WWE Now – Is Rhea Ripley Destined for Title Gold at WrestleMania? | Elimination Chamber 2026 Recap

Podcast: WWE Now (WWE x Fanatics Podcasts)
Date: March 1, 2026
Hosts: Sam Roberts and Megan Morant
Theme: Recap of the 2026 Elimination Chamber PLE, immediate fallout for WrestleMania, and interviews with Rhea Ripley & AJ Lee.

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a high-energy, detailed recap of the WWE Elimination Chamber 2026. The hosts break down chaotic title scenes, shocking match results, and set the stage for WrestleMania 42. They dive deep into standout performances, particularly focusing on Rhea Ripley—now the challenger for Jade Cargill at WrestleMania—and AJ Lee, the surprise new Women's Intercontinental Champion. The episode features in-depth conversations with both stars, plus memorable moments like Danhausen's WWE debut and the brewing Punk vs. Roman storyline.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Men's Elimination Chamber: Randy Orton Shocks All

• Surprise Factor: Neither host predicted Randy Orton to win the Chamber (“That’s the most worrisome a viper can ever be.” – Megan, 02:17).
• Match Chaos & Interference:
  • Logan Paul’s heel antics (low blows, roll-ups) antagonize both hosts.
  • Masked men repeatedly invade the chamber; final masked man is revealed as Seth Rollins, who takes out Logan Paul with a stomp.
    • Memorable Moment: “There was something about the way he moved, where it was like, oh, this isn’t just a dude.” – Megan, 06:30
    • “It’s Seth Rollins!” – Both hosts, 07:11
  • Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are left; Orton capitalizes with a sudden RKO to win.
• Commentary on Authority Figures:
  • Hosts criticize Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce for failing to secure the chamber (“Neither one ... know how to secure an Elimination Chamber. It’s like the Wonka Factory ... only here, everybody comes in.” – Megan, 10:27).
• Ongoing Feuds: Drew McIntyre’s constant interference in Cody’s matches sets up a SmackDown title match between Cody and Drew.
• Randy Orton’s Motivation: It was always about the championship, not Cody. (“It was always about the title.” – Megan, 14:15)

2. Women’s Elimination Chamber: Rhea Ripley’s Redemption

• Match Structure:
  • High praise for Kiana James (“...there was four contestants ... Kiana James was standing tall ... is the future bright for Kiana James?” – Megan’s Co-host, 39:25).
  • Raquel Rodriguez “stack eliminates” Asuka and Kiana.
  • Tiffany Stratton as ironwoman but is defeated in the end.
• Rhea Ripley’s Ascendancy:
  • Ripley wins after a daring cannonball leap from the top of the chamber (“...it’s a little psychotic. ... That’s what’s so dangerous about me sometimes.” – Rhea, 35:04)
  • The win positions her for the dream bout with Jade Cargill at WrestleMania.

🕑 Interview: Rhea Ripley (23:02–37:13)

• On her journey:
  • “I love when people forget because then they’re doubting me. And that’s what I thrive on.” (25:02)
  • “Just because I don’t hold a belt now doesn’t mean I’m not going to hold a belt after WrestleMania.”
• On fighting Jade Cargill:
  • “She can think she’s that bitch ... but she’s not. She’s still new here.” (26:37)
  • “I’m Rhea bloody Ripley, and I’m going to remind her exactly who the hell I am.”
• On women’s division evolution:
  • “Bianca and I used to say it ... You don’t have to leave, but you’re going to have to move over. ... Now the new generation’s here ... I invite it.” (31:34)
• Tag Team Dynamics with IYO SKY: Emotional reflection on their partnership and future.
  • “She’s kind of been the one to pull me out of that dark place where I didn’t trust anyone ... IO being a little ray of sunshine.” (28:31)
• On her Chamber leap:
  • “I don’t really like heights ... but I just know that I wanted to win.” (34:17)

3. AJ Lee: New Women’s Intercontinental Champion

🕑 Interview: AJ Lee (48:18–53:55)

• Return to Singles Gold:
  • “My goal was not to ... I don’t know if I had particular milestone goals. ... This is like, a really pleasant surprise.” (48:34)
  • “Man, these are some sprinkles on top of the sundae right now.”
• Reflecting on Her Legacy:
  • “You plant the seeds to make the world better, but you never get to stick around to appreciate what those seeds grow into ... now you’re a champion.” (50:30)
    • “It warms my heart ... But now I’ve got something. I think maybe a lot of them are going to try and come for it.” (51:04)
  • “I had my first singles match in over a decade. ... If I didn’t give it to [Becky Lynch], I was going to get my ass handed to me.” (52:13)
• Chicago Connection: Both AJ and CM Punk winning titles in their hometown; possible double title in the fridge moment.
  • “There’s some space for ... carbs and cookies and cake and maybe some old pizza. And then possibly the IC title if I’m not sleeping with it tonight.” (53:11)

