The landscape of professional wrestling is a perpetually shifting terrain, with anticipation building weekly as major events loom on the horizon. As the calendar page turns towards February 16, 2026, the flagship program of World Wrestling Entertainment, Monday Night Raw, is set to deliver an episode brimming with narrative significance and in-ring action that promises to shape the ongoing saga towards the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. The Memphis, Tennessee faithful at the FedEx Forum are slated to witness a monumental appearance by AJ Lee, a figure who has recently re-emerged onto the WWE scene and whose presence alone generates a seismic wave of interest. Her involvement, beyond mere promotional appearances, is expected to directly impact the ongoing hostilities and storylines that have been meticulously crafted over the past several months, culminating in what is sure to be a defining moment on the road to the Elimination Chamber.
AJ Lee’s re-entry into the WWE universe, a decade after stepping away from the squared circle and the glare of the spotlight, has been nothing short of a dramatic resurgence. Her return at WrestlePalooza last September was a moment that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world, not only for her own comeback but for the unexpected alliance she formed with her husband, CM Punk. In a highly publicized mixed-tag team encounter, Lee and Punk faced off against the formidable pairing of Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins. The match itself was a testament to Lee’s enduring skill and tenacity, culminating in her victory over Lynch via her signature submission maneuver, the Black Widow. This triumph was not merely a single victory; it marked the beginning of a deeply personal and acrimonious rivalry with "The Man," Becky Lynch, a feud that has since become a central pillar of the women’s division.
The animosity between AJ Lee and Becky Lynch did not dissipate after WrestlePalooza; rather, it escalated. Throughout the latter half of 2025, Lee systematically targeted Lynch, employing tactics that often sowed discord and disruption. A particularly impactful instance occurred in November on an episode of Monday Night Raw, where Lee’s interference during a critical match led directly to Lynch’s downfall. The distraction proved costly, as Lynch was subsequently defeated by Maxxine Dupri, thereby losing her coveted Women’s Intercontinental Championship. This incident underscored Lee’s ruthless determination to undermine Lynch’s progress and capitalize on any perceived weakness. The narrative continued to unfold at Survivor Series WarGames, where Lee’s faction emerged victorious over Lynch’s team, with Lee once again securing a submission win over Lynch with the Black Widow, further cementing her dominance in their personal conflict. Despite these setbacks, Becky Lynch demonstrated her resilience and championship pedigree by reclaiming the Women’s Intercontinental Championship from Maxxine Dupri in January, during the Raw on Netflix Anniversary Show, proving that her fighting spirit remained unbroken.
AJ Lee’s history with championship gold in WWE is notable. Her last reign as a champion concluded with the WWE Divas Championship, which she lost to Nikki Bella in a remarkably brief 34-second match at Survivor Series in 2014. Her subsequent championship opportunity came later that year at the TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs event, where she again faced Nikki Bella in a grueling encounter, ultimately falling short in her bid to regain the title. Her current presence on Raw, therefore, carries an added layer of significance, as she is not only rekindling a bitter rivalry but also seemingly aiming to re-establish herself as a contender in a division that has evolved considerably since her previous tenure.
Beyond the captivating presence of AJ Lee, the upcoming episode of Monday Night Raw is poised to significantly advance the storylines leading into the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view by featuring two crucial qualifying matches for the titular event. These contests are designed to determine the final participants in both the men’s and women’s Elimination Chamber bouts, adding an immediate layer of high stakes and consequence to the broadcast. The first qualifying match announced will see a formidable triple-threat encounter featuring Je’Von Evans, the dominant force of Gunther, and the often-controversial Dominik Mysterio. The victor of this intense clash will earn their coveted spot in the men’s Elimination Chamber match, joining previously qualified competitors Randy Orton and LA Knight. This match promises a dynamic clash of styles and personalities, with each competitor bringing their unique brand of offense and strategy to the forefront. Gunther, with his relentless power and championship pedigree, represents a significant threat, while Je’Von Evans has been carving out his own path as a formidable challenger. Dominik Mysterio, often relying on his cunning and the interference of his associates, adds an unpredictable element to the equation, making this a must-watch contest for fans eager to see who will emerge to face the daunting challenge of the Elimination Chamber structure.
The second crucial qualifying match set for Raw will determine another contender for the women’s Elimination Chamber. This bout will feature a highly anticipated showdown between the resilient Bayley, the formidable Asuka, and the seasoned veteran Natalya. The winner of this triple-threat contest will secure their place in the women’s Elimination Chamber match, alongside the already qualified Tiffany Stratton and the reigning Women’s World Champion, Rhea Ripley. This match is packed with talent and narrative potential. Bayley, a former multi-time champion, has consistently proven her ability to perform under pressure and her desire to reclaim championship glory. Asuka, known for her innovative offense and her aura of mystique, is always a dangerous opponent capable of upsetting any established order. Natalya, a pillar of the women’s division for years, brings a wealth of experience and a tenacious fighting spirit, making her a dark horse contender who could shock the system. The outcome of this match will undoubtedly have significant implications for the women’s championship picture and the overall dynamic within the Elimination Chamber itself.
The decision to host these pivotal matches and feature AJ Lee’s appearance in Memphis, Tennessee, is a strategic choice by WWE. Memphis has a rich and storied history within professional wrestling, often referred to as the "Home of the Blues" and a significant cultural hub for music and sports. Bringing such a high-stakes episode of Raw to this passionate fanbase adds an extra layer of energy and anticipation to the proceedings. The FedEx Forum, a modern arena capable of hosting large-scale events, will undoubtedly provide a vibrant atmosphere for what is shaping up to be one of the most important episodes of Raw in the build-up to the Elimination Chamber. As the event draws closer, the pieces are falling into place, and the storylines are reaching a fever pitch, making next week’s Raw an unmissable spectacle for any dedicated follower of professional wrestling. The convergence of AJ Lee’s return, the intense rivalries, and the critical qualification matches ensures that the road to Elimination Chamber is more compelling than ever.
