML;
});
}
}
function getStoryActionHTML(story, storyTitle, permalink) {
if (shouldHidePostActions) return “”;
return `

`;
}
function recommendedArticles() {
var baseUrl = “https://cf-gotham.sportskeeda.com/recommendations/post/wwe-smackdown-preview-change-wrestlemania-42-plans-cody-rhodes-potential-title-change-2-13-2026?lang=en&category=wwe”;
pureJSAjaxGet(baseUrl, function(data) {
renderRecommendedArticles(data);
if (isOpera) {
renderOperaFeedAd();
}
}, function() {}, false);
}
var options = {
root: null,
rootMargin: “0px 0px 70% 0px”,
threshold: 0.1
};
var observer = new IntersectionObserver(function (entries) {
entries.forEach(function (entry) {
if (entry.isIntersecting) {
recommendedArticles();
observer.unobserve(entry.target);
}
});
}, options);
var targetElement;
if (showAlsoReadSection && !showAlsoReadSectionV2) {
targetElement = document.querySelector(‘.also-read-articles-container’);
} else {
targetElement = document.querySelector(‘.recommended-posts’);
}
if (targetElement) {
observer.observe(targetElement);
}
function renderOperaFeedAd() {
var operaFeedArticleAd = $(“.opera-article-feed-ad”);
if (!operaFeedArticleAd) {
return;
}
var firstScript= document.createElement(‘script’);
firstScript.setAttribute(“type”, “text/javascript”);
firstScript.setAttribute(“src”, “https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1883810847636355”);
firstScript.setAttribute(“async”, true);
firstScript.setAttribute(“crossorigin”, “anonymous”);
operaFeedArticleAd.appendChild(firstScript);
operaFeedArticleAd.innerHTML += `

`;
var secondScript = document.createElement(‘script’);
var secondScriptCode=””;
try {
secondScript.appendChild(document.createTextNode(secondScriptCode));
operaFeedArticleAd.appendChild(secondScript);
} catch (e) {
console.error(e);
}
}
})();

Fetching more content…