4. Debuts and Viral Moments

• Danhausen’s WWE Debut:
  • After weeks of speculation (the “crate” mystery), Danhausen emerges with his signature weirdness, curses, and a jar of teeth.
    • “He curses people. ... Danhausen collects teeth.” – Megan, 64:17
  • Hosts are excited by his arrival; note the crowd is uncertain but intrigued.
• CM Punk’s Title Retention:
  • Epic Chicago entrance, introduced by Bulls’ Ray Clay, rocking Blackhawks gear.
    • “That music’s playing. He’s walking out. ... Epic.” – Megan’s Co-host, 67:37
  • Finn Balor fights honorably, shakes Punk’s hand post-match.
• Roman Reigns & CM Punk: Rising Tension
  • Punk throws up the “one,” taunting The Tribal Chief.
    • Roman’s tweet: “Not sure who looked more tired, the crowd or the champion. Enjoy this final month of relevancy.” (70:14)
  • The hosts hype the first Punk vs. Reigns confrontation on Monday Night Raw and the road ahead to WrestleMania.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “That’s the most worrisome a viper can ever be.” – Megan, on Orton’s unpredictability (02:17)
• “Neither one of those GMs know how to secure an elimination chamber. ... It’s like the Wonka Factory.” – Megan, (10:27)
• “You know, she can think that she’s ... that bitch ... but she’s not. ... I’m Rhea bloody Ripley, and I’m going to remind her who the hell I am.” – Rhea Ripley (26:37)
• “I love when people forget because then they’re doubting me. And that’s what I thrive on.” – Rhea Ripley (25:02)
• “It feels good ... I invite (the next generation) because it means the women’s division is thriving.” – Rhea Ripley (31:34)
• “It’s Seth Rollins!” – Megan’s Co-host, as the masked man unmasks (07:11)
• “He curses people ... and he brings a jar of teeth.” – Megan, on Danhausen’s WWE debut (64:17)
• “There’s some space for ... carbs and cookies and maybe the IC title if I’m not sleeping with it tonight.” – AJ Lee, joking about her post-win celebration (53:11)
• “Not sure who looked more tired, the crowd or the champion. Enjoy this final month of relevancy.” – Roman Reigns’ tweet (70:14)

Segment Timestamps

• [02:17] Orton’s Chamber win analysis / Logan Paul’s antics / Masked men reveal
• [10:27] Lobbying for better authority control (Aldis & Pearce), ongoing title feud chaos
• [23:02–37:13] Rhea Ripley interview: mental state, journey to singles, facing Jade, tag team with IYO
• [39:25–44:51] Women’s Chamber play-by-play; focus on Kiana James, Raquel, future directions
• [48:18–53:55] AJ Lee interview: title win reaction, legacy, seeds of evolution, Chicago homecoming
• [62:03–65:55] Danhausen’s debut: description, reactions, signature quirks
• [66:40–71:59] CM Punk title defense in Chicago; Roman Reigns’ Twitter shots & setup for feud

Match Results and Aftermath

• Men’s Chamber: Randy Orton wins and moves to the main event of WrestleMania, but Drew McIntyre/Cody Rhodes drama may change the title picture on SmackDown.
• Women’s Chamber: Rhea Ripley clinches a title match with Jade Cargill at WrestleMania.
• Women’s Intercontinental Title: AJ Lee taps out Becky Lynch, shocking hosts and fans—her first singles championship in a decade.
• CM Punk retains World Heavyweight Championship in his hometown against Finn Balor.
• Danhausen debuts in unforgettable fashion, hinting at wild things to come.

Tone & Style

High-energy, conversational, with plenty of banter, spontaneous reactions to surprises, and playful trash talk (especially about the “graphics team,” authority figures, and bias over title losses). The interviews with Rhea Ripley and AJ Lee mix introspection, pride, and healthy swagger, matching WWE’s trademark blend of spectacle and real emotion.

Summary

This recap episode packs in the relentless chaos and drama of the Elimination Chamber, sharp analysis, and vital context leading to WrestleMania 42. With Randy Orton’s shocking win, Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill poised for a generational clash, and AJ Lee’s triumphant return, fans are treated to major developments, personal insights, and the sense that everyone—champions, challengers, and audience alike—are on a wild, unpredictable ride to Vegas and WrestleMania. Add viral debuts and hot social media beefs (looking at you, Roman and Punk), and the excitement is palpable inside and outside the ring.